Expanded cut tobacco impregnator screen convenient to replace

Abstract

The utility model relates to an expanded cut tobacco steeper screen device convenient to replace. The expanded cut tobacco steeper screen device comprises a tank body internally provided with a circulating pipe. The upper side and the lower side of the runner pipe are each provided with a limiting mechanism, and each limiting mechanism is composed of two limiting rings which are vertically symmetrical. Therefore, the filter screen is ingeniously arranged between the limiting rings of the two sets of limiting mechanisms, and the fixing effect is achieved by means of clamping force. Particularly, the projection of the limiting rings in the vertical direction is of a T-shaped structure, and the diameters of the close ends of the two limiting rings in each limiting mechanism are larger than those of the far ends of the two limiting rings. Therefore, not only is the sufficient contact area between the limiting ring and the filter screen ensured, but also the flexibility of the filter screen during assembly, model matching and operation is improved. In addition, according to the device, the limiting rings at the close ends of the two limiting mechanisms are fixedly connected with the runner pipe, and the limiting rings at the far ends of the two limiting mechanisms are detachably connected with the runner pipe, so that the filter screen dismounting process becomes extremely simple and convenient, and can be completed only through one-step operation, and the dismounting convenience degree is greatly improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of impregnator accessories, and in particular to an easily replaceable screen for an expanded tobacco impregnator. Background Technology

[0002] In the tobacco production process, the filter screen of the tobacco impregnator plays a crucial role in the cold-end equipment of the carbon dioxide expanded tobacco production line, and its performance directly affects the impregnation quality of the tobacco. Carbon dioxide expansion technology involves fully penetrating the tobacco cells with liquid CO2 under certain pressure. By depressurizing, the liquid CO2 forms dry ice inside the tobacco. The dry ice tobacco is then rapidly introduced into a high-temperature hot airflow environment via a Venturi device. After sublimation, the dry ice exits the tobacco as gas, forming expanded tobacco. In this process, the performance of the impregnator filter screen is critical to ensuring that the tobacco fully absorbs CO2 and forms high-quality expanded tobacco.

[0003] In current production practices, the impregnation tank is equipped with a flow channel, with a filter screen installed at each end. The area between these two screens constitutes the impregnation zone for the tobacco. During production, the tobacco is filtered by the upper filter screen and deposited above the lower filter screen. The impregnation medium is injected through the upper filter screen, descends under gravity, penetrates the tobacco layer, and is finally discharged through the lower filter screen. This series of actions constitutes the impregnation process of the tobacco.

[0004] In existing technologies, due to the oily substances contained in tobacco, the filter screen must be cleaned after continuous use to prevent clogging of the filter pores and affect normal operation. Therefore, the replacement of the impregnator filter screen is very frequent in actual operation, which requires the filter screen to be designed for easy and quick replacement.

[0005] However, in some existing impregnator designs, the selection of tobacco relies primarily on the upper filter. Therefore, one side of the upper filter is typically equipped with a vibration mechanism that drives it to vibrate continuously. This design requires the filter to have room to move to accommodate the vibration, thus preventing it from being completely fixed in place.

[0006] In view of this, this study proposes a new design concept for the screen of the expanded tobacco impregnator, which can adjust the screen fixing method as needed, ensuring complete limitation while maintaining room for movement, facilitating replacement, and improving production efficiency and equipment reliability. Utility Model Content

[0007] To address the limitations of existing technologies, this invention proposes a replaceable screen for an expanded tobacco impregnator. The screen features an adjustable filter fixing mechanism, effectively solving the problem of insufficient filter movement space in existing devices.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0009] The easily replaceable expanded tobacco impregnator screen includes a tank body with an axially extending flow tube inserted inside. A filter screen is installed at each of the two axial ends of the flow tube. Each axial end of the flow tube has a set of limiting mechanisms, each set including two symmetrically arranged limiting rings. The projection of each limiting ring in the vertical plane is a T-shape. The diameter of the closer ends of the two limiting rings in each set is larger than the diameter of the farther ends. The two limiting rings at the closer ends of the two sets are fixedly connected to the flow tube by bolts. The two limiting rings at the farther ends of the two sets are detachably fixedly connected to the flow tube by positioning components. Each filter screen corresponds one-to-one with one of the two limiting mechanisms, with each filter screen located between its corresponding two limiting rings. Each positioning component is located inside the flow tube and includes a positioning element. Multiple sliding grooves are formed through the side of the positioning element, into which the limiting element is inserted. Limiting holes are formed inside the flow tube for the limiting elements. Each positioning element is fixedly connected to the corresponding limiting ring.

[0010] Preferably, each positioning component further includes a drive ring with multiple drive grooves extending through it. The distance between the two ends of each drive groove and its central axis is unequal. The inner wall of each drive groove is smoothly transitioned. The multiple drive grooves correspond one-to-one with multiple limiting components. Furthermore, a follower rod is inserted into the interior of each drive groove, and the follower rod is movably connected to the corresponding limiting component.

[0011] Preferably, the positioning component includes two mounting plates arranged symmetrically at the top and bottom, and the limiting component is located between the two mounting plates. The two mounting plates have a groove for the limiting component at their near ends. Each limiting component has a notch at one end near the central axis of the connecting pipe. The driving ring is located in multiple notches simultaneously. Furthermore, a limiting nut is screwed to each of the two axial ends of the follower rod, and the two limiting nuts are located at the far ends of the two mounting plates.

[0012] Preferably, the inner side of the drive ring is provided with a plurality of internal teeth, which are equidistantly arranged around the central axis of the drive ring. Furthermore, the inner side of the drive ring is provided with a drive gear, which meshes with the plurality of internal teeth for transmission. The two drive gears are respectively keyed to a drive rod at their far ends, and the drive rod is rotatably connected to one of the mounting plates.

[0013] Preferably, a mating ring is provided on the inner side of the flow tube, and multiple sets of limiting holes are opened on the inner side of the mating ring. Each set of limiting holes corresponds to a limiting component in the positioning mechanism, and the multiple sets of limiting holes are arranged at equal intervals from top to bottom.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0015] This invention achieves relative fixation between the filter screen and the flow tube by using two limiting rings to clamp the filter screen. Furthermore, the two limiting components employ an innovative T-shaped structure design, greatly enhancing the flexibility of the filter screen during assembly, model matching, and operation. Simultaneously, the single-set limiting mechanism in this device is cleverly designed: one limiting ring is fixedly connected to the flow tube, while the other can be easily disassembled. This design ensures that filter screen disassembly requires only one simple step, significantly improving the ease of disassembly. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the flow tube and the filter screen of this utility model.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the limiting ring and the bolt of this utility model.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the connecting ring and the limiting ring of this utility model.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the mating relationship between the mounting plate and the mating ring of this utility model.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the mounting plate and the limiting component of this utility model.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the cooperation relationship between the drive ring and the follower rod of this utility model.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the meshing relationship between the drive ring and the drive gear of this utility model.

[0024] In the diagram: 1. Filter screen; 2. Tank body; 3. Limiting ring; 4. Positioning component; 401. Mounting plate; 402. Follower rod; 403. Drive rod; 404. Limiting hole; 405. Limiting component; 406. Limiting nut; 407. Drive groove; 408. Drive ring; 409. Slide groove; 401. Drive gear; 5. Flow pipe; 6. Bolt; 7. Mating ring. Detailed Implementation

[0025] 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.

[0026] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model 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 utility model.

[0027] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 An easily replaceable expanded tobacco impregnator screen, whose structure is consistent with existing technology devices, mainly includes a tank 2, and the tank 2 is provided with vertically axial flow pipes 5.

[0028] Specifically, the side end of the flow tube 5 is provided with multiple flow holes, the central axis of which coincides with the central axis of the flow tube 5. This design ensures that, in practical applications, the impregnation medium for the expanded tobacco can smoothly flow into the upper flow holes of the flow tube 5, then fall naturally to the lower end by gravity, and finally be smoothly discharged from the lower end. This design increases the contact area between the expanded tobacco and the impregnation medium around the flow tube 5, effectively preventing the impregnation medium from failing to penetrate downwards due to excessively small gaps between the expanded tobacco, thereby ensuring that the impregnation medium can penetrate evenly and thoroughly into the lower layer of expanded tobacco.

[0029] In addition, a filter screen 1 is installed at each end of the flow pipe 5, and the impregnation space is located between these two filter screens 1. Expanded tobacco of appropriate diameter passes through the upper filter screen 1 and remains on the lower filter screen 1. The impregnation medium is injected from the top of the upper filter screen 1 and slowly penetrates into the expanded tobacco between the two filter screens 1 until it is completely penetrated and finally discharged from the bottom of the lower filter screen 1 into the tank 2, marking the successful completion of the entire impregnation process.

[0030] It must be pointed out that, such as Figure 2 As shown, in practical applications, a positioning ring is configured on the inner end of the canister 2 for the filter screen 1. The inner diameter of the upper positioning ring is larger than that of the lower positioning ring. However, the outer diameters of the filter screens 1 on both sides are consistent. This design ensures that after the filter screen 1 is inserted into the canister 2 along with the flow tube 5, the outer wall of the upper filter screen 1 can be in close contact with the inner wall of the upper positioning ring, while the lower filter screen 1 can overlap with the upper end of the lower positioning ring. This method ensures the relative stability of the flow tube 5 and the filter screen 1. Simultaneously, the design of the lower positioning ring achieves a fixed height between the flow tube 5 and the positioning ring. Furthermore, this design ensures that there are no gaps between the positioning ring and the filter screen 1 that allow expanded tobacco to pass through, thus guaranteeing that the expanded tobacco entering between the two filter screens 1 meets the expected size.

[0031] Please see Figure 2 , Figure 3 The difference between this device and existing devices lies in the fact that, to achieve relative fixation between the flow pipe 5 and the filter screen 1, this device incorporates a set of limiting mechanisms at both ends of the flow pipe 5. These two sets of limiting mechanisms ensure the relative fixation of the two filter screens 1. This design not only improves the stability and reliability of the device but also makes the replacement and maintenance of the filter screen 1 more convenient.

[0032] Specifically, each limiting mechanism consists of two symmetrical limiting rings 3, with the filter screen 1 placed between them. The clamping action of the limiting rings 3 stabilizes the relative position between the filter screen 1 and the flow pipe 5. This clamping method effectively prevents the filter screen 1 from shifting during use, ensuring the stability and durability of the filtration effect.

[0033] Furthermore, this device specifies that the projection of the limiting ring 3 in the vertical direction is a T-shaped structure. That is, the diameter of the two limiting rings 3 near the end in each limiting mechanism is larger than the diameter of the end far from the limit. This ensures a larger contact area between the filter screen 1 and the limiting ring 3, thereby enhancing the stability of the filter screen 1. At the same time, the inner diameter of the filter screen 1 can be larger than the outer diameter of the flow tube 5. This satisfies the adaptation requirements of different specifications of filter screen 1 and simplifies the assembly process between the filter screen 1 and the flow tube 5. This design takes into account the diversity and convenience in practical applications, greatly improving the applicability of the device and enhancing user-friendliness.

[0034] It is worth noting that, such as Figure 3 As shown, the two limiting rings 3 at the near ends of the two sets of limiting mechanisms are relatively fixed to the flow pipe 5 by bolts 6. At this time, as long as the limiting rings 3 at the far ends of the two sets of limiting mechanisms are detachably connected to the flow pipe 5, the fixation of the filter screen 1 can be easily released. This detachable design allows for quick operation when the device needs large-scale maintenance or replacement of the filter screen 1, greatly improving maintenance efficiency.

[0035] Therefore, as Figure 4 , Figure 6 As shown, this device specifies that the two limiting rings 3 at the far ends of the two sets of limiting mechanisms are detachably and fixedly connected to the flow pipe 5 through a positioning component 4. The positioning component 4 is located inside the flow pipe 5 and includes a positioning element. Multiple sliding grooves 409 are opened on the side end of the positioning element, and limiting elements 405 are inserted into the sliding grooves 409. At this time, by opening limiting holes 404 inside the flow pipe 5 for the limiting elements 405, and by changing the position of the limiting elements 405, the fitting relationship between the limiting elements 405 and the limiting holes 404 is adjusted, thereby determining whether the limiting rings 3 at the far ends of the two sets of limiting mechanisms are tightly fitted with the flow pipe 5, and whether the two filters 1 are fixed by the corresponding limiting mechanisms. This meticulous design ensures the stability and reliability of the device operation, while providing users with flexible operating space.

[0036] Specifically, such as Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, at the far end of both sets of limiting mechanisms, the inner side of the limiting ring 3 is equipped with a mating ring 7. The inner wall of the mating ring 7 is cleverly provided with multiple sets of limiting holes 404, which precisely correspond to the limiting components 405 in the positioning mechanism. It is also worth noting that the mating ring 7 is also fixedly connected to the flow pipe 5 via bolts 6 using its own structure. This design allows for a detachable connection between the mating ring 7 and the flow pipe 5, enabling the flow pipe 5 to be easily rolled from a thin plate structure. This not only significantly reduces the manufacturing cost and weight of the flow pipe 5 but also ensures convenience during actual assembly. This design not only reduces production costs but also simplifies the transportation and installation of the device.

[0037] In practical applications, multiple sets of limiting holes 404 are evenly distributed from top to bottom. This design cleverly achieves precise fixation of the height of the limiting component 405 (i.e., the positioning component). At this time, by constraining the positioning component and fixing it to the corresponding limiting ring 3, the distance between the two limiting rings 3 within a single limiting mechanism can be controlled, achieving the effect of clamping and fixing filter screens 1 of different thicknesses. Furthermore, in practice, some impregnators also add a vibration mechanism to the upper filter screen 1 to prevent the expanding tobacco from clogging the filter holes. In this case, by increasing the distance between the two limiting rings 3 within a single limiting mechanism, a rigid fixation of the filter screen 1 can be avoided, ensuring that its height can be freely changed in practice. This flexible design allows the device to adapt to different working environments and needs.

[0038] like Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, in practice, the positioning component consists of two symmetrically arranged mounting plates 401. The two mounting plates 401 have grooves 409 near their proximal ends for the limiting component 405, thus placing the limiting component 405 between the two mounting plates 401. This design ensures the stability and reliability of the positioning component while simplifying the maintenance and replacement process during device operation.

[0039] Therefore, as Figure 7 , Figure 8As shown, to control the position of the limiting member 405, a drive ring 408 is provided between the two mounting plates 401. The drive ring 408 has multiple drive grooves 407. At this time, by constraining the limiting member 405 to have a notch at one end near the central axis of the connecting pipe, the drive plate is simultaneously located in multiple notches. Combining the unequal distance between the two ends of each drive groove 407 and its central axis, and the smooth transition of the inner wall of each drive groove 407, with a follower rod 402 inserted into the drive groove 407 and the follower rod 402 movably connected to the limiting member 405, the position of the limiting member 405 can be constrained by the sliding groove 409. This allows the device to rotate the drive ring 408 to change the contact position between the follower plate and the drive groove 407, thereby controlling the distance between the limiting member 405 and the central axis of the drive ring 408. This ensures that the device can constrain the limiting member 405 to be inserted into the limiting hole 404 according to its own needs, thus fixing the position of the positioning member and the limiting ring 3 relative to the flow pipe 5. This sophisticated control mechanism ensures the accuracy and stability of the device during operation.

[0040] It is worth noting that, in order to ensure the relative position stability between the two mounting plates 401, the slide groove 409 can effectively guide the movement trajectory of the limiting member 405. The device has limiting nuts 406 installed at both ends of the follower rod 402, and these two nuts are located at the far ends of the two mounting plates 401 respectively.

[0041] Accordingly, such as Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, the mounting plate 401 has a corresponding adaptation groove for the follower rod 402. The center line of the adaptation groove coincides with the radius line of the mounting plate 401, which conforms to the actual movement trajectory of the follower rod 402.

[0042] Furthermore, it should be noted that, to ensure the follower rod 402 can move relative to the mounting plate 401, the two limit nuts 406 cannot be tightly fitted to the mounting plate 401, thereby reducing the frictional force when the follower rod 402 moves. Therefore, as Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, screws are also provided between the two mounting plates 401, and the position of the two mounting plates 401 can be completely constrained by the engagement of the screws and nuts. Accordingly, a rotation groove should be provided on the drive plate for the screws.

[0043] Similarly, since the two limiting nuts 406 cannot fully fit against the mounting plate 401, in order to fully constrain the distance between the drive ring 408 and the mounting plate 401, this device provides ball bearings at both ends of the drive ring 408. These ball bearings also abut against the mounting plate 401, thus helping to fix the position of the drive ring 408 without affecting its rotation. Correspondingly, the mounting plate 401 has corresponding receiving grooves for the ball bearings. At this time, one end of the ball bearing is embedded in the receiving groove, and the other end is embedded in the drive ring 408, thus also constraining the position of the ball bearing.

[0044] Please see Figure 7 , Figure 8 Specifically, in order to control the rotation of the drive ring 408, we provide multiple evenly distributed internal teeth on its inner side, which are arranged around the central axis of the drive ring 408. Next, a drive gear 410 is installed inside the drive ring 408, ensuring that it meshes tightly with these internal teeth, thereby driving the drive ring 408 to rotate by rotating the drive gear 410.

[0045] Therefore, in this device, a drive rod 403 is keyed to the far end of each of the two drive gears 410. The drive rod 403 is rotatably connected to the mounting plate 401 at the far end of the two positioning members. At this time, the drive gears 410 can be driven to rotate by the drive rod 403, and the drive rod 403 is in a position that is easy to operate.

[0046] It is worth noting that the drive rod 403 in this device is designed with a T-shaped structure. The larger diameter end is positioned at the far end of the two mounting plates 401 of the positioning element and is provided with an anti-slip groove 409 for easy operation. The smaller diameter end is embedded in the drive ring 408 and connected to the drive gear 410 via a key. Correspondingly, the smaller diameter end of the drive rod 403 is rotatably connected to the mounting plate 401 via a bearing, which helps reduce the frictional resistance experienced by the drive rod 403 during rotation and limits the position of the drive rod 403 to the desired location.

[0047] It needs to be emphasized that, such as Figure 8 As shown, by selecting a drive gear 410 with a smaller diameter located inside the drive ring 408, the transmission ratio can be adjusted using the diameter difference between the two. This design allows the operator to achieve precise control over the rotation angle of the drive ring 408 by changing the transmission ratio, thereby improving the convenience and accuracy of operation.

[0048] In practical applications of this invention, when filter 1 needs to be disassembled:

[0049] First, the operator needs to rotate the drive rod 403, and the drive ring 408 will rotate synchronously. As the distance between the follower rod 402 and the central axis of the drive ring 408 gradually shortens, the drive rod 403 will stop rotating when the limiting member 405 disengages from the limiting hole 404.

[0050] Next, the operator holds the large-diameter end drive rod 403, causing the two rods to move relative to each other, thus disassembling the two sets of limiting mechanisms away from the limiting ring 3. At the same time, the filter screen 1 is disassembled simultaneously.

[0051] In practical applications of this invention, when the filter screen 1 needs to be installed, only the reverse operation of the above steps needs to be performed. First, insert the filter screen 1 outside the flow tube 5, then simultaneously insert the positioning component 4, and rotate the drive rod 403 until the limiting component 405 is fully embedded in the limiting hole 404.

[0052] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A replaceable expanded cut filler dipper screen comprising a tubular body (2) having an upper and lower axial flow tube (5) inserted therein, the flow tubes (5) having a screen (1) at each axial end, characterised in that: Each of the flow pipes (5) is provided with a set of limiting mechanisms at two axial ends, each set of limiting mechanisms comprises two limiting rings (3) symmetrically arranged above and below, and the projection of each limiting ring (3) on the vertical plane is T-shaped structure, the diameter of the two limiting rings (3) near the end in each set of limiting mechanisms is greater than the diameter of the two far ends; The two limiting rings (3) near the end of the two sets of limiting mechanisms are fixedly connected with the flow pipe (5) through bolts (6), the two limiting rings (3) far from the end of the two sets of limiting mechanisms are detachably fixedly connected with the flow pipe (5) through positioning members (4), and the two filter screens (1) correspond to the two limiting mechanisms one by one, and each filter screen (1) is located between the corresponding two limiting rings (3); Each positioning member (4) is located inside the flow pipe (5), the positioning member (4) comprises a positioning piece, a plurality of sliding grooves (409) are formed through the side end of the positioning piece, a limiting piece (405) is inserted into the sliding groove (409), and a limiting hole (404) is formed in the flow pipe (5) for the limiting piece (405); Each positioning piece is fixedly connected with the limiting ring (3) on the corresponding side.

2. A readily replaceable bulk tobacco impregnator screen in accordance with claim 1 characterised in that: Each positioning member (4) further comprises a driving ring (408), a plurality of driving grooves (407) are formed through the driving ring (408), and the distance between the two ends of each driving groove (407) and the central axis thereof is not equal, and the inner wall of each driving groove (407) is smoothly transitioned; A plurality of driving grooves (407) correspond to a plurality of limiting pieces (405), and each driving groove (407) has an associated follower rod (402) inserted therein, and the follower rod (402) is movably connected with the corresponding limiting piece (405).

3. A readily replaceable expanded tobacco impregnator screen in accordance with claim 2 characterised in that: The positioning piece comprises two mounting plates (401) symmetrically arranged above and below, and the limiting piece (405) is located between the two mounting plates (401), and the mounting plates (401) near the end are provided with sliding grooves (409) for the limiting piece (405); Each limiting piece (405) is provided with a notch groove at one end near the central axis of the communication pipe, the driving ring (408) is located in a plurality of notch grooves, and each follower rod (402) is provided with a limiting nut (406) at two axial ends, and the two limiting nuts (406) are located at the far ends of the two mounting plates (401).

4. The readily replaceable expanded tobacco impregnator screen in accordance with claim 2, wherein: The inner side of the driving ring (408) is provided with a plurality of internal teeth, the plurality of internal teeth are equidistantly arranged around the central axis of the driving ring (408), and the inner side of the driving ring (408) is provided with a driving gear (410), and the driving gear (410) is in meshing transmission connection with the plurality of internal teeth; The far ends of the two driving gears (410) are respectively provided with a driving rod (403) in key connection, and the driving rod (403) is rotatably connected with one of the mounting plates (401).

5. The readily replaceable expanded tobacco impregnator screen in accordance with claim 1, wherein: The inner side of the flow pipe (5) is provided with a matching ring (7), a plurality of sets of limiting holes (404) are formed in the inner side of the matching ring (7), each set of limiting holes (404) corresponds to a limiting piece (405) in the positioning mechanism, and the plurality of sets of limiting holes (404) are equidistantly arranged from top to bottom.

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