Material level control device and filter stick feeding device

Abstract

The utility model provides a material level control device which is arranged in a filter stick material warehouse, the material level control device comprises a flexible material bin, a photoelectric switch and a control unit, one side of the flexible material bin is of a telescopic belt type structure, and a conveying belt of the telescopic belt type structure is constantly in a tightening state. The side, provided with the telescopic belt type structure, of the flexible stock bin is far away from a feeding port of the filter stick stock bin. The photoelectric switch is arranged on a rear side plate of the filter stick warehouse corresponding to the telescopic belt type structure and is used for detecting the distance of the telescopic belt type structure; the control unit is further connected with the optoelectronic switch, the overhead conveyor and the downstream machine and used for controlling operation of the overhead conveyor and the downstream machine according to the distance of the telescopic belt type structure. The utility model further provides a filter stick feeding device which comprises an elevated conveyor and a filter stick stock bin, and the material level control device is arranged in the filter stick stock bin.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of cigarette equipment technology, specifically to a material level control device and a filter rod feeding device. Background Technology

[0002] The ZL45 feeding device, acting as a filter rod conveying equipment, transports filter rods from the unloading tray (box) machine to the multi-element composite filter rod equipment. The discharge hopper acts as a storage buffer container, dynamically matching the speed difference between the upstream and downstream machines. This ensures a continuous flow of filter rods within the channel, guaranteeing the ZL45 multi-element composite filter rod equipment's supply and demand and continuous operation. In actual operation, due to the small capacity of the discharge hopper, which must meet the filter rod supply, the speed of the ZL45 feeding device is often greater than the speed of the ZL45 multi-element composite filter rod equipment. When the hopper is full, the ZL45 feeding device stops feeding. After the ZL45 multi-element composite filter rod equipment consumes some of the filter rods in the hopper, the ZL45 feeding device restarts feeding. This situation increases the probability of filter rods tilting when transported from the high-level conveyor channel to the hopper.

[0003] For tilted filter rods, manual cleaning is required. If they are not cleaned in time and are conveyed to the ZL45 multi-element composite filter rod equipment, it will cause equipment downtime, increase workload, and cause material loss. CN212556929U provides a cigarette lifting channel level control system. By detecting the material level height at the inlet of the lifting channel, the speed of the lifting conveyor belt is controlled to ensure that the amount of cigarettes in the horizontal conveying section and the lifting conveying section is at an appropriate material level. This ensures that there are no large gaps at the bends of the lifting conveying section, thereby ensuring the smooth conveying of cigarettes at the lifting point and preventing them from slipping down, thus avoiding the formation of disordered smoke and blockage.

[0004] Therefore, if a material hopper with an adjustable size can be designed and its size can be detected in real time, and a material level control device can be designed according to the size of the hopper to adjust the feeding speed and the discharging speed, the technical problems of filter rod compression and disorder caused by the traditional material hopper or buffer storing filter rods in the existing technology can be greatly solved.

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, people have been seeking an ideal technological solution. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by providing a material level control device and a filter rod feeding device.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows: A material level control device is designed and installed in a filter rod hopper. The inlet of the filter rod hopper is fixedly connected to the output end of the overhead conveyor, and the outlet of the filter rod hopper is fixedly connected to the input end of the downstream machine. The material level control device includes: a flexible hopper with a retractable belt structure on one side, a photoelectric switch, and a control unit. The retractable belt structure conveyor belt is always in a taut state.

[0008] The flexible hopper is disposed in the filter rod hopper, and the side of the flexible hopper with the retractable belt structure is away from the feed inlet of the filter rod hopper; the feed inlet of the flexible hopper is connected to the feed inlet of the filter rod hopper, and the discharge outlet of the flexible hopper is connected to the discharge outlet of the filter rod hopper.

[0009] The photoelectric switch is installed on the rear side plate of the filter rod hopper corresponding to the retractable belt structure of the flexible hopper, and is used to detect the distance of the retractable belt structure.

[0010] The control unit is also connected to the photoelectric switch, the overhead conveyor, and the downstream machine respectively, and is used to control the operation of the overhead conveyor and the downstream machine according to the distance of the retractable belt structure.

[0011] Specifically, the filter rod hopper of this invention is equipped with a flexible hopper on one side that has a retractable belt structure, and a photoelectric switch is set up to detect the position of the retractable belt structure in real time, so as to detect the overload and empty status of the flexible hopper, thereby effectively judging and controlling the upstream and downstream machines of the filter rod hopper, thereby reducing filter rod waste and workload.

[0012] Furthermore, the retractable belt structure includes a conveyor belt, an automatic tensioning device, and a conveyor belt fixing frame. The conveyor belt fixing frame is located above the feed inlet of the filter rod hopper. The automatic tensioning device includes a servo motor, a belt storage pulley axle mounted on the servo motor's shaft, and a directional roller located on the outer wall of the slot at the bottom of the filter rod hopper. One end of the conveyor belt is wound around the belt storage pulley axle multiple times and then fixed to the belt storage pulley axle. The other end of the conveyor belt passes under the directional roller and extends into the filter rod hopper through the slot, and is finally flexibly fixed on the conveyor belt fixing frame. The control unit is connected to the servo motor and controls the forward and reverse rotation of the servo motor to drive the belt storage pulley axle to retract and extend the conveyor belt, thereby adjusting the capacity of the flexible hopper.

[0013] Furthermore, a tension sensor for detecting the tension of the conveyor belt is also provided above the conveyor belt fixing frame. The tension sensor includes an S-shaped fixing frame and a detection post. One end of the S-shaped fixing frame is fixed to the upper end of the feed inlet by a stud. The other end of the S-shaped fixing frame is fixedly connected to the conveyor belt fixing frame by a stud. A circular fixing post is provided on the side of the conveyor belt fixing frame away from the S-shaped fixing frame. The conveyor belt is fixed on the circular fixing post and passes through the detection post before returning to the output end of the servo motor.

[0014] This utility model also designs a filter rod feeding device, characterized in that it includes an overhead conveyor and a filter rod silo, wherein the inlet of the filter rod silo is fixedly connected to the output end of the overhead conveyor, and the outlet of the filter rod silo is fixedly connected to the input end of the downstream machine; wherein the aforementioned material level control device is provided in the filter rod silo. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the material level control device described in Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the retractable belt structure described in Embodiment 1 of the utility model when there is no material.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the retractable belt structure described in Embodiment 1 of the utility model, fully loaded and ready for use.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the material level control device described in Embodiment 2 of this utility model.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a structural schematic diagram of the tension sensor and conveyor belt fixing frame described in this utility model 2.

[0020] In the diagram: 1. Photoelectric switch; 2. Filter rod hopper; 3. Conveyor belt; 4. Servo motor; 5. Filter rod flow; 6. Tension sensor; 7. Detection column; 8. S-shaped fixing frame; 9. Conveyor belt fixing frame; 10. Circular fixing column; 11. Orientation roller; 12. Electric baffle. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described in detail below through specific embodiments.

[0022] Example 1

[0023] This embodiment provides a material level control device, such as... Figure 1-3As shown, the filter rod storage 2 is installed in the filter rod storage 2. The inlet of the filter rod storage 2 is fixedly connected to the output end of the overhead conveyor, and the outlet of the filter rod storage 2 is fixedly connected to the input end of the downstream machine.

[0024] Specifically, the filter rod hopper 2 is semi-elliptical in shape. The inlet of the filter rod hopper 2 is located at the right end, and the outlet of the filter rod hopper 2 is located at the lower end. An electric baffle 12 is provided at the outlet of the filter rod hopper 2. The electric baffle 12 is connected to the control unit, and the material feeding is controlled by adjusting the opening and closing of the electric baffle 13.

[0025] Specifically, the material level control device includes: a flexible hopper with a retractable belt structure on one side, a photoelectric switch 1, and a control unit, wherein the retractable belt 3 is always in a taut state;

[0026] The flexible hopper is disposed in the filter rod storage 2, and the side of the flexible hopper with the retractable belt structure is away from the feed inlet of the filter rod storage 2; the feed inlet of the flexible hopper is connected to the feed inlet of the filter rod storage 2, and the discharge outlet of the flexible hopper is connected to the discharge outlet of the filter rod storage 2.

[0027] In one possible embodiment, the retractable belt structure includes a conveyor belt 3, an automatic tensioning device, and a conveyor belt fixing frame 9; preferably, the conveyor belt 3 is a belt or a flexible belt.

[0028] The conveyor belt fixing frame is located above the feed inlet of the filter rod hopper 2. The automatic tensioning device includes a servo motor 4, a belt storage wheel shaft mounted on the rotating shaft of the servo motor 4, and a directional roller 11 located on the outer wall of the slot at the bottom of the filter rod hopper 2. One end of the conveyor belt is wound around the belt storage wheel shaft multiple times and then fixed on the belt storage wheel shaft. The other end of the conveyor belt passes under the directional roller 11 and extends into the filter rod hopper 2 through the slot, and is finally flexibly fixed on the conveyor belt fixing frame 9. The control unit is connected to the servo motor 4 and controls the forward and reverse rotation of the servo motor 4 to drive the belt storage wheel shaft to retract and extend the conveyor belt 3, thereby adjusting the capacity of the flexible hopper.

[0029] The retractable belt structure includes a servo motor 4 and a conveyor belt 3, preferably a belt. The servo motor 4 is located in the filter rod hopper 2 and near the discharge port of the filter rod hopper 2. A belt storage pulley is fixedly mounted on the shaft of the servo motor 4. Multiple turns of the retractable conveyor belt 3 are wound on the belt storage pulley. One end of the conveyor belt 3 is fixed to the belt storage pulley, and the other end of the conveyor belt 3 is flexibly fixed to a conveyor belt fixing frame 9 at the upper end of the feed port of the filter rod hopper 2. The control unit is connected to the servo motor 4 and controls the forward and reverse rotation of the servo motor 4 to adjust the capacity of the flexible hopper.

[0030] The above configuration enables the conveyor belt 3 to automatically retract and extend as the servo motor 4 rotates forward or backward, thereby forming a flexible hopper with adjustable size within the filter rod storage 2.

[0031] It is understandable that in order to avoid the cigarette sticks or filter rods from becoming disordered or deformed due to compression, and to reduce the number of filter rods standing or lying horizontally in the filter rod hopper, it is necessary to ensure that the tightness between the conveyor belt 3 and the filter rods or cigarette sticks is appropriate, that is, to maintain a certain tension on the conveyor belt 3.

[0032] The photoelectric switch 1 is installed on the rear side plate of the filter rod storage 2, corresponding to the retractable belt structure of the flexible hopper, and is used to detect the distance of the retractable belt structure, that is, to detect the distance of the conveyor belt 3.

[0033] The control unit is also connected to the photoelectric switch 1, the overhead conveyor and the downstream machine respectively, and is used to control the operation of the overhead conveyor and the downstream machine according to the distance of the conveyor belt 3.

[0034] In use, the control unit can be the host computer or controller that comes with the ZL45 feeding device, or it can be a separately set MCU control unit.

[0035] Furthermore, the conveyor belt 3 is located between the left and right side plates of the filter rod hopper 2 to form a flexible hopper with the left and right side plates of the filter rod hopper 2.

[0036] Understandably, the conveyor belt can cover the entire silo, but during normal operation, the flexible silo will not be completely filled with the filter rod silo, because if it is too full, it will easily cause the cigarettes to be squeezed and deformed.

[0037] It is important to note that, based on the actual needs of cigarette factories, the design typically includes functions for initial filling of filter rods and emptying during production shutdowns. During the initial production run of a cigarette manufacturer, after the upstream unloading machine starts and before the downstream multi-component composite filter rod equipment starts for the first time, the flexible hopper needs to be filled to prepare for use, forming filter rod flow 5, which is the initial filling. Specifically, as follows... Figure 2 and 3As shown. At this time, the speed of the multi-component filter rod equipment is zero, the operating speed of the filter rod conveying device automatically switches to manual speed, and the filter rods are filled at the manually set speed until the hopper is full and then the standby mode is stopped.

[0038] After the multi-component composite filter rod equipment is started, the speed of the filter rod conveying device automatically tracks the speed of the multi-component composite filter rod equipment.

[0039] When cigarette manufacturers have met their filter rod production targets and cease further production, the filter rods in the feeding device channel and hopper must be completely emptied. At this time, the feeding device's complete emptying function can be used. Since no new filter rods are being supplied, the filter rod device will block the signal that there are no filter rods at the inlet. Regardless of the inlet material level in the lifting section, both the lifting section and the high-level conveying section will operate in the forward direction. The material level detection value in the lifting section will only accelerate the lifting section; it will not decelerate if the material level is too low. All remaining filter rods in the filter rod conveying device will be sent to the multi-component filter rod equipment's hopper to prevent filter rods from being stored in the feeding device for a long time, becoming damp, or losing their aroma, thus avoiding waste.

[0040] Furthermore, the photoelectric switch 1 is disposed on the rear side plate of the filter rod hopper 2 away from the feed inlet, and is used to detect the distance of the conveyor belt 3; in a specific embodiment, the photoelectric switch 1 is a laser rangefinder sensor, which is mounted on the rear side plate of the filter rod hopper 2 away from the feed inlet via a T-shaped mounting bracket.

[0041] In practical use, a distance threshold for the loading point and a distance threshold for the unloading point are preset. When the distance of the conveyor belt 3 detected by the photoelectric switch 1 is less than the distance threshold for the loading point, the control unit sends a command to the overhead conveyor to control the overhead conveyor to operate and replenish the flexible hopper. When the distance of the conveyor belt 3 detected by the photoelectric switch 1 is greater than or equal to the distance threshold for the loading point, the control unit sends a command to the overhead conveyor to control the overhead conveyor to stop operating and stop feeding material into the flexible hopper.

[0042] Furthermore, when the distance of the conveyor belt 3 detected by the photoelectric switch 1 is greater than or equal to the material discharge point distance threshold, the control unit sends a command to the downstream machine, namely the ZL45 multi-element composite filter rod device, to control the ZL45 multi-element composite filter rod device to operate and consume the filter rods. When the distance of the conveyor belt 3 detected by the photoelectric switch 1 is less than or equal to the material discharge point distance threshold, the control unit sends a command to the ZL45 multi-element composite filter rod device to control the ZL45 multi-element composite filter rod device to stop operating and stop discharging. It can be understood that the material discharge point distance threshold is greater than the material discharge point distance.

[0043] As can be seen, this embodiment provides a flexible hopper with a retractable belt structure on one side in the filter rod hopper 2, and sets up a photoelectric switch 1 to detect the size of the flexible hopper in real time, so as to detect the overload and empty conditions of the flexible hopper. This effectively makes judgments and controls on the upstream and downstream machines of the filter rod hopper 2, thereby reducing filter rod waste and workload.

[0044] Example 2

[0045] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that: Figures 4-5 As shown, a tension sensor 6 for detecting the tension of the conveyor belt 3 is also provided above the conveyor belt fixing frame 9, and the tension sensor 6 is connected to the control unit.

[0046] Specifically, the tension sensor 6 includes an S-shaped fixing frame 8 and a detection column 7. One end of the S-shaped fixing frame 8 is fixed to the upper end of the feed inlet by a stud. The other end of the S-shaped fixing frame 8 is fixedly connected to the conveyor belt fixing frame 9 by a stud. A circular fixing column 10 is provided on the side of the conveyor belt fixing frame 9 away from the S-shaped fixing frame 8. The conveyor belt 3 is fixed on the circular fixing column 10 and passes over the detection column 7 before returning to the belt storage pulley axle.

[0047] In use, the filter rods are conveyed to the feed inlet of the flexible hopper by the high-level conveyor. Under the squeezing action of the filter rods, the tension of the conveyor belt 3 begins to increase. After the tension sensor 6 detects the increase in tension, the control unit controls the servo motor 4 to start rotating forward, and the hopper expands. As the flexible hopper expands to a certain range, the photoelectric switch 1 alarms because the distance of the conveyor belt 3 detected is greater than or equal to the feeding point distance threshold, indicating that the hopper is overloaded. The control unit then controls the high-level conveyor to stop, stopping the feeding.

[0048] When the feed speed of the filter rods in the flexible hopper is less than the discharge speed, the tension between the filter rods and the conveyor belt 3 decreases. After the tension sensor 6 detects the decrease in tension, it controls the servo motor 4 to reverse, reducing the hopper size. It is important to note that the tension between the conveyor belt 3 and the filter rods must always be maintained within a certain range. When the flexible hopper shrinks to a certain range, the photoelectric switch 1 alarms because the detected distance of the conveyor belt 3 is less than or equal to the discharge point distance threshold, indicating that the hopper is empty. The control unit then stops the downstream machine, stopping discharge from the discharge port while the feed port continues to feed. When the material level reaches a certain range, the control unit restarts the downstream machine, and the hopper discharge port begins discharging again.

[0049] As mentioned in the aforementioned Embodiment 1, in order to avoid the cigarette sticks or filter rods being squeezed and deformed, and to reduce the number of vertical or horizontal filter rods in the filter rod hopper, it is necessary to ensure that the tightness between the conveyor belt 3 and the filter rods or cigarette sticks is appropriate, that is, to maintain a certain tension on the conveyor belt 3. Therefore, this embodiment designs a tension sensor 6 and pre-sets a threshold or threshold range. This threshold or threshold range makes the tightness between the belt and the filter rods or cigarette sticks more appropriate.

[0050] When the value detected by tension sensor 6 is greater than the threshold or threshold range, the control unit controls the servo motor to rotate forward, so that the value detected by tension sensor 6 is consistent with or close to the threshold or threshold range. Conversely, when the value detected by tension sensor is less than the threshold or threshold range, the control unit controls the servo motor 4 to rotate in reverse until the value detected by tension sensor is consistent with or close to the threshold or threshold range.

[0051] By setting the tension sensor 6, the timing of the forward and reverse rotation of the servo motor 4 can be precisely controlled, thereby preventing cigarette sticks or filter rods from becoming disordered or deformed by compression; and by cooperating with the pressure sensor, the size of the material hopper can be matched with the feeding and discharging of the filter rods, reducing the probability of filter rod tilting caused by the mismatch between the speed of the filter rods and their upstream and downstream machines.

[0052] Example 3

[0053] The difference between this utility model and Embodiments 1 and 2 is that it provides a filter rod feeding device, which includes an overhead conveyor and a filter rod hopper 2. The inlet of the filter rod hopper 2 is fixedly connected to the output end of the overhead conveyor, and the outlet of the filter rod hopper 2 is fixedly connected to the input end of the downstream machine. The filter rod hopper 2 is equipped with the aforementioned material level control device.

[0054] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solution of this utility model and not to limit it; although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the specific implementation of this utility model or equivalent substitutions can be made to some technical features without departing from the spirit of the technical solution of this utility model, and all such modifications and substitutions should be covered within the scope of the technical solution claimed by this utility model.

Claims

1. A material level control device arranged in a filter rod magazine, the filter rod magazine having a material inlet fixedly sleeved with an output end of an overhead conveyor and a material outlet fixedly sleeved with an input end of a downstream machine, characterized in that, include: One side features a flexible hopper with a retractable belt structure, photoelectric switches, and a control unit; The flexible hopper has a retractable belt structure on one side that is away from the inlet of the filter rod storage tank; the inlet of the flexible hopper is connected to the inlet of the filter rod storage tank, and the outlet of the flexible hopper is connected to the outlet of the filter rod storage tank. The photoelectric switch is installed on the rear side plate of the filter rod hopper corresponding to the retractable belt structure of the flexible hopper, and is used to detect the distance of the retractable belt structure. The control unit is also connected to the photoelectric switch, the overhead conveyor, and the downstream machine respectively, and is used to control the operation of the overhead conveyor and the downstream machine according to the distance of the retractable belt structure.

2. A level control device according to claim 1, characterised in that: The retractable belt structure includes a conveyor belt, an automatic tensioning device, and a conveyor belt fixing frame. The conveyor belt fixing frame is located above the feed inlet of the filter rod hopper. The automatic tensioning device includes a servo motor, a belt storage pulley axle mounted on the servo motor's shaft, and a directional roller located on the outer wall of the slot at the bottom of the filter rod hopper. One end of the conveyor belt is wound around the belt storage pulley axle multiple times and then fixed to the belt storage pulley axle. The other end of the conveyor belt passes under the directional roller and extends into the filter rod hopper through the slot, and is finally flexibly fixed on the conveyor belt fixing frame. The control unit is connected to the servo motor and controls the forward and reverse rotation of the servo motor to drive the belt storage pulley axle to retract and extend the conveyor belt, thereby adjusting the capacity of the flexible hopper.

3. A level control device according to claim 2, characterised in that: A tension sensor for detecting conveyor belt tension is also provided above the conveyor belt fixing frame. The tension sensor includes an S-shaped fixing frame and a detection post. One end of the S-shaped fixing frame is fixed to the upper end of the feed inlet by a stud. The other end of the S-shaped fixing frame is fixedly connected to the conveyor belt fixing frame by a stud. A circular fixing post is provided on the side of the conveyor belt fixing frame away from the S-shaped fixing frame. The conveyor belt is fixed on the circular fixing post and passes over the detection post before returning to the belt storage pulley axle.

4. A level control device according to claim 1 or 2 or 3, characterised in that: The filter rod hopper is semi-elliptical in shape. The feed inlet of the filter rod hopper is located at the right end of the filter rod hopper, and the discharge outlet of the filter rod hopper is located at the lower end of the filter rod hopper. An electric baffle is provided at the discharge outlet of the filter rod hopper, and the electric baffle is connected to the control unit.

5. A level control device according to claim 1 or 2 or 3, characterised in that: The photoelectric switch is a laser rangefinder sensor, which is mounted on the rear side plate of the filter rod hopper away from the feed inlet via a T-shaped mounting bracket.

6. A filter rod feeder, characterized in that It includes an overhead conveyor and a filter rod hopper, wherein the inlet of the filter rod hopper is fixedly connected to the output end of the overhead conveyor, and the outlet of the filter rod hopper is fixedly connected to the input end of the downstream machine. The filter rod hopper is equipped with a material level control device as described in any one of claims 1-5.

Images