Cigarette end detection device and FX packaging machine

By installing a cigarette end detection device on the FX packaging machine, defective cigarettes can be automatically identified and rejected using a camera and controller. This solves the problem of cigarette ends being damaged or snagged, improves equipment operating efficiency and quality control, and reduces material consumption.

CN224171328UActive Publication Date: 2026-04-28HONGYUN HONGHE TOBACCO (GRP) CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
HONGYUN HONGHE TOBACCO (GRP) CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-05-07
Publication Date
2026-04-28

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

When the existing FX packaging machine pushes in cigarettes, the ends of the cigarettes are easily damaged or snagged, and the operators cannot detect it in time, resulting in substandard cigarettes entering the market.

Method used

A cigarette tip detection device was designed, including a support frame and a camera. The camera is mounted on the support frame and fixed to the packaging machine frame. The camera acquires images of the cigarette tip, and the images are processed and displayed by a controller and a display. Defective cigarettes are automatically rejected in conjunction with a rejection component.

Benefits of technology

It enables timely acquisition of images of cigarette ends, improving the quality control and maintenance efficiency of operators, preventing the outflow of defective cigarette packs with rotten or damaged ends, enhancing the operating efficiency and quality control level of the packaging machine, and reducing material consumption.

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Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of packaging machine auxiliary equipment, and discloses a cigarette end detection device and an FX packaging machine. The cigarette end detection device comprises a supporting frame. The supporting frame comprises a mounting plate and a connecting plate which are fixedly connected at an included angle. The mounting plate is used for mounting a camera, the connecting plate is of an L-shaped structure, a first branch plate of the L-shaped structure is provided with an arc-shaped hole, a first locking piece penetrates through the arc-shaped hole to lock and fix the first branch plate to a rack of the packaging machine, a second branch plate of the L-shaped structure is provided with a strip-shaped hole, and a second locking piece penetrates through the strip-shaped hole to lock and fix the second branch plate to the rack; the rack is provided with a plurality of first threaded holes matched with the first locking pieces; the rack is provided with a plurality of second threaded holes matched with the second locking pieces. The FX packaging machine provided by the utility model comprises the cigarette end part detection device, so that a camera can conveniently acquire a clear image of the end part of the cigarette, and the quality maintenance efficiency is effectively improved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of auxiliary equipment technology for packaging machines, and in particular to a cigarette end detection device and an FX packaging machine. Background Technology

[0002] The FX packaging machine is a high-speed hard-pack packaging machine widely used in the tobacco industry. It features reliable operation, comprehensive functions, openness, and strong maintainability. The cigarette turret of the FX packaging machine is mainly used to accurately transport the quantitatively arranged and sorted cigarettes to the predetermined workstations in the packaging forming area. Its working process is as follows: (1) Cigarette receiving and positioning: The cigarettes are transported to the entrance of the cigarette turret through the feeding device. The turret is equipped with specific molds or clamps, which will accurately receive and position the cigarettes to ensure that the position of each cigarette is accurate and to prepare for the subsequent packaging process. For example, the size and shape of the mold on the turret are matched with the cigarettes, which can keep the cigarettes in a stable posture in the mold. (2) Turret rotation: The turret rotates under power drive. Usually, a motor or other transmission device (such as gears, chains or belts) is used to provide power to the turret so that it rotates at a set speed and angle. The rotation speed of the turret is matched with the overall production rhythm of the packaging machine to ensure that the cigarettes can be transported to each workstation in a timely and accurate manner. For example, when the production speed of the packaging machine is several packs per minute, the turret will rotate at a suitable speed to ensure that the cigarettes arrive at the packaging station within the specified time. (3) Cigarette conveying and handover: As the turret rotates, the cigarettes are conveyed to different stations in sequence. At these stations, operations such as wrapping and pasting of the cigarette packaging materials are performed. When the turret rotates to the position where it docks with other components in the packaging forming area (such as packaging material conveying device, sealing device, etc.), the cigarettes are accurately handed over to these components to complete the subsequent packaging process. For example, when the turret rotates to dock with the inner liner paper conveying device, the inner liner paper is accurately placed on the cigarettes. Then, as the turret continues to rotate, the cigarettes and the inner liner paper are conveyed together to the next station for wrapping the label paper.

[0003] When the FX high-speed packaging machine pushes the cigarette into the inlet turret, the cigarette's descent is often disrupted due to factors such as ash accumulation in the lower flue and protruding tobacco at the cigarette tip. This can easily cause the upper layer of the cigarette to be damaged or snagged during the pusher's insertion. Cigarettes with damaged or snagged tips entering the market will provide consumers with a poor smoking experience. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a cigarette end detection device and an FX packaging machine, which aims to solve the problem in the prior art where the cigarette end is damaged or snagged when the cigarette brick tower is pushed into the work station, and the operator cannot detect it in time, resulting in substandard cigarettes entering the market. The cigarette end detection device and FX packaging machine of this invention can obtain clear images of the cigarette end in a timely manner, so that operators and repair personnel can obtain images of the appearance of the cigarette end in a timely manner, effectively preventing the problem of cigarette packs with damaged or snagged ends from flowing out.

[0005] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] Cigarette tip detection device, including:

[0007] A support frame includes a mounting plate and a connecting plate fixedly connected at an angle. The mounting plate is used to mount a camera. The connecting plate has an L-shaped structure. A first branch plate of the L-shaped structure has an arc-shaped hole. A first locking member passes through the arc-shaped hole to lock and fix the first branch plate to the frame of the packaging machine. A second branch plate of the L-shaped structure has a strip-shaped hole. A second locking member passes through the strip-shaped hole to lock and fix the second branch plate to the frame.

[0008] The frame has a first threaded hole that mates with the first locking member, and the first threaded hole is provided in multiple ways;

[0009] The frame has a second threaded hole that mates with the second locking member, and there are multiple second threaded holes.

[0010] In some possible implementations, the connecting plate is connected to the middle of the mounting plate, and two cameras are provided, with the two cameras correspondingly mounted at both ends of the mounting plate.

[0011] In some possible implementations, both ends of the mounting plate are provided with strip-shaped mounting holes, and a third locking member passes through the strip-shaped mounting holes to lock and fix the camera to the mounting plate. The camera housing is provided with a third threaded hole that matches the third locking member.

[0012] In some possible implementations, the first locking member includes a screw portion and a clamping portion connected to each other. The screw portion passes through the arc-shaped hole and is screwed into the first threaded hole. The clamping portion abuts against the first branch plate, and a gasket is provided between the clamping portion and the first branch plate.

[0013] In some possible implementations, the included angle θ between the mounting plate and the connecting plate is 70°-84°; the thickness d of both the mounting plate and the connecting plate is 4.5mm-5.5mm.

[0014] In some possible implementations, the mounting plate and the connecting plate are connected by welding.

[0015] In some possible implementations, the cigarette tip detection device further includes a controller and a display mounted on the frame, the controller being electrically connected to the display, the display being electrically connected to the camera, the display being configured to acquire and display image data from the camera, and the controller being configured to acquire and process the image data.

[0016] In some possible implementations, the cigarette end detection device further includes a rejection assembly mounted on the frame, the rejection assembly being electrically connected to the controller, the rejection assembly being used to reject defective cigarettes.

[0017] In some possible implementations, the rejection assembly includes a drive member and a push rod kinetically connected to the output end of the drive member, the end of the push rod being provided with a push block.

[0018] The FX packaging machine includes a frame and a cigarette end detection device as described in any of the above embodiments, the cigarette end detection device being mounted on the frame.

[0019] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0020] The cigarette end detection device provided by this utility model includes a support frame comprising a mounting plate and a connecting plate fixedly connected at an angle. The mounting plate is used to mount a camera, and the connecting plate has an L-shaped structure. A first locking member passes through an arc-shaped hole to lock and fix the first branch plate of the L-shaped structure to the frame. The frame has multiple first threaded holes that mate with the first locking member. A second locking member passes through a strip-shaped hole to lock and fix the second branch plate to the frame. The frame has multiple second threaded holes that mate with the second locking member. The position of the support frame can be finely adjusted according to the cigarette station, which facilitates the camera to obtain a clear image of the cigarette end. This allows operators and repair personnel to obtain an image of the cigarette end in a timely manner, effectively improving the efficiency of operation quality control and product quality maintenance for the crew.

[0021] This utility model also provides an FX packaging machine, including the aforementioned cigarette end detection device. By setting up the cigarette end detection device, operators and repair personnel can obtain images of the cigarette end in a timely manner, improving maintenance efficiency and effectively preventing the long-standing problem of cigarette end damage and quality defects from flowing out of the packaging. This eliminates major issues that seriously affect equipment operation, quality control, and material consumption, effectively improving the operating efficiency and quality control level of the FX packaging machine, reducing equipment material consumption, and achieving good comprehensive results. It promotes high-quality development production in the rolling and packaging workshop, characterized by precise maintenance, precise quality control, high quality, high efficiency, and low consumption. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional view of the support frame provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a front view of the support frame provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a side view of the support frame provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a top view of the support frame provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of the cigarette end detection device provided in this embodiment of the utility model.

[0027] In the picture:

[0028] 100. Support frame; 110. Mounting plate; 111. Strip mounting hole; 120. Connecting plate; 121. First branch plate; 1211. Arc-shaped hole; 122. Second branch plate; 1221. Strip-shaped hole. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, not the entire structure.

[0030] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0031] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0032] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, 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. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0033] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, this embodiment provides a cigarette end detection device, including a support frame 100. The support frame 100 includes a mounting plate 110 and a connecting plate 120 fixedly connected at an included angle. In this embodiment, the mounting plate 110 and the connecting plate 120 are connected by welding. Alternatively, the mounting plate 110 and the connecting plate 120 can also be connected by a snap-fit ​​structure or fixed by fasteners (such as screws). The mounting plate 110 is used to mount a camera. The connecting plate 120 has an L-shaped structure. The first branch plate 121 of the L-shaped structure has an arc-shaped hole 1211. A first locking member passes through the arc-shaped hole 1211 to lock and fix the first branch plate 121 to the frame of the packaging machine. The second branch plate 122 of the L-shaped structure has a strip-shaped hole 1221. A second locking member passes through the strip-shaped hole 1221 to lock and fix the second branch plate 122 to the frame. The frame has a first threaded hole that mates with the first locking member, and multiple first threaded holes are provided. The frame also has a second threaded hole that mates with the second locking member, and multiple second threaded holes are provided. Optionally, the width of the strip hole 1221 ranges from 5mm to 7mm; the arc angle α of the arc hole 1211 ranges from 20° to 30°.

[0034] The aforementioned cigarette end detection device includes a support frame 100 comprising a mounting plate 110 and a connecting plate 120 fixedly connected at an angle. The mounting plate 110 is used to mount a camera, and the connecting plate 120 has an L-shaped structure. A first locking member passes through an arc-shaped hole 1211 to lock and fix the L-shaped first branch plate 121 to the frame. The frame has multiple first threaded holes that mate with the first locking member. A second locking member passes through a strip-shaped hole 1221 to lock and fix the second branch plate 122 to the frame. The frame has multiple second threaded holes that mate with the second locking member. The position of the support frame 100 can be finely adjusted according to the cigarette station, making it easier for the camera to obtain a clear image of the cigarette end. This allows operators and repair personnel to obtain an image of the cigarette end's appearance in a timely manner, effectively improving the efficiency of the unit's operational quality control and product quality maintenance.

[0035] Preferably, the connecting plate 120 is connected to the middle of the mounting plate 110, and two cameras are provided (camera one and camera two respectively). The two cameras are installed at the two ends of the mounting plate 110 respectively, which can expand the range of the camera's acquisition area to accurately obtain the appearance image information of the cigarette end.

[0036] In this embodiment, both ends of the mounting plate 110 are provided with strip-shaped mounting holes 111. The third locking member passes through the strip-shaped mounting holes 111 to lock and fix the camera to the mounting plate 110. The camera housing is provided with a third threaded hole that matches the third locking member. The camera is locked and fixed to the mounting plate 110 by the cooperation of the third locking member and the strip-shaped mounting holes 111, which facilitates disassembly and improves operating efficiency. Optionally, the length of the strip-shaped mounting holes 111 is in the range of 55mm-65mm; the length of the mounting plate 110 is in the range of 155mm-185mm; and the width of the mounting plate 110 is in the range of 40mm-60mm.

[0037] Optionally, the first locking member includes a screw portion and a clamping portion connected to each other. The screw portion passes through the arc-shaped hole 1211 and is screwed into the first threaded hole. The clamping portion abuts against the first branch plate 121, and a gasket is provided between the clamping portion and the first branch plate 121. The gasket can buffer the force between the clamping portion and the first branch plate 121, preventing the clamping portion from loosening under external force. In actual processing, the second and third locking members can also be configured with the same structure as the first locking member.

[0038] Preferably, the included angle θ between the mounting plate 110 and the connecting plate 120 is 70°-84°; the thickness d of both the mounting plate 110 and the connecting plate 120 is 4.5mm-5.5mm. This arrangement facilitates adaptation to the frame of the packaging machine.

[0039] The cigarette tip detection device in this embodiment also includes a controller and a display mounted on a frame. The controller is electrically connected to the display, and the display is electrically connected to the camera. The display is configured to acquire and display image data from the camera, and the controller is configured to acquire and process the image data. In use, the camera detects the cigarette pushing process in the inner and outer lower flues and the appearance quality of the cigarette tip. The display captures and displays the image data, and the controller acquires the image data and identifies cigarettes with appearance defects at the tip based on an image detection algorithm, thus quickly, efficiently, and accurately acquiring cigarette tip information. Preferably, the display can be equipped with a switch to control the start or stop of the cigarette tip detection device, and can also be equipped with a switch to control the camera's image acquisition, improving the ease of operation.

[0040] Furthermore, the cigarette end detection device also includes a rejection component mounted on the frame. The rejection component is electrically connected to the controller and is used to reject defective cigarettes. The controller can also acquire and count the number of rejected cigarettes. After the controller identifies cigarettes with appearance defects at their ends, it controls the rejection component to accurately reject the defective cigarettes, effectively compensating for insufficient detection of cigarettes in the upper row and preventing defective cigarettes from entering the market. Optionally, the controller can set a rejection threshold based on the degree of defect at the cigarette end. For example, the threshold can be the defect area; if the defect area is greater than the threshold, the rejection component is activated; if the defect area is less than the threshold, the rejection component is not activated. Alternatively, the threshold can be replaced by a color signal. Since the color of a rotten cigarette is different from that of a normal cigarette, the rejection component is activated when a difference in color signal is acquired. Additionally, an edge detection algorithm can be used simultaneously to extract the cigarette outline, analyze the continuity of the edges, and identify broken or abnormal areas. Preferably, when three instances of rotten cigarettes occur within five consecutive packs of cigarettes, the controller can automatically shut down the entire detection device to prevent the generation of batches of defective products.

[0041] Optionally, the rejection component includes a drive unit and a push rod that is kinetically connected to the output end of the drive unit. The end of the push rod is provided with a push block. When the defective cigarette moves to the push block, the push block pushes the cigarette out of the transport platform.

[0042] During assembly, firstly, select the appropriate camera, communication cable, and support frame (model 100), determine the installation location, ensure clear images of the cigarette tip, and complete camera assembly. The camera is then controlled via a monitor to acquire images. The camera and monitor are electrically connected, with a reasonable and simple wiring layout, ensuring smooth signal transmission and clear images. Working in tandem, the camera can acquire visual images of the cigarette tip; the monitor handles lighting triggering and shutter setting verification. The monitor's user interface can include: a main interface, system interface, equipment management interface, brand management interface, quality inspection interface, tolerance interface, online interface, rejection interface, and statistics interface. The main interface functionality is optimized. Different cigarette tip image recognition windows are set in the monitor's user interface; the number, position, and size of these windows can be configured according to the type of defective products in the unit.

[0043] This embodiment also provides an FX packaging machine, including a frame and the aforementioned cigarette end detection device, which is mounted on the frame. By setting up the cigarette end detection device, operators and maintenance personnel can obtain images of the cigarette end's appearance in a timely manner, improving maintenance efficiency and effectively preventing the long-standing problem of cigarette ends getting damaged or bruised, thus eliminating major issues that seriously affect equipment operation, quality control, and material consumption. This effectively improves the operating efficiency and quality control level of the FX packaging machine, reduces material consumption, and has good overall benefits, promoting high-quality, efficient, and low-consumption production in the packaging workshop through precise maintenance, quality control, and high-quality manufacturing.

[0044] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art can make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the protection scope of this utility model. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A cigarette tip detection device, characterized in that, include: A support frame (100) includes a mounting plate (110) and a connecting plate (120) fixedly connected at an angle. The mounting plate (110) is used to mount a camera. The connecting plate (120) has an L-shaped structure. The first branch plate (121) of the L-shaped structure has an arc-shaped hole (1211). A first locking member passes through the arc-shaped hole (1211) to lock and fix the first branch plate (121) to the frame of the packaging machine. The second branch plate (122) of the L-shaped structure has a strip-shaped hole (1221). A second locking member passes through the strip-shaped hole (1221) to lock and fix the second branch plate (122) to the frame. The frame has a first threaded hole that mates with the first locking member, and the first threaded hole is provided in multiple ways; The frame has a second threaded hole that mates with the second locking member, and there are multiple second threaded holes.

2. The cigarette tip detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting plate (120) is connected to the middle of the mounting plate (110), and two cameras are provided, which are installed at opposite ends of the mounting plate (110).

3. The cigarette tip detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both ends of the mounting plate (110) are provided with strip-shaped mounting holes (111). The third locking member passes through the strip-shaped mounting holes (111) to lock and fix the camera to the mounting plate (110). The camera housing is provided with a third threaded hole that matches the third locking member.

4. The cigarette tip detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first locking member includes a screw part and a clamping part connected to each other. The screw part passes through the arc-shaped hole (1211) and is screwed to the first threaded hole. The clamping part abuts against the first branch plate (121). A gasket is provided between the clamping part and the first branch plate (121).

5. The cigarette tip detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The included angle θ between the mounting plate (110) and the connecting plate (120) is 70°-84°; the thickness d of both the mounting plate (110) and the connecting plate (120) is 4.5mm-5.5mm.

6. The cigarette tip detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting plate (110) and the connecting plate (120) are connected by welding.

7. The cigarette tip detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cigarette tip detection device further includes a controller and a display mounted on the frame. The controller is electrically connected to the display, and the display is electrically connected to the camera. The display is configured to acquire and display image data from the camera, and the controller is configured to acquire and process the image data.

8. The cigarette tip detection device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The cigarette end detection device also includes a rejection assembly installed on the frame. The rejection assembly is electrically connected to the controller and is used to reject defective cigarettes.

9. The cigarette tip detection device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The rejection assembly includes a drive unit and a push rod that is pulsatorically connected to the output end of the drive unit, and the end of the push rod is provided with a push block.

10. FX packaging machine, characterized in that, It includes a frame and a cigarette end detection device as described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein the cigarette end detection device is mounted on the frame.