Tobacco flake scattering and loose conveying integrated device
By installing a separator in the middle of the hopper and using a combination of a rotating shaft and a semi-circular separator rod, the problems of airflow disturbance and spillage when the tobacco flakes fall are solved, achieving uniform dispersion and smooth conveying of the tobacco flakes and improving production efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HONGTA TOBACCO (GROUP) CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-18
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-15
AI Technical Summary
In the tobacco processing technology, tobacco leaves tend to stick together into large clumps after rehydration. When they fall, they generate strong airflow, causing the tobacco leaves to spill out. Existing technologies are unable to effectively solve this problem.
A loosening device is installed in the middle of the feed box. It uses a combination of a rotating shaft and a semi-circular loosening rod to intercept, buffer, and disperse tobacco flakes, reducing the falling speed and airflow disturbance, and preventing tobacco flakes from escaping.
It significantly reduces the spillage of tobacco flakes, ensures uniform dispersion of raw materials in downstream processes, improves production efficiency, and reduces equipment blockage and cleaning frequency.
Smart Images
Figure CN224234722U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of cigarette manufacturing technology, specifically relating to an integrated device for tobacco sheet sorting and loosening conveying. Background Technology
[0002] The tobacco processing technology involves numerous steps, from opening the tobacco packs and vacuum rehydration to the finished tobacco product, resulting in a long production line. Due to the nature of these processes, some tobacco materials need to be lifted to a height of several meters before being transported to the next stage via free fall or other means. Among these, sheet tobacco (thin pieces of tobacco leaves) is a typical example of sheet tobacco falling from a height to a lower level after undergoing rehydration and other processes.
[0003] Because the tobacco flakes, after rehydration and loosening, tend to stick together or form large clumps due to static electricity, they cannot be evenly dispersed. Therefore, during the process of falling from the conveyor output port into the bottom of the hopper, the tobacco flakes often fall in "clumps" weighing several kilograms or larger clumps at regular intervals. Since the hopper is sealed on all sides, and the bottom of the hopper is connected to the tobacco flake output device, a relatively sealed space is formed between the bottom and the sides. However, there is a height difference of about 2 meters between the tobacco flake output port and the bottom of the hopper. Therefore, the "clumps" of tobacco inevitably generate strong airflow during their descent. This strong airflow does not easily diffuse rapidly within the sealed space, causing the tobacco flakes to spill outside the hopper. In actual production, this spillage phenomenon is quite serious, requiring cleaning of the area around the hopper and the production line at least every 20 minutes.
[0004] In existing technologies, a common solution is to install a cover at the inlet end of the feed hopper to prevent the smoke sheets from overflowing. However, the actual effect is limited because the airflow generated by the rapidly falling "block" smoke always needs to be exhausted, and the exhausted airflow will always carry some smoke sheets out of the feed hopper. In actual production, it seems that installing a cover at the inlet end only reduces the overflow of large-sized smoke sheets.
[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, this utility model is proposed. Utility Model Content
[0006] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the purpose of this utility model is to provide an integrated device for separating and loosening tobacco flakes. This device, while maintaining a constant drop height of the "lumpy" tobacco flakes, avoids direct impact of the "lumpy" tobacco flakes on the conveyor connected to the bottom of the hopper by installing a separating and loosening device in the middle of the hopper. This slows down the drop speed of the "lumpy" tobacco flakes, significantly reduces airflow generation, and simultaneously achieves a loose and uniform distribution of the "lumpy" tobacco flakes. This effectively prevents tobacco flakes of various sizes from drifting outside the hopper due to airflow disturbance.
[0007] The technical solution adopted in this utility model is:
[0008] An integrated device for separating and loosening tobacco flakes is provided, the device comprising a tobacco flake conveyor 1, a hopper 2, a separating and loosening device 3, and a tobacco flake output device 4;
[0009] The material box 2 is located below the output end of the tobacco sheet conveyor 1. It is open at both the top and bottom, and a notch 21 is provided on the side wall facing outward at the bottom as the outlet of the tobacco sheet. The size of the output end of the tobacco sheet conveyor 1 matches the size of the top opening of the material box 2.
[0010] The loosening and separating device 3 is installed inside the material box 2 to block and separate "clumps" of smoke;
[0011] The tobacco sheet output device 4 is connected to the bottom of the material box 2 and is used to transport the tobacco sheets in the material box 2 to the downstream section.
[0012] Preferably, the loosening and separating device 3 includes a rotating shaft 31 driven by a driving mechanism and a plurality of semi-circular separating rods 32; the two ends of the rotating shaft 31 respectively pass horizontally through the two side walls of the material box 2, and the two are rotatably connected; the plurality of semi-circular separating rods 32 are installed on the surface of the rotating shaft 31 and are equidistantly distributed along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 31.
[0013] Preferably, the vertical distance from the axis of the rotating shaft 31 to the top and bottom of the material box 2 is equal, the arc apex of the semi-circular separating rod 32 is equidistantly distributed along the axis of the rotating shaft 31, and gaps are left between the two ends of the semi-circular separating rod 32 and the inner wall of the material box 2 and the upper surface of the tobacco sheet output device 4.
[0014] Preferably, the distance between two adjacent semicircular dividing rods 32 is 50mm.
[0015] Preferably, the semi-circular dividing rod 32 is made of stainless steel tube bent into shape.
[0016] Preferably, both the tobacco sheet conveyor 1 and the tobacco sheet outputter 4 are conveyor belt conveyors.
[0017] Preferably, the loosening device 3 further includes a driving component, which is connected to one end of the rotating shaft 31 and is used to drive the rotating shaft 31 to reciprocate.
[0018] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:
[0019] 1. Even after being moistened and loosened, the tobacco still tends to clump together, typically falling from the conveyor to the bottom of the hopper in a "clump" state. Due to the large weight and volume of these clumps, coupled with the hopper's enclosed perimeter, direct impact to the bottom of the hopper generates a strong airflow, causing tobacco flakes, fragments, and dust to escape into the surrounding area of the production line. This technical solution incorporates a dispersing device in the middle of the hopper, ensuring that the clumps of tobacco are blocked by a dispersing rod after falling a certain distance (approximately 1 meter in actual production). This effectively slows down the descent, reduces impact intensity and airflow disturbance, thereby preventing the escape of tobacco flakes.
[0020] 2. The loosening and dispersing device of this utility model adopts a combination design of a rotating shaft and multiple semi-circular loosening rods. The loosening rods are arc-shaped and equidistantly distributed along the axial direction of the rotating shaft. After a large number of tests, it was determined that the distance between adjacent loosening rods is 50mm. In addition, the loosening and dispersing device is oscillating back and forth when assembled, so it has a further loosening effect on clumps of tobacco, making the tobacco flakes more evenly dispersed and ensuring the homogeneity of raw materials in downstream processes.
[0021] 3. The rotating shaft is assembled with the material box via bearings and, under the action of the drive component, achieves sensitive and stable reciprocating motion at a certain angle. This ensures that the distribution rod can accurately perform its buffering and dispersing functions, preventing the smoke sheets from directly impacting the conveying device and reducing equipment blockage and uneven conveying problems. By effectively dispersing the smoke sheets, the entire conveying process is smoother, reducing dust drift caused by concentrated impacts from the smoke sheets, thereby reducing the cleaning frequency around the production line and improving overall production efficiency.
[0022] 4. This utility model uses a drive component to cooperate with the scattering and loosening device to make the scattering and loosening device swing back and forth during operation. With gaps left between the two ends of the semi-circular scattering rod and the inner wall of the material box and the upper surface of the tobacco sheet output device, it can also prevent tobacco sheets or tobacco blocks from getting stuck in the gaps between the material box, the tobacco sheet output device and the scattering and loosening device.
[0023] 5. This utility model has a simple design, low cost, and significant effect. It does not require major modifications to existing equipment and can be widely applied in tobacco processing. Attached Figure Description
[0024] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other solutions can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0025] Figure 1 This is a first-position axonometric view of the integrated tobacco sheet sorting and loosening conveying device in a specific embodiment of this utility model;
[0026] Figure 2 This is a second-position axonometric view of the integrated tobacco sheet sorting and loosening conveying device in a specific embodiment of this utility model;
[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the rotating shaft and the semi-circular dividing rod in a specific embodiment of this utility model;
[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the bearing mating part of the rotating shaft in a specific embodiment of this utility model.
[0029] Reference numerals: 1. Smoked sheet conveyor; 2. Feed hopper; 21. Notch; 3. Separator; 31. Shaft; 32. Semi-circular separating rod; 33. Bearing; 331. Bearing end cap; 34. Screw; 35. Nut; 4. Smoked sheet output device. Detailed Implementation
[0030] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to embodiments, but this is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications or improvements made based on the teachings of the present invention shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Where specific techniques or conditions are not specified in the embodiments, they shall be performed in accordance with the techniques or conditions described in the literature in the field or in accordance with the product manual.
[0031] Example 1
[0032] like Figure 1 , 2 As shown, an integrated device for separating and loosening tobacco flakes is provided. The device includes a tobacco flake conveyor 1, a material box 2, a separating and loosening device 3, and a tobacco flake output device 4.
[0033] The material box 2 is located below the output end of the tobacco sheet conveyor 1. It is open at both the top and bottom, and a notch 21 is provided on the side wall facing outward at the bottom as the outlet of the tobacco sheet. The size of the output end of the tobacco sheet conveyor 1 matches the size of the top opening of the material box 2.
[0034] As a preferred embodiment, the notch 21 has a width of 800mm, a height of 200mm, and is positioned 200mm upward from the bottom of the material box 2, with its bottom flush with the upper surface of the tobacco sheet output device 4.
[0035] The loosening and separating device 3 is installed inside the material box 2 to block and separate "clumps" of smoke;
[0036] The tobacco sheet output device 4 is connected to the bottom of the material box 2 and is used to transport the tobacco sheets in the material box 2 to the downstream section.
[0037] like Figure 2 As described above, in this embodiment, the material box 2 is provided with bearing holes and threaded holes M5, with a hole diameter of ¢17mm;
[0038] like Figure 3 As shown, the loosening and separating device 3 includes a rotating shaft 31 driven by a driving mechanism and several semi-circular separating rods 32; the two ends of the rotating shaft 31 respectively pass horizontally through the two side walls of the material box 2, and the two are rotatably connected; several semi-circular separating rods 32 are installed on the surface of the rotating shaft 31 and are equidistantly distributed along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 31.
[0039] like Figure 3 As shown, in a preferred embodiment, the driving mechanism includes a stepper motor and a bearing assembly. The bearing assembly mainly includes a bearing 33, a screw 34, and a nut 35. The rotating shaft 31 is connected to the inner ring of the bearing 33. Furthermore, the bearing end cap 331 of the bearing 33 is connected to the material box 2 through the screw 34 and the nut 35, thereby realizing the rotatable connection between the rotating shaft 31 and the material box 2. The stepper motor is connected to the end of the rotating shaft 31 that extends out of the material box 2. This structure ultimately achieves that the stepper motor drives the rotating shaft 31 to make stable reciprocating rotation within a certain angle range, and the rotating shaft 31 ultimately performs adaptive reciprocating motion within a range of ±15°.
[0040] like Figure 4 As a preferred embodiment, the shaft 31 is machined with relief grooves (2×0.5mm) at both ends to ensure no mechanical interference during bearing installation. The shaft 31 and the inner ring of the bearing 22 are fitted with a clearance fit, and the shaft diameter tolerance is h7 grade.
[0041] In addition, the bearing selected in this embodiment is S706, GB / T292-1994, with an outer diameter of 17, an inner diameter of 6mm, and a width of 6mm; the screw 34 and nut 35 are selected as M5, the screw length is selected as 20mm, a through hole of ¢5mm is designed in the bearing hole of the material box 2, and it is matched with the through hole on the bearing end cover 331 for installing the screw 34, and the nut 35 is used to fix the screw 34.
[0042] The vertical distance from the axis of the rotating shaft 31 to the top and bottom of the material box 2 is equal. The arc apex of the semi-circular distributing rod 32 is equidistantly distributed along the axis of the rotating shaft 31, and gaps are left between the two ends of the semi-circular distributing rod 32 and the inner wall of the material box 2 and the upper surface of the tobacco sheet output device 4.
[0043] As a preferred embodiment, the gap between the two ends of the semi-circular sifting rod 32 and the inner wall of the material box 2 and the upper surface of the tobacco sheet output device 4 is 100mm.
[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the height of the material box 2 is 2000mm, the width of the material box 2 is 800mm, and the vertical distance between the top and bottom of the material box 2 is 1000mm.
[0045] The distance between two adjacent semicircular dividing rods 32 is 50mm.
[0046] As a preferred embodiment, the sizing rod 32 is a semi-circular sizing rod 32 with a radius of 900mm, which is made of a stainless steel round tube with a diameter of 10mm.
[0047] Both the tobacco sheet conveyor 1 and the tobacco sheet output device 4 are conveyor belt conveyors.
[0048] The sparser 3 also includes a stepper motor, which is connected to the extended end of the rotating shaft 31 via a coupling, and is used to drive the rotating shaft 31 to reciprocate.
[0049] The working principle of this utility model is to use the dispersing and loosening device 3 installed inside the material box 2 to block, buffer, disperse and evenly distribute the "clump" of tobacco sheets output from the tobacco sheet conveyor, thereby reducing the impact and airflow disturbance when the tobacco sheets fall and preventing the tobacco sheets from escaping to the outside of the material box.
[0050] Specifically, after the tobacco sheets enter the hopper 2 from the conveyor 1, they tend to clump together after being re-moistened, falling in clumps. When these larger clumps directly impact the bottom of the hopper, they generate a strong airflow, causing tobacco sheets, broken tobacco, and tobacco dust to diffuse and escape. To solve this problem, this invention incorporates a dispersing and loosening device 3 in the middle of the hopper 2. Its core structure consists of a rotating shaft 31 driven by a drive mechanism and semi-circular dispersing rods 32 evenly distributed along the shaft's axis. When the dispersing and loosening device is working, the rotating shaft reciprocates under the drive of a stepper motor, and the semi-circular dispersing rods intercept and disperse the falling tobacco sheet clumps, breaking them into smaller pieces after they have fallen a certain distance. This also reduces their falling speed and the force of their direct impact on the bottom of the hopper 2, significantly reducing the likelihood of generating a strong airflow and preventing tobacco sheet escape.
[0051] In addition, the arrangement of the distribution rods (such as the 50mm spacing between two adjacent rods and the reserved gaps between the two ends and the inner wall of the material box and the sheet output device) further ensures that the sheet will not clog the equipment during the loosening process, ensuring that the sheet is evenly distributed and smoothly transported to the downstream process, thereby improving the overall production efficiency and reducing the frequency of equipment maintenance.
[0052] Finally, it should be noted that the above preferred embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application and are not intended to limit it. Although this application has been described in detail through the above preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that various changes can be made to it in form and detail without departing from the scope defined by the claims of this application; the dimensions described in the drawings and embodiments are not related to the specific physical object and are not used to limit the protection scope of this application. The physical dimensions can be selected and changed according to actual needs.
Claims
1. An integrated device for separating and loosening tobacco flakes, characterized in that, The device includes a tobacco sheet conveyor (1), a hopper (2), a loosening and unloading device (3), and a tobacco sheet output device (4). The material box (2) is located below the output end of the tobacco sheet conveyor (1). It has openings at both the top and bottom, and a notch (21) is provided on the side wall facing outward at the bottom as the outlet of the tobacco sheet. The size of the output end of the tobacco sheet conveyor (1) matches the size of the opening at the top of the material box (2). The loosening and dispersing device (3) is installed inside the hopper (2) to block and disperse the "clumps" of smoke; The tobacco sheet output device (4) is connected to the bottom of the material box (2) and is used to transport the tobacco sheets in the material box (2) to the downstream section.
2. The integrated device for separating and loosening tobacco sheets according to claim 1, characterized in that, The loosening device (3) includes a rotating shaft (31) driven by a driving mechanism and several semi-circular loosening rods (32); the two ends of the rotating shaft (31) pass horizontally through the two side walls of the material box (2) respectively, and the two are rotatably connected; several semi-circular loosening rods (32) are installed on the surface of the rotating shaft (31) and are equidistantly distributed along the axial direction of the rotating shaft (31).
3. The integrated device for separating and loosening tobacco sheets according to claim 2, characterized in that, The vertical distance from the axis of the rotating shaft (31) to the top and bottom of the material box (2) is equal. The arc tops of the semi-circular sparse rods (32) are equidistantly distributed along the axis of the rotating shaft (31), and gaps are left between the two ends of the semi-circular sparse rods (32) and the inner wall of the material box (2) and the upper surface of the tobacco sheet output device (4).
4. The integrated device for separating and loosening tobacco sheets according to claim 3, characterized in that, The distance between two adjacent semicircular dividing rods (32) is 50mm.
5. The integrated device for separating and loosening tobacco sheets according to claim 3, characterized in that, The semi-circular dividing rod (32) is made of stainless steel tube bent into shape.
6. The integrated device for separating and loosening tobacco sheets according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tobacco sheet conveyor (1) and tobacco sheet output device (4) are conveyor belt conveyors.
7. The integrated device for separating and loosening tobacco sheets according to claim 2, characterized in that, The loosening device (3) also includes a driving component, which is connected to one end of the rotating shaft (31) and is used to drive the rotating shaft (31) to reciprocate.
8. The integrated device for separating and loosening tobacco sheets according to claim 7, characterized in that, The driving component is a stepper motor.