Filter rod cutting device

Abstract

The application relates to a filter rod cutting device. The filter rod cutting device comprises a first drum wheel, a cutter assembly, an imaging module and a control module. An annular groove is formed in the outer wall of the first drum wheel, and the axial direction of the annular groove is the same as that of the first drum wheel; the cutter assembly comprises a linear moving piece and a cutter, at least part of the cutter is located in the annular groove, and the cutter is arranged at the moving end of the linear moving piece; the imaging module is arranged above the cutter and is used for shooting two filter rods cut by the cutter so as to obtain the images of the two filter rods; the control module is used for obtaining the lengths of the two filter rods cut by the cutter assembly according to the images of the two filter rods shot by the imaging module, and is used for controlling the movement of the linear moving piece according to the lengths of the two filter rods so that the cutter is adjusted in position along the axial direction of the annular groove. That is, the application can automatically adjust the position of the cutter, and the online adjustment of the cutter can be realized without taking out the cutter.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of cigarette technology, and in particular to a filter rod cutting device. Background Technology

[0002] In the cigarette manufacturing process, a filter rod that is 4 times longer needs to be cut into a filter rod that is 2 times longer, and the two 2-times-long filter rods must be of equal length after the cutting process.

[0003] However, in actual cutting, the cutter tends to drift after multiple cuts, requiring adjustment of its position. But because the components within the filter rod cutting device are tightly packed and the space is relatively narrow, it cannot be adjusted directly without removing the cutter unit; the adjustment process is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Utility Model Content

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a filter rod cutting device to address the problem that the cutter position cannot be directly adjusted without removing the cutter device.

[0005] A filter rod cutting device, the filter rod cutting device comprising:

[0006] A first drum has an annular groove on its outer wall. The axial direction of the annular groove is the same as that of the first drum, and the annular groove is located at the middle of the first drum along its axial direction.

[0007] A cutting assembly includes a linear moving member and a cutting blade, at least a portion of which is located within the annular groove. The cutting blade is disposed at a moving end of the linear moving member, which drives the cutting blade to move axially along the annular groove.

[0008] An imaging module, positioned above the cutter, is used to capture images of the two filter rods cut by the cutter;

[0009] The control module is used to obtain the lengths of the two filter rods cut by the cutter assembly based on the images of the two filter rods captured by the imaging module, and to control the linear moving part to move according to the lengths of the two filter rods, so that the cutter can be adjusted in position along the axial direction of the annular groove.

[0010] In one embodiment, the imaging module includes a housing, a cover plate, and a camera assembly. The housing and the cover plate form a closed cavity, and the camera assembly is located inside the closed cavity. The cover plate is a transparent plate and is located between the camera assembly and the filter rod. The camera assembly is used to take pictures of the filter rod through the transparent plate.

[0011] In one embodiment, the cover plate includes an outer frame and a glass plate installed inside the outer frame. The outer frame has a vent hole and a plurality of air distribution holes on the side outside the enclosed cavity. The vent hole is connected to an air source. One end of each air distribution hole is connected to the vent hole, and the other end faces the glass plate located inside.

[0012] In one embodiment, the camera assembly includes a lens and light sources respectively disposed on both sides of the lens, wherein the optical axis of each light source is angled to the axial direction of the lens, and the two light sources are symmetrical about the lens.

[0013] In one embodiment, the cover plate is detachably connected to the housing.

[0014] In one embodiment, a plurality of first embedding grooves are provided on the outer wall of the first drum wheel. The plurality of first embedding grooves are arranged sequentially around the circumference of the first drum wheel, and each first embedding groove extends along the axial direction of the first drum wheel. The groove depth of the annular groove is greater than the groove depth of the first embedding groove.

[0015] In one embodiment, the filter rod cutting device further includes a second drum, on the outer wall of which a plurality of second embedding grooves are provided, the plurality of second embedding grooves being arranged sequentially around the circumference of the second drum, and each second embedding groove extending along the axial direction of the second drum;

[0016] The first end of the first embedding groove along the axial direction is flush with the first end of the second embedding groove, the second end of the first embedding groove along the axial direction is flush with the second end of the second embedding groove, and the first drum and the second drum are tangent to each other so that the opening of the first embedding groove can be opposite to the opening of the second embedding groove.

[0017] In one embodiment, each of the first and second embedding slots has an air suction hole on its bottom wall, and the air suction hole is connected to the corresponding adsorption mechanism.

[0018] In one embodiment, the outer diameter of the second drum is larger than the outer diameter of the first drum.

[0019] In one embodiment, the filter rod cutting device further includes a limiting mechanism, which includes a first limiting member and a second limiting member. The first limiting member and the second limiting member are respectively located on both sides of the cutter along the axial direction of the drum, and the first limiting member and the second limiting member each have an arc-shaped inner wall. The arc-shaped inner wall is adapted to the outer wall of the first drum to fix the filter rod located in the first embedding groove.

[0020] In the aforementioned filter rod cutting device, when the first drum rotates the filter rod to the cutting position, the filter rod is first cut by the cutting blade. Then, the imaging module captures images of the two cut filter rods, and the control module obtains the lengths of the two filter rods cut by the cutting blade assembly based on the images captured by the imaging module. When the two cut filter rods are of equal length, no adjustment of the cutting blade position is required. When the two cut filter rods are of unequal length, it indicates that the cutting blade is not in the center of the annular groove during cutting. In this case, the control module controls the linear motion component to move the cutting blade axially so that the cutting blade is exactly in the center of the annular groove along the axial direction. This ensures that the cutting blade can cut filter rods of equal length when cutting subsequent feeds. In other words, this application, through the setting of the cutting blade assembly and imaging module, can automatically adjust the position of the cutting blade without removing the cutting blade and without affecting the normal transmission of the entire production line, thus realizing online adjustment of the cutting blade and improving production efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the filter rod cutting device from one perspective in one embodiment.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the filter rod cutting device from another perspective in one embodiment.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first drum wheel in one embodiment.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the imaging module after part of the shell has been removed in one embodiment.

[0025] Reference numerals: 100, first drum; 110, annular groove; 120, first embedding groove; 130, air intake hole; 210, linear moving part; 220, cutter; 300, imaging module; 310, housing; 320, cover plate; 321, outer frame; 322, glass plate; 323, vent hole; 324, air distribution hole; 325, connector; 331, lens; 332, light source; 400, second drum; 410, second embedding groove; 510, first limiting part; 520, second limiting part; 600, third drum; 610, third groove. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0027] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0028] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0029] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., 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, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0030] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0031] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0032] Combination Figures 1-3 This application provides a filter rod cutting device according to one embodiment. The filter rod cutting device includes a first drum 100, a cutting blade assembly, an imaging module 300, and a control module. An annular groove 110 is formed on the outer wall of the first drum 100. The axial direction of the annular groove 110 is the same as the axial direction of the first drum 100, and the annular groove 110 is located at the middle of the first drum 100 along the axial direction. The cutting blade assembly includes a linear moving member 210 and a cutting blade 220. At least a portion of the cutting blade 220 is located within the annular groove 110. The cutting blade 220 is disposed at the moving end of the linear moving member 210, which drives the cutting blade 220 to move along the axial direction of the annular groove 110. The imaging module 300 is disposed above the cutting blade 220 and is used to capture images of the two filter rods cut by the cutting blade 220. The control module is used to obtain the lengths of the two filter rods cut by the cutter assembly based on the images of the two filter rods captured by the imaging module 300, and to control the linear motion member 210 to move according to the lengths of the two filter rods, so that the cutter 220 is adjusted in position along the axial direction of the annular groove 110.

[0033] In this embodiment, the annular groove 110 is located at the middle of the first drum 100 along the axial direction. It can be assumed that the annular groove 110 has a first sidewall and a second sidewall along its axial direction, and the distance from the first sidewall to one end of the first drum 100 along the axial direction is equal to the distance from the second sidewall to the other end of the first drum 100 along the axial direction. At least a portion of the cutter 220 extends into the groove, and when the cutter is located at the middle of the annular groove 110 along the axial direction, the lengths of the two filter rods are exactly equal.

[0034] In practical use, when the first drum 100 drives the filter rod to rotate to the position of the cutter 220, the cutter 220 can cut the filter rod. Then, the imaging module 300 captures images of the two cut filter rods, and the control module obtains the lengths of the two filter rods cut by the cutter assembly based on the images captured by the imaging module 300. When the lengths of the two cut filter rods are equal, there is no need to adjust the position of the cutter 220; when the lengths of the two cut filter rods are unequal, it indicates that the cutter is not in the middle of the annular groove 110 when cutting. At this time, the control module controls the linear moving part 210 to drive the cutter 220 to move axially, so that the cutter 220 is exactly in the middle of the annular groove 110 along the axial direction, so that the cutter 220 can cut filter rods of equal length when cutting the subsequently fed filter rods. In other words, by setting up the cutter assembly and imaging module 300, this application can automatically adjust the position of the cutter 220 without removing the cutter 220 and without affecting the normal transmission of the entire production line, thus realizing online adjustment of the cutter 220 and improving production efficiency.

[0035] Understandably, the control module obtaining the lengths of the two filter rods cut by the cutter assembly based on the images of the two filter rods captured by the imaging module 300 is existing technology and will not be elaborated on here.

[0036] Specifically, the control module is a PLC controller. After the imaging module 300 acquires images of the two filter rods to be cut, it uploads the images to the PLC controller. The PLC controller acquires the lengths of the two filter rods and compares them. Based on the comparison result, it controls the linear motion component 210 to adjust the position of the cutter 220 until the lengths of the two filter rods are equal. If the PLC controller detects that the lengths of the two filter rods are unequal, it discards the defective filter rod. It is important to emphasize that when determining whether the lengths of the two filter rods are equal, the actual error must also be considered. As long as they are within the allowable error range, they can be considered equal.

[0037] Combination Figure 4 In some embodiments, the imaging module 300 includes a housing 310, a cover plate 320, and a camera assembly. The housing 310 and the cover plate 320 form a closed cavity, and the camera assembly is located inside the closed cavity. The cover plate 320 is a transparent plate and is located between the camera assembly and the filter rod. The camera assembly is used to take pictures of the filter rod through the transparent plate.

[0038] In this embodiment, the camera assembly is housed within a sealed cavity to prevent dust from entering and affecting the shooting accuracy. A cover plate 320 is located between the lens of the camera assembly and the filter rod, allowing the camera assembly to capture images of the filter rod through the transparent plate, thus accurately obtaining images of the cut filter rod.

[0039] Furthermore, the cover plate 320 includes an outer frame 321 and a glass plate 322 installed inside the outer frame 321. The outer frame 321 has a vent 323 and a plurality of air distribution holes 324 on the side outside the closed cavity. The vent 323 is connected to an air source. One end of each air distribution hole 324 is connected to the vent 323, and the other end faces the glass plate 322 located on the inner side.

[0040] In this embodiment, the vent 323 is connected to the air source through the connector 325. The air source can deliver gas into the vent 323, so that the gas is blown from multiple air distribution holes 324 to the glass plate 322 located in the frame, so as to remove the dust on the surface of the glass plate 322 in time and avoid the dust accumulation affecting the image clarity of the camera component, thereby affecting the accuracy of obtaining the filter rod length.

[0041] Specifically, the frame has a rectangular structure, and a vent 323 is formed along the length of one side of the frame. Multiple air distribution holes 324 are formed inside each vent 323. The air source of the vent 323 is connected to the air source of the entire filter rod cutting device. Both ends of the vent 323 are connected to the air source, and the distance between two adjacent air distribution holes 324 closer to the air source is larger, while the distance between two adjacent air distribution holes 324 farther from the air source is smaller.

[0042] In some embodiments, the camera assembly includes a lens 331 and light sources 332 respectively disposed on both sides of the lens 331. The optical axis of each light source 332 is angled to the axial direction of the lens 331, and the two light sources 332 are symmetrical about the lens 331.

[0043] In this embodiment, the light source 332 is a COB light source. The two light sources are respectively arranged on both sides of the lens 331, and the optical axis of each light source 332 is set at an angle to the axis of the lens 331 so that the two light sources 332 cover the shooting area of ​​the camera and improve the shooting clarity.

[0044] Furthermore, the two light sources 332 are arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the drum so that the light sources 332 can cover the entire filter rod.

[0045] Furthermore, the cover plate 320 is detachably connected to the housing 310.

[0046] In this embodiment, the cover plate 320 and the housing 310 are detachably connected by screws or clips to facilitate the removal of the cover plate 320.

[0047] Combination Figure 3In some embodiments, a plurality of first embedding grooves 120 are provided on the outer wall of the first drum 100. The plurality of first embedding grooves 120 are arranged sequentially around the circumference of the first drum 100. Each first embedding groove 120 extends along the axial direction of the first drum 100. The groove depth of the annular groove 110 is greater than the groove depth of the first embedding groove 120.

[0048] In this embodiment, a plurality of first embedding grooves 120 are sequentially formed along the circumferential direction on the outer wall of the first drum 100. Each first embedding groove 120 can embed a filter rod. When the first drum 100 rotates, it can drive the multiple filter rods to rotate simultaneously, so that the multiple filter rods on the outer wall of the first drum 100 can be cut sequentially by the cutter 220 in the annular groove 110.

[0049] Combination Figure 1 Furthermore, the filter rod cutting device also includes a second drum 400, on the outer wall of which a plurality of second embedding grooves 410 are provided. The plurality of second embedding grooves 410 are arranged sequentially around the circumference of the second drum 400, and each second embedding groove 410 extends along the axial direction of the second drum 400.

[0050] The first end of the first embedding groove 120 along the axial direction is flush with the first end of the second embedding groove 410, and the second end of the first embedding groove 120 along the axial direction is flush with the second end of the second embedding groove 410. The first drum 100 and the second drum 400 are tangent to each other so that the opening of the first embedding groove 120 can be opposite to the opening of the second embedding groove 410.

[0051] In this embodiment, the second drum 400 is equivalent to the feeding device of the entire filter rod cutting device. The second drum 400 has a second embedding groove 410, which is used to suck in a filter rod four times its length to provide the filter rod four times its length to the first drum 100. When the first drum 100 and the second drum 400 rotate to the point where the opening of the first embedding groove 120 is aligned with the opening of the second embedding groove 410, the filter rod in the first embedding groove 120 can be sucked into the second embedding groove 410, so that the cutter 220 located on the second drum 400 can cut the four-times-long filter rod into a filter rod of twice its length.

[0052] Of course, in other embodiments, the second drum 400 may be used to draw in a filter rod that is twice the length, having already been cut into a filter rod of one length. The length of the filter rod is not limited here.

[0053] In some embodiments, each of the first embedding grooves 120 and the second embedding grooves 410 has an air suction hole 130 on its bottom wall, and the air suction hole 130 is connected to the corresponding adsorption mechanism.

[0054] This configuration allows the adsorption mechanism to selectively place either the first embedding groove 120 or the second embedding groove 410 under negative pressure, facilitating the adsorption of the filter rod within the grooves. Specifically, when the opening of the first embedding groove 120 aligns with the opening of the second embedding groove 410, the suction hole 130 in the first embedding groove 120 stops adsorption, while the suction hole 130 in the second embedding groove 410 begins adsorption. This allows the filter rod in the first embedding groove 120 to be drawn into the second embedding groove 410, so that the cutter 220 on the second drum 400 can cut the four-times-long filter rod into a twice-long filter rod.

[0055] In some embodiments, the filter rod cutting device further includes a limiting mechanism, which includes a first limiting member 510 and a second limiting member 520. The first limiting member 510 and the second limiting member 520 are respectively located on both sides of the cutter 220 along the axial direction of the drum. The first limiting member 510 and the second limiting member 520 each have an arc-shaped inner wall, which is adapted to the outer wall of the first drum 100 for fixing the filter rod located in the first embedding groove 120.

[0056] In this embodiment, the first limiting member 510 and the second limiting member 520 of the limiting mechanism are respectively disposed on both sides of the cutter 220 along the axial direction of the drum, and the arc-shaped inner wall is adapted to the outer wall of the first drum 100. This can closely fit the filter rod in the first embedding groove 120, provide a stable clamping force for the filter rod, effectively prevent the filter rod from axially moving or radially shifting during the cutting process, and ensure that the filter rod is always in a precise cutting position.

[0057] In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the second drum 400 is larger than the outer diameter of the first drum 100. The larger outer diameter of the second drum 400 can accommodate more filter rods, and can carry up to four times the length of filter rods at one time, thus having a primary material storage function.

[0058] In some embodiments, the filter rod cutting device further includes a third drum 600 and a fourth drum 700, with the first drum 100, second drum 400, third drum 600, and fourth drum 700 arranged radially in sequence. The third drum 600 also has a third groove 610. The fourth drum 700 also has a fourth groove 710. After the quadruple filter rods are fed through the second embedding groove 410 on the second drum 400, they are transferred to the first embedding groove 120 on the first drum 100. After being cut into double filter rods by a cutter on the first drum 100, they are transferred to the third groove 610 on the third drum 600. The transfer via the third drum 600 increases the distance between the two double filter rods. Finally, they are transferred to the fourth drum 700, which also has a fourth groove 710. The fourth drum 700 is divided into two sections, which are spaced apart along the axial direction of the fourth drum 700 to completely separate the two double filter rods.

[0059] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0060] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A filter rod cutting device, characterized in that, The filter rod cutting device includes: A first drum has an annular groove on its outer wall. The axial direction of the annular groove is the same as that of the first drum, and the annular groove is located at the middle of the first drum along its axial direction. A cutting assembly includes a linear moving member and a cutting blade, at least a portion of which is located within the annular groove. The cutting blade is disposed at a moving end of the linear moving member, which drives the cutting blade to move axially along the annular groove. An imaging module, positioned above the cutter, is used to capture images of the two filter rods cut by the cutter; The control module is used to obtain the lengths of the two filter rods cut by the cutter assembly based on the images of the two filter rods captured by the imaging module, and to control the linear moving part to move according to the lengths of the two filter rods, so that the cutter can be adjusted in position along the axial direction of the annular groove.

2. The filter rod cutting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The imaging module includes a housing, a cover plate, and a camera assembly. The housing and the cover plate form a closed cavity, and the camera assembly is located inside the closed cavity. The cover plate is a transparent plate and is located between the camera assembly and the filter rod. The camera assembly is used to take pictures of the filter rod through the transparent plate.

3. The filter rod cutting device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cover plate includes an outer frame and a glass plate installed inside the outer frame. The outer frame has a vent hole and a plurality of air distribution holes on the side outside the closed cavity. The vent hole is connected to an air source. One end of each air distribution hole is connected to the vent hole, and the other end faces the glass plate located inside.

4. The filter rod cutting device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The camera assembly includes a lens and light sources respectively disposed on both sides of the lens. The optical axis of each light source is set at an angle to the axial direction of the lens, and the two light sources are symmetrical about the lens.

5. The filter rod cutting device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cover plate is detachably connected to the housing.

6. The filter rod cutting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer wall of the first drum wheel is provided with a plurality of first embedding grooves, which are arranged sequentially around the circumference of the first drum wheel. Each first embedding groove extends along the axial direction of the first drum wheel, and the groove depth of the annular groove is greater than the groove depth of the first embedding groove.

7. The filter rod cutting device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The filter rod cutting device further includes a second drum, on the outer wall of which a plurality of second embedding grooves are provided. The plurality of second embedding grooves are arranged sequentially around the circumference of the second drum, and each second embedding groove extends along the axial direction of the second drum. The first end of the first embedding groove along the axial direction is flush with the first end of the second embedding groove, the second end of the first embedding groove along the axial direction is flush with the second end of the second embedding groove, and the first drum and the second drum are tangent to each other so that the opening of the first embedding groove can be opposite to the opening of the second embedding groove.

8. The filter rod cutting device according to claim 7, characterized in that, Each of the first and second embedding slots has an air suction hole on its bottom wall, and the air suction hole is connected to the corresponding adsorption mechanism.

9. The filter rod cutting device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The outer diameter of the second drum is larger than the outer diameter of the first drum.

10. The filter rod cutting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filter rod cutting device further includes a limiting mechanism, which includes a first limiting member and a second limiting member. The first limiting member and the second limiting member are respectively located on both sides of the cutter along the axial direction of the drum. The first limiting member and the second limiting member each have an arc-shaped inner wall, which is adapted to the outer wall of the first drum to fix the filter rod located in the first embedding groove.

Images