A limited-quantity tube discharge device and an expanded tobacco production line

The design of the limited-volume discharge device solves the problem of tobacco accumulation and adhesion at the outlet of the vibrating cabinet, achieving cleanliness and convenience, avoiding smoldering and tobacco waste, and improving production safety and product quality stability.

CN224449554UActive Publication Date: 2026-07-03CHINA TOBACCO JIANGSU INDAL

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
CHINA TOBACCO JIANGSU INDAL
Filing Date
2025-08-11
Publication Date
2026-07-03

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The cross-bracing structure at the outlet of the existing vibrating cabinet easily leads to the accumulation and adhesion of tobacco shreds, making cleaning difficult, resulting in smoldering and tobacco shred clumping, which affects production safety and product quality stability.

Method used

A limited-quantity tube discharge device is provided, including a first guide rail, a limited-quantity tube, an insert plate, and a fixing component. It connects and separates from the vibrating cabinet by sliding the limited-quantity tube, which facilitates cleaning and avoids the formation of a scale layer on tobacco and smoldering.

Benefits of technology

This improved production safety, prevented tobacco waste, and ensured the stable operation of the expanded tobacco production line and the stability of product quality.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN224449554U_ABST
    Figure CN224449554U_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

This utility model belongs to the technical field of cigarette equipment, and discloses a limiting tube discharge device and an expanded tobacco production line. The limiting tube discharge device includes a first guide rail, a limiting tube, an insert plate, and a fixing component. The first guide rail extends horizontally, and the limiting tube is slidably connected to the first guide rail. An inlet is provided above the limiting tube, and an outlet is provided below it. The insert plate is detachably connected to the limiting tube and blocks the outlet. The fixing component detachably connects the limiting tube to the vibrating cabinet. By sliding the limiting tube, the inlet and outlet are connected, and the vibrating cabinet starts working. When cleaning the vibrating cabinet and the limiting tube is required, the limiting tube is slid to a position away from the vibrating cabinet, allowing for separate cleaning of the limiting tube and the vibrating cabinet. This facilitates operation by staff and avoids mutual obstruction between the limiting tube and the vibrating cabinet during cleaning. This prevents frequent alarms and shutdowns in the expanded tobacco production line, improving production efficiency and the stability of tobacco quality.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of cigarette equipment technology, and in particular to a limited-quantity tube discharge device and an expanded tobacco production line. Background Technology

[0002] In the tobacco processing industry, especially in expanded tobacco production lines, vibrating cabinets are key feeding devices. Their function is to evenly and quantitatively spread the impregnated tobacco shreds onto the subsequent quantitative conveyor belt. Existing vibrating cabinets typically have a conical arc plate structure at the outlet, designed to guide and disperse the tobacco flow, forming a uniform layer on the quantitative belt. However, the inner side of this conical arc plate usually requires a fixed cross-shaped cross brace structure to enhance its structural rigidity and maintain shape stability.

[0003] However, tobacco shreds easily accumulate and adhere to various surfaces of the cross braces during transport (especially horizontal surfaces and corners). Because the outlet space of the metering tube (i.e., the channel between the vibrating cabinet outlet and the metering belt) is usually quite narrow, maintenance personnel find it difficult to thoroughly and effectively clean the cross braces in this area. This cleaning difficulty leads to the long-term accumulation of tobacco residue on the cross braces, forming a stubborn scale layer. Furthermore, the tobacco scale layer accumulated on the cross braces is prone to smoldering under the high-temperature environment of continuous equipment operation, threatening production safety.

[0004] Furthermore, when the impregnated tobacco falls directly onto the metering belt, as it enters the hot end (high-temperature processing zone, such as the expansion tower) to begin production, some of the tobacco begins to melt, significantly increasing its viscosity. This molten tobacco easily adheres to the inner wall of subsequent equipment (such as the feed airlock), gradually accumulating to form tobacco clumps. These clumps are highly susceptible to ignition or the formation of incandescent particles in a high-temperature environment, triggering the spark detection alarm system in the hot end (such as the expansion tower). To eliminate the fire hazard, the system will activate an automatic rejection device, removing the material containing sparks or incandescent particles along with a large amount of unignited, qualified tobacco from the surrounding area, resulting in a serious waste of raw tobacco materials.

[0005] When spark alarms trigger material rejection or smoldering events, the material flow to subsequent critical equipment (such as the re-moistening drum) is interrupted. This results in uneven and discontinuous material supply before the re-moistening drum, disrupting process stability. Fluctuations in the material flow directly affect the control accuracy of key process parameters such as moisture and temperature in the re-moistening process, ultimately leading to unstable and highly variable quality of expanded tobacco products. Frequent operator intervention to handle smoldering or spark alarms also increases downtime, further impacting production efficiency and product quality stability.

[0006] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a limited-quantity tube discharge device and a tobacco conveying equipment to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Utility Model Content

[0007] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a limiting tube discharge device and an expanded tobacco production line, which can adjust the position of the limiting tube to facilitate cleaning of the cross-shaped cross brace structure and the limiting tube of the vibrating cabinet.

[0008] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0009] On the one hand, a limited-quantity tube discharge device is provided, comprising:

[0010] The first guide rail extends horizontally;

[0011] A limiting tube is slidably connected to the first guide rail. The limiting tube has an inlet at the top and an outlet at the bottom.

[0012] An insert plate is detachably connected to the limiting tube, and the insert plate is used to seal the discharge port;

[0013] A fastener that allows the limiting tube to be detachably connected to the vibration cabinet.

[0014] Optionally, the side wall of the limiting tube is provided with an installation hole, and the insert plate extends into the limiting tube through the installation hole and seals the outlet.

[0015] Optionally, the fastener is a clamp, which can be fitted onto the outer wall of the limiting tube and the vibration cabinet and has an interference fit with the outer wall of the limiting tube and the vibration cabinet.

[0016] Optionally, the limited tube discharge device further includes a first support member, which is connected to the first guide rail and is used to fix the first guide rail.

[0017] Optionally, two first support members are provided, and the two first support members are spaced apart along the extension direction of the first guide rail.

[0018] Optionally, the limiting tube discharge device further includes a first detection element and an indicator light. The first detection element corresponds to the vibrating cabinet, and the first detection element is electrically connected to the indicator light. The limiting tube can trigger the first detection element.

[0019] Optionally, the limited tube discharge device further includes a second guide rail, which is parallel to the first guide rail, and the first detection element is connected to the second guide rail.

[0020] Optionally, the limiting tube discharge device further includes a second detection element, which is connected to the second guide rail and located away from the vibrating cabinet. The second detection element is electrically connected to the indicator light, and the limiting tube can trigger the second detection element.

[0021] Optionally, the limited tube discharge device further includes a second support member, which is connected to the second guide rail and is used to fix the second guide rail.

[0022] On the other hand, an expanded tobacco production line is provided, including a vibrating cabinet and the aforementioned limiting tube discharge device. The vibrating cabinet is provided with a feeding port, which can be connected to the inlet. The fixing member can detachably connect the limiting tube to the vibrating cabinet.

[0023] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0024] This embodiment provides a limiting tube discharge device and an expanded tobacco production line. The limiting tube discharge device includes a first guide rail, a limiting tube, an insert plate, and a fixing component. The first guide rail extends horizontally, and the limiting tube is slidably connected to the first guide rail. An inlet is provided above the limiting tube, and an outlet is provided below it. The insert plate is detachably connected to the limiting tube and seals the outlet. The fixing component detachably connects the limiting tube to a vibrating cabinet. By sliding the limiting tube, the inlet of the limiting tube is positioned corresponding to the feed inlet of the vibrating cabinet, and the feed inlet and inlet are connected. Then, the limiting tube is connected to the vibrating cabinet via the fixing component, and the insert plate is connected to the limiting tube and sealed at the outlet. At this time, the cold end of the expanded tobacco production line can begin production. Disconnecting the insert plate from the limiting tube and releasing the seal on the outlet allows the vibrating cabinet to start operating and vibrate to discharge the tobacco, at which point the hot end of the expanded tobacco production line can begin production. When cleaning the vibrating cabinet and the measuring tube is required, disassemble the fixing parts to disconnect the measuring tube from the vibrating cabinet. Slide the measuring tube to a position away from the vibrating cabinet, thus separating it from the cabinet. This allows for separate cleaning of the measuring tube and the vibrating cabinet, facilitating operator operation and preventing the measuring tube and the vibrating cabinet from obstructing each other during cleaning. This also prevents incomplete cleaning from causing smoldering of the tobacco scale layer accumulated on the cross braces, threatening production safety. Furthermore, it prevents the automatic rejection device from rejecting material containing sparks or hot particles along with a large amount of unburned, qualified tobacco, resulting in significant waste of raw tobacco materials. Finally, it avoids frequent alarms and shutdowns in the expanded tobacco production line, improving production efficiency and the stability of tobacco quality. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the limited tube discharge device and the vibration cabinet provided in this embodiment of the utility model.

[0026] In the picture:

[0027] 1. First guide rail; 2. Limiting tube; 3. Insert plate; 4. Fixing component; 5. First support component; 6. First detection element; 7. Indicator light; 8. Second guide rail; 9. Second detection element; 10. Second support component; 100. Vibration cabinet. Detailed Implementation

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] like Figure 1As shown, this embodiment provides an expanded tobacco production line, including a vibrating cabinet 100 and the aforementioned limiting tube discharge device. The limiting tube discharge device includes a first guide rail 1, a limiting tube 2, an insert plate 3, and a fixing member 4. The first guide rail 1 extends horizontally, and the limiting tube 2 is slidably connected to the first guide rail 1. An inlet is provided above the limiting tube 2, and an outlet is provided below it. The insert plate 3 is detachably connected to the limiting tube 2 and blocks the outlet. The fixing member 4 can detachably connect the limiting tube 2 to the vibrating cabinet 100. The vibrating cabinet 100 is provided with a feeding port, which can communicate with the feeding port. The fixing member 4 can detachably connect the limiting tube 2 to the vibrating cabinet 100.

[0033] By sliding the limiting tube 2, the inlet of the limiting tube 2 is positioned corresponding to the feed inlet of the vibrating cabinet 100, and the feed inlet and inlet are connected. Then, the limiting tube 2 is connected to the vibrating cabinet 100 via the fixing component 4. The insert plate 3 is connected to the limiting tube 2 and sealed at the discharge port. At this time, the cold end of the expanded tobacco production line can start production. Disconnecting the insert plate 3 from the limiting tube 2 and releasing the seal on the discharge port allows the vibrating cabinet 100 to start working and vibrate to discharge the material. At this time, the hot end of the expanded tobacco production line can start production. When it is necessary to clean the vibrating cabinet 100 and the limiting tube 2, the fixing component 4 is removed, disconnecting the limiting tube 2 from the vibrating cabinet 100. The limiting tube 2 is slid away from the vibrating cabinet 100, thus separating the limiting tube 2 from the vibrating cabinet 100. This allows for separate cleaning of the limiting tube 2 and the vibrating cabinet 100, facilitating operation and preventing the limiting tube 2 and the vibrating cabinet 100 from obstructing each other during cleaning. To prevent incomplete cleaning from causing smoldering of the tobacco residue buildup on the cross braces, which threatens production safety, this system is designed to prevent the automatic rejection device from discarding material containing sparks or hot particles along with a large amount of unburned, qualified tobacco, resulting in significant waste of raw tobacco materials. Furthermore, it avoids frequent alarms and shutdowns in the expanded tobacco production line, thus improving production efficiency and the stability of tobacco quality.

[0034] Specifically, the vibrating cabinet 100 is fixed by a bracket. The feeding port is located at the bottom of the vibrating cabinet 100, and the limiting tube 2 is located below the vibrating cabinet 100. A metering belt is located below the limiting tube 2, corresponding to the discharge port. Tobacco falls from the discharge port onto the metering belt, thus conveying the tobacco. The first guide rail 1 is elongated and located to the side of the limiting tube 2, with its extension direction being the same as the conveying direction of the metering belt. A groove is provided on the side arm of the limiting tube 2, and the first guide rail 1 is slidably connected to the groove. In other embodiments, a slider can also be installed on the side arm of the limiting tube 2, and the slider is slidably connected to the first guide rail 1.

[0035] Optionally, the limiting tube 2 has an installation hole on its side wall, through which the insert plate 3 extends into the limiting tube 2 and seals the outlet. When the cold end of the expanded tobacco production line is in operation, the insert plate 3 extends into the limiting tube 2 through the installation hole and seals the outlet; when the hot end of the expanded tobacco production line is in operation, the insert plate 3 is removed from the installation hole to release the seal on the outlet, allowing material to flow out. When cleaning the limiting tube 2, the insert plate 3 is removed from the installation hole to facilitate cleaning of the inside of the limiting tube 2.

[0036] Specifically, the shape of the mounting hole is adapted to the shape of the insert plate 3. The end of the insert plate 3 away from the limiting tube 2 can be fixed to the bracket of the vibration cabinet 100 by means of snap-fit ​​or screw connection.

[0037] Optionally, the fixing component 4 is a clamp, which can be fitted onto the outer wall of the limiting tube 2 and the vibration cabinet 100 and has an interference fit with the outer wall of the limiting tube 2 and the vibration cabinet 100, facilitating the connection and disassembly of the limiting tube 2 and the vibration cabinet 100. The specific structure of the clamp is based on the prior art and will not be described in detail here. In other embodiments, flanges can also be welded to the outer wall of the limiting tube 2 and the vibration cabinet 100 at their closest ends, and the flanges of the limiting tube 2 and the vibration cabinet 100 can be connected by bolts to fix the limiting tube 2 and the vibration cabinet 100.

[0038] Optionally, the quantity discharge device further includes a first support member 5, which is connected to the first guide rail 1 and is used to fix the first guide rail 1. Specifically, the first support member 5 is a support rod. Baffles are provided on both sides of the quantity conveyor belt along its width direction. One end of the first support member 5 can be connected to the first guide rail 1 by welding or screws, and the other end can be connected to one of the baffles by welding or screws.

[0039] Optionally, two first support members 5 are provided, and the two first support members 5 are spaced apart along the extension direction of the first guide rail 1 to improve the fixing strength of the first guide rail 1. Specifically, the two first support members 5 are arranged in parallel.

[0040] Optionally, the limiting tube discharge device also includes a first detection element 6 and an indicator light 7. The first detection element 6 corresponds to the vibrating cabinet 100 and is electrically connected to the indicator light 7. The limiting tube 2 can trigger the first detection element 6. When the limiting tube 2 slides to the position corresponding to the vibrating cabinet 100, the limiting tube 2 triggers the first detection element 6, which transmits a signal to the indicator light 7, causing the indicator light 7 to emit a green light. At this time, the vibrating cabinet 100 starts working. The indicator light 7 facilitates the observation of the working status of the expanded tobacco production line by the operator. Specifically, the indicator light 7 can be fixed to the first guide rail 1 with screws.

[0041] Optionally, the limited tube discharge device further includes a second guide rail 8, which is parallel to the first guide rail 1. The first detection element 6 is connected to the second guide rail 8 to facilitate its installation. Specifically, the first detection element 6 can be fixed to the second guide rail 8 with screws.

[0042] Optionally, the limiting tube discharge device also includes a second detection element 9. The second detection element 9 is connected to the second guide rail 8 and is located away from the vibrating cabinet 100. The second detection element 9 is electrically connected to the indicator light 7, and the limiting tube 2 can trigger the second detection element 9. When the limiting tube 2 slides to the position corresponding to the second detection element 9, the limiting tube 2 triggers the second detection element 9, and the second detection element 9 transmits a signal to the indicator light 7, causing the indicator light 7 to emit a red light. At this time, the expanded tobacco production line enters the maintenance mode, and the limiting tube 2 and the vibrating cabinet 100 can be cleaned. The indicator light 7 facilitates the observation of the working status of the expanded tobacco production line by the staff.

[0043] Optionally, the quantity discharge device further includes a second support member 10, which is connected to the second guide rail 8 and is used to fix the second guide rail 8. Specifically, the second support member 10 is a support rod. One end of the second support member 10 can be connected to the second guide rail 8 by welding or screw connection, and the other end can be connected to another baffle of the quantity conveyor belt by welding or screw connection.

[0044] Two second support members 10 are provided. The two second support members 10 are spaced apart and parallel to each other along the extension direction of the first guide rail 1 to improve the fixing strength of the second guide rail 8.

[0045] 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 metered tube dispensing device characterized by, include: First guide rail (1), the first guide rail (1) extends in the horizontal direction; A limiting tube (2) is slidably connected to the first guide rail (1). The limiting tube (2) has an inlet at the top and an outlet at the bottom. Insert plate (3), the insert plate (3) is detachably connected to the limiting tube (2), and the insert plate (3) is sealed at the discharge port; The fastener (4) is capable of detachably connecting the limiting tube (2) to the vibration cabinet (100).

2. The metered tube dispensing device of claim 1, wherein, The limiting tube (2) has an installation hole on its side wall. The insert plate (3) extends into the limiting tube (2) through the installation hole and seals the outlet.

3. The metered dose tube dispensing device of claim 1, wherein, The fastener (4) is a clamp, which can be fitted onto the outer wall of the limiting tube (2) and the vibration cabinet (100) and has an interference fit with the outer wall of the limiting tube (2) and the vibration cabinet (100).

4. The metered tube dispensing device of claim 1, wherein, The limited tube discharge device further includes a first support member (5), which is connected to the first guide rail (1) and is used to fix the first guide rail (1).

5. The limited-quantity tube discharge device according to claim 4, characterized in that, There are two first support members (5), and the two first support members (5) are spaced apart along the extension direction of the first guide rail (1).

6. The metered tube dispensing device of claim 1, wherein, The limiting tube discharge device also includes a first detection element (6) and an indicator light (7). The first detection element (6) corresponds to the vibration cabinet (100), and the first detection element (6) is electrically connected to the indicator light (7). The limiting tube (2) can trigger the first detection element (6).

7. The metered tube dispensing device of claim 6, wherein, The limited tube discharge device further includes a second guide rail (8), which is parallel to the first guide rail (1), and the first detection element (6) is connected to the second guide rail (8).

8. The metered tube dispensing device of claim 7, wherein, The limiting tube discharge device also includes a second detection element (9), which is connected to the second guide rail (8) and is away from the vibrating cabinet (100). The second detection element (9) is electrically connected to the indicator light (7), and the limiting tube (2) can trigger the second detection element (9).

9. The metered tube dispensing device of claim 7, wherein, The limited tube discharge device further includes a second support member (10), which is connected to the second guide rail (8) and is used to fix the second guide rail (8).

10. An expanded tobacco production line, characterised in that, Includes a vibrating cabinet (100) and a limiting tube discharge device as described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein the vibrating cabinet (100) is provided with a feeding port that can communicate with the inlet, and the fixing member (4) can detachably connect the limiting tube (2) to the vibrating cabinet (100).