A tobacco foreign matter removing device

Abstract

The utility model belongs to cigarette equipment technical field discloses a kind of tobacco foreign matter rejection device, including conveying mechanism, detection mechanism, rejection mechanism and control assembly.Conveying mechanism includes vibration groove, vibration groove can convey tobacco along first direction, and detection area is provided on vibration groove.Detection mechanism includes lighting element and camera, camera and lighting element are all arranged above detection area, the lens of camera is towards the detection area of vibration groove, camera can identify foreign matter in tobacco, and lighting element irradiates detection area, to make detection area have enough brightness.Rejection mechanism includes manipulator and recycler, control assembly is connected with camera and manipulator, camera can transmit detection signal to control assembly to the foreign matter identified, and control assembly controls manipulator to clamp foreign matter to recycler according to detection signal.Through manipulator clamping foreign matter in tobacco can accurately reject foreign matter in tobacco, reduce the loss of tobacco.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of cigarette equipment technology, and in particular to a tobacco foreign matter removal device. Background Technology

[0002] In the tobacco processing industry, non-tobacco foreign objects, such as plastic fragments and paper scraps, are often mixed into the tobacco shreds after the cutting process. Currently, the industry generally uses manual sorting to remove foreign objects. After visually identifying foreign objects on the vibrating conveyor, operators manually open the gate to release the tobacco shreds containing foreign objects, which are then manually sorted and returned to the production line. However, manual sorting is prone to missed detections or improper handling after discovery, causing foreign objects to be conveyed to subsequent processes.

[0003] To improve the efficiency of foreign object removal, existing technologies employ high-frequency pulsed air jet foreign object removal devices. These devices detect foreign objects using an X-ray imager and remove them from the tobacco using compressed air nozzles.

[0004] However, while compressed air nozzles remove foreign objects from tobacco, they also remove some tobacco shreds, resulting in significant tobacco loss. This necessitates a pneumatic seal modification of the conveyor to control tobacco loss, which is costly. Furthermore, removing foreign objects from the tobacco shreds via compressed air nozzles can easily blow tobacco shreds and foreign objects onto the outside of the vibrating conveyor, contaminating the working environment. In addition, X-ray imaging equipment is expensive and emits radiation, making it unsuitable for food-grade processing. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a tobacco foreign matter removal device that can accurately remove foreign matter from tobacco, ensuring low tobacco loss and preventing tobacco and foreign matter from contaminating the working environment. At the same time, it is low in cost and suitable for food-grade processing.

[0006] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A device for removing foreign matter from tobacco is provided, comprising:

[0008] A conveying mechanism, the conveying mechanism including a vibrating trough, the vibrating trough being able to convey tobacco shreds along a first direction, and a detection area being provided on the vibrating trough;

[0009] The detection mechanism includes an illumination element and a camera. Both the camera and the illumination element are positioned above the detection area. The lens of the camera faces the detection area of ​​the vibration groove. The camera is capable of identifying foreign objects in the tobacco. The illumination element illuminates the detection area.

[0010] The rejection mechanism includes a robotic arm and a collector, wherein the robotic arm is capable of picking up foreign objects from the tobacco in the detection area and transferring them to the collector;

[0011] A control component is communicatively connected to the camera and the robotic arm. The camera can transmit a detection signal of a foreign object to the control component, and the control component controls the robotic arm to pick up the foreign object and transfer it to the recycling unit based on the detection signal.

[0012] Optionally, the conveying mechanism further includes a guide plate, which is disposed at the input end of the vibrating trough and extends along the second direction, with both ends of the guide plate along the second direction connected to the sidewall of the vibrating trough.

[0013] Optionally, the vibrating groove includes a first sub-vibrating groove and a second sub-vibrating groove, the output end of the first sub-vibrating groove is connected to the input end of the second sub-vibrating groove, the guide plate is disposed in the first sub-vibrating groove, and the detection area is disposed in the second sub-vibrating groove.

[0014] Optionally, the tobacco foreign object removal device further includes a background plate, which is installed in the detection area, and the tobacco can pass over the background plate.

[0015] Optionally, the conveying mechanism further includes a tilting plate, which is disposed at the input end of the vibrating groove, and the end of the tilting plate away from the detection area is provided with an upwardly inclined flange.

[0016] Optionally, one end of the flipping plate near the detection area overlaps the background plate, and the other end is tilted downward and abuts against the bottom of the vibrating groove.

[0017] Optionally, the control component includes a computer and a programmable logic controller (PLC), the computer and the PLC are communicatively connected, and the camera and the robotic arm are both communicatively connected to the computer.

[0018] Optionally, the tobacco foreign object removal device further includes an alarm, and the control component further includes a serial port relay. The alarm is communicatively connected to the serial port relay, and the serial port relay is communicatively connected to the computer.

[0019] Optionally, the tobacco foreign object removal device further includes a support assembly, on which the camera and the lighting element are mounted.

[0020] Optionally, the camera is communicatively connected to the lighting element, and the camera can be turned on and off synchronously with the lighting element.

[0021] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0022] This invention provides a foreign object removal device for tobacco shreds, including a conveying mechanism, a detection mechanism, a removal mechanism, and a control component. The conveying mechanism includes a vibrating trough capable of conveying tobacco shreds along a first direction, and a detection area is provided on the trough. By vibrating and conveying the tobacco shreds through the trough, the tobacco shreds within the trough can be evenly spread, resulting in a more uniform thickness of the tobacco shred layer and reducing the overall thickness of the tobacco shred layer, thus making it easier to detect foreign objects in the tobacco shreds. The detection mechanism includes an illumination element and a camera, both positioned above the detection area. The camera lens faces the detection area of ​​the vibrating trough, enabling the camera to identify foreign objects in the tobacco shreds. The illumination element illuminates the detection area to provide sufficient brightness, making it easier for the camera to identify foreign objects in the tobacco shreds. Furthermore, the camera has a lower cost, making it more suitable for food-grade processing when identifying foreign objects in tobacco shreds. The removal mechanism includes a robotic arm and a collector. The robotic arm can pick up foreign objects from the tobacco in the detection area and transfer them to the collector. The control component is connected to the camera and the robotic arm. The camera transmits the detection signal of the foreign object to the control component, which then controls the robotic arm to pick up the foreign object and transfer it to the collector based on the detection signal. Using the robotic arm to pick up foreign objects from the tobacco allows for precise removal of foreign objects, reducing tobacco loss. Furthermore, transferring foreign objects to the collector prevents tobacco and foreign objects from contaminating the working environment. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the tobacco foreign matter removal device provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the control principle of the tobacco foreign object removal device provided in this embodiment of the utility model.

[0025] In the picture:

[0026] 1. Conveying mechanism; 11. Vibrating trough; 111. First sub-vibrating trough; 112. Second sub-vibrating trough; 12. Guide plate; 13. Tilting plate;

[0027] 2. Inspection mechanism; 21. Lighting element; 22. Camera; 3. Rejection mechanism; 31. Robotic arm; 32. Recycler;

[0028] 4. Control components; 41. Computer; 42. Programmable logic controller; 43. Serial port relay;

[0029] 5. Background panel; 6. Alarm; 7. Support assembly; 71. First support rod; 72. Second support rod. Detailed Implementation

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] like Figure 1As shown, this embodiment provides a tobacco foreign object removal device, including a conveying mechanism 1, a detection mechanism 2, a removal mechanism 3, and a control component 4. The conveying mechanism 1 includes a vibrating trough 11, which conveys tobacco shreds along a first direction. A detection area is provided on the vibrating trough 11. By vibrating and conveying the tobacco shreds through the vibrating trough 11, the tobacco shreds within the trough 11 can be evenly spread, resulting in a more uniform thickness of the tobacco shred layer and reducing the overall thickness of the tobacco shred layer, thus making it easier to detect foreign objects in the tobacco shreds. The detection mechanism 2 includes an illumination element 21 and a camera 22. Both the camera 22 and the illumination element 21 are positioned above the detection area. The lens of the camera 22 faces the detection area of ​​the vibrating trough 11, enabling the camera 22 to identify foreign objects in the tobacco shreds. The illumination element 21 illuminates the detection area to provide sufficient brightness, making it easier for the camera 22 to identify foreign objects in the tobacco shreds. Furthermore, the camera 22 has a lower cost, making it more suitable for food-grade processing when identifying foreign objects in tobacco shreds. The removal mechanism 3 includes a robotic arm 31 and a collector 32. The robotic arm 31 can pick up foreign objects from the tobacco in the detection area and transfer them to the collector 32. The control component 4 is communicatively connected to the camera 22 and the robotic arm 31. The camera 22 can transmit the detection signal of the detected foreign object to the control component 4. The control component 4 controls the robotic arm 31 to pick up the foreign object and transfer it to the collector 32 based on the detection signal. By picking up foreign objects from the tobacco with the robotic arm 31, foreign objects can be accurately removed, reducing tobacco loss. Furthermore, picking up foreign objects from the tobacco and transferring them to the collector 32 can prevent tobacco and foreign objects from contaminating the working environment.

[0035] Specifically, the first direction is the length direction of the vibrating groove 11, and the second direction is the width direction of the vibrating groove 11. The vibration frequency range of the vibrating groove 11 is 3-8 Hz. The detection area is located on the side away from the input end of the vibrating groove 11 to ensure that the tobacco can be evenly spread. The detection area is rectangular, and the length of the detection area along the second direction is equal to the width of the vibrating groove 11, ensuring that all the tobacco can pass through the detection area and avoiding missed detection due to tobacco not passing through the detection area. The camera 22 corresponds to the center position of the detection area, and the lighting element 21 is a light strip extending along the second direction. The collector 32 is a collection box, installed on the outer wall of one side of the vibrating groove 11. The robotic arm 31 is located on the same side as the collector 32. The robotic arm 31 is provided with a support part and a gripping part. The support part is used to fix the robotic arm 31, and the gripping part is movably connected to the support part. The gripping part can grip foreign objects in the tobacco in the detection area and transfer them to the collector 32. Among them, the robotic arm 31 is a spider-arm robot. The specific movement method of the robotic arm 31 refers to the existing technology, which will not be described in detail here.

[0036] Optionally, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the control component 4 includes a computer 41 and a programmable logic controller 42. The computer 41 and the programmable logic controller 42 are communicatively connected. The camera 22 and the robotic arm 31 are also communicatively connected to the computer 41. Through the coordinated operation of the computer 41 and the programmable logic controller 42, the movement position of the robotic arm 31 can be precisely controlled, improving the accuracy of the robotic arm 31's grasping.

[0037] Specifically, the computer 41 is located on the side of the vibrating trough 11 facing away from the robotic arm 31. The programmable logic controller (PLC) 42 and the robotic arm 31 are connected to the computer 41 via Ethernet. The computer 41 is equipped with a dedicated graphics card capable of deep neural network inference, used for communication with the camera 22, the robotic arm 31, and the PLC 42. When the vibrating trough 11 is running, the PLC 42 controls the camera 22 to open; when the vibrating trough 11 stops running, the PLC 42 controls the camera 22 to close, ensuring synchronized operation between the vibrating trough 11 and the camera 22. The computer 41 also includes image recognition software. This software processes the image information captured by the camera 22 and converts it into control commands for the PLC 42. The PLC 42 then controls the robotic arm 31 to precisely pick up foreign objects from the tobacco and place them in the recycling bin 32. Both the computer 41 and the PLC 42 are existing technologies in this field and will not be described in detail here.

[0038] Furthermore, the tobacco foreign object removal device also includes an alarm 6, and the control component 4 also includes a serial port relay 43. The alarm 6 is connected to the serial port relay 43, and the serial port relay 43 is connected to the computer 41. When the camera 22 detects foreign objects in the tobacco, it controls the alarm 6 to issue an alarm message through the serial port relay 43 so that the staff can know that there are foreign objects in the tobacco and then check them.

[0039] Specifically, alarm 6 is an audible and visual alarm, installed on the top of computer 41. Both serial relay 43 and computer 41 are equipped with USB interfaces, and are connected via a data cable with USB connectors at both ends. Computer 41 transmits the recognition results from image recognition software to serial relay 43. If a foreign object is detected in the tobacco, serial relay 43 controls alarm 6 to emit an audible and visual alarm signal. Both serial relay 43 and the audible and visual alarm are existing technologies in this field and will not be described in detail here.

[0040] Optionally, the camera 22 is communicatively connected to the lighting element 21, and the camera 22 can be synchronously turned on and off with the lighting element 21. When the camera 22 is in the on state, the camera 22 controls the lighting element 21 to turn on; when the camera 22 is in the off state, the camera 22 controls the lighting element 21 to turn off. The synchronous turning on and off of the camera 22 and the lighting element 21 can ensure the brightness of the camera 22 during detection.

[0041] Optionally, the conveying mechanism 1 further includes a guide plate 12, which is disposed at the input end of the vibrating trough 11 and extends along the second direction. Both ends of the guide plate 12 along the second direction are connected to the sidewall of the vibrating trough 11. Through the action of the guide plate 12, the tobacco shreds layer can be made thinner and more uniform, making it easier for the camera 22 to identify foreign objects in the tobacco shreds.

[0042] Specifically, the guide plate 12 is elongated and extends along the second direction, perpendicular to the bottom of the vibrating trough 11. The guide plate 12 is symmetrically arranged about the center along the second direction, and the height of the middle part of the guide plate 12 is greater than the height of both ends, allowing the tobacco shreds to spread out at both ends, further reducing the thickness of the tobacco shred layer. The guide plate 12 can be fixed to the sidewall of the vibrating trough 11 by welding or screw connection, etc., but this embodiment does not limit this method.

[0043] Optionally, the vibrating trough 11 includes a first sub-vibrating trough 111 and a second sub-vibrating trough 112. The output end of the first sub-vibrating trough 111 is connected to the input end of the second sub-vibrating trough 112, facilitating the processing and manufacturing of the vibrating trough 11. A guide plate 12 is disposed in the first sub-vibrating trough 111, and a detection area is disposed in the second sub-vibrating trough 112. A certain distance is maintained between the guide plate 12 and the detection area to ensure that the tobacco shreds fed into the detection area are evenly spread. Specifically, the guide plate 12 is disposed at the end of the first sub-vibrating trough 111 away from the second sub-vibrating trough 112, increasing the distance between the guide plate 12 and the detection area. The first sub-vibrating trough 111 and the second vibrating trough 112 can be fixed by welding.

[0044] Optionally, the tobacco foreign object removal device also includes a background plate 5, which is installed in the detection area, allowing tobacco to pass over it. The background plate 5 makes it easier for the camera 22 to identify foreign objects in the tobacco.

[0045] Specifically, the background plate 5 is the same size as the detection area, allowing it to completely cover the detection area. The background plate 5 is a brown acrylic sheet. In other embodiments, the background plate 5 can also be an acrylic sheet or a plastic sheet of other colors.

[0046] Optionally, the conveying mechanism 1 also includes a turning plate 13, which is disposed at the input end of the vibrating groove 11. The end of the turning plate 13 away from the detection area is provided with an upwardly inclined flange. When the tobacco passes through the turning plate 13, the turning flange can turn the tobacco over and spread it out more evenly, making it easier for foreign objects in the tobacco to be on the upper side of the tobacco material layer, thus making it easier for the camera 22 to detect them.

[0047] Furthermore, one end of the flipping plate 13 near the detection area overlaps with the background plate 5, and the other end is tilted downward and abuts against the bottom of the vibrating trough 11. Due to the tilted setting of the flipping plate 13, the tobacco shreds after being flipped are conveyed upward to the background plate 5, further reducing the thickness of the tobacco shred layer.

[0048] Optionally, the tobacco foreign object removal device also includes a support assembly 7, on which the camera 22 and the lighting element 21 are mounted. The support assembly 7 is used to fix the camera 22 and the lighting element 21, and can also fix the data cable connected to the control assembly 4.

[0049] Specifically, the support assembly 7 includes a first support rod 71 and a second support rod 72. The first support rod 71 extends vertically and is fixed to the side wall of the computer 41 facing the vibration groove 11. The second support rod 72 is vertically connected to the first support rod 71 and extends in a second direction above the vibration groove 11. The camera 22 and the lighting element 21 are both mounted on the second support rod 72.

[0050] 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 device for removing foreign matter from tobacco shreds, characterized in that, include: The conveying mechanism (1) includes a vibrating groove (11) which is capable of conveying tobacco shreds along a first direction, and a detection area is provided on the vibrating groove (11). The detection mechanism (2) includes an illumination element (21) and a camera (22). The camera (22) and the illumination element (21) are both located above the detection area. The lens of the camera (22) faces the detection area of ​​the vibration groove (11). The camera (22) can identify foreign objects in the tobacco. The illumination element (21) illuminates the detection area. The rejection mechanism (3) includes a robotic arm (31) and a collector (32). The robotic arm (31) is capable of picking up foreign objects from the tobacco in the detection area and transferring them to the collector (32). The control component (4) is communicatively connected to the camera (22) and the robotic arm (31). The camera (22) can transmit the detection signal of the detected foreign object to the control component (4). The control component (4) controls the robotic arm (31) to pick up the foreign object and transfer it to the recycler (32) according to the detection signal.

2. The tobacco foreign matter removal device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conveying mechanism (1) further includes a guide plate (12), which is disposed at the input end of the vibrating groove (11) and extends along the second direction. Both ends of the guide plate (12) along the second direction are connected to the side wall of the vibrating groove (11).

3. The tobacco foreign matter removal device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The vibration groove (11) includes a first sub-vibration groove (111) and a second sub-vibration groove (112). The output end of the first sub-vibration groove (111) is connected to the input end of the second sub-vibration groove (112). The guide plate (12) is disposed in the first sub-vibration groove (111), and the detection area is disposed in the second sub-vibration groove (112).

4. The tobacco foreign matter removal device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tobacco foreign object removal device also includes a background plate (5), which is installed in the detection area, and the tobacco can pass over the background plate (5).

5. The tobacco foreign matter removal device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The conveying mechanism (1) further includes a tilting plate (13), which is located at the input end of the vibrating groove (11). The end of the tilting plate (13) away from the detection area is provided with an upwardly inclined flange.

6. The tobacco foreign matter removal device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The flipping plate (13) has one end near the detection area attached to the background plate (5), and the other end tilts downward and abuts against the bottom of the vibration groove (11).

7. The tobacco foreign matter removal device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control component (4) includes a computer (41) and a programmable logic controller (42), which are communicatively connected. The camera (22) and the robotic arm (31) are also communicatively connected to the computer (41).

8. The tobacco foreign matter removal device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The tobacco foreign object removal device also includes an alarm (6), and the control component (4) also includes a serial port relay (43). The alarm (6) is communicatively connected to the serial port relay (43), and the serial port relay (43) is communicatively connected to the computer (41).

9. The tobacco foreign matter removal device according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The tobacco foreign object removal device also includes a support assembly (7), on which the camera (22) and the lighting element (21) are mounted.

10. The tobacco foreign matter removal device according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The camera (22) is communicatively connected to the lighting element (21), and the camera (22) can be turned on and off synchronously with the lighting element (21).

Images