Sorting device

Abstract

The application relates to a sorting device. A conveying mechanism is used for conveying material to be sorted; a detection mechanism is arranged outside the conveying mechanism and is used for identifying target material in the material to be sorted; and a rejection mechanism is arranged outside the conveying mechanism and is electrically connected to the detection mechanism, and the rejection mechanism is used for rejecting the target material when the detection mechanism identifies the target material. In the sorting device, the material to be sorted refers to a mixture of lumpy tobacco and qualified tobacco, and the target material to be rejected refers to the lumpy tobacco. The detection mechanism can identify the lumpy tobacco, and the rejection mechanism can reject the lumpy tobacco, so that the interference of the lumpy tobacco can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of tobacco processing technology, and in particular to a sorting device. Background Technology

[0002] In the cigarette production process, tobacco shreds are the core raw material, and their quality directly determines the quality and taste of cigarettes. However, during the production, transportation, and subsequent processing of tobacco shreds, various factors can easily lead to clumps of tobacco shreds. These clumps not only differ significantly in shape from normal tobacco shreds but also have numerous negative impacts on the cigarette production process and product quality.

[0003] After drying, clumps of tobacco significantly impact the tobacco processing and cigarette manufacturing process. From a production flow perspective, the presence of clumps severely disrupts the smooth flow of tobacco. Clumps can cause localized blockages in conveyor pipes or belts, hindering the normal flow of tobacco and leading to uneven feeding in subsequent processes, ultimately affecting the stable operation of the entire production line. Furthermore, during tobacco filling in the cigarette machine, clumps are difficult to distribute evenly into the cigarettes, resulting in excessive weight deviations and defects such as slub-like tobacco strands, failing to meet cigarette production quality standards.

[0004] The information disclosed in this background section is intended only to enhance the understanding of the overall background of this utility model and should not be construed as an admission or in any way implying that the information constitutes prior art known to those skilled in the art. Utility Model Content

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a sorting device to address the problem of clumps of tobacco that may appear during the cigarette production process.

[0006] A sorting device, comprising:

[0007] Conveying mechanisms are used to transport materials to be sorted.

[0008] A detection mechanism is located outside the conveying mechanism and is used to identify target materials in the materials to be sorted.

[0009] A rejection mechanism is located outside the conveying mechanism and electrically connected to the detection mechanism. The rejection mechanism is used to reject the target material when the detection mechanism identifies the target material.

[0010] In one embodiment, the sorting device further includes a sorting container, which has a sorting cavity and a rejection port communicating with the sorting cavity. The conveying mechanism conveys the material to be sorted into the sorting cavity. The detection mechanism and the rejection mechanism are both connected to the sorting container. The rejection mechanism is used to reject the target material to the rejection port.

[0011] In one embodiment, the sorting device further includes an opening and closing mechanism disposed at the rejection port and electrically connected to the detection mechanism. The opening and closing mechanism is used to close the rejection port when the detection mechanism does not identify the target material, and to open the rejection port when the detection mechanism identifies the target material.

[0012] In one embodiment, the opening and closing mechanism includes an opening and closing drive member and a door panel. The opening and closing drive member is electrically connected to the detection mechanism, the opening and closing drive member is driven to the door panel, and the door panel is movably connected to the sorting container.

[0013] In one embodiment, the opening / closing drive includes a first solenoid valve and a cylinder. The first solenoid valve is electrically connected to the detection mechanism and is simultaneously connected to a first air source and the cylinder. The cylinder is driven and connected to the door panel.

[0014] In one embodiment, the rejection mechanism includes a pneumatic drive and an air blower, the pneumatic drive being electrically connected to the detection mechanism and simultaneously connected to a second air source and the air blower.

[0015] In one embodiment, the pneumatic drive includes a second solenoid valve electrically connected to the detection mechanism and simultaneously connected to the second air source and the air blower.

[0016] In one embodiment, the detection mechanism includes a camera and a controller, the controller being electrically connected to the camera and the rejection mechanism, the camera being used to identify target materials among the materials to be sorted.

[0017] In one embodiment, the detection mechanism includes a first detection mechanism and a second detection mechanism both disposed outside the conveying mechanism, and the rejection mechanism includes a first rejection mechanism and a second rejection mechanism both disposed outside the conveying mechanism. The first detection mechanism and the first rejection mechanism are located upstream of the second detection mechanism and the second rejection mechanism along the conveying direction of the conveying mechanism. The first detection mechanism is used to initially identify the target material in the material to be sorted, and the first rejection mechanism is used to initially reject the target material. The second detection mechanism is used to identify the target material remaining in the material to be sorted, and the second rejection mechanism is used to reject the remaining target material.

[0018] In one embodiment, the conveying mechanism includes a conveyor belt, a drive assembly, and a support assembly. The drive assembly is rotatably connected to the support assembly and drives the conveyor belt to rotate. The conveyor belt is used to convey the material to be sorted.

[0019] The material to be sorted in the aforementioned sorting device refers to a mixture containing clumps of tobacco and qualified tobacco, while the target material to be removed is the clumps of tobacco. The detection mechanism can identify clumps of tobacco, and the removal mechanism can remove them, thereby reducing interference from clumps of tobacco. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the conventional technology, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the conventional technology will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the disclosed drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a sorting device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a sorting device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0023] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 100, sorting device; 1, conveying mechanism; 2, detection mechanism; 201, first detection mechanism; 202, second detection mechanism; 21, camera; 3, rejection mechanism; 301, first rejection mechanism; 302, second rejection mechanism; 31, air blowing; 4, sorting container; 41, rejection port; 5, opening and closing mechanism; 51, door panel; 52, opening and closing drive component; 521, first solenoid valve. Detailed Implementation

[0024] 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.

[0025] During cigarette production, clumps of tobacco are generated alongside the production of qualified tobacco. Qualified tobacco is long, loose, and naturally dispersed without sticking together. Clumps, on the other hand, are irregular, tightly packed, and difficult to disperse due to the adhesion of tobacco strands. Clumps cause uneven density during cigarette rolling, resulting in defects such as hard spots and looseness, affecting burning speed and flavor stability. They can also clog equipment and reduce production efficiency, therefore needing to be removed during production.

[0026] Please see Figure 1 To address the issue of clumps of tobacco shreds occurring during cigarette production, this application provides a sorting device 100, including a conveying mechanism 1, a detection mechanism 2, and a rejection mechanism 3. The conveying mechanism 1 conveys the material to be sorted; the detection mechanism 2 is located outside the conveying mechanism 1 and identifies target material within the material to be sorted; the rejection mechanism 3 is located outside the conveying mechanism 1 and electrically connected to the detection mechanism 2, and is used to reject the target material when the detection mechanism 2 identifies it. It is understood that the material to be sorted refers to a mixture containing clumps of tobacco shreds and qualified tobacco shreds, and the target material to be rejected refers to the clumps of tobacco shreds. The detection mechanism 2 can identify clumps of tobacco shreds, and the rejection mechanism 3 can remove them, thereby reducing interference from clumps of tobacco shreds.

[0027] In an optional embodiment, the conveying mechanism 1 can be a belt conveyor, a conveying trough, or a conveying pipe, etc., which can realize the continuous transmission of materials to be sorted.

[0028] In some embodiments, the conveying mechanism 1 includes a conveyor belt, a drive assembly, and a support assembly. The drive assembly is rotatably connected to the support assembly and drives the conveyor belt to rotate. The conveyor belt is used to transport the material to be sorted. The drive assembly drives the conveyor belt to rotate at a constant speed through a stable power output, ensuring that the material to be sorted passes through the detection mechanism 2 and the rejection mechanism 3 at a constant speed, avoiding detection delays or rejection misalignments caused by fluctuations in transmission speed. The continuous operation of the conveyor belt enables uninterrupted material transport, improving overall sorting efficiency. The flat conveying surface of the conveyor belt allows the material to be sorted to be evenly spread, reducing stacking or obstruction, making it easier for the detection mechanism 2 to clearly identify material characteristics and reducing misjudgments caused by material disorder.

[0029] Understandably, the drive assembly includes a drive motor, a synchronous pulley, a synchronous belt, a drive roller, and a driven roller. The synchronous pulley is located at the output end of the drive motor and one end of the drive roller, and the synchronous belt is wound around the synchronous pulley. Both the drive roller and the driven roller are rotatably connected to the support assembly, and the conveyor belt is wound around both the drive roller and the driven roller simultaneously. The drive motor rotates, driving the drive roller to rotate via the synchronous pulley and the synchronous belt, which in turn drives the conveyor belt and the driven roller to rotate.

[0030] Please see Figure 2 In some embodiments, the sorting device 100 further includes a sorting container 4, which has a sorting chamber and a rejection port 41 communicating with the sorting chamber. The conveying mechanism 1 conveys the material to be sorted into the sorting chamber. The detection mechanism 2 and the rejection mechanism 3 are both connected to the sorting container 4. The rejection mechanism 3 is used to reject the target material to the rejection port 41. Setting up the sorting container 4 can provide a stable environment for the operation of the detection mechanism 2 and the rejection mechanism 3, reducing external interference. The rejection mechanism 3 rejects the target material to the rejection port 41, which facilitates the unified collection and processing of the target material.

[0031] In an optional implementation, the detection mechanism 2 may be a camera recognition or an infrared sensor recognition, etc.

[0032] Please see Figure 2 In some embodiments, the detection mechanism 2 includes a camera 21 and a controller. The controller is electrically connected to the camera 21 and the rejection mechanism 3. The camera 21 is used to identify target materials among the materials to be sorted. The camera 21 can accurately distinguish target materials (such as clumps of tobacco) from qualified materials, reducing missed or false detections caused by misjudgment of features. When the camera 21 identifies clumps of tobacco, it transmits a target signal to the controller, which then controls the rejection mechanism 3 to reject the clumps of tobacco.

[0033] In an optional implementation, camera 21 can be a Hikvision CS series industrial camera, capable of photographing highly dynamic objects, or other cameras suitable for photographing dynamic objects can be selected. Camera 21 identifies clumps of tobacco shreds using a Python program. The identification steps include reading the image (imread), converting it to a grayscale image (cvtColor), applying Gaussian blur to remove noise (GaussianBlur), using Canny edge detection, using Hough transform to detect curves, counting and statistically analyzing lengths, calculating and displaying the results, and transmitting control signals to the rejection mechanism 3.

[0034] Please see Figure 2 In some embodiments, the sorting device 100 further includes an opening and closing mechanism 5, which is disposed at the rejection port 41 and electrically connected to the detection mechanism 2. The opening and closing mechanism 5 is used to close the rejection port 41 when the detection mechanism 2 does not identify the target material, and to open the rejection port 41 when the detection mechanism 2 identifies the target material. The opening and closing mechanism 5 prevents non-target material, i.e., qualified tobacco, from leaking out of the rejection port 41, thus ensuring sorting purity.

[0035] Understandably, the opening and closing mechanism 5 is connected to the detection mechanism 2 via a circuit, receiving the identification signal from the detection mechanism 2 in real time. When the detection mechanism 2 does not identify the target material (clump of tobacco), it transmits a "no target" signal; when the detection mechanism 2 identifies the target material (clump of tobacco), it transmits a "target present" signal. When a "no target" signal is received, the opening and closing mechanism 5 is in the closed state to prevent qualified tobacco from accidentally flowing out of the rejection port 41. When a "target present" signal is received, the opening and closing mechanism 5 responds quickly, opening the rejection port 41 to provide a channel for the rejection of clumps of tobacco.

[0036] In an optional implementation, the opening and closing mechanism 5 may include a baffle driven by a solenoid valve, or a pneumatic gate, etc.

[0037] Please see Figure 2 In some embodiments, the opening and closing mechanism 5 includes an opening and closing drive component 52 and a door panel 51. The opening and closing drive component 52 is electrically connected to the detection mechanism 2, and the opening and closing drive component 52 is driven to the door panel 51. The door panel 51 is movably connected to the sorting container 4. In optional embodiments, the opening and closing drive component 52 may be a motor or a cylinder. When the detection mechanism 2 transmits a no-target signal to the opening and closing drive component 52, the opening and closing drive component 52 stops operating, and the door panel 51 continues to block the rejection port 41. When the detection mechanism 2 transmits a target signal to the opening and closing drive component 52, the opening and closing drive component 52 opens, driving the door panel 51 to move away from the rejection port 41, thereby forming a rejection channel.

[0038] In an optional implementation, the movable connection between the door panel 51 and the sorting container 4 can be a sliding connection or a flip-up connection. For example, a sliding connection can be achieved through a slide rail or groove, or a flip-up connection can be achieved through a hinge or the like.

[0039] Please see Figure 2 In some embodiments, the opening / closing drive component 52 includes a first solenoid valve 521 and a cylinder. The first solenoid valve 521 is electrically connected to the detection mechanism 2 and is simultaneously connected to a first air source and the cylinder. The cylinder is driven and connected to the door panel 51. The first solenoid valve 521 controls the cylinder's action with a fast response speed, accurately matching the rejection timing in high-speed production and preventing the omission of target materials or misoperation. The cylinder is powered by compressed air, providing uniform and controllable output force, and can stably drive the door panel 51 to open and close, ensuring that the rejection port 41 is reliably sealed or fully opened. Direct electrical connection between the first solenoid valve 521 and the detection mechanism 2 eliminates the need for complex control logic, facilitating integration and maintenance, and reducing costs.

[0040] Please see Figure 2Understandably, when the detection mechanism 2 does not identify the target material (clump of tobacco), it transmits a no-target signal; when the detection mechanism 2 identifies the target material (clump of tobacco), it transmits a target-target signal. When the first solenoid valve 521 receives a no-target signal, it is closed, blocking the first air source and the cylinder, the cylinder stops working, and the door plate 51 closes the rejection port 41. When the first solenoid valve 521 receives a target-target signal, it is open, connecting the first air source and the cylinder, and the cylinder drives the door plate 51 to open the rejection port 41, providing a channel for the rejection of clumps of tobacco.

[0041] In an optional embodiment, the first solenoid valve 521 is electrically connected to the controller of the detection mechanism 2, and the first solenoid valve 521 is used to receive the target signal or no target signal from the controller.

[0042] In an optional implementation, the rejection mechanism 3 may be an airflow nozzle or a mechanical gripper.

[0043] Please see Figure 2 In some embodiments, the rejection mechanism 3 includes a pneumatic drive and an air blower 31. The pneumatic drive is electrically connected to the detection mechanism 2 and is also connected to a second air source and the air blower 31. The pneumatic drive has a fast response speed and can trigger the air blower 31 instantly after the detection mechanism 2 identifies the target material, accurately blowing the target material towards the rejection port 41, reducing missed rejections or false rejections.

[0044] In an optional implementation, the first and second air sources can be high-pressure air tanks or air compressors, etc.

[0045] In some embodiments, the pneumatic actuator includes a second solenoid valve, which is electrically connected to the detection mechanism 2 and simultaneously connected to a second air source and an air blower 31. When energized, the second solenoid valve can instantly switch the airflow, driving the air blower 31 to move rapidly and precisely match the rejection timing after the detection mechanism 2 identifies the target, adapting to the high-speed production pace.

[0046] Understandably, when the detection mechanism 2 does not identify the target material (clump of tobacco), it transmits a no-target signal; when the detection mechanism 2 identifies the target material (clump of tobacco), it transmits a target-positive signal. When the second solenoid valve receives a no-target signal, it is closed, blocking the second air source and the air blower 31, and the air blower 31 stops working. When the second solenoid valve receives a target-positive signal, it is open, connecting the second air source and the air blower 31, and the air blower 31 blows the target material, i.e., the clump of tobacco, to the rejection port 41.

[0047] In an optional implementation, the second solenoid valve is electrically connected to the controller of the detection mechanism 2, and the second solenoid valve is used to receive the target signal or no target signal from the controller.

[0048] Please see Figure 1 In some embodiments, the detection mechanism 2 includes a first detection mechanism 201 and a second detection mechanism 202 both located outside the conveying mechanism 1, and the rejection mechanism 3 includes a first rejection mechanism 301 and a second rejection mechanism 302 both located outside the conveying mechanism 1. The first detection mechanism 201 and the first rejection mechanism 301 are located upstream of the second detection mechanism 202 and the second rejection mechanism 302 along the conveying direction of the conveying mechanism 1. The first detection mechanism 201 is used to initially identify the target material in the material to be sorted, and the first rejection mechanism 301 is used to initially reject the target material. The second detection mechanism 202 is used to identify the target material in the remaining material to be sorted, and the second rejection mechanism 302 is used to reject the remaining target material. The first detection mechanism 201 first identifies the material, and the first rejection mechanism 301 simultaneously performs the initial rejection, which can handle most obvious target materials (such as large-volume, distinctive clumps of tobacco). For target materials that may be missed in the initial inspection (such as small clumps of tobacco that are obscured or have indistinct features), the downstream second inspection unit 202 can perform a second verification, and the second rejection unit 302 can then specifically remove the remaining targets, forming a double rejection system that can significantly reduce the false negative rate. The initial rejection by the upstream first inspection unit 201 can quickly process most of the target materials, reducing the proportion of targets in the downstream materials, reducing the identification pressure on the second inspection unit 202, and avoiding processing delays caused by too many targets in the materials. Even if a certain level of inspection or rejection unit 3 experiences a brief malfunction, such as the first rejection unit 301 experiencing a jam or malfunction, the second rejection unit 302 can still take on some functions, reducing the risk of production line downtime and improving system fault tolerance.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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 sorting device, characterized in that, include: Conveying mechanisms are used to transport materials to be sorted. A detection mechanism is located outside the conveying mechanism and is used to identify target materials in the materials to be sorted. A rejection mechanism is located outside the conveying mechanism and electrically connected to the detection mechanism. The rejection mechanism is used to reject the target material when the detection mechanism identifies the target material.

2. The sorting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sorting device further includes a sorting container, which has a sorting chamber and a rejection port communicating with the sorting chamber. The conveying mechanism conveys the material to be sorted into the sorting chamber. The detection mechanism and the rejection mechanism are both connected to the sorting container. The rejection mechanism is used to reject the target material to the rejection port.

3. The sorting device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sorting device further includes an opening and closing mechanism, which is disposed at the rejection port and electrically connected to the detection mechanism. The opening and closing mechanism is used to close the rejection port when the detection mechanism does not identify the target material, and to open the rejection port when the detection mechanism identifies the target material.

4. The sorting device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The opening and closing mechanism includes an opening and closing drive component and a door panel. The opening and closing drive component is electrically connected to the detection mechanism. The opening and closing drive component is driven to the door panel, and the door panel is movably connected to the sorting container.

5. The sorting device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The opening and closing drive component includes a first solenoid valve and a cylinder. The first solenoid valve is electrically connected to the detection mechanism. The first solenoid valve is simultaneously connected to a first air source and the cylinder. The cylinder is driven and connected to the door panel.

6. The sorting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rejection mechanism includes a pneumatic drive and an air blower. The pneumatic drive is electrically connected to the detection mechanism and is simultaneously connected to a second air source and the air blower.

7. The sorting device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The pneumatic drive component includes a second solenoid valve, which is electrically connected to the detection mechanism and simultaneously connected to the second air source and the air blower.

8. The sorting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection mechanism includes a camera and a controller, the controller being electrically connected to the camera and the rejection mechanism, and the camera being used to identify target materials among the materials to be sorted.

9. The sorting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The detection mechanism includes a first detection mechanism and a second detection mechanism both located outside the conveying mechanism. The rejection mechanism includes a first rejection mechanism and a second rejection mechanism both located outside the conveying mechanism. The first detection mechanism and the first rejection mechanism are located upstream of the second detection mechanism and the second rejection mechanism along the conveying direction of the conveying mechanism. The first detection mechanism is used to initially identify the target material in the material to be sorted, and the first rejection mechanism is used to initially reject the target material. The second detection mechanism is used to identify the target material remaining in the material to be sorted, and the second rejection mechanism is used to reject the remaining target material.

10. The sorting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The conveying mechanism includes a conveyor belt, a drive assembly, and a support assembly. The drive assembly is rotatably connected to the support assembly and drives the conveyor belt to rotate. The conveyor belt is used to convey the material to be sorted.

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