Cigarette rod temporary storage device

Abstract

This utility model belongs to the field of tobacco technology and discloses a cigarette stick temporary storage device. The device includes a temporary storage box, a tray, and a driving component. The upper surface of the temporary storage box is at the same level as the upper surface of the conveying channel. A drop inlet is formed on the upper surface of the temporary storage box. An installation groove is formed through the inner wall of the drop inlet perpendicular to a first direction. The tray is located within the installation groove. The driving component is located outside the temporary storage box, and its output end is connected to the tray. It drives the tray to reciprocate along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, either extending into the drop inlet to support the cigarette sticks or extending out of the drop inlet to allow the cigarette sticks to fall into the temporary storage box. When the elevator stops, the output end of the driving component retracts, and the cigarette sticks are collected in the temporary storage box through the drop inlet. This prevents the cigarette sticks from falling to the ground at the source, protecting them and reducing the possibility of breakage. It also avoids the quality risks of broken cigarette boxes flowing into the next production process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of tobacco production technology, and in particular to a temporary storage device for tobacco sticks. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the finished cigarette sticks produced by the packaging unit are transported to the conveying end of the elevator via the cigarette stick conveying channel, and then transported by the elevator to the automatic box sealing machine to complete the finished cigarette stick warehousing process.

[0003] During production, various reasons can cause the elevator to stop. After stopping, if the conveyor continues to transport cigarette sticks, they will continuously fall to the ground. Even if the conveyor receives a stop signal and stops transporting, some cigarette sticks will still fall to the ground due to inertia. When operators find cigarette sticks on the ground, they may pick them up, place them directly on the elevator, reset it, and start the elevator to continue operation. However, manually picked-up cigarette sticks may have damaged cigarette boxes that are not easily visible, leading to defective products flowing into the next production process and posing a certain quality risk.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to design a new cigarette storage device to improve the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a temporary storage device for cigarette sticks to solve the technical problem that if operators pick up cigarette sticks that have fallen to the ground due to the hoist stopping and fail to find that the cigarette sticks are damaged, they will flow into the next process, which poses a quality risk.

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

[0007] The present invention provides a cigarette stick storage device in which several cigarette sticks are conveyed along a first direction in a conveying channel. The cigarette stick storage device includes:

[0008] A temporary storage box is located at the end of the conveying channel and the beginning of the hoist. The upper surface of the temporary storage box is at the same level as the upper surface of the conveying channel, and a drop-in port is opened on the upper surface of the temporary storage box.

[0009] The tray has an installation groove through which the drop inlet is perpendicular to the first direction, and the tray is located in the installation groove;

[0010] A driving component is disposed on the outside of the temporary storage box and its output end is connected to the tray. It is used to drive the tray to reciprocate along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, so as to extend into the drop inlet to support the cigarette stick, or extend out of the drop inlet to allow the cigarette stick to fall into the temporary storage box from the drop inlet.

[0011] During normal transmission, the output end of the drive unit extends, causing the pallet to extend into the drop inlet to support the cigarette packs at the drop inlet of the temporary storage box, ensuring that the cigarette packs can be smoothly transferred through the drop inlet to the elevator. When the elevator is stopped, the output end of the drive unit retracts, causing the pallet to retract into the installation slot. The cigarette packs that have passed through the drop inlet will fall from the drop inlet into the temporary storage box for collection. In summary, when the elevator stops, the output end of the drive unit immediately retracts, and the cigarette packs are collected in the temporary storage box through the drop inlet, preventing the cigarette packs from falling to the ground at the source. This protects the cigarette packs, reduces the possibility of breakage, and avoids the quality hazard of broken cigarette packs flowing into the next production process.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment of the cigarette storage device, the length of the inlet along the second direction is greater than the length of the cigarette, and the width of the inlet along the first direction is greater than the width of one cigarette butt and less than the width of two cigarettes placed side by side.

[0013] Ensure that the size of the inlet is sufficient to allow the cigarette stick to fall in.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment of the cigarette storage device, the driving component includes:

[0015] A support plate is disposed on the outside of the temporary storage box;

[0016] A control cylinder is mounted on the support plate and its output end is connected to the tray.

[0017] By setting up a support plate to support the control cylinder, it is ensured that the control cylinder can be stably installed on the temporary storage box, providing stable support force for the pallet to support the cigarette stick, and also providing precise horizontal pushing force for the pallet, with good reliability.

[0018] As a preferred embodiment of the cigarette storage device, the elevator is equipped with a detection element for real-time monitoring of the operating device;

[0019] The control cylinder is electrically connected to a controller, which is electrically connected to the detection element. The controller is used to receive a stop signal or a run signal from the detection element to control the control cylinder to extend or retract.

[0020] The detection element can detect the operating status of the hoist in real time. When the hoist stops, the detection element quickly transmits the stop signal to the controller, and the controller controls the output end of the control cylinder to retract.

[0021] As a preferred embodiment of the cigarette storage device, the cigarette storage device further includes a brush assembly, which is mounted on the upper surface of the storage box via a bracket, and there is a gap between the brush assembly and the upper surface of the storage box for the cigarette box to pass through. The bristles of the brush assembly are arranged facing the upper surface of the storage box, and the brush assembly is located between the drop inlet and the transmission end of the conveying channel.

[0022] The brush assembly increases the friction of the cigarette sticks on the upper surface of the temporary storage box during transmission, reducing the transmission speed. This allows the cigarette sticks to pass through the brush assembly one by one and fall into the drop inlet, reducing the occurrence of cigarette sticks not falling in smoothly or jamming due to excessive transmission speed, thus improving the stability of equipment operation.

[0023] As a preferred embodiment of the cigarette storage device, the cigarette storage device further includes an air blowing assembly located above the storage box and on the side of the drop inlet away from the tray.

[0024] The air blowing component helps the cigarette stick fall smoothly from the inlet into the storage box, preventing the cigarette from getting stuck.

[0025] As a preferred embodiment of the cigarette storage device, the air blowing assembly includes:

[0026] A support frame, one end of which is rotatably connected to the top of the brush assembly, and the other end of which extends above the drop inlet;

[0027] An air nozzle is provided on the other end of the support frame, with the air blowing end facing the inlet.

[0028] One end of the air nozzle is connected to the air supply device via a hose. The air supply device provides airflow to the air nozzle to assist the cigarette stick in falling. The air nozzle applies a non-contact thrust to the cigarette stick at the falling inlet, avoiding damage to the outer packaging material of the cigarette stick. In addition, the rotating connection of the support frame allows the position of the air nozzle to rotate around the connection point between the support frame and the brush assembly, so as to adaptively adjust the position of the air nozzle blowing air onto the cigarette stick.

[0029] As a preferred embodiment of the cigarette storage device, the side wall of the storage box is at least fitted with a visualization panel.

[0030] The visualization panel allows operators to more intuitively observe the cigarette pack storage status in the temporary storage box.

[0031] As a preferred embodiment of the cigarette storage device, the visualization panel has a through hole for the operator to reach and retrieve the cigarettes from the storage box.

[0032] Operators can easily reach into the storage box through the through-hole to retrieve the cigarette sticks temporarily stored inside.

[0033] As a preferred embodiment of the cigarette storage device, the bottom of the storage box is provided with a support, which is an adjustable support.

[0034] The temporary storage box is supported by a bracket, and the bracket can be used for lifting and adjustment to adapt to conveying channels of different heights, making it highly versatile.

[0035] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0036] During normal transmission, the output end of the drive unit extends, causing the pallet to extend into the drop inlet to support the cigarette packs at the drop inlet of the temporary storage box, ensuring that the cigarette packs can be smoothly transferred through the drop inlet to the elevator. When the elevator is stopped, the output end of the drive unit retracts, causing the pallet to retract into the installation slot. The cigarette packs that have passed through the drop inlet will fall from the drop inlet into the temporary storage box for collection. In summary, when the elevator stops, the output end of the drive unit immediately retracts, and the cigarette packs are collected in the temporary storage box through the drop inlet, preventing the cigarette packs from falling to the ground at the source. This protects the cigarette packs, reduces the possibility of breakage, and avoids the quality hazard of broken cigarette packs flowing into the next production process. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 This is a first structural schematic diagram of the cigarette bar temporary storage device provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0038] Figure 2 This is a second structural schematic diagram of the cigarette bar temporary storage device provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0039] Figure 3 This is a front view of the cigarette storage device provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0040] Figure 4 This is a top view of the cigarette storage device provided in this embodiment of the utility model.

[0041] In the picture:

[0042] 1. Temporary storage box; 11. Drop-in port; 111. Mounting slot; 12. Tray; 13. Support plate; 14. Control cylinder; 15. Visual panel;

[0043] 2. Brush assembly;

[0044] 3. Air nozzle; 31. Support frame. Detailed Implementation

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] During production, various reasons can cause the elevator to stop. After stopping, if the conveyor continues to transport cigarette sticks, they will continuously fall to the ground. Even if the conveyor receives a stop signal and stops transporting, some cigarette sticks will still fall to the ground due to inertia. When operators find cigarette sticks on the ground, they may pick them up, place them directly on the elevator, reset it, and start the elevator to continue operation. However, manually picked-up cigarette sticks may have damaged cigarette boxes that are not easily visible, leading to defective products flowing into the next production process and posing a certain quality risk.

[0050] To solve the above problems, combined with Figures 1-4As shown, this embodiment provides a cigarette storage device, in which several cigarettes are conveyed along a first direction on a conveying channel. The cigarette storage device includes a storage box 1, a tray 12, and a driving component. The storage box 1 is located at the end of the conveying channel and the beginning of the elevator. The upper surface of the storage box 1 is at the same level as the upper surface of the conveying channel. The upper surface of the storage box 1 has a drop inlet 11. A mounting groove 111 is formed through the inner wall of the drop inlet 11 perpendicular to the first direction. The tray 12 is located in the mounting groove 111. The driving component is located on the outside of the storage box 1 and its output end is connected to the tray 12. It is used to drive the tray 12 to reciprocate along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, so as to extend into the drop inlet 11 to support the cigarettes, or extend out of the drop inlet 11 to allow the cigarettes to fall into the storage box 1 from the drop inlet 11.

[0051] When in normal transmission state, the output end of the drive unit extends, driving the tray 12 to extend into the drop inlet 11 to support the cigarette sticks at the drop inlet 11 of the temporary storage box 1, ensuring that the cigarette sticks can be smoothly transferred to the elevator through the drop inlet 11; when the elevator is stopped, the output end of the drive unit retracts, driving the tray 12 to be retracted into the installation groove 111. The cigarette sticks that have passed through the drop inlet 11 will fall from the drop inlet 11 into the temporary storage box 1 for collection.

[0052] In summary, when the elevator stops, the output end of the drive unit retracts immediately, and the cigarette sticks are collected into the temporary storage box 1 through the drop inlet 11. This prevents the cigarette sticks from falling to the ground from the source, protects the cigarette sticks, reduces the possibility of the cigarette sticks breaking, and avoids the quality risks of broken cigarette boxes flowing into the next production process.

[0053] Preferably, the temporary storage box 1 is a rectangular box, and its internal capacity can hold 20-30 cigarette packs.

[0054] In this embodiment, at least one visualization panel 15 is embedded in the side wall of the temporary storage box 1. This embodiment has two visualization panels 15, which are positioned opposite each other on opposite side walls of the temporary storage box 1. In other embodiments, the number of visualization panels 15 can be one, three, or four; this embodiment does not specifically limit this. Preferably, the visualization panel 15 is a transparent acrylic sheet, but it can also be a glass plate, etc. Transparent acrylic sheets have advantages such as good wear resistance, easy laser cutting processing, high light transmittance, high clarity, and easy observation.

[0055] To facilitate the operator's retrieval of the cigarette sticks temporarily stored inside the temporary storage box 1, a through hole (not shown in the figure) is provided on the visualization panel 15. The operator can easily reach into the temporary storage box 1 through the through hole to retrieve the stored cigarette sticks. In some embodiments, a door panel can be hinged to the through hole to shield it, preventing dust from entering the temporary storage box 1. The door panel and the visualization panel 15 can be magnetically connected by a magnet.

[0056] Furthermore, a support frame is provided at the bottom of the temporary storage box 1, and the support frame is height-adjustable. The support frame supports the temporary storage box 1, and the height adjustment of the support frame can adapt to conveying channels of different heights, thus having good versatility. For example, the height-adjustable support frame can be a scissor lift support frame, a worm gear lift support frame, a linear motor lift mechanism, etc. Any support frame that can achieve height adjustment is acceptable, and will not be listed here.

[0057] like Figure 1 As shown, the length of the drop inlet 11 along the second direction is greater than the length of the cigarette stick, and the width of the drop inlet 11 along the first direction is greater than the width of one cigarette stick but less than the width of two cigarette sticks arranged side by side. This ensures that the size of the drop inlet 11 is sufficient to allow the cigarette stick to fall.

[0058] Specifically, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the driving component in this embodiment includes a support plate 13 and a control cylinder 14. The support plate 13 is disposed on the outside of the temporary storage box 1, and the control cylinder 14 is disposed on the support plate 13 with its output end connected to the tray 12. By providing support for the control cylinder 14 through the support plate 13, the control cylinder 14 can be stably installed on the temporary storage box 1, providing stable support for the tray 12 to support the cigarette stick, and also providing precise horizontal pushing force for the tray 12, resulting in good reliability.

[0059] To achieve automated control of the drive components, a detection element is installed on the hoist for real-time monitoring of the operating device. A controller (not shown in the figure) is electrically connected to the control cylinder 14. The controller is also electrically connected to the detection element and receives stop or start signals from the detection element to control the extension or retraction of the control cylinder 14. The detection element can detect the hoist's operating status in real time. When the hoist stops, the detection element quickly transmits a stop signal to the controller, which then controls the output end of the control cylinder 14 to retract.

[0060] Alternatively, the detection element can be a proximity switch, photoelectric sensor, etc.

[0061] In addition, an audible and visual alarm can be installed on the temporary storage box 1. The audible and visual alarm is also electrically connected to the controller. When the controller receives the stop signal from the detection element, the controller immediately triggers the audible and visual alarm to flash the light and emit a buzzer sound, so as to quickly attract the attention of the operator and deal with the equipment shutdown failure in a timely manner.

[0062] The cigarette bar temporary storage device in this embodiment also includes a brush assembly 2. The brush assembly 2 is mounted on the upper surface of the temporary storage box 1 via a bracket, and there is a gap between the brush assembly 2 and the upper surface of the temporary storage box 1 for the cigarette box to pass through. The bristles of the brush assembly 2 are positioned facing the upper surface of the temporary storage box 1. The brush assembly 2 is located between the drop inlet 11 and the end of the conveying channel. The setting of the brush assembly 2 increases the friction of the cigarette bars as they are conveyed to the upper surface of the temporary storage box 1, reduces the conveying speed, and allows the cigarette bars to pass through the brush assembly 2 one by one and fall into the drop inlet 11, reducing the occurrence of cigarette bars not falling smoothly or jamming due to excessive conveying speed, thus improving the stability of equipment operation.

[0063] In addition, the cigarette storage device also includes an air blowing assembly, which is located above the storage box 1 and on the side of the drop inlet 11 away from the tray 12. The air blowing assembly helps the cigarettes fall smoothly from the drop inlet 11 into the storage box 1, preventing the cigarettes from getting stuck.

[0064] Specifically, the blowing assembly includes a support frame 31 and a blowing nozzle 3. One end of the support frame 31 is rotatably connected to the top of the brush assembly 2, and the other end extends above the drop inlet 11. The blowing nozzle 3 is mounted on the other end of the support frame 31 with its blowing end facing the drop inlet 11. One end of the blowing nozzle 3 is connected to an air supply device via a hose, which provides airflow to the blowing nozzle 3 to assist the cigarette stick in falling. The blowing nozzle 3 applies a non-contact thrust to the cigarette stick as it falls into the drop inlet 11, avoiding damage to the outer packaging material of the cigarette stick. Furthermore, the rotatable connection of the support frame 31 allows the position of the blowing nozzle 3 to rotate around the connection point between the support frame 31 and the brush assembly 2, so as to adaptively adjust the position of the blowing nozzle 3 when blowing air onto the cigarette stick.

[0065] In summary, by adding the aforementioned cigarette bar storage device at the connection between the conveying channel and the elevator, the detection element captures the shutdown information and sends a signal to the controller the instant the elevator stops. The controller then controls the audible and visual alarm and controls the control cylinder 14 to retract, causing the pallet 12 to be drawn into the installation slot 111. The cigarette bars fall into the inlet 11 for collection. By precisely controlling the storage quantity with the help of the controller, the potential quality risks of cigarette bars falling and being damaged are effectively avoided. The controller also promptly informs the operators for maintenance and adjustment, greatly reducing unnecessary downtime. Under the premise of ensuring product quality, the operating efficiency of the equipment is significantly improved.

[0066] 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 temporary storage device for cigarette rods, a number of cigarette rods being transported in a first direction on a transport path, characterized in that, The cigarette storage device includes: Temporary storage box (1) is located at the end of the conveying channel and the beginning of the hoist. The upper surface of the temporary storage box (1) is at the same level as the upper surface of the conveying channel. The upper surface of the temporary storage box (1) is provided with a drop inlet (11). The tray (12) has an installation groove (111) through the inner wall of the drop inlet (11) perpendicular to the first direction, and the tray (12) is located in the installation groove (111). A driving component is provided on the outside of the temporary storage box (1) and its output end is connected to the tray (12). The driving component is used to drive the tray (12) to reciprocate along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, so as to extend into the drop inlet (11) to support the cigarette stick, or extend out of the drop inlet (11) to let the cigarette stick fall into the temporary storage box (1) from the drop inlet (11).

2. The cigarette rod temporary storage device according to claim 1, wherein The length of the drop inlet (11) along the second direction is greater than the length of the cigarette bar, and the width of the drop inlet (11) along the first direction is greater than the width of one cigarette bar but less than the width of two cigarette bars placed side by side.

3. The cigarette rod temporary storage device according to claim 1, characterized by The driving component includes: A support plate (13) is disposed on the outside of the temporary storage box (1); A control cylinder (14) is mounted on the support plate (13) and its output end is connected to the tray (12).

4. The cigarette rod temporary storage device according to claim 3, characterized by The hoist is equipped with detection elements for real-time monitoring of the operating device; The control cylinder (14) is electrically connected to a controller, which is electrically connected to the detection element. The controller is used to receive a stop signal or a run signal from the detection element to control the control cylinder (14) to extend or retract.

5. The cigarette rod temporary storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by, The cigarette storage device also includes a brush assembly (2), which is mounted on the upper surface of the storage box (1) by a bracket, and there is a gap between the brush assembly (2) and the upper surface of the storage box (1) for the cigarette box to pass through. The bristles of the brush assembly (2) are arranged facing the upper surface of the storage box (1), and the brush assembly (2) is located between the drop inlet (11) and the transmission end of the conveying channel.

6. The cigarette rod temporary storage device according to claim 5, wherein The cigarette storage device also includes an air blowing assembly, which is located above the storage box (1) and on the side of the drop inlet (11) away from the tray (12).

7. The cigarette rod temporary storage device according to claim 6, characterized by The air blowing assembly includes: A support frame (31), one end of which is rotatably connected to the top of the brush assembly (2), and the other end extends above the drop inlet (11); An air nozzle (3) is provided on the other end of the support frame (31) with the air blowing end facing the inlet (11).

8. The cigarette rod temporary storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by, The temporary storage box (1) has at least one visualization panel (15) embedded in its side wall.

9. The cigarette rod temporary storage device according to claim 8, characterized by The visualization panel (15) has a through hole for the operator to reach in and take out the cigarette sticks in the temporary storage box (1).

10. The cigarette rod temporary storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by, The bottom of the temporary storage box (1) is provided with a support, which is an adjustable support.

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