A device for monitoring the quantity of rejected stems in a cigarette making machine

Abstract

The application discloses a cigarette machine stem flag quantity online monitoring device, and relates to the technical field of tobacco machinery. The device comprises a stem flag collecting unit, a data detecting unit and a data processing unit. The stem flag collecting unit comprises a hopper provided below the outlet of a vibrating trough of a cigarette machine and provided with an inclined force receiving surface on the inner wall. The data detecting unit comprises a force detector provided below the force receiving surface and connected with the outer wall of the hopper through a transmission plate. The data processing unit is electrically connected with the force detector, used for processing the detection signal and calculating the instantaneous mass flow. In the use process, the device realizes online, real-time and non-contact dynamic measurement of the free-falling stem flags, solves the technical problem that the traditional method cannot realize real-time and accurate monitoring, has the advantages of high measurement accuracy, fast response speed, good reliability and easy integration, and provides reliable data support for the optimization of the cigarette production process and quality control.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of tobacco machinery technology, specifically to an online monitoring device for the amount of stems removed from cigarette machines. Background Technology

[0002] In the cigarette production process, real-time and accurate monitoring of the amount of stems and sticks removed is a key aspect of ensuring cigarette quality, controlling material consumption, and optimizing equipment operating efficiency. Instantaneous mass flow rate (the mass removed per unit time) is a core process parameter reflecting the operating status of the cigarette machine, and it is of paramount importance for closed-loop control and refined quality management of the production process.

[0003] Currently, the industry mainly relies on the following methods to monitor the amount of cigarette stems: First, manual offline weighing, which involves periodically stopping the machine to take samples and weighing them on a static electronic scale. This method cannot provide continuous, real-time flow data, has poor timeliness, and is prone to human error. Second, indirect measurement methods such as the leveling disc volume detection method, which estimate the flow rate by estimating the volume of the cigarette stems. However, the measurement results are easily affected by factors such as material density, shape, and humidity, resulting in low accuracy and poor reliability. Third, although flow monitoring technologies based on the impulse principle (such as impulse scales) exist and are applied to other industries (such as grain and pharmaceuticals), these general-purpose devices suffer from poor adaptability, insufficient measurement accuracy, and inability to work stably under the free-fall conditions of cigarette machines due to the characteristics of cigarette stems being lightweight, dispersed, and falling rapidly, as well as limited installation space. Therefore, the existing technology lacks a dedicated device that can be specifically applied to cigarette machines to perform high-precision, real-time, instantaneous online monitoring of the mass flow rate of cigarette stems in free-fall conditions.

[0004] Therefore, this application proposes an online monitoring device for the amount of stems removed from cigarette machines, which can achieve high-precision, real-time, instantaneous online monitoring of stems in free fall, providing reliable data support for precise control and quality management in the cigarette production process. Utility Model Content

[0005] The main objective of this application is to provide an online monitoring device for the amount of cigarette stems removed from a cigarette machine, which aims to solve the technical problem that existing technologies cannot achieve high-precision, real-time online monitoring of the instantaneous mass flow rate of cigarette stems in free fall.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides an online monitoring device for the amount of cigarette stems removed from a cigarette machine, comprising:

[0007] The stem collection unit includes a hopper located below the outlet of the cigarette machine's vibrating groove. The inner wall of one side of the hopper is flat and inclined to serve as a force-bearing surface to receive and guide the freely falling stems.

[0008] The data detection unit includes a force detector disposed below the force-bearing surface; the detection end of the force detector is connected to one end of a transfer plate, and the other end of the transfer plate is disposed on the outer wall of the hopper, directly opposite the center of the flat surface;

[0009] The data processing unit is electrically connected to the signal output terminal of the force detector and is used to receive the pressure signal output by the force detector, calculate and output the instantaneous mass flow rate of the tube.

[0010] As a further improvement of this application, the stem collection unit further includes a collection trough located below the output port of the hopper, and a weighing device located below the collection trough; the collection trough is used to receive the stems output after being guided by the hopper; the weighing device is used to weigh the total weight of the stems falling into the collection trough within a set time period.

[0011] As a further improvement of this application, the force-bearing surface forms an angle of 20° to 60° with the horizontal plane.

[0012] As a further improvement of this application, the data detection unit further includes a fixed bracket with one end disposed on the wall panel of the cigarette machine, and the other end of the fixed bracket is fixedly connected to the housing of the force detector to limit and support the force detector.

[0013] As a further improvement of this application, buffer pads are provided between the transmission plate and the detection end of the force detector, and between the force detector and the fixed bracket, to buffer the instantaneous stress generated by the impact of the stick on the force-bearing surface.

[0014] As a further improvement of this application, the data processing unit is a weighing transmitter and is provided with a communication interface for transmitting the instantaneous mass flow rate value to an external device.

[0015] As a further improvement to this application, the force detector is a weight sensor.

[0016] The technical solution provided in this application may include the following beneficial effects:

[0017] During use, this application utilizes an inclined force-bearing surface to receive the free-falling stem while simultaneously guiding its impact force through a mechanical transmission structure to a precise force detector. This enables non-contact force signal acquisition of dynamically falling materials, allowing for real-time, online capture of instantaneous flow changes during stem removal. It effectively solves the technical problem that traditional methods cannot accurately monitor free-falling stems in real time, providing a reliable data foundation for quality control in cigarette production. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an online monitoring device for the amount of stems and twigs removed from a cigarette rolling machine.

[0020] Figure label:

[0021] 100, Vibration groove; 200, Wall panel;

[0022] 1. Straw collection unit; 11. Hopper; 12. Collection trough; 13. Weighing device; 2. Data detection unit; 21. Force detector; 22. Transfer plate; 23. Fixed bracket; 24. Buffer pad; 3. Data processing unit; Detailed Implementation

[0023] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the described embodiments are merely some, not all, of the embodiments of this application. Unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0024] Figure 1 An embodiment of an online monitoring device for the amount of cigarette stems removed from a cigarette machine, as described in this application, is shown below. Figure 1 In this embodiment, the online monitoring device for the amount of cigarette stems removed by the cigarette machine includes: a stem collection unit 1, a data detection unit 2, and a data processing unit 3.

[0025] Among them, see Figure 1The stem collection unit 1 includes a hopper 11 located below the outlet of the cigarette machine's vibrating groove 100. The inner wall of the hopper 11 is flat and inclined on one side to serve as a force-bearing surface to receive and guide the freely falling stems. The data detection unit 2 includes a force detector 21 located below the force-bearing surface. The detection end of the force detector 21 is connected to one end of a transfer plate 22, and the other end of the transfer plate 22 is located on the outer wall of the hopper 11, directly opposite the center of the flat surface. The data processing unit 3 is electrically connected to the signal output terminal of the force detector 21 to receive the pressure signal output by the force detector 21 and calculate and output the instantaneous mass flow rate of the stems according to a preset algorithm model. During use, the device utilizes an inclined force-bearing surface to receive the free-falling stem sticks while simultaneously guiding their impact force through a mechanical transmission structure to a precise force detector 21. This enables non-contact force signal acquisition of dynamically falling materials, allowing for real-time, online capture of instantaneous flow changes during stem stick removal. It solves the technical problem that traditional methods cannot accurately monitor free-falling stem sticks in real time, providing a reliable data foundation for quality control in cigarette production.

[0026] Optionally, the force detector 21 is a weighing sensor that operates on the principle of resistance strain gauge, has a rated range of 0-5kg, and a comprehensive accuracy better than 0.05%FS. It can sensitively respond to the dynamic force signal generated by the impact of the skewer and output an electrical signal proportional to it.

[0027] Optionally, the data processing unit 3 is a weighing transmitter, and its housing surface is equipped with an industrial standard communication interface, such as RS-485, Ethernet, or a 4-20mA analog output interface. This communication interface is used to transmit the calculated instantaneous mass flow rate value in digital or analog signal form to the cigarette machine main control system or workshop-level monitoring network in real time, realizing centralized acquisition and remote monitoring of production data, and providing data support for refined management and closed-loop control of the production process.

[0028] In one specific embodiment, the input terminal of the weighing transmitter is connected to the signal output terminal of the weighing sensor via a shielded cable to receive the analog electrical signal output by the sensor. The weighing transmitter integrates a signal conditioning circuit, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), and a microprocessor. The signal conditioning circuit amplifies and filters the received signal, the ADC converts the analog signal into a digital signal, and the microprocessor has a pre-set algorithm model based on the momentum theorem. This algorithm model is configured to: read the converted digital signal in real time and use it as input parameters to calculate the corresponding instantaneous mass flow rate value using a built-in formula. Finally, the weighing transmitter converts the calculated instantaneous mass flow rate value into a standard industrial signal output. The calculation function is implemented by the built-in processor through a pre-stored algorithm program. The data can be transmitted to a host computer monitoring system or the main control unit of the cigarette machine via its communication interface, enabling real-time data display and closed-loop control of the production process.

[0029] Further, see Figure 1 The stem collection unit 1 also includes a collection trough 12 located below the output port of the hopper 11, and a weighing device 13 located below the collection trough 12. The weighing device 13 is communicatively connected to an external central control device and is used to statically weigh the collected stems in the trough 12 during idle periods when no stems fall into it, to obtain accurate total weight data. This data is uploaded to the central control device for remote verification and calibration of the measurement accuracy of the online monitoring device.

[0030] Optionally, the internal contour of the hopper 11 is a truncated quadrangular shape, and each side wall is a flat surface with an inclined arrangement. Any inner wall can be selected as the force-bearing surface, which can effectively guide the falling sticks to converge towards the outlet, avoid the sticks from being stuck or accumulating at the corner, and at the same time ensure that the impact force can be efficiently transmitted to the force detector 21 through the force-bearing surface, thus ensuring the stability and consistency of signal acquisition.

[0031] Optionally, the force-bearing surface forms an angle of 20° to 60° with the horizontal plane, achieving an optimal balance between effectively guiding the material to prevent accumulation and ensuring sufficient impact force is transmitted to the force detector 21. An angle that is too small will hinder material slippage, while an angle that is too large will weaken the vertical component of the impact force, affecting detection sensitivity.

[0032] Further, see Figure 1 The data detection unit 2 also includes a fixed bracket 23 with one end set on the cigarette machine wall panel 200, and the other end of the fixed bracket 23 is fixedly connected to the housing of the force detector 21 to limit and support the force detector 21.

[0033] Optionally, the fixed bracket 23 is made of rigid material and is fastened to the wall plate 200 by bolts to ensure that the force detector 21 maintains a stable spatial position when subjected to impact, preventing measurement errors caused by displacement or vibration, while ensuring that its detection end and the transmission plate 22 always maintain a good force transmission contact state.

[0034] Further, see Figure 1 Buffer pads 24 are provided between the transmission plate 22 and the detection end of the force detector 21, and between the force detector 21 and the fixed bracket 23. The buffer pads 24 are made of elastic material, which can effectively buffer the instantaneous stress generated when the blade impacts the force surface, prevent the force detector 21 from being damaged due to overload, and at the same time ensure the smooth transmission of the impact force signal, reduce high-frequency noise interference in the measurement signal, and significantly improve the accuracy and stability of the instantaneous mass flow rate detection results.

[0035] Optionally, the buffer pad 24 is a composite layered structure, which is formed by laminating at least two materials with different elastic moduli.

[0036] In one specific embodiment, the buffer pad 24 comprises, from top to bottom, a soft rubber layer, a high-density polyurethane foam layer, and a rigid engineering plastic layer. The soft rubber layer directly contacts the transfer plate 22 or the force detector 21, serving as an initial absorption of high-frequency impact energy. The high-density polyurethane foam layer acts as an intermediate transition layer, further dispersing and attenuating stress waves. The rigid engineering plastic layer provides a stable support base, ensuring uniform stress transmission to downstream components. This multi-layered structure is formed as a single unit through vulcanization bonding or physical pressing, enabling stepped buffering of broadband vibrations and instantaneous overloads generated by impacts. While effectively protecting the force detector 21, it maximizes the preservation of the effective characteristics of the impact force signal and reduces signal distortion.

[0037] For example, the working principle of the online monitoring device for the amount of cigarette stems removed from the cigarette machine is as follows:

[0038] During operation, the stems and skewers removed by the cigarette machine after air separation fall freely from the outlet of the vibrating trough 100 and enter the hopper 11. The inclined force-bearing surface of the hopper 11 receives the stems and skewers while also guiding their flow. The instantaneous impact force generated by the stems and skewers hitting the force-bearing surface is transmitted through the wall of the hopper 11 to the connected transmission plate 22, and then to the force detector 21. The force detector 21 converts the received mechanical impact force signal into a proportional electrical signal and outputs it.

[0039] The electrical signal is transmitted to data processing unit 3. Data processing unit 3 first amplifies and filters the signal, converting it into a digital signal. Then, the built-in microprocessor calls a pre-stored algorithm program to perform real-time calculations on the digital signal, ultimately calculating the instantaneous mass flow rate of the signal.

[0040] The calculated instantaneous mass flow rate data can be uploaded in real time to the cigarette machine's main control system or central monitoring platform via a communication interface for online monitoring and closed-loop control of the production process. On the other hand, it can also be visualized locally through a display unit to provide immediate feedback to operators.

[0041] The solution provided in this embodiment successfully achieves online, real-time, and accurate monitoring of free-falling stems using a non-contact dynamic weighing principle, overcoming the shortcomings of traditional offline weighing methods such as poor timeliness and low volume detection accuracy. It employs a high-precision force detector 21 combined with a dedicated algorithm based on the momentum theorem, improving measurement accuracy and stability. The unique inclined force-bearing surface and buffer structure design ensure efficient force transmission while effectively protecting the sensor and extending equipment lifespan. The device is compact, easy to integrate, and can be directly installed in existing equipment, providing a standard industrial interface for convenient remote data transmission and intelligent management. This solution addresses the industry challenge of accurate online measurement of stems, significantly promoting process optimization, consumption control, quality stabilization, and the advancement of refined production.

[0042] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A device for monitoring the amount of rejected stems in a cigarette making machine, characterized in that, include: The stem collection unit (1) includes a hopper (11) located below the outlet of the cigarette machine vibration groove (100). The inner wall of the hopper (11) is flat and inclined on one side to serve as a force-bearing surface to receive and guide the freely falling stems. The data detection unit (2) includes a force detector (21) disposed below the force-bearing surface; the detection end of the force detector (21) is connected to one end of a transfer plate (22), and the other end of the transfer plate (22) is disposed on the outer wall of the hopper (11) at the center of the flat surface. The data processing unit (3) is electrically connected to the signal output terminal of the force detector (21) and is used to receive the pressure signal output by the force detector (21), calculate and output the instantaneous mass flow rate of the stem.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The stem collection unit (1) further includes a collection trough (12) located below the output port of the hopper (11) and a weighing device (13) located below the collection trough (12); the collection trough (12) is used to receive the stems output after being guided by the hopper (11); the weighing device (13) is used to weigh the total weight of the stems that fall into the collection trough (12) within a set time period.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The force-bearing surface forms an angle of 20° to 60° with the horizontal plane.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The data detection unit (2) further includes a fixed bracket (23) with one end set on the cigarette machine wall panel (200), and the other end of the fixed bracket (23) is fixedly connected to the housing of the force detector (21) to limit and support the force detector (21).

5. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that, Buffer pads (24) are provided between the transmission plate (22) and the detection end of the force detector (21), and between the force detector (21) and the fixed bracket (23) to buffer the instantaneous stress generated by the impact of the stick on the force-bearing surface.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The data processing unit (3) is a weighing transmitter and is provided with a communication interface for transmitting the instantaneous mass flow rate value to an external device.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The force detector (21) is a weight sensor.

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