A negative pressure cassetting system for a smoking article filter rod

Abstract

The patent discloses a negative pressure boxing system for filter rods for cigarettes, which comprises a storage mechanism, a separate control transfer mechanism, an orderly confluence mechanism and a receiving mechanism. The separate control transfer mechanism comprises transfer negative pressure drums, the number of which corresponds to the number of material bins, so that the filter rods in the material bins are adsorbed onto the transfer negative pressure drums. The orderly confluence mechanism comprises a central negative pressure drum, the diameter of which is larger than that of the transfer negative pressure drums, and the transfer negative pressure drums are arranged around the central negative pressure drum, so that the filter rods are transferred onto the central negative pressure drum according to predetermined sorting rules. The patent realizes automatic arrangement through negative pressure transmission, and has a simple structure. In addition, since the storage mechanism and the separate control transfer mechanism are independently arranged, the subsequent cleaning difficulty is relatively low.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This patent belongs to the field of tobacco filter rod technology, specifically relating to a negative pressure packaging system for tobacco filter rods. Background Technology

[0002] Filter rods, as a key material in the tobacco processing industry, are widely used in cigarette filter products. In the filter rod production process, packaging is a core link connecting production and downstream applications. Orderly packaging not only ensures that filter rods are not squeezed and deformed during storage and transportation, but also provides efficiency support for subsequent automated material handling and functional matching processes (such as cigarette rolling). Therefore, the orderliness of filter rod packaging directly affects the production efficiency and product quality of the entire industry chain.

[0003] In the prior art, some devices use transfer plates to transfer and pack filter rods, such as the material rod arrangement assembly disclosed in Chinese utility model patent document CN223207865U. However, its structure is relatively complex, and the transfer process of different transfer plates depends on the cooperation between the arc surface of the plate structure and the transfer plate. Furthermore, the subsequent cleaning is quite difficult.

[0004] Furthermore, with the diversification of filter rod applications, the market has raised specific requirements for filter rod packaging to be "arranged according to set rules." For example, in terms of color, some filter rods use color to indicate functional differences (such as in the tobacco industry, where red, yellow, blue, and green filter rods correspond to different flavors of cigarette filters). These need to be arranged in a fixed order (such as a red-yellow-blue-green cycle) to meet the downstream processes' need for rapid identification and accurate retrieval of filter rod functions. However, the process of arranging filter rods according to set rules still faces significant technical bottlenecks, and existing methods and devices are insufficient to meet actual production needs. Some companies rely on manual sorting, where workers must manually identify the color and measure the specifications of the filter rods before placing them one by one into the packaging box according to the rules. This method results in low output per shift, and prolonged operation can easily lead to mis-sorting due to visual fatigue. Not only is labor cost a high percentage of the total production cost, but it also cannot meet the needs of large-scale production.

[0005] Therefore, there is currently a lack of devices that can flexibly set rules to achieve array arrangement and boxing for different types of filter rods. This technological gap not only restricts the large-scale and customized development of filter rod manufacturers, but also affects production efficiency, and it is urgent to break through the relevant technological bottlenecks. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this patent is to provide a negative pressure packaging system for cigarette filter rods, which simplifies the structure, improves cleaning efficiency, and automates the arrangement.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this patent adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] A negative pressure packaging system for cigarette filter rods includes a material storage mechanism, a distribution and transfer mechanism, an orderly flow mechanism, and a collection mechanism.

[0009] The storage mechanism includes at least two silos, each storing different types of filter rods, and the silos are located close to the sub-control transfer mechanism;

[0010] The separate control and transfer mechanism includes transfer negative pressure drums, the number of which corresponds to the number of hoppers, so that the filter rods in the hoppers are adsorbed onto the transfer negative pressure drums;

[0011] The orderly confluence mechanism includes a central negative pressure drum, the diameter of which is larger than the diameter of the transfer negative pressure drum. The transfer negative pressure drum is arranged around the central negative pressure drum, so that the filter rods are transferred to the central negative pressure drum according to a predetermined sorting rule.

[0012] The receiving mechanism is used to receive the filter rods on the central negative pressure drum.

[0013] Furthermore, the bottom of the silo is equipped with a discharge port, and the side walls of the silo are at least partially designed to be inclined inward.

[0014] Furthermore, the transfer negative pressure drum includes an arc-shaped adsorption groove and a transfer drum tooth. The two ends of the arc-shaped adsorption groove are connected to the transfer drum tooth, and the filter rod is accommodated in the arc-shaped adsorption groove.

[0015] Furthermore, multiple arc-shaped adsorption grooves are provided, and the arc-shaped adsorption grooves are connected to the first negative pressure air channel so that the filter rods are sequentially adsorbed and fixed in the arc-shaped adsorption grooves.

[0016] Furthermore, the central negative pressure drum includes an abutment platform and a receiving groove.

[0017] A receiving groove is arranged between adjacent abutment platforms.

[0018] The teeth of the transfer drum engage with the boundary of the contact platform, thus forming a cylindrical receiving space for the filter rod. Under the adsorption of the central negative pressure drum, the filter rod can be transferred from the arc-shaped adsorption groove to the receiving groove in the cylindrical receiving space.

[0019] Furthermore, multiple receiving slots are provided, and the receiving slots are connected to the second negative pressure air channel so that the filter rods are adsorbed and fixed in the receiving slots according to a predetermined sorting rule.

[0020] Furthermore, the negative pressure cartoning system also includes a transmission mechanism, which includes a servo drive component that can be connected to the transfer negative pressure drum and / or the central negative pressure drum to provide rotational driving force.

[0021] Furthermore, the transmission mechanism also includes a synchronization structure, through which the transfer negative pressure drum is connected to the central negative pressure drum, so that the rotation speed and rotation phase of the transfer negative pressure drum and the central negative pressure drum are synchronized.

[0022] Furthermore, the negative pressure cartoning system also includes a control mechanism, which is connected to the transfer negative pressure drum and the central negative pressure drum respectively.

[0023] Furthermore, the storage mechanism, the distributed transfer mechanism, the orderly confluence mechanism, and the receiving mechanism are arranged sequentially along the direction of gravity.

[0024] The silo is equipped with a material level detection component.

[0025] In this patent, the filter rod is generally cylindrical and has a substantially uniform outer diameter. For example, it has an outer diameter of at least 5 mm. Preferably, it has an outer diameter between about 5 mm and about 12 mm, for example, between about 5 mm and about 10 mm, or between about 6 mm and about 8 mm.

[0026] Filter rods may include filter tips. Filter tips may be formed from one or more suitable filter materials. Many such filter materials are known in the art. In one embodiment, a filter rod may include a filter tip formed from cellulose acetate tow.

[0027] The filter tip can have a length between approximately 5 mm and approximately 20 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the filter tip has a length of approximately 14 mm. The filter tip can also have a length between approximately 5 mm and approximately 14 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the filter tip has a length of approximately 7 mm.

[0028] The filter rod may also include a support element and an aerosol cooling element.

[0029] The support element can be located directly downstream of the cigarette smoke-generating section and can be close to the cigarette smoke-generating section.

[0030] The support element can be formed from any suitable material or combination of materials. For example, the support element can be formed from one or more materials selected from the group consisting of: cellulose acetate; paperboard; crimped paper, such as crimped heat-resistant paper or crimped parchment; and polymeric materials, such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE). In a preferred embodiment, the support element is formed from cellulose acetate.

[0031] The support element may include a hollow tubular element. In a preferred embodiment, the support element includes a cellulose acetate tube.

[0032] The support element can have a length between approximately 5 mm and approximately 15 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the support element has a length of approximately 8 mm.

[0033] The aerosol cooling element can be located downstream of the cigarette's smoke-generating section. For example, the aerosol cooling element can be located directly downstream of and adjacent to the support element. Alternatively, the aerosol cooling element can be located between the support element and the filter tip, which is located at the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0034] Aerosol cooling elements can have a total surface area between approximately 300 square millimeters per millimeter of length and approximately 1000 square millimeters per millimeter of length. In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol cooling element has a total surface area of ​​approximately 500 square millimeters per millimeter of length.

[0035] Aerosol cooling elements can also be referred to as heat exchangers.

[0036] Preferably, the aerosol cooling element has low suction resistance. That is, preferably, the aerosol cooling element provides low resistance to air passing through the aerosol-generated article. Preferably, the aerosol cooling element has virtually no impact on the suction resistance of the aerosol-generated article.

[0037] The aerosol cooling element may include multiple longitudinally extending channels. These multiple longitudinally extending channels may be defined by a sheet material that has undergone one or more of curling, pleating, gathering, and folding to form the channels. Alternatively, the multiple longitudinally extending channels may be defined by a single sheet that has undergone one or more of curling, pleating, gathering, and folding to form multiple channels.

[0038] In some embodiments, the aerosol cooling element may include an aggregate sheet of material selected from the group consisting of: metal foil, polymeric materials, and substantially non-porous paper or paperboard. In some embodiments, the aerosol cooling element may include an aggregate sheet of material selected from the group consisting of: polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose acetate (CA), and aluminum foil. In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol cooling element includes an aggregate sheet of biodegradable material. For example, an aggregate sheet of non-porous paper or an aggregate sheet of biodegradable polymeric material (such as polylactic acid).

[0039] Aerosol cooling elements can be formed from aggregates of material having a specific surface area between approximately 10 square millimeters per milligram and approximately 100 square millimeters per milligram by weight. In some embodiments, the aerosol cooling element can be formed from an aggregate of material having a specific surface area of ​​approximately 35 mm². 2 Aggregate lamellar formation of materials with a specific surface area of ​​ / mg.

[0040] This patent provides a negative pressure boxing system for cigarette filter rods, which uses negative pressure transmission for automated arrangement. It is not only simple in structure, but also has a lower cleaning difficulty because the storage mechanism and the separate control and transfer mechanism are set independently. It is suitable for scenarios with high requirements for filter rod protection and strict requirements for arrangement accuracy, such as the arrangement and boxing of easily deformable filter rods.

[0041] This patent allows for the arrangement and packaging of filter rods of different colors and specifications according to a set rule. For example, filter rods of four specifications—red, yellow, blue, and green—can be packaged in a 1:1:1:1 ratio, or in a 1:2:2:3 ratio. This solves the technical challenge of arranging and packaging multiple types of filter rods according to a set rule. Compared to traditional manual methods, it significantly improves production efficiency and arrangement accuracy, reduces production costs, and supports the automation upgrade of filter rod manufacturing companies.

[0042] Compared with the prior art, this patent has the following advantages:

[0043] 1. Modular design: The storage mechanism and the receiving mechanism are interchangeable. Only the distribution control transfer mechanism and the orderly convergence mechanism need to be replaced to switch between different technical paths and adapt to different production needs.

[0044] 2. Intelligent control: All can be equipped with a control mechanism, adopting programmable logic control and real-time detection technology. Multiple filter rod arrangement rules can be preset and one-click switching is supported. It also has fault self-diagnosis and alarm functions, which facilitates timely troubleshooting of equipment problems.

[0045] 3. Wide compatibility: It is compatible with filter rods of different shapes and sizes. When changing the type of filter rod, only a few parts (such as the size of the arc adsorption tank and the inner diameter of the channel) or control parameters need to be adjusted, without the need to replace the entire equipment.

[0046] 4. Automated integration: The entire process of automatic dispensing, orderly arrangement and boxing of filter rods is achieved without manual intervention, reducing labor costs and avoiding arrangement errors caused by manual operation, thus improving product consistency. Attached Figure Description

[0047] The above content of this patent and the following detailed embodiments will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the drawings are merely examples of the claimed technical solution.

[0048] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the negative pressure packaging system for the cigarette filter rod in this patent.

[0049] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the cooperation between the transfer negative pressure drum and the central negative pressure drum in this patent.

[0050] The reference numerals in the attached figures are explained as follows:

[0051] Storage mechanism: 1

[0052] Material bin: 1.1

[0053] Discharge port: 1.2

[0054] Transfer negative pressure drum: 2

[0055] Adapter drum gear: 2.1

[0056] Arc-shaped adsorption tank: 2.2

[0057] Filter rods: 3

[0058] Central negative pressure drum: 4

[0059] Arrival desk: 4.1

[0060] Receiving groove: 4.2

[0061] Storage facilities: 5 Detailed Implementation

[0062] The detailed features and advantages of this patent are described below in the specific embodiments. The content is sufficient to enable any person skilled in the art to understand the technical content of this patent and implement it accordingly. Based on the specification, claims and drawings disclosed in this specification, a person skilled in the art can easily understand the related objectives and advantages of this patent.

[0063] This specification also uses several compound terms to describe devices, components, equipment, etc. that include more than one function, or to assign additional functions to a corresponding device, component, equipment, etc. Those skilled in the art will understand that such compound terms can be implemented by a single or multiple devices, components, equipment, etc., as long as they are reasonable under the interpretation rules of this patent terminology.

[0064] It should be noted that in this specification, similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and interpreted in subsequent figures. In this specification and claims, several terms will be used, and unless otherwise indicated, these terms will be defined as having the following meanings:

[0065] The terms “comprising” or “having” have the same meaning as “containing”, and also include other forms of the term, such as the gerund and singular forms in English, meaning including but not limited to, and not intended to exclude, for example, other elements, components, integers or steps.

[0066] All other terms used herein for special definition are intended to have the general meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in particular, meaning that one of ordinary skill in the art, upon reading the claims, specification and drawings of this patent, can directly and without doubt determine how the technical solution of this patent can be implemented.

[0067] Even if there are incomplete descriptions, omissions, or ambiguities in the grammar, words, punctuation, graphics, symbols, etc. of the claims, specification, and drawings of this patent, a person skilled in the art can still arrive at the only correct understanding by reading the claims, specification, and drawings as a whole without extensive reasoning or experimentation, and effectively exclude various incorrect interpretations that are not aimed at achieving the purpose of this patent.

[0068] Those skilled in the art would first choose to read the claims, specification, and drawings of this patent to reasonably interpret the terms; secondly, they would choose to refer to the relevant definitions in other documents published by the applicant before the filing date to reasonably interpret the terms; thirdly, they would choose the references cited in this patent to reasonably interpret the terms; and finally, they would choose to combine the technical dictionaries, technical manuals, reference books, textbooks, national or industry technical standards, etc., commonly used by those skilled in the art to reasonably interpret the terms.

[0069] All references cited in this application are incorporated herein by way of quotation, to the extent that they do not contradict the disclosure herein. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that products (apparatus, components, devices, compounds, compositions, materials, etc.) and methods (processes, steps, conditions, parameters, equipment, and test methods, equipment, etc.) not specifically described herein can be applied to the implementation of the inventions fully disclosed herein without the need for excessive experimentation. This patent is intended to cover all functional equivalents known in the art of the methods, apparatus, apparatus components, materials, processes, and techniques specifically described herein. All cited references include:

[0070] The following publications are included: Marks' Standard Handbook for Mechanical Engineers (11th edition and other editions prior to this patent application date), published by McGraw-Hill, Inc.; DeGarmo's Materials and Processes in Manufacturing (13th edition and other editions prior to this patent application date), published by Wiley; Machinery's Handbook (32nd edition and other editions prior to this patent application date), published by IndustrialPress Inc.; Mechanical Design Handbook (6th edition and other editions prior to this patent application date), edited by Cheng Daxian, published by Chemical Industry Press; and Modern Mechanical Design Handbook (6th edition and other editions prior to this patent application date), edited by Wen Bangchun, published by Machinery Industry Press.

[0071] This patent will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference numerals denote similar elements. While specific structures and arrangements are discussed, it should be understood that this is done merely for illustrative purposes. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other structures and arrangements can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of this patent. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that this patent can also be used in a variety of other applications.

[0072] Example 1

[0073] like Figure 1-2 As shown, this embodiment provides a negative pressure packaging system for cigarette filter rods, including the following components:

[0074] The storage mechanism 1 includes multiple independent hoppers 1.1 (the number of which matches the type of filter rods 3 to be arranged). Different hoppers 1.1 store different types of filter rods 3 to accommodate personalized filter rod arrangements. The side walls of the hoppers 1.1 are at least partially designed to be inwardly tapered, ensuring that the filter rods 3 can fall naturally to the discharge port 1.2 located below under the influence of gravity. The discharge port 1.2 is equipped with a material level detection component to monitor the amount of filter rods 3 in the hopper in real time and prevent material shortage.

[0075] The separate control and transfer mechanism includes a transfer negative pressure drum 2, with one transfer negative pressure drum 2 configured for each hopper 1.1. The outer periphery of the transfer negative pressure drum 2 is provided with an arc-shaped adsorption groove 2.2 adapted to the shape of the filter rod 3 so as to accommodate the filter rod 3 in the arc-shaped adsorption groove 2.2. The two ends of the arc-shaped adsorption groove 2.2 are connected to the transfer drum teeth 2.1. The transfer negative pressure drum 2 is provided with a first negative pressure air passage inside, which can generate adsorption force through a first external negative pressure device. The first negative pressure air passage is connected to the arc-shaped adsorption groove 2.2 to realize the stable gripping and transfer of the filter rod 3.

[0076] The orderly confluence mechanism includes a central negative pressure drum 4, the diameter of which is larger than that of the transfer negative pressure drum 2. The outer circumference of the central negative pressure drum 4 is provided with a receiving groove 4.2 corresponding to the arc-shaped adsorption groove 2.2 of the transfer negative pressure drum 2. Multiple transfer negative pressure drums 2 can be provided, all arranged sequentially around the circumference of the central negative pressure drum 4 and tangent to its surface. This means the transfer drum teeth 2.1 engage with the boundary of the abutment platform 4.1, forming a cylindrical receiving space adapted to the cylindrical shape of the filter rod 3. This ensures that the filter rod 3 can be smoothly transferred from the transfer negative pressure drum 2 to the central negative pressure drum 4 within the cylindrical receiving space under negative pressure. The central negative pressure drum 4 has a second negative pressure air passage inside, which can generate adsorption force through a second external negative pressure device. The receiving groove 4.2 connects to the second negative pressure air passage, allowing the filter rod 3 to be adsorbed and fixed within it. In this patent, the transfer negative pressure drums 2 carrying different types of filter rods 3 are arranged in a predetermined order around the central negative pressure drum 4. Multiple filter rods 3 that have been arranged are gathered on the central negative pressure drum 4 and fall sequentially into the storage mechanism 5 as the central negative pressure drum 4 rotates, completing the packaging. The different types of filter rods 3 can be filter rods of different colors or sizes, etc.

[0077] The transmission mechanism, including a servo drive component (not shown in the figure) and a synchronization structure (not shown in the figure), synchronizes the rotation speed and rotation phase of the transfer negative pressure drum 2 and the central negative pressure drum 4, ensuring the positional accuracy of the filter rods 3 during connection and preventing the filter rods 3 from shifting or falling off. The servo drive component can connect to the transfer negative pressure drum 2 and / or the central negative pressure drum 4 to provide the rotational driving force. The transfer negative pressure drum 2 is connected to the central negative pressure drum 4 through the synchronization structure. The servo drive component can be a servo motor, and the synchronization structure can be a transmission belt.

[0078] The control mechanism, connected to the transfer negative pressure drum 2 and the central negative pressure drum 4, coordinates the receiving and output actions of the sub-control transfer mechanism. When the filter rod 3 in the hopper 1.1 needs to be moved onto the transfer negative pressure drum 2, the control mechanism can control the transfer negative pressure drum 2 to activate negative pressure adsorption. For example, it can control the first external negative pressure device of the transfer negative pressure drum 2 to start adsorption force in the first negative pressure air channel. In this way, the transfer negative pressure drum 2 can receive the filter rod 3 and fix it in the arc-shaped adsorption groove 2.2. As the transfer negative pressure drum 2 drives the filter rod 3 to rotate to a position close to the transfer negative pressure drum 2, the control mechanism can control the first external negative pressure device to stop adsorption, and the second external negative pressure device of the central negative pressure drum 4 to start. The filter rod 3 in the arc-shaped adsorption groove 2.2 is output to the receiving groove 4.2 under the action of the second negative pressure air channel. Similarly, the control mechanism is also used to control the output action of the orderly confluence mechanism. When the filter rod 3 on the central negative pressure drum 4 needs to be placed into the storage mechanism 5, the control mechanism can control the central negative pressure drum 4 to stop negative pressure adsorption. In this way, the filter rod 3 can fall naturally into the storage mechanism 5 under the action of gravity.

[0079] Device setup

[0080] Next to the boxing station in the tobacco filter rod production workshop, personalized boxing is carried out according to the different color types of filter rods, and a negative pressure drum roller transmission system is set up.

[0081] Storage mechanism 1: Four independent stainless steel hoppers 1.1 are set up to store red, yellow, blue and green filter rods 3 respectively. A small material level detection component can be installed on the outside of the discharge port 1.2 of each hopper 1.1. When the material level of filter rods 3 in the hopper 1.1 is insufficient, a prompt signal can be issued in time to facilitate the operator to replenish the material.

[0082] Installation of transfer negative pressure drum 2: One transfer negative pressure drum 2 is installed below the discharge port 1.2 of each hopper 1.1. The outer periphery of the transfer negative pressure drum 2 is machined with an arc-shaped adsorption groove 2.2 to match the curvature of the filter rod 3; the center of the drum is connected to the servo drive component through the drive shaft, and an air passage is reserved inside and connected to the negative pressure equipment to ensure that the arc-shaped adsorption groove 2.2 can generate a stable adsorption force when the drum rotates.

[0083] Arrangement of the central negative pressure drum 4: A central negative pressure drum 4 with a larger diameter is installed in the middle position of the four transfer negative pressure drums 2. The positions of the four transfer negative pressure drums 2 are adjusted so that they are distributed sequentially along the circumference of the central negative pressure drum 4, and the outer circumference of the transfer negative pressure drums 2 is in close contact with the surface of the central negative pressure drum 4 without obvious gaps, forming a cylindrical receiving space; the central negative pressure drum 4 is also connected to the servo drive component, and is linked with the servo drive component of the four transfer negative pressure drums 2 through a synchronous structure such as a transmission belt to ensure synchronous rotation.

[0084] Storage mechanism 5 connection: Below the central negative pressure drum 4, the delivered filter rods 3 can be stored in the packaging box of the seat storage mechanism 5.

[0085] Workflow

[0086] Based on color type, the preset arrangement rule is to obtain the four-color filter rods "red, yellow, blue, and green" in sequence. The operator pours the red, yellow, blue, and green filter rods 3 into the corresponding material bins 1.1 respectively, until the material bins 1.1 are filled to near the discharge port 1.2, and the detection component shows that the material level is normal.

[0087] When the power and negative pressure equipment of the entire system are turned on, the servo drive component can drive the transfer negative pressure drum 2 and the central negative pressure drum 4 to rotate synchronously. Filter rods 3 in each hopper 1.1 enter the discharge port 1.2 one by one under the action of gravity. First, the red filter rod slides out from the discharge port 1.2 of the corresponding hopper 1.1 and is grabbed by the arc-shaped adsorption groove 2.2 on the surface of the transfer negative pressure drum 2 below the red hopper 1.1. When the transfer negative pressure drum 2 rotates, it adsorbs and fixes the single red filter rod through the arc-shaped adsorption groove, and moves towards the central negative pressure drum 4 as the transfer negative pressure drum 2 rotates to transfer the filter rod to the junction position with the central negative pressure drum 4, preferably the tangent position between the transfer negative pressure drum 2 and the central negative pressure drum 4.

[0088] When the transfer negative pressure drum 2 carrying the filter rod reaches the handover position, the negative pressure system switches synchronously. The control system stops the negative pressure adsorption of the transfer negative pressure drum 2, while the central negative pressure drum 4 starts adsorption. The filter rod on the transfer negative pressure drum 2 is adsorbed into the receiving groove 4.2 on the central negative pressure drum 4. In another embodiment, when the transfer negative pressure drum 2 carrying the filter rod reaches the handover position, to ensure the filter rod is transferred from the transfer negative pressure drum 2 to the central negative pressure drum 4, the negative pressure adsorption force of the central negative pressure drum 4 can be set to be greater than that of the transfer negative pressure drum 2. The filter rod on the transfer negative pressure drum 2 can then be adsorbed onto the central negative pressure drum 4 under the influence of its negative pressure adsorption force.

[0089] The central negative pressure drum 4 rotates continuously, receiving different types of filter rods transferred by each transfer negative pressure drum 2 in sequence. This causes the filter rods to be arranged in an orderly manner on the outer periphery of the central negative pressure drum 4 according to a preset sorting rule (such as red, yellow, blue, and green). In this way, the central negative pressure drum 4 completes the handover with the transfer negative pressure drum 2 corresponding to the yellow, blue, and green filter rods in sequence. The four-color filter rods are adsorbed on the outer periphery of the central negative pressure drum 4 in the preset order of "red, yellow, blue, and green".

[0090] When the red, yellow, blue, and green filter rods on the central negative pressure drum 4 rotate to near the storage mechanism 5, in one implementation, the central negative pressure drum 4 can be configured to disconnect the negative pressure adsorption force to stop adsorption. The four filter rods will then fall naturally into the storage mechanism in sequence, completing one boxing cycle. In another implementation, the storage mechanism 5 can be connected to an external negative pressure device, making the adsorption force of the storage mechanism 5 greater than that of the central negative pressure drum 4. Therefore, when the filter rods on the central negative pressure drum 4 approach the storage mechanism 5, they can be adsorbed into the storage mechanism 5 to complete one boxing cycle. This process is repeated to achieve continuous automated boxing.

[0091] This embodiment uses negative pressure adsorption to transfer the filter rods, eliminating mechanical compression and effectively protecting the shape of the filter rods to prevent deformation or damage. The transmission mechanism ensures the rotational accuracy of each drum, maintaining stable spacing and angle of the filter rods to meet high-precision arrangement requirements. Different types of filter rods can be adapted without changing the mold; only the negative pressure adsorption force parameters need adjustment, making it highly adaptable.

[0092] The terms and expressions used in this specification are for illustrative purposes and not for limitation. Their use is not intended to exclude any equivalents of the features or portions thereof shown, but rather to facilitate the understanding that various modifications may be possible within the scope of this patent claim. Therefore, it should be understood that while this patent has been specifically disclosed through preferred embodiments, exemplary embodiments, and optional features, variations or modifications of the concepts disclosed herein may be adopted by those skilled in the art, and such variations and modifications are therefore considered to be within the scope of this patent as defined by the appended claims. The specific embodiments given in this specification are examples of useful embodiments of this patent, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this patent can be implemented using many variations of the devices, device components, and method steps disclosed herein.

[0093] The foregoing description of specific embodiments fully discloses the general features of this patent, enabling others to easily modify and / or adapt such embodiments for various applications by applying knowledge within the scope of the art, without excessive experimentation or deviation from the general concept of this patent. Therefore, based on the teachings and guidance provided herein, it is intended that such modifications and alterations be included within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It should be understood that the wording or terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes and not intended to be limiting; thus, the wording or terminology in this specification will be interpreted by those skilled in the art based on the foregoing teachings and guidance.

[0094] Furthermore, the scope of this patent should not be limited to any of the exemplary embodiments described above, but only to the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A negative pressure packaging system for cigarette filter rods, characterized in that, This includes storage mechanisms, distributed transfer mechanisms, orderly confluence mechanisms, and collection mechanisms. The storage mechanism includes at least two hoppers, each storing different types of filter rods, and the hoppers are arranged close to the control and transfer mechanism. The distributed control transfer mechanism includes a transfer negative pressure drum. The number of the transfer negative pressure drums corresponds to the number of the hoppers, so that the filter rods in the hoppers are adsorbed onto the transfer negative pressure drums; The ordered merging mechanism includes a central negative pressure drum. The diameter of the central negative pressure drum is larger than the diameter of the transfer negative pressure drum. The transfer negative pressure drum is arranged around the central negative pressure drum, so that the filter rods are transferred to the central negative pressure drum according to a predetermined sorting rule. The receiving mechanism is used to receive the filter rod on the central negative pressure drum.

2. The negative pressure packaging system for cigarette filter rods according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the silo is provided with a discharge port, and the side wall of the silo is at least partially inclined with an inward contraction.

3. The negative pressure packaging system for cigarette filter rods according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transfer negative pressure drum includes an arc-shaped adsorption groove and a transfer drum tooth. The two ends of the arc-shaped adsorption groove are connected to the transition drum gears, and the filter rod is accommodated in the arc-shaped adsorption groove.

4. The negative pressure packaging system for cigarette filter rods according to claim 3, characterized in that, Multiple arc-shaped adsorption grooves are provided. The arc-shaped adsorption groove is connected to the first negative pressure air channel so that the filter rods are sequentially adsorbed and fixed in the arc-shaped adsorption groove.

5. The negative pressure packaging system for cigarette filter rods according to claim 3, characterized in that, The central negative pressure drum includes an abutment platform and a receiving groove. The receiving groove is arranged between adjacent abutment platforms. The teeth of the transfer drum engage with the boundary of the abutment platform to form a cylindrical receiving space adapted to the filter rod. The filter rod can be transferred from the arc-shaped adsorption groove to the receiving groove in the cylindrical receiving space under the adsorption action of the central negative pressure drum.

6. The negative pressure packaging system for cigarette filter rods according to claim 5, characterized in that, Multiple receiving slots are provided. The receiving groove is connected to the second negative pressure air passage so that the filter rod is adsorbed and fixed in the receiving groove according to the predetermined sorting rule.

7. The negative pressure packaging system for cigarette filter rods according to claim 1, characterized in that, The negative pressure cartoning system also includes a transmission mechanism. The transmission mechanism includes a servo drive component. The servo drive component can be connected to the transfer negative pressure drum and / or the center negative pressure drum to provide rotational driving force.

8. The negative pressure packaging system for cigarette filter rods according to claim 7, characterized in that, The transmission mechanism also includes a synchronization structure. The transfer negative pressure drum is connected to the central negative pressure drum through the synchronization structure, so that the rotation speed and rotation phase of the transfer negative pressure drum are synchronized with those of the central negative pressure drum.

9. The negative pressure packaging system for cigarette filter rods according to claim 1, characterized in that, The negative pressure cartoning system also includes a control mechanism. The control mechanism is connected to the transfer negative pressure drum and the center negative pressure drum, respectively.

10. The negative pressure packaging system for cigarette filter rods according to claim 9, characterized in that, The storage mechanism, the distributed transfer mechanism, the orderly confluence mechanism, and the receiving mechanism are arranged sequentially along the direction of gravity. The silo is equipped with a material level detection component.

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