A temperature monitoring device

Abstract

The application relates to the tobacco equipment temperature control field and discloses a temperature monitoring device, which is characterized in that the temperature monitoring device comprises a support, a temperature sensor and a proximity switch; the temperature sensor and the proximity switch are fixedly installed on the support; the support is used for being fixedly installed on one side close to a drying drum; the temperature sensor is used for detecting the surface temperature of the drying drum; a processor, a display screen and an alarm are arranged; the temperature sensor, the proximity switch, the display screen, the alarm and the drying drum are electrically connected with the processor; and the processor is electrically connected with a power supply. The temperature monitoring device completely changes the backward mode of relying on indirect adjustment and manual sampling inspection in the past, enables an operator to "see" the temperature, and provides a data cornerstone for fine management.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of tobacco equipment, specifically a temperature monitoring device. Background Technology

[0002] In the cigarette box packaging production process, the cigarette boxes, initially formed by a hexagonal folding die, are fed into a heated drying drum. During the drum's rotation, the inside of the cigarette box is compressed. This process serves a dual purpose: firstly, to refine the cigarette box's shape, and secondly, to accelerate the drying and curing of the adhesive at the bonding points using heat. After almost a full rotation, the formed and dried cigarette box is discharged and enters the next stage of the discharge conveyor belt.

[0003] The temperature of the drying drum is a core process parameter in this step. Currently, temperature control of the drying drum mainly relies on an open-loop heating system. Existing technology indirectly controls the drum temperature by adjusting the output voltage of the junction box nodes (such as U1, U2, U3, and points 11-17) of the drying drum heating transformer, specifying that the highest surface temperature measured by an external thermometer should not exceed 58°C. However, the temperature control of the drying drum mainly depends on manual adjustment. When the drying drum temperature is too low due to various reasons (such as voltage fluctuations, equipment aging, heat loss, etc.), the glue drying speed slows down. This directly leads to quality defects such as weak adhesion of small boxes, unclean surfaces of small boxes (due to undried glue adhering), and curling edges at the adhesive joints.

[0004] The aforementioned quality defects will significantly increase the rejection frequency of the downstream small box appearance imaging inspection system, and may even cause equipment blockage, leading to production interruption, reducing the efficiency of the entire line, and increasing material loss.

[0005] Because operators cannot monitor the accurate temperature in real time, the system cannot automatically shut down and issue alarms when significant temperature anomalies occur. A sudden drop in temperature will inevitably lead to continuous batch quality defects, causing substantial economic losses to the company. Utility Model Content

[0006] This application provides a temperature monitoring device to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0007] In one embodiment, a temperature monitoring device is provided, including a bracket, a temperature sensor, and a proximity switch; both the temperature sensor and the proximity switch are fixedly mounted on the bracket; the bracket is used to fix the device to the side near the drying drum; the temperature sensor is used to detect the surface temperature of the drying drum. The processor, display screen, and alarm are all electrically connected to the processor, which is used to connect to a power supply.

[0008] The bracket is used for fixed connection with external objects.

[0009] In one embodiment, the processor is also a microcontroller.

[0010] In one embodiment, the alarm includes an LED flash and a buzzer; both the LED flash and the buzzer are electrically connected to the processor.

[0011] In one embodiment, the bracket has a mounting surface with mounting holes, through which the temperature sensor and the proximity switch are fixedly connected to the bracket.

[0012] In one embodiment, there are multiple mounting holes, which are distributed at intervals in sequence, and the temperature sensor and the proximity switch are respectively inserted and fixed in the mounting holes.

[0013] Specifically, the bracket is an L-shaped fixing piece.

[0014] In one embodiment, a sleeve with external threads is further included; the mounting hole is threaded into the sleeve; the temperature sensor and the proximity switch are both inserted and limited within the sleeve; a through hole is provided on the side of the sleeve, and a spring, a push plate, and a ball are installed in the through hole; the diameter of the opening of the through hole on the inner wall of the sleeve is smaller than the diameter of the ball; when the sleeve is threaded into the mounting hole, one end of the spring abuts against the mounting hole, and the other end abuts against the push plate; the push plate abuts against the ball, the ball abuts against the edge of the opening of the through hole on the inner wall of the sleeve, and the ball abuts against the side of the temperature sensor or the proximity switch.

[0015] Specifically, the temperature sensor and the proximity switch have limiting grooves on their sides for the ball bearings to be inserted.

[0016] In one embodiment, the temperature sensor has a first probe whose detection direction is directed toward the drying drum.

[0017] In one embodiment, the proximity switch has a second probe whose detection direction is directed toward the drying drum.

[0018] In one design, the proximity switch is an inductive switch.

[0019] The beneficial effects of this application are: By directly attaching a temperature sensor near the drying drum, this device can continuously and accurately detect the actual temperature of the drying drum surface and feed the data back to the processor and display screen in real time. This completely changes the outdated method of relying on indirect adjustment and manual sampling, allowing operators to "see" the temperature and providing a data foundation for refined management.

[0020] By setting a reasonable temperature threshold, when the temperature sensor detects that the temperature is too low (or too high), the processor can immediately drive the alarm to issue an audible and visual alarm and can also trigger the equipment to stop. This ensures that production can be stopped before a series of defective products are generated due to abnormal temperature, fundamentally avoiding the resulting material waste and economic losses.

[0021] This device effectively reduces the frequency of equipment blockages caused by poor drying and the frequency of rejections at subsequent inspection stations, ensuring the continuous, stable, and efficient operation of the production line. At the same time, the automatic alarm function reduces the monitoring workload for operators, allowing them to focus more on other aspects of equipment management.

[0022] A stable drying temperature is crucial for ensuring that cigarette boxes are firmly attached, have a neat shape, and a clean surface. This device directly improves the first-pass yield by maintaining the drying drum within its optimal operating temperature range, ensuring consistent and reliable product quality.

[0023] This device integrates temperature sensors, proximity switches, and other components onto a single bracket, resulting in a simple and robust overall structure. It is highly suitable for retrofitting existing drying drum equipment without requiring major alterations to key structural elements, offering low implementation costs, strong applicability, and significant potential for widespread adoption. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art 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.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the temperature monitoring device in one embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the right-side structure of the bracket in one embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is one embodiment of the present application Figure 2 A partial schematic diagram of the cross-section along direction A; Figure 4 This is one embodiment of the present application Figure 3 A magnified view of section B; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the control flow in one embodiment of this application; Labels for each item in the figure: 1. Bracket; 12. Mounting hole; 2. Temperature sensor; 21. First probe; 3. Proximity switch; 4. Drying drum; 5. Processor; 51. Display screen; 52. Alarm; 6. Sleeve; 61. Through hole; 62. Spring; 63. Push plate; 64. Ball bearing; 7. Limit groove. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The specific embodiments of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are used to illustrate this application, but are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Similarly, the following examples are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0027] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0028] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0029] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between them; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0030] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0031] In this utility model, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of this utility model. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0032] This application proposes improvements and innovations, and presents the following embodiments.

[0033] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 1 to 5 A temperature monitoring device is provided, including a bracket 1, a temperature sensor 2, and a proximity switch 3; the temperature sensor 2 and the proximity switch 3 are both fixedly mounted on the bracket 1; the bracket 1 is used to be fixedly mounted on the side close to the drying drum 4; the temperature sensor 2 is used to detect the surface temperature of the drying drum 4. Processor 5, display screen 51, alarm 52, temperature sensor 2, proximity switch 3, display screen 51, alarm 52, and drying drum 4 are all electrically connected to processor 5. Processor 5 is used to electrically connect to the power supply.

[0034] In this system, the probe of proximity switch 3 is precisely aligned with a specific point on the drying drum 4 (such as a screw, a raised metal plate, or a groove). Each time the drum rotates once, the specific point passes the probe, and proximity switch 3 generates an electrical pulse signal.

[0035] When the drying drum 4 rotates, its surface temperature may not be completely uniform. If the temperature sensor 2 continuously measures, it may collect the temperature of unheated areas, heat dissipation areas, or other non-representative areas on the drum, resulting in chaotic and inaccurate data.

[0036] A pulse signal is sent to processor 5 (such as a microcontroller) and triggers a temperature acquisition. This achieves "one rotation, one measurement". It ensures that every temperature reading comes from the same representative, heated physical location on the drum, thus guaranteeing that all acquired temperature data are on the same baseline and have high consistency and comparability.

[0037] The system's ability to intelligently determine when a device has entered a "stable and normal operating state" and thus begin the 10-minute "learning cycle" relies on manual visual judgment or simple timing, which is neither accurate nor automated.

[0038] The processor 5 can continuously monitor the frequency and stability of the pulse signal sent by the proximity switch 3. When the device is started, the frequency of the pulse signal will increase from low to high and eventually stabilize at a fixed frequency (corresponding to the stable rotation speed of the drum).

[0039] When the processor 5 detects that the signal from the proximity switch 3 appears continuously at a stable frequency for a period of time (e.g., 1 minute), it automatically starts a 10-minute learning cycle. This completely eliminates interference from unstable phases such as equipment startup and speed adjustment on data acquisition, ensuring that the learned "temperature acceptable range" is obtained under true stable production conditions.

[0040] Traditional mechanical limit switches or photoelectric switches may have problems such as wear, susceptibility to oil and dust, and short lifespan.

[0041] The proximity switch 3 (especially the inductive type) adopts a non-contact detection principle, having no physical contact with the drying drum 4. This means it is wear-free, has an extremely long lifespan, is vibration-resistant, and has excellent resistance to dust and oil interference. This is ideal for harsh industrial environments like packaging equipment that require long-term continuous operation, ensuring the stability and reliability of the sensing component, the foundation of the entire monitoring system. By directly fixing the temperature sensor 2 near the drying drum 4, this device can continuously and accurately detect the actual surface temperature of the drying drum 4 and feed the data back to the processor 5 and display screen 51 in real time. This completely changes the outdated method of relying on indirect adjustment and manual sampling, allowing operators to "see" the temperature and providing a data foundation for refined management.

[0042] By setting a reasonable temperature threshold, when the temperature sensor 2 detects that the temperature is too low (or too high), the processor 5 can immediately drive the alarm 52 to issue an audible and visual alarm and can also link the equipment to stop. This ensures that production can be interrupted before a series of defective products are generated due to abnormal temperature, fundamentally avoiding the resulting material waste and economic losses.

[0043] This device effectively reduces the frequency of equipment blockages caused by poor drying and the frequency of rejections at subsequent inspection stations, ensuring the continuous, stable, and efficient operation of the production line. At the same time, the automatic alarm function reduces the monitoring workload for operators, allowing them to focus more on other aspects of equipment management.

[0044] A stable drying temperature is crucial for ensuring that cigarette boxes are firmly adhered, have a neat shape, and a clean surface. This device directly improves the first-pass yield by maintaining the drying drum 4 within its optimal operating temperature range, ensuring consistent and reliable product quality.

[0045] The device integrates a temperature sensor 2, a proximity switch 3, and other components onto a single bracket 1, resulting in a simple and robust overall structure. It is highly compatible with existing drying drum 4 equipment, requiring no major modifications to the original key structures. This low-cost, highly adaptable approach makes it extremely valuable for widespread adoption.

[0046] In one embodiment, the processor 5 is a microcontroller.

[0047] Microcontrollers are inexpensive, power-efficient, and small in size, making them ideal for industrial embedded applications. Furthermore, their flexible programming capabilities allow them to perfectly handle complex synchronous sampling, range learning, and logical judgment procedures, ensuring the stability and efficiency of the system's core decision-making unit.

[0048] In one embodiment, the alarm 52 includes an LED flash and a buzzer; both the LED flash and the buzzer are electrically connected to the processor 5.

[0049] This system achieves multi-layered, three-dimensional alarm functionality, ensuring that all warning messages are perceived by operators without omission. LED flashlights provide visual alarms, which are particularly effective in noisy industrial environments; buzzers provide audible alarms, quickly attracting the operator's attention. This combination of sound and light significantly improves the reliability and timeliness of the alarm system.

[0050] In one embodiment, the bracket 1 has a mounting surface with mounting holes 12, through which the temperature sensor 2 and the proximity switch 3 are fixedly connected to the bracket 1.

[0051] This design achieves standardized and stable installation of the sensors and switches. The mounting plane ensures that the probe faces the drying drum 4 with a uniform and flat reference surface, guaranteeing the accuracy of the detection direction. The mounting holes 12 provide precise fixing points to prevent the sensors and switches from shifting or loosening under equipment vibration, thereby ensuring the stability and accuracy of long-term monitoring.

[0052] In one embodiment, there are multiple mounting holes 12, which are distributed at intervals in sequence, and the temperature sensor 2 and the proximity switch 3 are respectively inserted and fixed in the mounting holes 12.

[0053] This design provides the device with a high degree of installation flexibility and adjustability. Multiple spaced mounting holes 12 allow for flexible adjustment of the relative position between the temperature sensor 2 and the proximity switch 3, based on the actual size and structure of the drying drum 4, to find the optimal monitoring point. This design enhances the device's adaptability to different equipment models.

[0054] In one embodiment, the sleeve 6 with external threads is further included; the mounting hole 12 is threadedly engaged with the sleeve 6; the temperature sensor 2 and the proximity switch 3 are both inserted and limited in the sleeve 6; a through hole 61 is provided on the side of the sleeve 6, and a spring 62, a push plate 63, and a ball 64 are installed in the through hole 61; the opening diameter of the through hole 61 located on the inner wall of the sleeve 6 is smaller than the diameter of the ball 64; when the sleeve 6 is threadedly engaged with the mounting hole 12, one end of the spring 62 abuts against the mounting hole 12, and the other end abuts against the push plate 63; the push plate 63 abuts against the ball 64, the ball 64 abuts against the edge of the opening of the through hole 61 located on the inner wall of the sleeve 6, and the ball 64 abuts against the side of the temperature sensor 2 or the proximity switch 3.

[0055] Specifically, the temperature sensor 2 and the proximity switch 3 have a limiting groove 7 on their sides for the ball bearing 64 to be inserted.

[0056] The spring 62 pushes the push plate 63, which in turn pushes out the ball 64, causing a portion of the ball 64 to engage in the limiting groove 7 of the sensor or proximity switch 3. This forms an effective mechanical locking mechanism.

[0057] When the equipment vibrates during operation, this structure can effectively prevent the sensor and proximity switch 3 from loosening, shifting, or even falling out of the sleeve 6 due to vibration, thus ensuring the stability of the measurement and the reliability of the equipment operation.

[0058] In one embodiment, the temperature sensor 2 has a first probe 21, the detection direction of which is directed toward the drying drum 4.

[0059] This ensures the directness and accuracy of temperature measurement. By pointing the detection direction of the first probe 21 directly at the surface being measured, interference from ambient heat radiation or airflow can be reduced, allowing for the acquisition of the most accurate and representative surface temperature of the drying drum 4, providing the most reliable data source for the processor 5 to make accurate judgments.

[0060] In one embodiment, the proximity switch 3 has a second probe whose detection direction is directed toward the drying drum 4.

[0061] In one embodiment, proximity switch 3 is an inductive switch.

[0062] Specifically, inductive switches are widely available in the market.

[0063] The most suitable detection technology for this application scenario was specifically selected, achieving high reliability and long lifespan. The inductive proximity switch 3 is specifically designed for detecting metal objects, while the drying drum 4 is typically made of metal. It features non-contact operation, wear-free operation, oil resistance, and high response frequency, making it ideal for high-speed rotation and complex industrial environments. It can operate stably for extended periods without maintenance.

[0064] The above are merely optional embodiments of this application and are 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. Although embodiments of this utility model have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting this utility model. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A temperature monitoring device, characterized in that, The device includes a bracket, a temperature sensor, and a proximity switch; both the temperature sensor and the proximity switch are fixedly mounted on the bracket; the bracket is used to fix the device to the side near the drying drum; the temperature sensor is used to detect the surface temperature of the drying drum. The processor, display screen, and alarm are all electrically connected to the processor, which is used to connect to a power supply.

2. The temperature monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The processor is a microcontroller.

3. The temperature monitoring device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The alarm includes an LED flash and a buzzer; both the LED flash and the buzzer are electrically connected to the processor.

4. The temperature monitoring device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The bracket has a mounting surface with mounting holes, and the temperature sensor and the proximity switch are both fixedly connected to the bracket through the mounting holes.

5. The temperature monitoring device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The number of mounting holes is multiple, and the multiple mounting holes are distributed at intervals in sequence. The temperature sensor and the proximity switch are respectively inserted and fixed in the mounting holes.

6. The temperature monitoring device according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a sleeve with external threads; the mounting hole is threaded into the sleeve; the temperature sensor and the proximity switch are both inserted and limited in the sleeve; a through hole is opened on the side of the sleeve, and a spring, a push plate, and a ball are installed in the through hole; the diameter of the opening of the through hole on the inner wall of the sleeve is smaller than the diameter of the ball; when the sleeve is threaded into the mounting hole, one end of the spring abuts against the mounting hole, and the other end abuts against the push plate; the push plate abuts against the ball, the ball abuts against the edge of the opening of the through hole on the inner wall of the sleeve, and the ball abuts against the side of the temperature sensor or the proximity switch.

7. The temperature monitoring device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The temperature sensor has a first probe, the detection direction of which is directed toward the drying drum.

8. The temperature monitoring device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The proximity switch has a second probe, the detection direction of which is directed toward the drying drum.

9. The temperature monitoring device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The proximity switch is an inductive switch.

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