A cigarette rod diverter

Abstract

The application discloses a cigarette rod separating device, and relates to the technical field of tobacco machinery, which comprises a horizontal main channel, a limiting mechanism arranged downstream of the main channel to form a pause position, and hollowed-out areas arranged on both sides of the main channel at the pause position; two falling channels are arranged below the hollowed-out areas; a pushing mechanism comprises a pushing plate suspended above the pause position and a driving assembly, the driving assembly drives the pushing plate to make reciprocating linear motion perpendicular to the direction of the main channel, so that the pushing plate has two static positions located on both sides of the pause position. The device adopts a flexible separating mode of lateral translation combined with gravity falling, replaces traditional rigid impact at the end, solves the problems of posture out of control, jamming and packaging damage of the cigarette rod in the separating process, improves the stability, reliability and flexibility of the separating process, and has a simple overall structure, fewer moving parts, and reduced equipment complexity and maintenance cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of tobacco machinery technology, specifically to a tobacco strip separating device. Background Technology

[0002] In modern high-speed cigarette production systems, automated logistics and precise diversion technology are core elements ensuring overall line efficiency and stable product quality. Among these, cigarette cartons, already packaged in hard boxes, serve as a crucial intermediate product bridging upstream and downstream processes. Their transport and sorting from the packaging machine exit to subsequent palletizing, boxing, or warehousing stations directly impact the production line's cycle time and capacity. Currently, the mainstream conveying solution employs horizontally arranged conveyor channels to continuously and smoothly transport cigarette cartons downstream. However, limited by the actual factory layout, or to meet complex needs such as parallel production of multiple varieties, process route switching, and equipment capacity balancing, it is often necessary to divert horizontally moving cigarette cartons at specific nodes on the conveyor line, reliably guiding them from the main conveyor line into vertical or inclined conveyor channels. This allows for path selection, multi-path distribution, or spatial reversal of the cigarette cartons.

[0003] In existing technologies, a common solution for transferring cigarette sticks from a horizontal to a vertical channel is to use a rigid pushing mechanism. This type of mechanism is typically located at the end or side of the main channel. It uses a cylinder or motor to drive a push rod or block, applying impact force directly from the rear end of the cigarette stick's conveying direction, quickly pushing the cigarette stick away from the main channel and causing it to fall into the vertical channel below. While this "rear-end impact" method is structurally simple, it exhibits significant limitations in practical applications. Due to the lightweight nature of cigarette sticks, their unique center of gravity distribution, and smooth outer packaging material, they are highly sensitive to instantaneous impacts. When the rigid mechanism directly impacts the end of the cigarette stick, it easily generates an unstable torque, causing the cigarette stick to lose its posture control the moment it detaches from the main channel support. This manifests as common rolling, severe tilting, or even jamming at the channel interface. This not only causes single-pass separation failures, disrupting the production cycle, but frequent jamming and abnormal collisions can also damage the cigarette stick's outer packaging, affecting product appearance quality, and increasing equipment downtime for maintenance.

[0004] Achieving a smooth and reliable transfer of tobacco sticks from horizontal to vertical conveying has become a key technical challenge in optimizing the tobacco machinery conveying and sorting process. Addressing the problems of uncontrolled tobacco stick posture, poor sorting reliability, and potential packaging damage caused by direct rigid impact in existing technologies, this application aims to propose a tobacco stick sorting device. This device fundamentally optimizes the force applied during sorting and the transfer path of the tobacco sticks, aiming to solve the aforementioned long-standing technical problems and achieve smoother, gentler, and more efficient turning and sorting operations. Utility Model Content

[0005] The main purpose of this application is to provide a cigarette stick separating device to solve the problem that traditional rigid pushing mechanisms are prone to loss of cigarette stick posture and poor separating reliability due to direct impact on the cigarette stick end.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides the following technical solution: A cigarette pack separating device, comprising: The main channel is laid flat, and a limiting mechanism is provided at its downstream end to block the moving cigarette stick, so as to form a stopping position; the main channel is provided with hollow areas on both sides of the stopping position; Two drop channels are located below the two hollowed-out areas, respectively; The pushing mechanism includes a push plate suspended above the pause position and a driving component connected to the push plate; the driving component is used to push the push plate to perform reciprocating linear motion in the horizontal plane perpendicular to the main channel conveying direction, and the push plate has two stationary positions located on both sides of the pause position.

[0007] As a further improvement of this application, the pushing mechanism further includes a first mounting base suspended above the main channel, at least one first slide rail disposed on the first mounting base, and a first slider that slides with each first slide rail respectively; the extension direction of each first slide rail is parallel to the moving direction of the push plate; the push plate is mounted on the first slider, and the driving component drives the first slider to move along the first slide rail, so as to drive the push plate to reciprocate linearly between the two stationary positions.

[0008] As a further improvement of this application, the drive assembly includes a motor mounted on the first mounting base, a drive wheel coaxially connected to the output end of the motor, and a transmission rod with one end hinged to the periphery of the drive wheel; the other end of the transmission rod is hinged to the first slider; the motor is used to drive the drive wheel to rotate, so as to drive the transmission rod to push the first slider to reciprocate linearly along the conveying direction perpendicular to the main channel.

[0009] As a further improvement of this application, the limiting mechanism includes a second mounting base disposed on one side of the main channel, a baffle suspended downstream of the pause position, and a limiting block connected to the baffle and located above the pause position; the baffle is used to block the cigarette stick, and its side away from the limiting block is connected to one end of a bracket, the other end of the bracket being disposed on the second mounting base; the limiting block and the main channel work together to vertically limit the blocked cigarette stick.

[0010] As a further improvement of this application, the limiting mechanism further includes a linear drive element and at least one second slide rail disposed on the second mounting base, and a second slider that slides in cooperation with each second slide rail respectively; the end of the bracket away from the baffle is connected to the second slider, and the second slider is connected to the output end of the linear drive element; the extension direction of the second slide rail is perpendicular to the horizontal plane; the linear drive element is used to drive the second slider to rise and fall along the second slide rail, so as to drive the baffle and the limiting block to adjust their height from the bottom surface of the main channel as a whole.

[0011] As a further improvement of this application, the limiting mechanism also includes a positioning detector disposed on the baffle, the detection end of the positioning detector passing through the baffle and facing upstream of the main channel, for detecting whether the cigarette stick has reached the pause position.

[0012] As a further improvement of this application, the cigarette bar separating device further includes a control mechanism electrically connected to the motor, the linear drive element and the positioning detector respectively; the control mechanism has a number of pre-stored control commands for receiving signals from the positioning detector and matching the corresponding control commands to control the motor and the linear drive element to perform corresponding actions.

[0013] As a further improvement of this application, the pusher plate is a strip plate that is perpendicular to the horizontal plane and extends along the conveying direction of the main channel, and its thickness is consistent with the side wall thickness of the main channel.

[0014] As a further improvement of this application, the entrance end of the falling channel is provided with a guide section, which is a guide slope or an arc-shaped guide plate.

[0015] The technical solution provided in this application may include the following beneficial effects: In use, this application utilizes a design with open suspension points on both sides and a laterally movable pusher plate to apply force smoothly from the side of the cigarette pack, allowing it to slide horizontally into the open area and then fall naturally under gravity. This replaces the traditional rigid pushing mechanism that directly impacts the end of the cigarette pack. This design transforms the sorting action from a direct rigid impact into a smooth process of first sliding horizontally and then falling naturally. It not only solves the problems of posture loss of control, jamming, and packaging damage that easily occur during cigarette pack sorting, improving the stability and reliability of the sorting process, but also enables the cigarette pack to be sorted alternately to both sides or as needed, enhancing the flexibility of the sorting operation. At the same time, the core structure of the device is simple and compact, consisting only of a main channel with an open area, a pusher plate, and a drive assembly. With fewer moving parts and simpler action logic, it reduces the manufacturing complexity, failure rate, and long-term maintenance costs of the equipment, making it suitable for large-scale deployment on production lines. Attached Figure Description

[0016] 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.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a cigarette bar separating device; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a cigarette bar separating device; Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the push mechanism; Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the middle limiting mechanism; Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a cigarette bar separating device. Figure label: 1. Main channel; 101. Pause position; 102. Hollowed-out area; 103. Stationary position; 2. Limiting mechanism; 201. Second mounting base; 202. Baffle; 203. Limiting block; 204. Bracket; 205. Linear drive element; 206. Second slide rail; 207. Second slider; 208. Position detector; 3. Falling channel; 301. Guide part; 4. Pushing mechanism; 401. Push plate; 402. First mounting base; 403. First slide rail; 404. First slider; 405. Motor; 406. Drive wheel; 407. Transmission rod. Detailed Implementation

[0018] 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.

[0019] Example 1 Figure 1 An embodiment of a cigarette bar separating device according to this application is shown; see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 1 In this embodiment, the cigarette bar separating device includes: a main channel 1, a limiting mechanism 2, a falling channel 3, and a pushing mechanism 4.

[0020] Among them, see Figure 2The main channel 1 is horizontally positioned, and a limiting mechanism 2 is provided downstream to block the moving cigarette stick, forming a precise stopping position 101. The main channel 1 has its side walls cut off at the stopping position 101, forming two symmetrical hollow areas 102. Two falling channels 3 are respectively vertically positioned directly below the two hollow areas 102. The pushing mechanism 4 includes a push plate 401 suspended above the stopping position 101 and a driving assembly connected to the push plate 401. The driving assembly pushes the push plate 401 in a reciprocating linear motion perpendicular to the conveying direction of the main channel 1 in the horizontal plane, giving the push plate 401 two stationary positions 103 located on either side of the stopping position 101. During operation, when the cigarette stick is conveyed downstream along the main channel 1 and blocked at the pause position 101 by the limiting mechanism 2, the drive component drives the push plate 401 to move laterally from the stationary position 103 on one side. The push plate 401 applies a smooth and uniform pushing force from the side of the cigarette stick with its plate surface, translating the entire cigarette stick as a whole to the hollow area 102 on either side. The cigarette stick then loses the support of the main channel 1 and falls naturally and vertically into the corresponding falling channel 3 under the action of gravity. This linkage mechanism of lateral translation combined with gravity falling replaces the rigid pushing method of directly impacting the end of the cigarette stick in the traditional device, thereby solving the problems of cigarette stick posture loss of control, tumbling and jamming caused by rigid impact, and realizing the smoothness and reliability of the cigarette stick sorting process. At the same time, the reciprocating motion of the push plate 401 between the two stationary positions 103 also allows the cigarette stick to be flexibly sorted to the falling channels 3 on both sides, improving the flexibility of the sorting operation. The core structure of the entire device is simple, the motion logic is clear, and the complexity of the equipment and maintenance costs are reduced.

[0021] Further, see Figure 2 The pusher plate 401 is constructed as a strip structure that is perpendicular to the horizontal plane and extends along the conveying direction of the main channel 1. Its thickness is consistent with the thickness of the side wall of the main channel 1, so that when the pusher plate 401 moves to one of the stationary positions 103, its side close to the main channel 1 can form a continuous and flush guide surface with the corresponding side wall of the main channel 1. This avoids any interference or jamming during the normal conveying of the cigarette stick, and ensures that the pusher plate 401 can make complete contact with the side of the cigarette stick at the beginning of the pushing stage, laying the foundation for the smooth pushing thereafter.

[0022] Optionally, the pusher plate 401 is made of a material with a low coefficient of friction and appropriate rigidity, such as ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene or a metal plate with a Teflon coating. This preferred solution can further reduce the sliding friction resistance between the pusher plate 401 and the cigarette pack surface, making the pushing action smoother and less strenuous, and effectively preventing scratches or wear on the smooth packaging surface of the cigarette pack due to excessive friction during the pushing process, thereby ensuring the appearance quality of the product while achieving efficient separation.

[0023] Further, see Figure 2The length of the hollow area 102 along the conveying direction of the main channel 1 is set to be slightly greater than the standard length of a single cigarette stick, and its width perpendicular to the conveying direction of the main channel 1 is slightly greater than the thickness of the cigarette stick, so as to provide sufficient clearance for the lateral movement of the cigarette stick under the action of the push plate 401. This ensures that the cigarette stick is pushed away from the main channel 1 completely and smoothly, and also prevents unnecessary tilting or shaking of the cigarette stick during the translation process due to excessive gaps, thus ensuring the accuracy and stability of the separation process.

[0024] Furthermore, participate Figure 2 The entrance end of the falling channel 3 is equipped with a dedicated guide section 301. This guide section 301 can take the form of a guide ramp or an arc-shaped guide plate. When the cigarette stick begins to fall from the hollow area 102, it is promptly received and guided by a gradually changing contact surface or a smooth arc surface, so that its movement direction smoothly transitions from horizontal translation to vertical descent. This reduces the risk of rigid collision or jamming of the cigarette stick with the channel entrance in the initial stage of descent.

[0025] Optionally, the guide section 301 and the falling channel 3 adopt an integrated molding design, and its inner surface is highly polished; this can enhance the overall structural strength, eliminate the risk of snagging caused by the connection gap, and at the same time, its smooth inner surface provides a sliding path with minimal frictional resistance for the cigarette stick, further ensuring the efficiency and smooth operation of the cigarette stick in the falling channel 3.

[0026] This embodiment successfully transforms the traditional rigid impact at the end into a compliant push by combining lateral translation with gravity-fed descent, solving the problems of attitude loss and jamming that easily occur during tobacco strip separation. This not only improves the stability and reliability of the separation operation but also reduces equipment complexity and maintenance costs through a simple and compact core structure, providing a highly efficient and reliable separation solution for the tobacco machinery industry.

[0027] Example 2 To enable the pusher plate 401 to perform reciprocating linear motion perpendicular to the conveying direction of the main channel 1 in the horizontal plane, and to allow it to stop precisely at the two stationary positions 103 located on both sides of the pause position 101, based on the above embodiment, see... Figure 3 The pushing mechanism 4 also includes a first mounting base 402, a first slide rail 403, and a first slider 404.

[0028] Among them, see Figure 3The first mounting base 402 is suspended and fixed above the main channel 1 by a support structure, providing a stable mounting base for the pushing mechanism 4. At least one first slide rail 403 is arranged side by side on the side wall of the first mounting base 402, and the first slider 404 forms a sliding engagement with each first slide rail 403. The extension direction of each first slide rail 403 is precisely calibrated to ensure that it remains parallel to the required movement direction of the push plate 401, i.e., perpendicular to the conveying direction of the main channel 1. The upper region of the push plate 401 is rigidly connected to the first slider 404, so that when the drive assembly drives the first slider 404 to move along the first slide rail 403, it can drive the push plate 401 to perform reciprocating linear motion between the two stationary positions 103 without deviation.

[0029] Optionally, a continuous limiting groove is formed along the length direction on at least one side wall of the first slide rail 403; correspondingly, a limiting protrusion capable of embedding into the limiting groove is provided on the concave surface where the first slider 404 mates with the first slide rail 403. Through the mutual engagement and sliding cooperation of the limiting protrusion and the limiting groove, a reliable mechanical interlocking mechanism is formed. While allowing the first slider 404 to slide freely along the first slide rail 403, it effectively restricts the displacement of the first slider 404 in other degrees of freedom perpendicular to the sliding direction, thereby fundamentally preventing the first slider 404 from disengaging from the first slide rail 403 during long-term reciprocating operation or when subjected to accidental impact, ensuring the reliability and safety of the pushing mechanism 4.

[0030] Further, see Figure 3 The drive assembly includes a motor 405 mounted on a first mounting base 402, a drive wheel 406 coaxially connected to the output end of the motor 405 via a coupling, and a transmission rod 407 with one end hinged to the periphery of the drive wheel 406. The other end of the transmission rod 407 is movably connected to the first slider 404 via a hinge shaft. After receiving a control signal, the motor 405 drives the drive wheel 406 to rotate. The rotational motion of the drive wheel 406 is converted into linear motion of the first slider 404 on the first slide rail 403 via the transmission rod 407, thereby precisely pushing the push plate 401 to reciprocate along the conveying direction perpendicular to the main channel 1.

[0031] Optionally, the drive wheel 406 adopts an eccentric wheel structure, with its hinge point offset from the center of rotation by a distance equal to half the total stroke of the push plate 401. The motor 405 drives this eccentric wheel to rotate at a constant speed, which is converted into the reciprocating motion of the push plate 401 via the transmission rod 407. This mechanism ensures that the push plate 401 reaches its maximum speed at the midpoint of its stroke and returns to zero speed at both ends of the stationary position 103, achieving smooth speed change and effectively reducing impact at the endpoints. The motor 405 is controlled by a central control system and can precisely execute forward and reverse rotation, ensuring that the push plate 401 accurately stops at the preset stationary position 103.

[0032] This embodiment employs a precision pushing system comprising a slide rail, a slider, and an eccentric wheel drive mechanism to provide accurate guidance and smooth power for the reciprocating motion of the pusher plate 401. Its anti-detachment structure ensures long-term operational reliability, while the smooth speed change characteristics provided by the eccentric wheel mechanism further optimize the dynamic performance of the pushing process. This results in more precise and gentle tobacco strip separation, improving the mechanical stability and service life of the entire device.

[0033] Example 3 To ensure that the cigarette stick in the main channel 1 stops precisely at the pause position 101, based on the above embodiment, see [reference needed]. Figure 4 The limiting mechanism 2 includes a second mounting base 201, a baffle 202, and a limiting block 203.

[0034] Among them, see Figure 4 The second mounting base 201 is fixedly installed on one side of the main channel 1. The baffle 202 is suspended downstream of the pause position 101 to block the moving cigarette stick. The limiting block 203 is connected to the side of the baffle 202 facing the pause position 101 and is located above the pause position 101. The side of the baffle 202 facing away from the limiting block 203 is connected to the second mounting base 201 through a bracket 204. The limiting block 203 and the bottom surface of the main channel 1 together form a clamping space to vertically limit the cigarette stick stopped at the pause position 101, preventing it from jumping or shifting when blocked.

[0035] Optionally, the side of the baffle 202 facing upstream of the main channel 1 is machined into a flat, vertical surface, perpendicular to the conveying direction of the main channel 1, to provide a uniform contact surface; the lower surface of the limiting block 203 is also a flat plane, and it is arranged parallel to the conveying surface of the main channel 1, with a gap between it and the conveying surface of the main channel 1 slightly larger than the standard height of a single cigarette stick. This structure ensures that when a moving cigarette stick impacts the baffle 202, its top is simultaneously constrained by the limiting block 203, forming a stable clamping structure, effectively preventing the cigarette stick from rebounding or jumping due to impact, and ensuring its precise positioning.

[0036] Further, see Figure 4 The limiting mechanism 2 also includes a linear drive element 205 and at least one second slide rail 206 disposed on the second mounting base 201, and a second slider 207 that slides in cooperation with each second slide rail 206. The end of the bracket 204 away from the baffle 202 is fixedly connected to the second slider 207, which is simultaneously connected to the output end of the linear drive element 205. The extension direction of the second slide rail 206 is perpendicular to the horizontal plane. The linear drive element 205 drives the second slider 207 to move vertically up and down along the second slide rail 206, thereby adjusting the working height of the baffle 202 and the limiting block 203 from the bottom surface of the main channel 1.

[0037] Optionally, the linear drive element 205 can be any one of a servo electric cylinder, pneumatic cylinder, or hydraulic cylinder. Its output end is reliably connected to the second slider 207 via a flange connection or threaded fastening to provide a stable push-pull force. This element precisely controls the lifting stroke according to the control signal, enabling rapid adaptation to different specifications of cigarette bars.

[0038] Optionally, a continuous limiting groove is formed along the length of at least one side wall of the second slide rail 206; correspondingly, a limiting protrusion is provided on the concave surface of the second slider 207 that mates with the second slide rail 206, which can be embedded in the limiting groove. Through the sliding engagement of the protrusion and the groove, a reliable anti-disengagement structure is formed, ensuring that the second slider 207 always maintains a tight fit with the second slide rail 206 during the lifting process, preventing jamming or disengagement.

[0039] Further, see Figure 4 A positioning detector 208 is embedded in the baffle 202, with its detection end penetrating through the baffle 202 and facing upstream of the main channel 1. This detector is used to detect in real time whether the cigarette stick has arrived and is stably blocked at the pause position 101, and then outputs a detection signal.

[0040] Optionally, the arrival detector 208 employs a through-beam photoelectric sensor or a diffuse reflection proximity switch. Its detection beam or detection field passes through the through-hole on the baffle 202 and is aligned with the upstream material inflow direction of the main channel 1. When the smoke bar arrives and blocks the beam or enters the detection field, the sensor immediately generates a change in the level signal, accurately determining the arrival status of the smoke bar and providing a triggering basis for subsequent channeling actions.

[0041] This embodiment achieves rapid, precise positioning and reliable limiting of the cigarette stick at the pause position 101 by integrating an adjustable-height limiting mechanism 2 and a positioning detection system. Its unique clamping structure prevents the cigarette stick from rebounding and bouncing when it impacts the baffle 202, while the adjustable-height design enhances adaptability to cigarette sticks of different sizes. This limiting mechanism 2 provides a solid foundation for the accurate triggering and smooth execution of the entire sorting process and is a key component in achieving automated sorting.

[0042] Example 4 In order to achieve intelligent control of the cigarette pack separating device, the cigarette pack separating device also includes a control mechanism based on the above embodiments.

[0043] The control mechanism is electrically connected to the motor 405 of the pushing mechanism 4, the linear drive element 205 of the limiting mechanism 2, and the positioning detector 208. The control mechanism has multiple sets of control commands pre-stored, corresponding to different specifications of cigarette sticks and lane separation modes. Its core working logic is to automatically match and execute the corresponding control commands by receiving the cigarette stick positioning signal sent by the positioning detector 208 in real time, thereby precisely controlling the start, stop, direction, and rotation angle of the motor 405. It can also adjust the lifting stroke of the linear drive element 205 as needed, enabling each actuator to collaboratively complete the lane separation operation according to a preset program.

[0044] To clearly illustrate this control process, the following explanation is based on a specific work process: The cigarette stick is conveyed downstream along the main channel 1 and stopped at the pause position 101 by the limiting mechanism 2. At this time, the arrival detector 208 installed on the baffle 202 detects in real time that the cigarette stick has arrived and immediately sends the signal to the control mechanism. The control mechanism then sends an action command to the motor 405 of the pushing mechanism 4 according to the preset channeling logic, such as alternating channeling or designated channeling. After receiving the command, the motor 405 drives the pusher plate 401 to perform a lateral pushing action, smoothly pushing the cigarette stick at the pause position 101 into the target hollow area 102. The cigarette stick then falls naturally and vertically into the corresponding falling channel 3 by its own gravity, thus completing one automatic channeling operation.

[0045] Optionally, the control mechanism may use a programmable logic controller or an industrial microcontroller as the core processor, and be equipped with corresponding digital input / output modules and motion control modules to achieve reliable reception of the above signals and accurate issuance of commands.

[0046] This embodiment integrates the various independent execution units and sensors of the lane-separating device into an intelligent collaborative system by introducing a centralized control mechanism. This system can automatically match and execute preset control strategies based on real-time detection signals, precisely coordinating pushing and limiting actions, thereby achieving full automation and intelligence of the lane-separating process. Ultimately, this improves the production flexibility, response speed, and control precision of the equipment, meeting the core requirements of modern production lines for efficient and flexible lane separation.

[0047] Example 5 This embodiment provides a specific application scheme for a tobacco strip sorting device in a production line, such as... Figure 5 As shown, this application scheme includes six sets of lane-splitting devices as described in any of the aforementioned embodiments, arranged in a matrix layout of two rows and three columns. Specifically, the three lane-splitting devices in the upper row and the three lane-splitting devices in the lower row are vertically paired, forming three sets of vertically aligned lane-splitting units.

[0048] Specifically, each set of corresponding upper and lower channel units shares two vertically arranged conveying channels. Specifically, the upper channel unit connects the outlets of its two falling channels 3 to the top inlets of the two vertical conveying channels respectively; the lower channel unit connects the outlets of its two falling channels 3 to the corresponding middle inlets of the same set of vertical conveying channels. Each vertical conveying channel has a discharge port at its bottom for conveying the collected tobacco strips to subsequent processes.

[0049] In this application scheme, the control mechanisms of each lane-splitting device are connected to the main control system of the production line via fieldbus or industrial Ethernet. Based on real-time production data, the main control system coordinates the lane-splitting logic and timing of the six lane-splitting devices. For example, the main control system can instruct a device in the upper row to split the cigarette pack into the left vertical channel, while simultaneously instructing the device directly below it to split the cigarette pack into the right vertical channel, thereby achieving balanced flow and efficient delivery of the cigarette pack in the two vertical channels.

[0050] This embodiment integrates multiple distribution devices in a specific layout and innovatively adopts a shared vertical conveying channel design, realizing multi-point collection, flexible distribution and vertical conveying of cigarette strips within a limited space, significantly improving the space utilization and material handling capacity of the production line.

[0051] It should be noted that the motor 405, linear drive element 205, and position detector 208 involved in the technical solution provided in this application are all standard functional components commonly used in the field of automation control. The specific internal structure, independent working principle, and manufacturing method of these components are prior art known to those skilled in the art and are not the innovation of this application. Therefore, their internal structure will not be elaborated in detail in this application. The core of this application lies in the creative combination and coordination of these functional components through specific mechanical structures and systematic control logic, thereby constructing a highly efficient and reliable automatic cigarette bar sorting system.

[0052] 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 cigarette pack separating device, characterized in that, include: The main channel (1) is laid flat, and a limiting mechanism (2) is provided downstream to block the moving cigarette stick to form a pause position (101); the main channel (1) has hollow areas (102) on both sides of the pause position (101). Two drop channels (3) are respectively located below the two hollow areas (102); The pushing mechanism (4) includes a push plate (401) suspended above the pause position (101) and a driving component connected to the push plate (401); the driving component is used to push the push plate (401) to perform reciprocating linear motion in the horizontal plane perpendicular to the conveying direction of the main channel (1), and the push plate (401) has two stationary positions (103) located on both sides of the pause position (101).

2. The tobacco strip separating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pushing mechanism (4) further includes a first mounting base (402) suspended above the main channel (1), at least one first slide rail (403) disposed on the first mounting base (402), and a first slider (404) that slides and engages with each first slide rail (403); the extension direction of each first slide rail (403) is parallel to the moving direction of the push plate (401); the push plate (401) is mounted on the first slider (404), and the driving component drives the first slider (404) to move along the first slide rail (403) so as to drive the push plate (401) to reciprocate linearly between the two stationary positions (103).

3. The tobacco strip separating device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The drive assembly includes a motor (405) mounted on the first mounting base (402), a drive wheel (406) coaxially connected to the output end of the motor (405), and a transmission rod (407) with one end hinged to the periphery of the drive wheel (406); the other end of the transmission rod (407) is hinged to the first slider (404); the motor (405) is used to drive the drive wheel (406) to rotate, so as to drive the transmission rod (407) to push the first slider (404) to reciprocate linearly along the conveying direction perpendicular to the main channel (1).

4. The tobacco strip separating device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The limiting mechanism (2) includes a second mounting base (201) located on one side of the main channel (1), a baffle (202) suspended downstream of the pause position (101), and a limiting block (203) connected to the baffle (202) and located above the pause position (101). The baffle (202) is used to block the cigarette stick, and its side away from the limiting block (203) is connected to one end of a bracket (204), the other end of which is located on the second mounting base (201). The limiting block (203) works together with the main channel (1) to vertically limit the blocked cigarette stick.

5. The tobacco strip separating device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The limiting mechanism (2) further includes a linear drive element (205) and at least one second slide rail (206) disposed on the second mounting base (201), and a second slider (207) that slides in cooperation with each second slide rail (206); the bracket (204) is connected to the second slider (207) at one end away from the baffle (202), and the second slider (207) is connected to the output end of the linear drive element (205); the extension direction of the second slide rail (206) is perpendicular to the horizontal plane; the linear drive element (205) is used to drive the second slider (207) to rise and fall along the second slide rail (206) so as to drive the baffle (202) and the limiting block (203) to adjust their height from the bottom surface of the main channel (1).

6. The tobacco strip separating device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The limiting mechanism (2) further includes a position detector (208) disposed on the baffle (202). The detection end of the position detector (208) passes through the baffle (202) and faces upstream of the main channel (1) to detect whether the cigarette stick has reached the pause position (101).

7. The tobacco strip separating device according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a control mechanism electrically connected to the motor (405), the linear drive element (205) and the position detector (208) respectively; the control mechanism has a number of control commands stored in advance, used to receive signals sent by the position detector (208) and match the corresponding control commands to control the motor (405) and the linear drive element (205) to perform corresponding actions.

8. The tobacco strip separating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The push plate (401) is a strip that is perpendicular to the horizontal plane and extends along the conveying direction of the main channel (1), and its thickness is consistent with the side wall thickness of the main channel (1).

9. The tobacco strip separating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The entrance end of the falling channel (3) is provided with a guide part (301), which is a guide slope or an arc-shaped guide plate.

Images