Case turnover feeding machine control system

Abstract

The utility model relates to the field of tobacco processing technology, and specifically discloses a turnover box feeding machine control system. The system comprises a conveyor, a feeding machine and a turnover machine; the conveyor is used to drive the tobacco box to move to or move out of the material taking position; the feeding machine has a bottom belt selectively driving the material to move along the working direction, so that the material moves from the input end to the output end of the feeding machine; three feeding bin detection units are arranged on the feeding machine, which are respectively defined as cabinet head grating detection pieces, cabinet middle grating detection pieces and cabinet tail grating detection pieces for monitoring the input end, the middle part and the output end of the feeding machine; the feeding bin detection unit comprises a plane perpendicular to the working direction; the turnover machine is used to move the material from the inside of the tobacco box to the input end of the feeding machine; the turnover machine can rotate relative to the feeding machine and pass through a turnover position; the turnover machine at the turnover position selectively fixes the tobacco box. Through the optimization design of the specific structure, the system improves the efficiency and accuracy of the feeding machine detection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of tobacco processing technology, and in particular to a control system for a box-turning feeder. Background Technology

[0002] In the tobacco processing industry, the threshing and re-drying process is a crucial step in ensuring tobacco leaf quality. The box-turning feeder system primarily provides a uniform and continuous material flow to the subsequent controlled electronic scales, thereby guaranteeing stable production line operation and product consistency. Traditional box-turning feeder systems typically consist of a box-turning feeder, a feeding hopper, and an elevator. In existing technologies, the feeder operation mainly relies on manual control: the operator must manually operate the box-turning machine based on experience, flipping the material from the tobacco box to the feeding hopper inlet. Simultaneously, a single photoelectric detection switch within the feeding hopper monitors the material status. The output signal from this switch controls the box-turning action and subsequent material supply to maintain a stable material level within the feeding hopper, ensuring uniform flow in subsequent processes.

[0003] However, this traditional control method has many drawbacks, seriously affecting the system's efficiency and reliability. First, the manual control of the box-turning machine leads to low operational efficiency and insufficient reliability. Manual intervention is affected by the operator's skill level, attention level, and fatigue, easily causing action delays or misoperations, making it impossible to achieve precise timing control. This restricts the improvement of the overall production automation level and increases the risk of production interruptions due to human error.

[0004] Secondly, traditional photoelectric detection switches use a single-beam detection principle, which has poor anti-interference capabilities and is easily affected by environmental factors, resulting in false signals. In the actual production environment of leaf re-drying, the feeding hopper often contains impurities such as tobacco flakes, dust, flying insects, or other debris attached to the hopper. These impurities may accidentally block the photoelectric beam, causing the system to misjudge the material level. For example, when the beam is blocked, it may incorrectly indicate that the material is sufficient, causing the turning machine to stop feeding and resulting in an empty feeding hopper; conversely, it may falsely trigger the turning machine, causing material overflow or abnormal equipment operation. Such false triggering not only disrupts the continuous supply of materials but may also lead to frequent start-ups and shutdowns of the equipment, reducing its service life and increasing maintenance costs.

[0005] Furthermore, due to the single detection point, the photoelectric switch cannot comprehensively cover the material distribution within the feeding hopper. Material may accumulate or form voids within the hopper due to uneven flow, and a single detection point can only reflect the material level at a specific location, failing to monitor the material status of the entire hopper in real time, easily leading to missed or false detections. This further exacerbates the instability of material supply, making it difficult for the system to achieve continuous and uniform feeding, ultimately affecting the accurate measurement of subsequent control scales and process quality.

[0006] In summary, existing control methods based on manual operation and single-point photoelectric detection have significant shortcomings in terms of efficiency, reliability, and automation, and cannot meet the demands of the modern tobacco industry for high-precision and high-stability production. Utility Model Content

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a control system for a box-turning feeder to improve the efficiency and accuracy of feeder detection.

[0008] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0009] The control system for the tilting and feeding machine includes a conveyor, a feeder, and a tilting machine. The conveyor moves the smoke box to or out of the material collection position, and the smoke box is used to collect materials. The feeder has a bottom belt that selectively moves the material along the working direction, moving the material from the input end to the output end of the feeder. The feeder is equipped with three feeding bin detection units, each including a through-beam grating. The plane of the through-beam grating is perpendicular to the working direction. The three feeding bins... The detection units are defined as a cabinet head grating detection unit, a cabinet middle grating detection unit, and a cabinet tail grating detection unit. The cabinet head grating detection unit is used to monitor the input end of the feeder, the cabinet middle grating detection unit is used to monitor the middle part of the feeder, and the cabinet tail grating detection unit is used to monitor the output end of the feeder. The box-turning machine is used to move the material from the inside of the tobacco box to the input end of the feeder. The box-turning machine can rotate relative to the feeder and pass through the flip-back position. The box-turning machine at the flip-back position selectively fixes the tobacco box.

[0010] As an optional technical solution for the control system of the box-turning feeder, the through-beam grating includes a emitter, a receiver, and a transmitter. The emitter and the receiver are respectively arranged on both sides of the bottom belt in the width direction of the feeder. The emitter has M light source elements, all of which are evenly spaced along the arrangement direction, which is perpendicular to the width direction of the feeder and the working direction. The light source elements are used to emit light beams, and the receiver is used to receive the light beams. The transmitter is communicatively connected to the receiver to obtain the number of light beams received by the receiver. The feeding bin detection unit has two working states: a no-material state and a material-containing state. When the quantity is less than N, the feeding bin detection unit is determined to be in the material-containing state. When the quantity is greater than or equal to N, the feeding bin detection unit is determined to be in the no-material state. M and N are both positive integers, and M is greater than N.

[0011] As an optional technical solution for the control system of the box-turning feeder, the control system of the box-turning feeder also includes a control device and a bottom belt drive unit. The bottom belt drive unit is used to drive the bottom belt. The control device is communicatively connected to all the transmitters to monitor the working status of the cabinet head grating detection device, the cabinet middle grating detection device and the cabinet tail grating detection device. The control device is communicatively connected to the bottom belt drive unit.

[0012] As an optional technical solution for the control system of the box-turning feeder, 2N is greater than or equal to M.

[0013] As an optional technical solution for the control system of the box-turning feeder, the through-beam grating also includes two U-shaped frames, which are respectively located on both sides of the bottom belt. Both ends of the U-shaped frames are fixed to the feeder. The light emitter is fixed to the middle of one U-shaped frame, and the light receiver is fixed to the middle of the other U-shaped frame.

[0014] As an optional technical solution for the control system of the box-turning feeder, the distance between two adjacent light sources is 18 mm to 22 mm.

[0015] As an optional technical solution for the control system of the box-turning feeder, the feeder is equipped with a box-turning drive unit, which is used to drive the box-turning machine to swing between the flip-back position and the stationary position. When the box-turning machine is in the stationary position, the material in the cigarette box falls to the input end of the feeder.

[0016] As an optional technical solution for the control system of the box-turning feeder, the control system of the box-turning feeder also includes a control device, which is communicatively connected to the box-turning drive unit.

[0017] As an optional technical solution for the box-turning feeder control system, the box-turning machine, which swings between the turning-back position and the stationary position, passes through the turning-back deceleration position. The control device is communicatively connected to the box-turning machine, and the box-turning feeder control system also includes a turning-back deceleration switch communicatively connected to the control device.

[0018] As an optional technical solution for the box-turning feeder control system, the box-turning machine, which swings between the turning-back position and the stationary position, passes through the box-turning deceleration position. The control device is communicatively connected to the box-turning machine, and the box-turning feeder control system also includes a box-turning deceleration switch communicatively connected to the control device.

[0019] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0020] This box-turning feeder control system utilizes optical grating detectors at the head, middle, and tail of the feeding bin, forming a multi-point area array detection zone with through-beam gratings. This comprehensively covers the input, middle, and output areas of the feeding bin, enabling comprehensive, three-dimensional, and real-time monitoring of the material status within the bin. The area array detection zone is perpendicular to the working direction, ensuring effective beam blocking during material movement. This overcomes the blind spot problem of traditional single photoelectric switches, significantly improving detection accuracy and reliability. This multi-detection-point layout effectively avoids missed detections, ensuring continuous material supply from inlet to outlet. Simultaneously, the area array detection zone reduces accidental triggering caused by small foreign objects (such as dust or smoke fragments), preventing malfunctions due to partial obstruction or uneven material distribution, thus improving overall reliability and stability. This provides a precise data foundation for subsequent uniform material flow control. Furthermore, the aforementioned box-turning feeder control system integrates the conveyor, feeder, and box-turning machine, achieving automated processes, reducing manual intervention, and improving overall efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the box-turning feeder control system provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the box-turning feeder control system provided in this embodiment of the utility model, excluding the smoke box;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the light emitter and the U-shaped frame provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the control method for the box-turning feeder provided in this embodiment of the utility model.

[0025] In the picture:

[0026] 1. Cigarette box; 2. Conveyor; 3. Box-turning machine; 4. Box-turning drive unit; 5. Feeder; 6. Cabinet head grating detection component; 7. Cabinet middle grating detection component; 8. Cabinet tail grating detection component; 9. First support; 10. First elbow; 11. Light emitter; 12. Crossbar; 13. Second elbow; 14. Second support; 15. RFID reader; 16. Cigarette box side positioning detection component; 17. Cigarette box front positioning detection component; 18. Box-turning back positioning detection component; 19. Box-turning back positioning deceleration switch; 20. Box-turning positioning deceleration switch; 21. Box-turning machine positioning detection component. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The technical solution of this utility model will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0028] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this utility model and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. The terms "first position" and "second position" refer to two different positions. Moreover, "above," "on top of," and "over" the first feature in relation to the second feature includes the first feature directly above and diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "under," and "below" the first feature in relation to the second feature includes the first feature directly below and diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

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

[0030] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0031] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, this utility model provides a control system for a box-turning feeder, including a conveyor 2, a feeder 5, and a box-turning machine 3; the conveyor 2 is used to move the smoke box 1 to or out of the material-collecting position, and the smoke box 1 is used to collect materials; the feeder 5 has a bottom belt, which selectively drives the material to move along the working direction, so that the material moves from the input end of the feeder 5 to the output end of the feeder 5; the feeder 5 is equipped with three feeding bin detection units, each feeding bin detection unit including a through-beam grating, the plane of which the through-beam grating is perpendicular to the working direction. The three feeding bin detection units are defined as the cabinet head grating detection element 6, the cabinet middle grating detection element 7, and the cabinet tail grating detection element 8, respectively. The cabinet head grating detection element 6 is used to monitor the input end of the feeder 5, the cabinet middle grating detection element 7 is used to monitor the middle part of the feeder 5, and the cabinet tail grating detection element 8 is used to monitor the output end of the feeder 5. The box-turning machine 3 is used to move the material from the inside of the smoke box 1 to the input end of the feeder 5. The box-turning machine 3 can rotate relative to the feeder 5 and pass through the flip-back position. The box-turning machine 3 in the flip-back position selectively fixes the smoke box 1.

[0032] In this embodiment, tobacco leaves are used as an example of the material.

[0033] The control system of this box-turning feeder utilizes a multi-point area array detection area formed by setting up optical grating detectors 6 at the head of the box, 7 in the middle of the box, and 8 at the tail of the box, and employing through-beam optical gratings to comprehensively cover the input, middle, and output areas of the feeding bin. This enables comprehensive, three-dimensional, and real-time monitoring of the material status within the feeding bin. The area array detection area is perpendicular to the working direction, ensuring that the light beam is effectively blocked when the material moves, overcoming the detection blind spot problem of traditional single photoelectric switches. This significantly improves the accuracy and reliability of the detection. This multi-detection point layout effectively avoids missed detections, ensuring continuous material supply from inlet to outlet. Simultaneously, the area array detection area reduces false triggering caused by occasional obstruction from small foreign objects (such as dust or smoke fragments), and avoids malfunctions due to partial obstruction or uneven material distribution, improving overall reliability and stability. This lays a precise data foundation for subsequent uniform control of material flow. Furthermore, the aforementioned box-turning feeder control system integrates the conveyor 2, the feeder 5, and the box-turning machine 3, achieving automated processes, reducing manual intervention, and improving overall efficiency.

[0034] In this embodiment, the through-beam grating includes a light emitter 11, a light receiver, and a transmitter. The light emitter 11 and the light receiver are respectively disposed on both sides of the bottom belt in the width direction of the feeder 5. The light emitter 11 is provided with M light source elements, all of which are evenly spaced along the arrangement direction, which is perpendicular to the width direction of the feeder 5 and the working direction. The light source elements are used to emit light beams, the light receiver is used to receive light beams, and the transmitter is communicatively connected to the light receiver to obtain the number of light beams received by the light receiver. The working state of the feed bin detection unit has a no-material state and a material-containing state. When the quantity is less than N, it is determined that the feed bin detection unit is in the material-containing state. When the quantity is greater than or equal to N, it is determined that the feed bin detection unit is in the no-material state. M and N are both positive integers, and M is greater than N.

[0035] High-precision material detection is achieved by defining the specific structure of the through-beam grating and using state judgment logic based on a beam number threshold. Furthermore, the presence of material is only determined when the number of blocked beams reaches a preset threshold. This trigger condition of simultaneous blocking of multiple beams allows the tipping feeder control system to distinguish between real material and small foreign objects (such as dust, insects, or objects attached to the box), significantly reducing false triggers caused by single-point blocking and fundamentally eliminating malfunctions. Due to the wide beam coverage, the area array detection ensures that a sufficient number of beams are blocked when material enters the detection area, avoiding missed detections and ensuring high accuracy, anti-interference capability, and reliability. Simultaneously, the flexible setting of parameters M and N allows adaptation to different material characteristics and environmental conditions, improving the adaptability and accuracy of the tipping feeder control system.

[0036] Furthermore, the control system of the box-turning feeder also includes a control device and a bottom belt drive unit. The bottom belt drive unit is used to drive the bottom belt. The control device is communicatively connected to all the transmitters to monitor the working status of the head grating detector 6, the middle grating detector 7, and the tail grating detector 8. The control device is also communicatively connected to the bottom belt drive unit to control the start and stop of the bottom belt. Specifically, the bottom belt drive unit is a servo motor, and the control device is a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller).

[0037] By introducing a control device and a bottom belt drive unit, and establishing a communication connection between the control device and the grating detection unit, real-time monitoring of the grating detection status and automatic control of the bottom belt's start and stop are achieved, facilitating automated control of material conveying in the feeding bin. The control device intelligently controls the start and stop of the bottom belt based on the real-time status of the gratings at the head, middle, and tail of the bin, ensuring a continuous supply of material in the feeding bin and allowing for uniform material flow, avoiding problems such as empty or accumulated material due to detection errors. This closed-loop control reduces manual intervention, improves production efficiency and control accuracy, and simultaneously reduces the risk of downtime due to human error through automated response, enhancing the stability of the tipping feeder control system.

[0038] In this embodiment, 2N is greater than or equal to M.

[0039] By limiting the condition that 2N is greater than or equal to M, the detection threshold was further optimized, ensuring that the feeder control system only determines that there is material when most of the light beams are blocked. This condition significantly enhances anti-interference capabilities because small foreign objects are unlikely to block more than half of the light beams simultaneously, thus greatly reducing the probability of false triggering and ensuring that the action is only triggered when actual material enters. Simultaneously, since materials are typically large enough to effectively block most of the light beams, the detection accuracy of actual material is not affected, thereby optimizing the performance of grating detection and improving the reliability and accuracy of the feeder control system.

[0040] For example, the through-beam grating also includes two U-shaped frames, which are respectively located on both sides of the base belt. Both ends of the U-shaped frames are fixed to the feeder 5. A light emitter 11 is fixed to the middle of one U-shaped frame, and a light receiver is fixed to the middle of the other U-shaped frame. Specifically, the middle of the U-shaped frame has a crossbar 12, and both ends of the U-shaped frame include a first bend 10, a second bend 13, a first bracket 9, and a second bracket 14. One end of the crossbar 12 is connected to the first bracket 9 through the first bend 10, and the other end of the crossbar 12 is connected to the second bracket 14 through the second bend 13. The first bracket 9 and the second bracket 14 are respectively fixed to the feeder 5 with bolts. The light emitter 11 is fixed to the crossbar 12 with connecting bolts, and the light receiver is fixed to the crossbar 12 with connecting bolts.

[0041] The use of a U-shaped frame to mount the through-beam grating provides a robust mechanical structure, ensuring the stable fixation and alignment of the emitter 11 and the receiver on both sides of the feed bin. This design reduces the risk of grating misalignment caused by vibration of the feeder 5 or external interference, guarantees the long-term stability and accuracy of the detection surface, and reduces maintenance requirements. Furthermore, the U-shaped frame structure is simple, easy to install and maintain, and reduces the operation and maintenance costs of the tipping feeder control system.

[0042] In this embodiment, the spacing between two adjacent light sources is 18 mm to 22 mm. Specifically, the spacing between two adjacent light sources is 20 mm.

[0043] By limiting the spacing between adjacent light sources, the beam density is controlled, optimizing the resolution and usability of the detection surface. A spacing range of 18 mm to 22 mm balances detection sensitivity and cost, ensuring that common materials (such as smoke sheets) can effectively block multiple beams, preventing the missed detection of small-sized materials due to excessive spacing. It also avoids increased costs and unnecessary sensitivity caused by overly dense spacing, reducing false triggering caused by small foreign objects due to insufficient spacing. This ensures sufficient coverage of the detection surface, improving detection accuracy and making the box-turning feeder control system suitable for various material conditions in industrial environments.

[0044] For example, the feeder 5 is equipped with a box-turning drive unit 4, which drives the box-turning machine 3 to swing between a flip-back position and a stationary position. When the box-turning machine 3 is in the stationary position, the material in the smoke box 1 falls to the input end of the feeder 5. Specifically, the box-turning drive unit 4 is a servo motor.

[0045] By setting up the box-turning drive unit 4, automatic swing control of the box-turning machine 3 is achieved, eliminating the need for manual operation of the machine. This ensures a smooth and reliable transfer of materials from the smoke box 1 to the feeder 5, reducing the risk of material spillage or blockage and improving the efficiency and consistency of the box-turning process. This enhances the efficiency and reliability of the box-turning process, reduces human error and downtime, and improves the overall level of automation.

[0046] Furthermore, the control device is communicatively connected to the box-turning drive unit 4 to control the swing direction and swing speed of the box-turning machine 3.

[0047] Through communication between the control device and the box-turning drive unit 4, precise control of the swing direction and speed of the box-turning machine 3 is achieved. This control allows the box-turning feeder control system to adjust the box-turning action according to real-time needs, such as increasing the speed when the material volume is large or decelerating when approaching the position, thereby reducing mechanical impact and structural wear, extending service life, and ensuring the accuracy, uniformity and consistency of material transfer, thus improving the safety and efficiency of the entire box-turning feeder control system.

[0048] In one embodiment of this invention, the box-turning machine 3, which swings between the flip-back position and the stop position, passes through the flip-back deceleration position. The control device is communicatively connected to the box-turning machine 3. The box-turning feeder control system also includes a flip-back deceleration switch 19, which is communicatively connected to the control device. When the box-turning machine 3, which is moving towards the flip-back position, passes through the flip-back deceleration position, the flip-back deceleration switch 19 notifies the control device to reduce the rotation speed of the box-turning machine 3. Furthermore, when the box-turning machine 3, which swings between the flip-back position and the stop position, passes through the flip-back deceleration position, the box-turning feeder control system also includes a box-turning deceleration switch 20, which is communicatively connected to the control device. When the box-turning machine 3, which is moving towards the stop position, passes through the box-turning deceleration position, the box-turning deceleration switch 20 notifies the control device to reduce the rotation speed of the box-turning machine 3.

[0049] By introducing the reversing deceleration switch 19 and the box-turning deceleration switch 20, deceleration control is achieved when the box-turning machine 3 approaches the target position. This buffer control avoids structural wear, vibration, or material splashing caused by a hard stop of the box-turning machine 3, ensuring a smooth stop, reducing inertial impact and positioning errors, guaranteeing operational stability and safety, improving the positioning accuracy and operational stability of the box-turning feeder control system, and reducing noise and wear. The linkage between the deceleration switches and the control device ensures precise timing of actions, further optimizing the reliability of the box-turning process.

[0050] In other embodiments of this example, only the flip-back deceleration switch 19 or the flip-box-to-position deceleration switch 20 is provided.

[0051] In this embodiment, the cigarette box tipping and feeding machine control system is equipped with an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) reader 15, a side positioning detection device 16, and a front positioning detection device 17. The RFID reader 15 is used to read the information in the tag on the cigarette box 1. The side positioning detection device 16 is used to detect whether the side of the cigarette box 1 is in position, and the front positioning detection device 17 is used to detect whether the front of the cigarette box 1 is in position. Only when the RFID reader 15, the side positioning detection device 16, and the front positioning detection device 17 are all triggered will the cigarette box tipping and feeding machine control system determine that the cigarette box 1 is in position and ready to be tipped. The above design ensures the operational safety of the cigarette box tipping machine 3.

[0052] For example, the control system of the box-turning feeder is equipped with a box-turning machine arrival detection element 21 and a box-turning back-to-position detection element 18. The box-turning machine arrival detection element 21 is used to detect whether the cigarette box 1 has moved to the stopping position. When the box-turning machine 3 triggers the box-turning machine arrival detection element 21, the box-turning machine 3 stops moving and stops for three seconds. After the unloading is completed, the box-turning machine 3 flips back. The box-turning back-to-position detection element 18 is used to detect whether the cigarette box 1 has moved to the flipped-back position. When the box-turning machine 3 triggers the box-turning back-to-position detection element 18, the box-turning machine 3 stops moving.

[0053] In the prior art, the RFID reader 15, the cigarette box side positioning detection component 16, the cigarette box front positioning detection component 17, the cigarette box turning machine positioning detection component 21, and the turning back positioning detection component 18 are all conventional settings in the art. Their specific structures and working principles are common knowledge in the art and are well known to those skilled in the art. They are not the focus of this embodiment and will not be elaborated here.

[0054] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, this utility model also provides a control method for a box-turning feeder, applicable to the aforementioned box-turning feeder control system, comprising the following steps:

[0055] Step 1: Monitor the position of the box-turning machine 3. After confirming that the box-turning machine 3 is in the flipping position, control the conveyor 2 to transport the cigarette box 1.

[0056] Step 2: After the smoke box 1 moves to the material picking position, monitor the grating detection component 6 at the top of the cabinet and the grating detection component 7 in the cabinet.

[0057] Step 3: Once both the cabinet head grating detector 6 and the cabinet middle grating detector 7 are in a material-free state, control the box-turning machine 3 to move the material in the cigarette box 1 to the feeder 5.

[0058] Step 4: Control the box-turning machine 3 to move back to the turning position, control the conveyor 2 to move the cigarette box 1 out of the box-turning feeder control system, control the feeder 5 to move the material from the input end of the feeder 5 to the output end of the feeder 5 until the cabinet tail grating detection element 8 is in the material state, control the feeder 5 to stop conveying the material, and then return to step 1.

[0059] This box-turning feeder control method automates the entire process based on grating detection status, achieving fully automated operation of the feeder 5's box-turning mechanism. From box conveying 1 and box-turning operation to material conveying, each step makes decisions based on multi-grating detection status. This method employs a step-by-step control approach, monitoring the position of the box-turning machine 3, judging grating status, and controlling the bottom belt, to ensure the continuity and uniformity of material supply through multi-condition judgments. This avoids the problems of empty or excessive material caused by false triggering in traditional box-turning feeder control systems. The logically rigorous steps of the box-turning feeder control method improve the response speed and reliability of the control system, reduce manual intervention, and achieve efficient and stable production operation.

[0060] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art can make other variations or modifications based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A control system for a box-turning feeder, characterized in that, include: The conveyor (2) is used to move the smoke box (1) to or out of the material collection position, and the smoke box (1) is used to collect materials; The feeder (5) has a bottom belt that selectively drives the material to move along the working direction, so that the material moves from the input end of the feeder (5) to the output end of the feeder (5). The feeder (5) is provided with three feeding bin detection units. The feeding bin detection unit includes a through-beam grating. The plane where the through-beam grating is located is perpendicular to the working direction. The three feeding bin detection units are respectively defined as cabinet head grating detection component (6), cabinet middle grating detection component (7) and cabinet tail grating detection component (8). The cabinet head grating detection component (6) is used to monitor the input end of the feeder (5). The cabinet middle grating detection component (7) is used to monitor the middle part of the feeder (5). The cabinet tail grating detection component (8) is used to monitor the output end of the feeder (5). The flipper (3) is used to move the material from the inside of the cigarette box (1) to the input end of the feeder (5). The flipper (3) can rotate relative to the feeder (5) and pass through the flip-back position. The flipper (3) in the flip-back position selectively fixes the cigarette box (1).

2. The control system for the box-turning feeder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The through-beam grating includes a light emitter (11), a light receiver, and a transmitter. The light emitter (11) and the light receiver are respectively arranged on both sides of the bottom strip in the width direction of the feeder (5). The light emitter (11) is provided with M light source elements. All the light source elements are evenly spaced along the arrangement direction, which is perpendicular to the width direction of the feeder (5) and perpendicular to the working direction. The light source elements are used to emit light beams, and the light receiver is used to receive the light beams. The transmitter is communicatively connected to the light receiver to obtain the number of light beams received by the light receiver. The working state of the feed bin detection unit has a no-material state and a material-material state. When the quantity is less than N, it is determined that the feed bin detection unit is in the material-material state. When the quantity is greater than or equal to N, it is determined that the feed bin detection unit is in the no-material state. M and N are both positive integers, and M is greater than N.

3. The control system for the box-turning feeder according to claim 2, characterized in that, The control system of the box-turning feeder also includes a control device and a bottom belt drive unit. The bottom belt drive unit is used to drive the bottom belt. The control device is communicatively connected to all the transmitters to monitor the working status of the cabinet head grating detection device (6), the cabinet middle grating detection device (7), and the cabinet tail grating detection device (8). The control device is communicatively connected to the bottom belt drive unit.

4. The control system for the box-turning feeder according to claim 2, characterized in that, 2N is greater than or equal to M.

5. The control system for the box-turning feeder according to claim 2, characterized in that, The through-beam grating also includes two U-shaped frames, which are respectively located on both sides of the bottom belt. Both ends of the U-shaped frames are fixed to the feeder (5). The light emitter (11) is fixed to the middle of one U-shaped frame, and the light receiver is fixed to the middle of the other U-shaped frame.

6. The control system for the box-turning feeder according to claim 2, characterized in that, The spacing between two adjacent light source elements is 18 mm to 22 mm.

7. The control system for the box-turning feeder according to claim 2, characterized in that, The feeder (5) is provided with a box-turning drive unit (4), which is used to drive the box-turning machine (3) to swing between the flip-back position and the stop position. When the box-turning machine (3) is in the stop position, the material in the smoke box (1) falls to the input end of the feeder (5).

8. The control system for the box-turning feeder according to claim 7, characterized in that, The control system of the box-turning feeder also includes a control device, which is communicatively connected to the box-turning drive unit (4).

9. The control system for the box-turning feeder according to claim 8, characterized in that, The box-turning machine (3), which swings between the flip-back position and the stop position, passes through the flip-back deceleration position. The control device is communicatively connected to the box-turning machine (3). The box-turning feeder control system also includes a flip-back deceleration switch (19) communicatively connected to the control device.

10. The control system for the box-turning feeder according to claim 8, characterized in that, The box-turning machine (3), which swings between the flipping position and the stationary position, passes through the box-turning deceleration position. The control device is communicatively connected to the box-turning machine (3). The box-turning feeder control system also includes a box-turning position deceleration switch (20) that is communicatively connected to the control device.

Images