A conveying channel for full six-face detection of carton packs

Abstract

The utility model discloses a conveying channel for the appearance full six surface detection of cigarette carton, and it comprises a original machine horizontal conveying channel, a sixth surface detection station and a five surface detection station in turn along the conveying direction. The sixth surface detection station adopts two symmetrical vertical belt clamping cigarette carton sides of side clamping conveying components to provide conveying power, and a supporting mechanism composed of thin steel wire is arranged below the cigarette carton, which greatly reduces the shielding of the lower surface of the cigarette carton and realizes the dead angle free visual detection of the sixth surface. By setting the original machine horizontal conveying channel speed V3, the side clamping conveying speed V2 and the horizontal conveying component speed V1, and satisfying V1>V2>V3, a two-stage separation mechanism is formed, which can effectively separate the continuous cigarette carton. The belt overlapping area is arranged between the conveying components to ensure stable conveying. The utility model solves the technical problems of incomplete detection of the lower surface of the cigarette carton and incomplete separation of the continuous cigarette carton, and has reasonable structure and strong adaptability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of tobacco machinery technology, and in particular to a conveying channel for full six-sided inspection of the appearance of cigarette packs. Background Technology

[0002] As consumers' demands for product packaging quality continue to rise, cigarette manufacturers are also imposing increasingly stringent testing standards on the quality of cigarette pack packaging. During the processing, production, and packaging of cigarette packs, various defects may occur on the six outer surfaces (front, back, left, right, top, and bottom) of the carton paper and transparent paper, such as damage, stains, poor printing, and uneven packaging. To ensure the quality of products leaving the factory, modern cigarette factories generally use machine vision-based automated inspection systems to inspect the appearance of cigarette packs and automatically reject defective products.

[0003] Currently, the commonly used visual inspection systems for cigarette cartons typically use industrial cameras positioned above, in front of, behind, and on both sides of the conveyor belt to capture images and analyze defects on the top, front, back, left, and right sides (collectively referred to as "five sides") of the cigarette cartons during the conveying process. However, because the lower surface (the "sixth side") of the cigarette cartons is usually in direct contact with vertical conveyor belts, pallets, or other supporting components during transport, these components inevitably obscure a large portion of the lower surface, preventing the cameras positioned below the conveyor belt from acquiring a complete image of the lower surface. Therefore, existing technologies struggle to achieve comprehensive, blind-spot-free inspection of the sixth side of the cigarette cartons, becoming a bottleneck and weakness in the overall appearance inspection technology for cigarette cartons.

[0004] Furthermore, during the actual production and transportation of cigarette cartons, adjacent cartons sometimes become tightly connected, forming a "contiguous carton" state. This not only affects the detection effect on the ends (front and back) of the cigarette cartons but may also lead to ineffective separation at the separation station, thus affecting subsequent packaging or palletizing processes. Existing conveyor channel designs typically rely on a single speed difference or specific mechanical structures to achieve effective separation of cigarette cartons, and the separation effect is sometimes not stable and reliable enough, especially when dealing with cigarette cartons of different specifications or packaging materials.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need in this field for an innovative conveying channel solution that can effectively solve the problem of detecting cigarette packs from the sixth side without blind spots without significantly increasing system complexity and cost, while also optimizing the separation effect of cigarette packs to meet the needs of high-efficiency, high-quality modern production lines. Utility Model Content

[0006] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a conveying channel for full six-sided inspection of cigarette packs. This conveying channel aims to solve the problem in existing technologies where the lower surface (sixth side) of cigarette packs cannot be visually inspected without blind spots due to obstruction by vertical belts or pallets. At the same time, this channel also has an efficient and reliable cigarette pack separation function, which can effectively separate connected cigarette packs into independent cigarette packs to meet the production requirements of full six-sided inspection without blind spots and high-precision rejection.

[0007] The above-mentioned utility model objective is achieved through the following technical solution: This utility model provides a conveying channel for six-sided inspection of cigarette packs. Along the cigarette pack conveying direction, it includes a horizontal conveying channel and a five-sided inspection station. The five-sided inspection station uses a horizontal conveying component to convey the cigarette packs. A sixth-sided inspection station is provided between the horizontal conveying channel and the five-sided inspection station. The sixth-sided inspection station includes: two side-clamping conveying components, located on the left and right sides of the conveying channel along the conveying direction. Each side-clamping conveying component includes a vertically arranged vertical belt for clamping the left and right sides of the cigarette pack and driving it forward; and a cigarette pack supporting mechanism, located below the side-clamping conveying components, for supporting the weight of the cigarette pack. The cigarette pack supporting mechanism includes at least two slender supporting members arranged along the conveying direction.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the slender support member is a metal wire, and the diameter of the metal wire ranges from φ0.5mm to φ2mm.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the metal wire is a stainless steel wire with a diameter of φ1mm.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the conveying channel further includes a synchronization sensor, which is located at the end of the original horizontal conveying channel or near the beginning of the sixth side detection station, for detecting the arrival of the cigarette pack and triggering the start of the drive motors of the side clamping conveying component and the horizontal conveying component.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when the synchronization sensor does not detect a single cigarette or a chain of cigarettes within a set time, it controls the drive motors of the side clamping conveyor and the horizontal conveyor to stop running.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the belt speed of the original horizontal conveying channel is V3, the vertical belt speed of the side clamping conveying component is V2, and the belt speed of the horizontal conveying component is V1, and V1>V2>V3 are satisfied.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the horizontal belt of the original horizontal conveying channel and the vertical belt of the side clamping conveying component have a first overlapping area in the direction of cigarette movement; the vertical belt of the side clamping conveying component and the horizontal belt of the horizontal conveying component have a second overlapping area in the direction of cigarette movement.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the distance between the vertical belts on the left and right sides of the two side-clamping conveying components is adjustable.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the horizontal conveying component includes a driving unit, a horizontal belt, a driven unit, a supporting unit, and a frame unit; the side clamping conveying component includes a fixed adjustment unit, a drive motor, a drive belt, a vertical belt, a drive shaft, a drive wheel, a driven shaft, and a motor wheel.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the drive motor is a servo motor.

[0017] In summary, compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least one of the following beneficial technical effects: It achieves true full six-sided inspection without blind spots: by adopting a support method that minimizes obstruction, such as using thin steel wire, the lower surface of the cigarette pack can be completely exposed to the visual inspection system, overcoming the long-standing technical problem of incomplete sixth-sided inspection of cigarette packs, and greatly improving the integrity of product quality control.

[0018] It has a highly efficient and reliable cigarette separation function: by setting the speed gradient of V1>V2>V3, a two-stage separation mechanism is formed, which can effectively separate the continuous cigarettes into independent cigarettes. This not only facilitates the subsequent six-sided inspection, but also ensures the smoothness of the production process.

[0019] The structure is rationally designed and operates stably and reliably: By setting up belt overlap zones, the power continuity of the cigarette packs is ensured during the transition between various conveying components, avoiding possible jamming, tilting, or falling of the cigarette packs in the transition area. The adjustable spacing between components enhances the equipment's adaptability to different specifications of cigarette packs.

[0020] Highly practical and easy to integrate: The conveying channel of this utility model can be well integrated with existing cigarette production lines and visual inspection systems, with relatively low modification costs, making it easy to promote and apply in the industry. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall layout structure of the conveying channel described in this utility model.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the horizontal conveying component in this utility model.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the two side-clamping conveying components in this utility model.

[0024] Reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Horizontal conveying component; 1.1. Drive unit; 1.2. Horizontal belt; 1.3. Driven unit; 1.4. Support unit; 1.5. Frame unit; 2. Cigarette strip; 3. Side clamping and conveying component; 3.1. Fixing unit; 3.2. Drive motor; 3.3. Drive belt; 3.4. Vertical belt; 3.5. Drive shaft; 3.6. Drive pulley; 3.7. Driven shaft; 3.8. Motor pulley; 4. Synchronization sensor; 5. Cigarette strip; 6. Original machine horizontal conveying channel. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0026] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "top / bottom," 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 application and 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0027] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "equipped with," "sleeved / connected," "connected," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0028] This utility model discloses a conveying channel for six-sided inspection of the appearance of cigarette packs. Along the conveying direction of the cigarette packs 2, it includes a horizontal conveying channel 6 and a five-sided inspection station. The five-sided inspection station uses a horizontal conveying component 1 to convey the cigarette packs 2. A sixth-sided inspection station is provided between the horizontal conveying channel 6 and the five-sided inspection station. The sixth-sided inspection station includes: two side-clamping conveying components 3, located on the left and right sides of the conveying channel along the conveying direction. The side-clamping conveying components 3 include vertically arranged vertical belts for clamping the left and right sides of the cigarette packs 2 and driving the cigarette packs 2 forward; and a cigarette support mechanism, located below the side-clamping conveying components 3, for supporting the weight of the cigarette packs 2. The cigarette support mechanism includes at least two slender support members arranged along the conveying direction.

[0029] The slender support component is made of metal wire with a diameter ranging from φ0.5mm to φ2mm. The metal wire is made of stainless steel with a diameter of φ1mm.

[0030] The conveying channel also includes a synchronization sensor 4, which is located at the end of the original horizontal conveying channel 6 or near the beginning of the sixth detection station. The synchronization sensor 4 detects the arrival of the cigarette strip 2 and triggers the start of the drive motors 3.2 of the side clamping conveying component 3 and the horizontal conveying component 1. If the synchronization sensor 4 does not detect the cigarette strip 2 or the continuous cigarette strip 5 within a set time, it controls the drive motors 3.2 of the side clamping conveying component 3 and the horizontal conveying component 1 to stop operating.

[0031] The belt speed of the original horizontal conveyor channel 6 is V3, the speed of the vertical belt 3.4 of the side clamping conveyor 3 is V2, and the belt speed of the horizontal conveyor 1 is V1, satisfying V1>V2>V3. The horizontal belt 1.2 of the original horizontal conveyor channel 6 and the vertical belt 3.4 of the side clamping conveyor 3 have a first overlapping area in the direction of movement of the cigarette pack 2; the vertical belt 3.4 of the side clamping conveyor 3 and the horizontal belt 1.2 of the horizontal conveyor 1 have a second overlapping area in the direction of movement of the cigarette pack 2.

[0032] The distance between the vertical belts 3.4 on the left and right sides of the two side-clamping conveyor components 3 is adjustable. The horizontal conveyor component 1 includes a drive unit 1.1, a horizontal belt 1.2, a driven unit 1.3, a support unit 1.4, and a frame unit 1.5; the side-clamping conveyor component 3 includes a fixed adjustment unit 3.1, a drive motor 3.2, a drive belt 3.3, a vertical belt 3.4, a drive shaft 3.5, a drive pulley 3.6, a driven shaft 3.7, and a motor pulley 3.8.

[0033] A conveying channel for inspecting the appearance of cigarette packs from all six sides includes, sequentially along the conveying direction of the cigarette packs 2, an original horizontal conveying channel 6, a sixth-side inspection station, and a five-side inspection station. The original horizontal conveying channel 6 is used to convey the cigarette packs 2 to the sixth-side inspection station; the five-side inspection station uses a horizontal conveying component 1 to convey the cigarette packs 2 and complete the image acquisition of the front, back, left, right, and top sides.

[0034] The core improvement of this invention lies in the sixth-side inspection station. This station mainly includes a side-clamping and conveying component 3 and a cigarette pack supporting mechanism.

[0035] Side clamping conveyor components 3: Two components are configured and located on the left and right sides of the conveying channel along the conveying direction, namely the left side clamping conveyor component 3 and the right side clamping conveyor component 3. Each of them includes a vertically arranged vertical belt for clamping the cigarette packs 2 from the left and right sides and driving the cigarette packs 2 forward along the conveying channel. The distance between the vertical belts 3.4 on the left and right sides can be adjusted according to the length of the cigarette packs 2 to accommodate products of different specifications.

[0036] Cigarette Cartridge Support Mechanism: Located below the side clamping and conveying component 3, this mechanism supports the weight of the cigarette cartridges 2. It primarily consists of at least two slender support members, preferably stainless steel wires with a diameter ranging from φ0.5mm to φ2mm. By employing these filamentous support members, obstruction to the lower surface of the cigarette cartridges 2 is minimized, thereby providing a nearly unobstructed field of view for the visual inspection camera positioned below the channel, enabling full-view image acquisition of the sixth side of the cigarette cartridges 2.

[0037] Furthermore, the conveying channel is also equipped with a synchronization sensor 4, which is used to detect whether a cigarette 2 enters the sixth inspection station and control the start and stop of the drive motor 3.2 accordingly.

[0038] To achieve effective separation of the continuous cigarette pack 5, this invention cleverly sets up a three-stage velocity gradient: The belt speed of the original machine's horizontal conveyor channel 6 is V3.

[0039] The vertical belt 3.4 of the side-clamping conveyor 3 has a speed of V2.

[0040] The belt speed of the horizontal conveyor component 1 at the five-sided inspection station is V1.

[0041] The three satisfy the following velocity relationship: V1>V2>V3.

[0042] When the cigarette pack 5 enters the sixth inspection station from the original horizontal conveying channel 6, the first stage of separation is achieved by utilizing the speed difference between V2 and V3. As the cigarette pack 2 continues to advance within the sixth inspection station and its front end contacts the faster horizontal conveying component 1, the second stage of separation is achieved by utilizing the speed difference between V1 and V2. This two-stage separation mechanism greatly improves the reliability and effectiveness of the separation.

[0043] To ensure the smooth transport of cigarette packs 2 in the transition area and prevent jamming or falling: the horizontal belt 1.2 of the original horizontal conveyor channel 6 and the vertical belt 3.4 of the side clamping conveyor 3 have a partial overlap area in the direction of movement of cigarette packs 2. Similarly, the vertical belt 3.4 of the side clamping conveyor 3 and the horizontal belt 1.2 of the horizontal conveyor 1 of the five-sided inspection station also have a partial overlap area in the direction of movement of cigarette packs 2.

[0044] Horizontal conveying component 1 includes a drive unit 1.1, a horizontal belt 1.2, a driven unit 1.3, a support unit 1.4, and a frame unit 1.5. The drive unit 1.1 provides power; the horizontal belt 1.2 carries and conveys the cigarette packs 2; the driven unit 1.3 supports the belt; the support unit 1.4 can also use thin steel wire for auxiliary support or to ensure a smooth transition at this workstation; the frame unit 1.5 provides overall support.

[0045] The side-mounted clamping and conveying component 3 (single side) includes a fixed adjustment unit 3.1, a drive motor 3.2, a drive belt 3.3, a vertical belt 3.4, a drive shaft 3.5, a drive pulley 3.6, a driven shaft 3.7, and a motor pulley 3.8. The fixed adjustment unit 3.1 is used to install and adjust the belt spacing and tension; the drive motor 3.2 is preferably a servo motor providing power; the drive belt 3.3, such as a synchronous belt, transmits power; and the vertical belt 3.4 is used to clamp and convey the cigarette packs 2.

[0046] like Figure 2 As shown, the horizontal conveying component 1 is the core conveying mechanism of the five-sided inspection station, and also participates in the separation process of cigarette packs. The connection relationship and collaborative working principle of its various components are as follows: The frame unit 1.5 serves as the basic structure of the entire component, consisting of sturdy side panels, connecting supports, bottom support legs, and height-adjustable feet. It provides the mounting reference and stable support for the drive unit 1.1, driven unit 1.3, support unit 1.4, and horizontal belt 1.2. All other units are directly or indirectly fixed to or mounted on the frame unit 1.5.

[0047] The drive unit 1.1 is the power source. Its core is a drive motor, such as a servo motor or a frequency converter motor. The output shaft of this motor is connected to the drive shaft via a coupling or synchronous belt drive. Both ends of the drive shaft are fixed to the wall plates of the frame unit 1.5 via bearing seats. A roller, also called a drive drum, is mounted on the drive shaft. This roller is in close contact with the inner surface of the horizontal belt 1.2, driving the belt's movement through friction. If a synchronous belt pulley drive is used, the motor transmits power to the drive shaft through the synchronous pulley and the drive belt, such as a synchronous belt.

[0048] A horizontal belt 1.2 is fitted onto the driving roller of the drive unit and the driven roller of the driven unit, forming a closed loop. It directly supports the upper surface of the cigarette packs and moves linearly at a speed V1 under the drive of the drive unit 1.1, thus providing the power for forward conveying of the cigarette packs.

[0049] The driven unit 1.3 is typically located at the other end of the conveyor belt. It includes a driven shaft, which is also fixed to the frame unit 1.5 via bearing seats, and a driven roller is mounted on the shaft. The main function of the driven unit 1.3 is to support the other end of the horizontal belt 1.2, and together with the drive unit 1.1, tension the belt to form a complete transmission circuit, ensuring smooth belt operation. In some designs, the position of the driven unit 1.3 is adjustable to regulate the belt tension.

[0050] In this horizontal conveying component 1, the support unit 1.4 is primarily used to ensure the smooth transport of cigarette packs on the belt and to achieve a smooth transition to the sixth inspection station. This unit may include a conventional flat belt support plate, mounted on the frame unit 1.5, located below the load-bearing section of the horizontal belt 1.2, to support the belt and prevent excessive sagging. As a preferred option, to maintain consistency with the wire support concept of the sixth inspection station or to achieve a better transition, the support unit 1.4 may also include several, for example, two slender stainless steel wires. These wires are mounted on the frame unit 1.5 via wire connection fixing brackets and wire tensioning brackets, with their top surface height basically flush with or slightly lower than the upper surface of the horizontal belt 1.2, but effectively assisting in supporting the cigarette packs. The wire position adjustment bracket allows for fine-tuning of the lateral position and height of the wires to ensure a smooth and unobstructed transition of the cigarette packs from the sixth inspection station to the fifth inspection station.

[0051] Working principle: After the motor of drive unit 1.1 starts, it drives the drive shaft and rollers to rotate through the transmission mechanism. The friction between the rollers and the horizontal belt 1.2 drives the belt to move linearly at a speed V1. The cigarette packs placed on the belt move forward under the action of friction. The support unit 1.4 ensures that the belt and cigarette packs remain stable during the conveying process. The entire component is fixed in a predetermined position on the production line by the frame unit 1.5.

[0052] Taking the left-side clamping conveyor component as an example, the right-side clamping conveyor component is mirror-symmetrical to it, and its detailed structure is as follows: Figure 3 As shown. The connection relationships and working principles of each component are as follows: The fixed adjustment unit 3.1 is crucial for achieving the functional adaptability and stability of the components. It mainly includes a mounting bracket, an adjustment bracket, a fixing bracket, and a tensioning mechanism.

[0053] Mounting brackets are used to securely install the entire component onto the main frame or foundation of the conveyor channel. Adjusting brackets are typically connected to the mounting brackets via mechanisms such as slide rails, sliders, and lead screws, allowing the entire belt drive system, including the motor and belt, to move laterally and perpendicular to the conveying direction relative to the mounting brackets. By adjusting the adjusting brackets, for example by rotating a handwheel or using tools, the distance between the vertical belt 3.4 and the opposite belt can be changed to accommodate different lengths of cigarette packs. Fixed brackets are used to support and secure core transmission components such as the drive shaft 3.5 and driven shaft 3.7. The tensioning mechanism is usually integrated into the adjusting or fixed brackets and may include a tensioning pulley, groove, and locking element for tensioning the drive belt 3.3, ensuring efficient and stable power transmission.

[0054] The drive motor 3.2 is preferably a servo motor, which is fixedly mounted on the adjustment bracket or fixed bracket of the fixed adjustment unit 3.1 via a motor mount. The servo motor provides precise speed control speed V2, which is crucial for achieving speed difference separation with the preceding and following workstations.

[0055] The motor wheel 3.8 is mounted on the output shaft of the drive motor 3.2.

[0056] The drive belt 3.3 is typically a synchronous belt, which is fitted onto the drive pulley 3.6 on the motor pulley 3.8 and the drive shaft 3.5. It efficiently and precisely transmits the rotational power of the drive motor 3.2 to the drive shaft 3.5.

[0057] The drive shaft 3.5 and drive wheel 3.6 are connected. The drive shaft 3.5 is supported on the fixed bracket of the fixed adjustment unit 3.1 by bearings. The drive wheel 3.6 is fixedly mounted on the drive shaft 3.5 and rotates with the shaft. The drive shaft 3.5 is usually located at the downstream end in the conveying direction, close to the horizontal conveying component 1.

[0058] The driven shaft 3.7 is supported by bearings on a fixed bracket of the set-fit unit 3.1, and is usually located at the upstream end of the conveying direction near the original machine's horizontal conveying channel 6. Rollers or pulleys are also mounted on the driven shaft.

[0059] A vertical belt 3.4 is fitted onto the rollers / pulleys of the drive and driven shafts, forming a closed loop of vertical motion. It is driven by the drive shaft 3.5 and operates at a speed of V2. Its inner surface contacts the left side of the cigarette pack, and through the combined action of the belt symmetrical to the right side, it clamps the cigarette pack from both sides.

[0060] Working Principle: Upon receiving a start signal, the drive motor 3.2 begins to rotate, driving the drive wheel 3.6 and drive shaft 3.5 to rotate via the motor wheel 3.8 and drive belt 3.3. The rotation of the drive shaft 3.5 drives the vertical belt 3.4 mounted on it to move linearly in the vertical direction. When the cigarette pack enters between the two side-clamping conveyor components 3, the vertical belts 3.4 on both sides, at the distance set by the adjusting bracket, tightly clamp the cigarette pack from both sides. Relying on the friction between the belts and the sides of the cigarette pack, the vertical belts 3.4 "lift" the cigarette pack and convey it forward. The tensioning mechanism in the fixed adjustment unit 3.1 ensures that the drive belt 3.3 and the vertical belts 3.4 have appropriate tension, preventing slippage and ensuring the synchronization and stability of the conveying. By adjusting the adjusting bracket in the fixed adjustment unit 3.1, the entire component can be moved, thereby changing the distance between the two vertical belts 3.4 to perfectly adapt to different sizes of cigarette packs.

[0061] System overall workflow: The original horizontal conveyor channel 6 is responsible for conveying the cigarette packs from upstream. The conveyed cigarette packs may be individual cigarette packs 2 or continuous cigarette packs 5. A synchronization sensor 4 is installed near the end of the original horizontal conveyor channel 6. When the cigarette packs pass the synchronization sensor 4, the sensor sends a "smoke signal". This signal is transmitted to the control system (not shown in the control system diagram), and the control system then starts the drive motors of the two side clamping conveyor components 3 of the sixth detection station and the horizontal conveyor component 1 of the five detection stations.

[0062] The sixth-side inspection station is a key part of this invention. This station mainly includes a left-side clamping and conveying component and a right-side clamping and conveying component symmetrically arranged on both sides of the channel, and a cigarette support mechanism, such as two φ1mm stainless steel wires, positioned below them. As described above, the two side clamping and conveying components 3 clamp the cigarettes from both sides via their vertical belts, providing forward conveying force. The weight of the cigarettes is mainly supported by the two thin steel wires below. Due to the very thin diameter of the steel wires, the area obstructed by the wires on the lower surface of the cigarettes is extremely small, thus providing a nearly unobstructed field of view for the sixth-side inspection camera (not shown in the diagram), located directly below the channel, enabling high-quality image acquisition of the lower surface of the cigarettes.

[0063] Meanwhile, to achieve the separation of the continuous cigarette packs 5, this embodiment sets a specific speed relationship: V1>V2>V3. When the continuous cigarette packs 5 enter the faster sixth-side inspection station from the slower original horizontal conveyor channel 6, the first stage of separation occurs between V2 and V3. Subsequently, when the front end of the cigarette pack contacts the belt of the faster horizontal conveyor component 1, it is rapidly accelerated to V1, while the tail end of the cigarette pack is still held and conveyed by the vertical belt at a speed of V2. This produces the second stage of separation between V1 and V2, further increasing the distance between adjacent cigarette packs.

[0064] To ensure continuous conveying, the end of the horizontal belt in the original horizontal conveying channel 6 overlaps with the starting ends of the vertical belts of the two side-clamping conveying components 3 in the conveying direction, forming an overlapping area A. Similarly, the ends of the vertical belts of the two side-clamping conveying components 3 overlap with the starting ends of the horizontal belt of the horizontal conveying component 1 in the conveying direction, forming another overlapping area B. These overlapping areas ensure that at least one active conveying component provides power to the cigarette pack at all times.

[0065] When a batch of cigarettes has been conveyed and the synchronization sensor 4 has not detected any more cigarettes within the set time interval, the control system will control the motors of the two side clamping conveyor components 3 and the horizontal conveyor component 1 to temporarily stop operating.

[0066] After the cigarette packs undergo lower surface inspection and separation at the sixth inspection station, they enter the fifth inspection station. Here, the horizontal conveyor unit 1 carries and transports the individual cigarette packs 2 to complete the image acquisition for the remaining five sides.

[0067] This utility model conveying channel, through the detailed component connections and working principle described above, successfully solves two major technical challenges: the detection of cigarette packs from the sixth side without blind spots and the reliable separation of consecutive cigarette packs. It has a compact structure, complete functions, and good prospects for industrial application.

[0068] Example 1: See Figure 1 A conveying channel for inspecting the appearance of cigarette packs from all six sides is provided, along the cigarette pack conveying direction (from left to right in the figure), with the original horizontal conveying channel 6, the sixth side inspection station and the five side inspection station arranged in sequence.

[0069] The original horizontal conveyor channel 6 is responsible for transporting the cigarette packs from upstream. The transported cigarette packs may be individual cigarette packs 2 or continuous cigarette packs 5. A synchronization sensor 4 is installed near the end of the original horizontal conveyor channel 6. When a cigarette pack passes the synchronization sensor 4, the sensor sends a "smoke signal," which is transmitted to the control system (not shown in the figure). The control system then starts the drive motors of the two side clamping conveyor components 3 of the sixth detection station and the horizontal conveyor component 1 of the five detection stations.

[0070] The sixth-side inspection station is a key part of this invention. This station mainly includes a left-side clamping and conveying component 3 and a right-side clamping and conveying component 4 symmetrically arranged on both sides of the channel, and a cigarette support mechanism positioned below them. The two side clamping and conveying components 3 clamp the cigarettes from both sides via their vertical belts, providing forward conveying force. The cigarette support mechanism consists of two φ1mm diameter stainless steel wires (not shown separately in the figure, but can be understood as being located between the two side clamping and conveying components 3). These two wires are arranged along the conveying direction, and their top height is basically consistent with the belt surface height of the subsequent horizontal conveying component 1, serving to support most of the weight of the cigarettes. Due to the very thin diameter of the wires, the area obstructed by the wires on the lower surface of the cigarettes is very small, thus providing a nearly unobstructed field of view for the sixth-side inspection camera (not shown in the figure) positioned directly below the channel, enabling high-quality image acquisition of the lower surface of the cigarettes.

[0071] Meanwhile, to achieve the separation of the continuous cigarette packs 5, this embodiment sets a specific speed relationship. Let the belt speed of the original horizontal conveyor channel 6 be V3, the vertical belt speed of the two side-clamping conveyor components 3 be V2, and the belt speed of the horizontal conveyor component 1 be V1, where V1 > V2 > V3. For example, V3 = 0.8 m / s, V2 = 1.0 m / s, V1 = 1.2 m / s. When the continuous cigarette pack 5 enters the faster sixth-side inspection station from the slower original horizontal conveyor channel 6, the first stage of separation occurs between V2 and V3. When the front end of the cigarette pack is accelerated to speed V2 and runs within the sixth-side inspection station, its tail may still contact the slower belt of the original horizontal conveyor channel 6 or be pushed by the following cigarette pack, thus creating a gap between the two cigarette packs. Subsequently, when the front end of the cigarette comes into contact with the belt of the faster horizontal conveyor 1, it is rapidly accelerated to V1, while the tail end of the cigarette is still held and conveyed by the vertical belt at a speed of V2. This creates a second-stage separation between V1 and V2, further increasing the distance between adjacent cigarettes and ensuring complete separation.

[0072] To ensure continuous conveying, the end of the horizontal belt of the original horizontal conveyor channel 6 overlaps with the starting ends of the vertical belts of the two side-clamping conveyor components 3 in the conveying direction. Similarly, the ends of the vertical belts of the two side-clamping conveyor components 3 overlap with the starting ends of the horizontal belt of the horizontal conveyor component 1 in the conveying direction. These overlapping areas ensure that at least one active conveying component provides power at all times, effectively preventing the cigarettes from jamming or exhibiting abnormal posture due to power loss at transition points.

[0073] When a batch of cigarettes has been transported, if the synchronization sensor 4 does not detect any more cigarettes within a set time interval (e.g., 2 seconds), the control system will temporarily stop the motors of the two side-clamping conveyor components 3 and the horizontal conveyor component 1 to save energy and reduce wear.

[0074] After the cigarette packs undergo lower surface inspection and separation at the sixth inspection station, they enter the five-sided inspection station. Here, the horizontal conveyor unit 1 carries and transports the individual cigarette packs 2. The upper surface camera, the front surface camera, the rear surface camera, and the left and right side cameras (not shown in the figure) positioned above the station respectively acquire images of the corresponding surfaces of the individual cigarette packs 2. The image data from all six surfaces are transmitted to the image processing system for defect analysis, and the subsequent rejection device is controlled based on the analysis results.

[0075] The conveying channel of this utility model, through the above-mentioned structural design, successfully solves the two major technical problems of no dead angle detection on the sixth side of the cigarette pack and reliable separation of consecutive cigarette packs. It has a compact structure, complete functions, and good prospects for industrial application.

[0076] The implementation principle of this utility model is as follows: This utility model discloses a conveying channel for full six-sided inspection of cigarette packs. Along the conveying direction, it includes the original horizontal conveying channel 6, a sixth-sided inspection station, and a five-sided inspection station. The sixth-sided inspection station uses vertical belts 3.4 of the side-clamping conveying component 3, symmetrically arranged on the left and right, to clamp both sides of the cigarette pack 2 and provide conveying power. Simultaneously, a support mechanism made of thin steel wire is set below the cigarette pack 2, greatly reducing obstruction of the lower surface of the cigarette pack 2 and achieving blind-angle visual inspection of the sixth side. By setting the speed V3 of the original horizontal conveying channel 6, the side-clamping conveying speed V2, and the speed V1 of the horizontal conveying component 1, and satisfying V1>V2>V3, a two-stage separation mechanism is formed, which can effectively separate connected cigarette packs 5. Belt overlap areas are provided between each conveying component to ensure smooth conveying. This utility model solves the technical problems of incomplete inspection of the lower surface of the cigarette pack 2 and incomplete separation of connected cigarette packs 5, with a reasonable structure and strong adaptability.

[0077] The embodiments described herein are preferred embodiments of this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model. Therefore, all equivalent changes made to the structure, shape, and principle of this utility model should be included within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A conveying channel for inspecting the appearance of cigarette packs from all six sides, comprising, in sequence along the conveying direction of the cigarette packs (2), a horizontal conveying channel (6) and a five-sided inspection station, wherein the five-sided inspection station uses a horizontal conveying component (1) to convey the cigarette packs (2), characterized in that, A sixth inspection station is provided between the original horizontal conveying channel (6) and the five-sided inspection station, the sixth inspection station comprising: Two side-clamping conveying components (3) are provided on the left and right sides of the conveying channel along the conveying direction. The side-clamping conveying components (3) include vertically arranged vertical belts (3.4) for clamping the left and right sides of the cigarette (2) and driving the cigarette (2) forward. A cigarette support mechanism is located below the side clamping and conveying component (3) and is used to support the weight of the cigarettes (2). The cigarette support mechanism includes at least two slender support members arranged along the conveying direction.

2. The conveying channel for full six-sided inspection of the appearance of cigarette packs according to claim 1, characterized in that, The slender support is a metal wire with a diameter ranging from φ0.5mm to φ2mm.

3. A conveying channel for full six-sided inspection of the appearance of cigarette packs according to claim 2, characterized in that, The metal wire is a stainless steel wire with a diameter of φ1mm.

4. A conveying channel for full six-sided inspection of the appearance of cigarette packs according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conveying channel also includes a synchronization sensor (4), which is located at the end of the original horizontal conveying channel (6) or near the beginning of the sixth side detection station. It is used to detect the arrival of the cigarette (2) and trigger the drive motors of the side clamping conveying component (3) and the horizontal conveying component (1) to start.

5. A conveying channel for full six-sided inspection of the appearance of cigarette packs according to claim 4, characterized in that, When the synchronization sensor (4) does not detect a single cigarette (2) or a chain of cigarettes (5) within a set time, it controls the drive motors of the side clamping conveyor (3) and the horizontal conveyor (1) to stop running.

6. A conveying channel for full six-sided inspection of the appearance of cigarette packs according to claim 1, characterized in that, The belt speed of the original horizontal conveying channel (6) is V3, the speed of the vertical belt (3.4) of the side clamping conveying component (3) is V2, and the belt speed of the horizontal conveying component (1) is V1, and V1 > V2 > V3 are satisfied.

7. A conveying channel for full six-sided inspection of the appearance of cigarette packs according to claim 1, characterized in that, The horizontal belt of the original horizontal conveying channel (6) and the vertical belt (3.4) of the side clamping conveying component (3) have a first overlapping area in the direction of movement of the cigarette (2); the vertical belt (3.4) of the side clamping conveying component (3) and the horizontal belt of the horizontal conveying component (1) have a second overlapping area in the direction of movement of the cigarette (2).

8. A conveying channel for full six-sided inspection of the appearance of cigarette packs according to claim 1, characterized in that, The distance between the vertical belts (3.4) on the left and right sides of the two side-clamping conveyor components (3) is adjustable.

9. A conveying channel for full six-sided inspection of the appearance of cigarette packs according to claim 1, characterized in that, The horizontal conveying component (1) includes a drive unit (1.1), a horizontal belt (1.2), a driven unit (1.3), a support unit (1.4), and a frame unit (1.5); the side clamping conveying component (3) includes a fixed adjustment unit (3.1), a drive motor (3.2), a drive belt (3.3), a vertical belt (3.4), a drive shaft (3.5), a drive wheel (3.6), a driven shaft (3.7), and a motor wheel (3.8).

10. A conveying channel for full six-sided inspection of the appearance of cigarette packs according to claim 9, characterized in that, The drive motor (3.2) is a servo motor.

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