Tobacco flow control device and cigarette production system

Abstract

The utility model relates to cigarette equipment technical field provides a tobacco flow control device and cigarette production system. The tobacco flow control device includes: elevator, electronic scale, ration pipe, grating sensor and controller, and the feed inlet of ration pipe communicates with the discharge port of elevator, and the discharge port of ration pipe is located above electronic scale, grating sensor is located in the lateral wall of ration pipe, is used for obtaining the tobacco height in ration pipe, elevator, electronic scale, grating sensor all are electrically connected with controller, and the controller is used for controlling the operation of elevator based on the tobacco height of grating sensor acquisition. The utility model is based on the tobacco height of grating sensor acquisition, controls the operation of elevator, makes the tobacco height in ration pipe always be in the target height range, reduces the height change in ration pipe, realizes steady flow, thereby improves the stability of tobacco on electronic scale, reduces the flow variation coefficient, thereby promotes the feeding precision of tobacco.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of cigarette equipment technology, and in particular to a tobacco flow control device and a cigarette production system. Background Technology

[0002] In the tobacco processing workshop, accurate metering before adding tobacco is one of the key steps to ensure stable quality in subsequent processing stages. In existing technologies, due to its high moisture content and viscosity, tobacco exhibits complex and variable behavior during transport and metering, leading to unstable tobacco flow control and severely impacting production efficiency and product quality.

[0003] Specifically, tobacco shreds have a high moisture content and viscosity. These physical properties increase the adhesion between tobacco shreds, making their flow in the metering tube uneven. Tobacco shreds easily accumulate or clog in the metering tube, resulting in uneven distribution on the electronic belt scale. This uneven distribution makes it impossible for the electronic belt scale to accurately measure and control the flow rate of the tobacco shreds, leading to increased fluctuations in the measurement results, i.e., a significantly higher coefficient of variation.

[0004] Furthermore, the moisture content of tobacco shreds from different brands or batches often varies, which further exacerbates the inconsistency in the movement pattern of the tobacco shreds in the metering tube. When the tobacco shreds pass through the electronic belt scale in a non-uniform and unstable state, the scale reading will be severely interfered with, the fluctuation of the measurement results will increase, that is, the coefficient of variation will increase significantly, affecting the accuracy of tobacco shred feeding. Utility Model Content

[0005] This invention provides a tobacco flow control device and a cigarette production system to solve the problem of large flow variation in electronic scales in the prior art, which affects the accuracy of tobacco feeding.

[0006] This utility model provides a tobacco flow control device, including: a lifter, an electronic scale, a metering tube, an optical grating sensor, and a controller. The inlet of the metering tube is connected to the outlet of the lifter, and the outlet of the metering tube is located above the electronic scale. The optical grating sensor is located on the side wall of the metering tube and is used to obtain the height of the tobacco in the metering tube. The lifter, the electronic scale, and the optical grating sensor are all electrically connected to the controller, and the controller is used to control the operation of the lifter based on the tobacco height obtained by the optical grating sensor.

[0007] According to the present invention, a tobacco flow control device is provided, wherein the grating sensor includes a transmitter and a receiver, and the transmitter and the receiver are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the metering tube.

[0008] According to the present invention, a tobacco flow control device is provided, wherein the grating sensor includes a transmitter and a receiver, and the transmitter and the receiver are located on the same side of the metering tube.

[0009] According to the present invention, a tobacco flow control device further includes a humidity sensor and a fan. The humidity sensor is located on the bottom surface of the elevator, and the fan is located at the end of the elevator away from the discharge port. Both the humidity sensor and the fan are electrically connected to the controller.

[0010] According to the present invention, a tobacco flow control device further includes a hopper, wherein the inlet of the hopper is connected to the outlet of the elevator, and the outlet of the hopper is connected to the inlet of the metering tube.

[0011] According to the present invention, a tobacco flow control device further includes an adjusting plate and a driver. The adjusting plate is disposed at the outlet of the hopper, and the driver is connected to the adjusting plate for adjusting the opening of the outlet of the hopper.

[0012] The tobacco flow control device provided by this utility model also includes a feeder, which is connected to the feed inlet of the elevator.

[0013] According to the present invention, a tobacco flow control device is provided, wherein the feeder includes a storage box, a scraper and a drive mechanism, the outlet of the storage box is connected to the inlet of the elevator; the scraper is slidably connected to the bottom surface of the storage box, and the drive mechanism is connected to the scraper for driving the scraper to move toward or away from the inlet of the elevator.

[0014] According to the present invention, a tobacco flow control device further includes a conveying mechanism, wherein the electronic scale is disposed on the conveying mechanism.

[0015] This utility model also provides a cigarette production system, including a tobacco flow control device as described in any of the above claims.

[0016] The tobacco flow control device and cigarette production system provided by this utility model connect the inlet of the metering tube to the outlet of the elevator, with the outlet of the metering tube located above the electronic scale, to realize the conveying of tobacco. A grating sensor is installed on the side wall of the metering tube to obtain the height of the tobacco in the metering tube. Both the grating sensor and the elevator are connected to a controller. The controller controls the operation of the elevator based on the height of the tobacco obtained by the grating sensor, so that the height of the tobacco in the metering tube is always within the target height range, reducing the height variation in the metering tube, achieving stable flow, thereby improving the stability of the tobacco on the electronic scale, reducing the flow variation coefficient, and thus improving the feeding accuracy of the tobacco. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the tobacco flow control device provided by this utility model; Figure 2 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the grating sensor provided by this utility model installed in a quantitative tube; Figure 3 This is the second schematic diagram of the structure of the grating sensor provided by this utility model installed in the quantitative tube; Figure label: 1. Elevator; 2. Electronic scale; 3. Quantitative tube; 4. Grating sensor; 41. Transmitter; 42. Receiver; 5. Hopper; 6. Feeder. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. 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.

[0020] In the description of the embodiments of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" 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. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0021] In the description of the embodiments of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", and "outer" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this utility model 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this utility model.

[0022] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0023] 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 intended to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0024] The following disclosure provides numerous different embodiments or examples for implementing various structures of the present invention. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of components and arrangements are described below. These are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, reference numerals and / or letters may be repeated in different examples. Such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or arrangements discussed. In addition, examples of various specific processes and materials are provided in this invention; however, those skilled in the art will recognize the applicability of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0025] The following is combined with Figures 1-3 This invention describes a tobacco flow control device and a cigarette production system.

[0026] like Figure 1As shown, the tobacco flow control device provided in this embodiment includes: a lifter 1, an electronic scale 2, a metering tube 3, an optical grating sensor 4, and a controller. The lifter 1 includes a conveyor belt, a first conveying support, and a second conveying support. The conveyor belt is mounted on the first and second conveying supports, with the height of the first conveying support lower than the height of the second conveying support, allowing the conveyor belt to be inclined at a certain angle. The inlet of the lifter 1 is located at the bottom, and the outlet is located at the top, allowing the lifter 1 to convey tobacco from the bottom to the outlet at the top. The inlet of the metering tube 3 is connected to the outlet of the lifter 1, and the outlet of the metering tube 3 is located above the electronic scale 2. The metering tube 3 is used to meterly feed tobacco onto the electronic scale 2, ensuring the stability and uniformity of the feed. It should be noted that there is a gap between the outlet of the metering tube 3 and the electronic scale 2, which helps the tobacco in the metering tube 3 fall into the electronic scale 2. The electronic scale 2 is electrically connected to the controller, and the electronic scale 2 can transmit the acquired weight information to the controller.

[0027] A grating sensor 4 is located on the side wall of the metering tube 3 and is used to obtain the height of the tobacco shreds within the tube. The grating sensor 4 utilizes the principles of light interference and diffraction, generating periodic light signals through the relative movement of the grating ruler and the reading head, which are then converted into electrical signals for measurement. The grating ruler has precision markings, and the reading head includes a light source and a photoelectric receiving element. The grating sensor 4 includes a transmitter 41 and a receiver 42. The transmitter 41 emits a light beam, and the receiver 42 receives the light signal. When the tobacco shreds accumulate to a certain height within the metering tube 3, they partially block the light beam, causing a change in light intensity detected by the receiver 42, thereby determining the tobacco shred height. The grating sensor 4 includes both through-beam and reflective grating sensors.

[0028] Both the lifter 1 and the grating sensor 4 are electrically connected to the controller. The grating sensor 4 can transmit the acquired tobacco height information to the controller. Based on the tobacco height in the metering tube 3, the controller controls the operation of the lifter 1 so that the tobacco height in the metering tube 3 is always within the target height range. The change in tobacco height is small, the tobacco is not easy to clump together, the stability on the electronic scale 2 is improved, and the flow variation coefficient is reduced.

[0029] The tobacco flow control device provided in this embodiment connects the inlet of the metering tube 3 to the outlet of the elevator 1, with the outlet of the metering tube 3 positioned above the electronic scale 2 to achieve tobacco feeding. A grating sensor 4 is installed on the side wall of the metering tube 3 to obtain the height of the tobacco within the metering tube 3. Both the grating sensor 4 and the elevator 1 are connected to a controller. Based on the tobacco height obtained by the grating sensor 4, the controller controls the operation of the elevator 1, ensuring that the height of the tobacco within the metering tube 3 remains within the target height range. This reduces height variations within the metering tube 3, achieving stable flow, thereby improving the stability of the tobacco on the electronic scale 2, reducing the flow variation coefficient, and thus improving the feeding accuracy of the tobacco.

[0030] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the grating sensor 4 is a through-beam grating sensor. The through-beam grating sensor includes a transmitter 41 and a receiver 42, which are located on opposite sides of the metering tube 3. The light beam emitted from the transmitter 41 directly illuminates the receiver 42. When the tobacco accumulates to a certain height, it blocks part or all of the light beam. The receiver 42 detects the change in light intensity, thereby determining the height of the tobacco.

[0031] In another embodiment, the grating sensor 4 is a reflective grating sensor. The reflective grating sensor includes a transmitter and a receiver located on the same side of the metering tube. The light beam emitted by the transmitter illuminates the surface of the tobacco and is reflected back to the receiver. When the height of the tobacco stack changes, the intensity or reflection angle of the reflected light changes. The receiver detects these changes, thereby determining the height of the tobacco.

[0032] The tobacco flow control device also includes a humidity sensor and a fan. The humidity sensor is located on the bottom surface of the elevator 1 to obtain the humidity of the tobacco lifted by the elevator 1. The fan is located at the end of the elevator 1 furthest from the discharge port, i.e., near the feed port of the elevator 1, and is used to blow cold or hot air towards the discharge port of the elevator 1 to reduce the humidity of the tobacco and prevent the tobacco from clumping in the metering tube 3. In addition, the airflow generated by the fan also helps to transport the tobacco to the discharge port of the elevator 1.

[0033] Furthermore, both the humidity sensor and the fan are electrically connected to the controller. The controller receives humidity information from the humidity sensor and controls the fan's operation based on this information. For example, if the current humidity of the tobacco is lower than the target humidity, the controller controls the fan to operate and reduce the tobacco's humidity. It should be noted that the lower the current humidity of the tobacco, the higher the fan speed. Additionally, the fan can be adjusted to blow hot or cold air as needed. When the current humidity of the tobacco is within the target humidity range, the controller stops the fan to prevent damage to the tobacco.

[0034] The tobacco flow control device also includes a hopper 5, whose inlet is connected to the outlet of the elevator 1, and whose outlet is connected to the inlet of the metering tube 3. The elevator 1 transports tobacco from a lower to a higher position, and the flow rate may be uneven or fluctuate. Placing the hopper 5 between the outlet of the elevator 1 and the inlet of the metering tube 3 helps to mitigate fluctuations in the tobacco output from the elevator 1. Additionally, the hopper 5 can temporarily store material, ensuring a continuous supply to the metering tube 3 even when the elevator 1 temporarily stops or the supply is insufficient. Figure 1 As shown, the cross-sectional area of ​​the hopper 5 gradually decreases from the feed inlet to the discharge outlet, which helps the tobacco shreds flow from the feed inlet to the discharge outlet.

[0035] The tobacco flow control device also includes an adjusting plate and a driver. The adjusting plate is located at the outlet of the hopper 5, and the driver is connected to the adjusting plate. The driver drives the adjusting plate to move, thereby adjusting the opening of the outlet of the hopper 5 and thus regulating the flow rate of tobacco entering the metering tube 3 from the hopper 5. For example, if the height of the tobacco in the metering tube 3 is within the target height range, the driver controls the adjusting plate to move, reducing the opening of the outlet of the hopper 5 and decreasing the feeding rate.

[0036] The tobacco flow rate regulating device also includes a feeder 6, which is connected to the feed inlet of the elevator 1 and is used to feed tobacco evenly and stably to the elevator 1 to avoid flow fluctuations.

[0037] In one embodiment, the feeder 6 is a belt feeder. The belt feeder includes a storage bin, a belt, and a drive motor. The discharge port of the storage bin is connected to the feed port of the elevator 1. The belt is located on the bottom surface of the storage bin. The drive motor is connected to the belt and is used to drive the belt to rotate in the direction of the elevator 1, thereby conveying the tobacco in the storage bin to the feed port of the elevator 1.

[0038] In another embodiment, the feeder 6 is a scraper feeder. The scraper feeder includes a storage bin, a scraper, and a drive mechanism. The outlet of the storage bin is connected to the inlet of the elevator 1. The scraper is slidably connected to the bottom surface of the storage bin. The drive mechanism is connected to the scraper and drives it to move towards or away from the inlet of the elevator 1, thereby conveying the tobacco in the storage bin to the inlet of the elevator 1. In one embodiment, the bottom surface of the storage bin is provided with a slide rail. The extension direction of the slide rail is set towards the inlet of the elevator 1 according to actual needs. One end of the scraper is slidably connected to the slide rail via a base. The extension direction of the scraper is perpendicular to the extension direction of the slide rail. Furthermore, the scraper can rotate relative to the base around the extension direction of the slide rail to house the scraper on the side of the storage bin closer to the base, preventing the scraper from interfering with other operations.

[0039] The tobacco flow control device also includes a conveying mechanism. An electronic scale 2 is installed on the conveying mechanism. The tobacco is weighed during the conveying process and then conveyed to the next process for processing.

[0040] This utility model embodiment also provides a cigarette production system, including the tobacco flow control device in any of the above embodiments.

[0041] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and not to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A tobacco flow control device, characterized in that, include: The system includes a lifter, an electronic scale, a metering tube, an optical grating sensor, and a controller. The feed inlet of the metering tube is connected to the discharge outlet of the lifter, and the discharge outlet of the metering tube is located above the electronic scale. The optical grating sensor is located on the side wall of the metering tube and is used to obtain the height of the tobacco shreds inside the metering tube. The lifter, the electronic scale, and the grating sensor are all electrically connected to the controller, which controls the operation of the lifter based on the tobacco height obtained by the grating sensor.

2. The tobacco flow control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The grating sensor includes a transmitter and a receiver, which are located on opposite sides of the quantitative tube.

3. The tobacco flow control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The grating sensor includes a transmitter and a receiver, which are located on the same side of the metering tube.

4. The tobacco flow control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a humidity sensor and a fan. The humidity sensor is located on the bottom surface of the elevator, and the fan is located at the end of the elevator away from the discharge port. Both the humidity sensor and the fan are electrically connected to the controller.

5. The tobacco flow control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a hopper, the inlet of which is connected to the outlet of the elevator, and the outlet of the hopper is connected to the inlet of the metering tube.

6. The tobacco flow control device according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes an adjusting plate and a driver. The adjusting plate is located at the discharge port of the hopper, and the driver is connected to the adjusting plate to adjust the opening degree of the discharge port of the hopper.

7. The tobacco flow control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a feeder, which is connected to the feed inlet of the elevator.

8. The tobacco flow control device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The feeder includes a storage bin, a scraper, and a drive mechanism. The discharge port of the storage bin is connected to the inlet of the elevator. The scraper is slidably connected to the bottom surface of the storage bin. The drive mechanism is connected to the scraper and is used to drive the scraper to move towards or away from the inlet of the elevator.

9. The tobacco flow control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a conveying mechanism, on which the electronic scale is mounted.

10. A cigarette manufacturing system, characterized in that, Includes the tobacco flow control device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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