Heating device and feeder

Abstract

The application relates to a heating device and a material feeding machine, and relates to the technical field of heating. The heating device comprises a cover plate and a heating assembly. A cavity is formed in the cover plate, and the cover plate is detachably installed in a rear chamber of the material feeding machine. The heating assembly comprises a heating layer, the heating layer is arranged in the cavity and close to a wall plate of the rear chamber, and a heat insulation layer is arranged on the side of the heating layer away from the wall plate. The heating device can effectively improve the temperature of the wall plate, prevent steam from contacting the wall plate and condensing into water on the wall plate, prevent tobacco from adhering to the wall plate of the rear chamber, reduce the waste of tobacco raw materials, prevent the condensed water on the wall plate from polluting the tobacco, and affect the quality of cut tobacco.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of heating technology, and more specifically, to a heating device and a feeding machine. Background Technology

[0002] In the cigarette production process, the feeding machine is a key piece of equipment, mainly used to evenly spray liquid onto the cut tobacco shreds during the tobacco processing stage. It not only affects the physical state of the tobacco shreds, but also directly relates to the aroma, taste, combustion performance, and quality stability of the final cigarette product, making it an indispensable key link in the tobacco processing line.

[0003] In related technologies, when steam comes into contact with the lower-temperature rear chamber wall of the feeder, it condenses into water, causing the tobacco leaves to adhere to the rear chamber wall. On the one hand, these tobacco leaves have extremely high moisture content and cannot be reused, resulting in waste of raw materials; on the other hand, the high moisture content of the adhered tobacco leaves easily creates the risk of water-stained tobacco, affecting the quality of the tobacco. Utility Model Content

[0004] In order to at least address some of the deficiencies mentioned in the related technologies, this application provides a heating device and a feeding machine.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, a heating device is provided for use in a tobacco processing feeder. The heating device includes a cover plate and a heating assembly. The cover plate has a cavity and is detachably installed in the rear chamber of the feeder. The heating assembly includes a heating layer disposed within the cavity near the wall panel of the rear chamber, and an insulation layer is provided on the side of the heating layer away from the wall panel.

[0006] Furthermore, a gap is left between the side of the heat insulation layer away from the heating layer and the cover plate, and the gap is filled with heat insulation cotton.

[0007] Furthermore, an adhesive layer is provided between the heating layer and the cover plate, and the heating layer is fixed to the cover plate by the adhesive layer.

[0008] Furthermore, the projections of the heating layer, the heat insulation layer, and the adhesive layer on the wall panel of the rear chamber overlap, and their projected areas are the same.

[0009] This application also provides a feeding machine, including the heating device described in any of the above embodiments, wherein the heating device is installed in the rear chamber of the feeding machine. The wall panel of the rear chamber includes an inner panel and a front panel, the heating device is disposed between the inner panel and the front panel, and the heating layer is disposed near the inner panel.

[0010] Furthermore, a communication port connecting to the outside is provided at the center of the wall panel of the rear chamber away from the main body of the feeder. An inspection door is hinged at the communication port, and the heating device is also provided inside the inspection door.

[0011] Furthermore, the wall panel also includes a data processing module, a temperature sensor, and a display module. The temperature sensor detects the temperature on the inner panel near the heating device; the display module is mounted on the front panel. The data processing module is electrically connected to the temperature sensor, the display module, and the heating device.

[0012] Furthermore, the rear chamber is assembled from multiple box modules, with reinforcing ribs provided between adjacent box modules; each box module is equipped with the heating device.

[0013] Furthermore, multiple heating devices located at the same horizontal level are configured as a group, and each group of heating devices is connected to the data processing module via a controller.

[0014] Furthermore, the heating device inside the inspection door is electrically connected to the data processing module via the inspection controller.

[0015] With the above technical solution, when using the heating device of this application, the cover plate is installed on the wall panel of the rear chamber of the feeder. The heating layer inside the cover plate will generate heat after the power is turned on, and the generated heat will naturally dissipate to both sides of the heating layer. The side of the heating layer away from the wall panel is provided with a heat insulation layer, that is, the heat generated by the heating layer will be transferred to the wall panel to increase the temperature of the wall panel.

[0016] The heating device of this application can effectively increase the temperature of the wall panel, prevent steam from condensing into a large amount of water on the wall panel after contacting it, prevent tobacco leaves from sticking to the wall panel of the rear chamber, reduce waste of tobacco raw materials, and prevent the moisture condensed on the wall panel from contaminating the tobacco leaves and affecting the quality of the tobacco shreds.

[0017] Other features and advantages of this application will be described in detail in the following detailed description section. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the heating device provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 Provided for the embodiments of this application Figure 1 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the feeding machine provided in an embodiment of this application from one perspective; Figure 4 This is a structural schematic diagram of the feeder provided in an embodiment of this application from another perspective; Figure 5 This is a structural schematic diagram of the heating device provided in an embodiment of this application from another perspective.

[0020] icon: 100-Cover plate; 110-Cavity; 200-Heating component; 210-Heating layer; 220-Insulation layer; 230-Insulation cotton; 240-Adhesive layer; 300-Wall panel; 400-Feeder; 410-Rear chamber; 420-Inspection door; 500-Heating device. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of 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. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0022] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "inner" and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product is in use. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application 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 application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0023] In the description of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "setup" and "connection" 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 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 application based on the specific circumstances.

[0024] This embodiment provides a heating device to solve the problem in the related art that the temperature of the rear chamber wall panel of the feeder is low, which easily produces condensate, causing tobacco leaves to stick to the wall panel or the condensate to contaminate the tobacco leaves.

[0025] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 A heating device is used in a tobacco processing feeder. The heating device 500 includes a cover plate 100 and a heating assembly 200. A cavity 110 is formed in the cover plate 100, and the cover plate 100 is detachably installed in the rear chamber 410 of the feeder 400. The heating assembly 200 includes a heating layer 210, which is disposed in the cavity 110 near the wall panel 300 of the rear chamber 410. A heat insulation layer 220 is disposed on the side of the heating layer 210 away from the wall panel 300.

[0026] Specifically, when using the heating device 500 of this embodiment, the cover plate 100 is installed inside the wall panel 300 of the rear chamber 410 of the feeder 400, and the heating layer 210 is positioned inside the cover plate 100 near the wall panel 300. After the power is turned on, the heating layer 210 generates heat, which is transferred to both sides of the heating layer 210. The side of the heating layer 210 closest to the wall panel 300 can normally transfer heat to the wall panel 300, while the side farther from the wall panel 300 has its heat transfer blocked by the heat insulation layer 220, thus improving the heat transfer effect of the heating layer 210 to the wall panel 300.

[0027] After the wall panel 300 is heated by the heating layer 210, during normal operation of the feeder 400, the high-temperature steam, upon contacting the wall panel 300 of the rear chamber 410, will no longer produce a large amount of condensate due to uneven temperature. This prevents tobacco leaves from adhering to the wall panel 300 of the rear chamber 410 due to condensate, thus avoiding both the waste of raw materials caused by a large amount of tobacco leaves adhering to the wall panel 300 and the contamination of the tobacco leaves by condensate, resulting in water-stained tobacco, ensuring that the quality of the tobacco leaves inside the feeder 400 is not affected.

[0028] In one embodiment, exemplarily, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, a gap exists between the side of the insulation layer 220 away from the heating layer 210 and the cover plate 100, and this gap is filled with insulation cotton 230. Insulation cotton 230 is a typical low thermal conductivity material with excellent thermal insulation properties. Filling the gap between the insulation layer 220 and the cover plate 100 with insulation cotton 230 is equivalent to adding one or more thermal resistance barriers to the path of heat transfer. This effectively prevents the heat generated by the heating layer 210 from dissipating to the external environment through the cover plate 100, allowing more heat to be concentrated for heating the rear chamber 410 wall panel 300, thus improving thermal energy utilization efficiency.

[0029] The heat generated by the heating layer 210 should primarily be transferred to the wall panel 300 of the rear chamber 410 of the feeder 400 to increase the temperature of the wall panel 300 and prevent steam condensation. By installing a composite insulation structure consisting of an insulation layer 220 and insulation cotton 230 on the side facing away from the wall panel 300, heat can be forced to conduct mainly towards the wall panel 300, achieving directional heat transfer. This improves heating efficiency, shortens the heating time of the wall panel 300, and reduces energy consumption.

[0030] If the outer surface of the cover plate 100 gets too hot, it may pose a safety hazard to the equipment casing, surrounding components, or operators. The insulation cotton 230 effectively reduces the temperature of the outer surface of the cover plate 100, preventing burns or the impact of heat radiation on surrounding components, and improving the safety and reliability of the equipment.

[0031] In one embodiment, exemplarily, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, an adhesive layer 240 is provided between the heating layer 210 and the cover plate 100, and the heating layer 210 is fixed to the cover plate 100 by the adhesive layer 240. The heating layer 210 needs to be stably installed in the cavity 110 of the cover plate 100, and its position needs to be close to the side near the wall panel 300 to ensure efficient heat transfer. By firmly bonding the heating layer 210 to the cover plate 100 by the adhesive layer 240, it can effectively prevent the heating layer 210 from shifting, falling off or loosening during equipment operation due to vibration, airflow disturbance or disassembly operations, thus ensuring the accuracy and long-term stability of the heating position.

[0032] If the adhesive layer 240 is made of a thermally conductive adhesive material, it can not only serve a fixing function but also fill the tiny gaps between the heating layer 210 and the cover plate 100, reducing the presence of the air insulation layer 220. This helps to reduce contact thermal resistance, allowing the heat generated by the heating layer 210 to be transferred to the cover plate 100 more efficiently and further conducted to the rear chamber 410 wall panel 300, improving the overall heating response speed and uniformity.

[0033] Compared to mechanical fastening methods such as screws, clips, or welding, using the adhesive layer 240 to fix the heating layer 210 has the advantages of simple structure, convenient installation, and no need for additional fasteners. Especially in the space-constrained cavity 110 structure, the adhesive method is easier to operate, which is conducive to automated assembly and later replacement and maintenance. At the same time, if the heating layer 210 is a flexible material, the adhesive method can better adapt to curved or irregular surfaces, improving adaptability.

[0034] It is understood that the heating layer 210 and the adhesive layer 240 in this embodiment can be set to any existing components or structures as needed, as long as they can meet the requirements of this embodiment. For example, the heating layer 210 can be set as an electric heating film, heating wire plate or flexible heating sheet, etc., as needed; the adhesive layer 240 can be set as a high-temperature resistant adhesive, double-sided thermally conductive tape, thermally conductive silicone, thermally conductive film, etc., as needed.

[0035] In one embodiment, for example, the projections of the heating layer 210, the insulation layer 220, and the adhesive layer 240 onto the wall panel 300 of the rear chamber 410 coincide, and their projected areas are the same. The complete overlap of these projections means that the heat generated by the heating layer 210 is primarily concentrated in the area directly opposite the wall panel 300 of the rear chamber 410. The insulation layer 220, with the same area and aligned with the heating layer 210, precisely covers the back of the heated area, effectively preventing heat loss in non-target directions. This aligned design achieves unidirectional concentrated heat conduction, meaning heat is preferentially transferred towards the wall panel 300, avoiding lateral or reverse leakage and significantly improving thermal energy utilization.

[0036] If the projected areas of each layer do not overlap, such as if the insulation layer 220 is too small, heat will easily dissipate from the edges; if the heating layer 210 is too large, the edges may lack insulation protection. In short, this will lead to uneven heating of the wall panel 300, resulting in "hot spots" or "cold areas." Having identical and completely overlapping projected areas ensures uniform temperature distribution throughout the heating zone, preventing inconsistent local steam condensation due to temperature differences, and thus more effectively suppressing the generation of condensate and water stains.

[0037] All functional layers are of consistent size and aligned in position, facilitating quick positioning and alignment during assembly and reducing the risk of misalignment. The area of ​​the adhesive layer 240 matches that of the heating layer 210, providing uniform adhesive strength and preventing problems such as edge lifting and delamination of the heating layer 210 due to insufficient local adhesive force, thereby improving the overall stability and durability of the structure.

[0038] Please see Figures 3 to 5 This embodiment also provides a feeder 400, including the heating device 500 in any of the above embodiments. The heating device 500 is installed in the rear chamber 410 of the feeder 400. The wall panel 300 of the rear chamber 410 includes an inner panel and a front panel. The heating device 500 is disposed between the inner panel and the front panel, and the heating layer 210 is disposed near the inner panel.

[0039] The inner plate is the layer that directly contacts the internal environment of the feeder 400, and it is also the part most prone to steam condensation due to temperature differences. Arranging the heating layer 210 closely against the inner plate allows for the shortest path of heat conduction, rapidly transferring heat to the inner surface of the inner plate and significantly increasing its temperature. This effectively reduces the temperature difference between the inner surface of the inner plate and the internal steam, fundamentally inhibiting the condensation of steam into water and reducing condensate production. It prevents condensate formation at the source, avoiding problems such as tobacco sticking and water-stained smoke.

[0040] The panel, located on the outer side, is typically made of metal and provides some insulation and sealing. The heating layer 210 is situated in the interlayer between the inner panel and the panel. The panel prevents some heat loss to the external environment, creating a relatively enclosed thermal zone. Combined with the insulation layer 220 and the thermal insulation cotton 230 structure described in the above embodiment, the directional heat transfer towards the inner panel is further enhanced, achieving an energy-saving mode of "internal heating and external insulation."

[0041] In one embodiment, exemplarily, such as Figures 3 to 5 As shown, a connecting opening to the outside is provided at the center of the wall panel 300 of the rear chamber 410, away from the main body of the feeder 400. A maintenance door 420 is hinged at this opening, and a heating device 500 is also installed inside the maintenance door 420. The connecting opening is located at the center of the rear chamber 410 and is a hinged maintenance door 420, making it easy to open and providing operators with direct access to the interior of the rear chamber 410 of the feeder 400. This facilitates maintenance work such as cleaning adhering tobacco or accumulated material, inspecting the end of the rollers, the sealing structure or the condition of the nozzles, and repairing or replacing internal sensors, the heating device 500, and other components. The hinged design allows the maintenance door 420 to open and close flexibly and accurately, avoiding complete disassembly, reducing downtime, and improving production efficiency.

[0042] The rear chamber 410 wall panel 300 is equipped with a heating device 500 to prevent condensation. However, if the access door 420 is not heated, its metal material will still act as a cold bridge during operation due to its temperature being below the steam dew point. A similar heating device 500 is also installed inside the access door 420 to ensure that the inner surface temperature of the access door 420 is consistent with other areas of the rear chamber 410. This prevents steam from condensing on the door due to temperature differences, forming water droplets, and also prevents condensate from dripping and contaminating the tobacco, causing localized water stains.

[0043] In one embodiment, exemplarily, such as Figures 3 to 5As shown, the wall panel 300 also houses a data processing module, a temperature sensor, and a display module. The temperature sensor detects the temperature on the inner panel near the heating device 500; the display module is located on the front panel. The data processing module is electrically connected to the temperature sensor, display module, and heating device 500. The temperature sensor directly detects the temperature on the inner panel near the heating device 500, which is the critical area most prone to condensation, obtaining accurate and real-time temperature data. The data processing module receives the sensor signal and determines in real time whether the current temperature has reached the threshold required for anti-condensation. If the temperature is too low, it automatically adjusts the power of the heating device 500; if it reaches the set value, it reduces or shuts down the heating, achieving closed-loop temperature control. This avoids overheating and energy waste, as well as underheating leading to condensation, improving temperature control accuracy and energy efficiency.

[0044] The data processing module can incorporate control algorithms, such as PID control and temperature curve setting, to automatically adjust the heating strategy based on the start-up, operation, and shutdown stages of the process. Multiple temperature control modes can be set for different tobacco varieties or production conditions, enabling intelligent and differentiated management.

[0045] The display module is located on the outside of the panel, allowing operators to directly read key parameters, such as the current wall panel temperature (300°C), the heating device's operating status (500°C), the set temperature, and the heating power, without needing to open the equipment or rely on a central control system. This enables visual management, facilitating inspections, debugging, and quick assessment of equipment status, thereby improving on-site operational efficiency.

[0046] By integrating the data processing module locally, the heating system gains edge computing capabilities, reducing its reliance on a central PLC or host computer. Even with a brief communication interruption of the main control system, the local module can maintain basic temperature control functions, ensuring uninterrupted anti-condensation protection. This improves the fault tolerance of the entire heating and anti-condensation system.

[0047] In one embodiment, exemplarily, such as Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the rear chamber 410 is composed of multiple box modules, with reinforcing ribs between adjacent box modules; each box module is equipped with a heating device 500. During operation, the rear chamber 410 is subjected to high temperatures, steam pressure, and equipment vibration, making it prone to structural deformation, which can affect its sealing performance and operational stability. Insulating reinforcing ribs, such as metal ribs or frame supports, between adjacent box modules effectively enhances the connection strength of the spliced ​​area, suppresses torsion and warping caused by vibration and thermal stress, improves the overall structural rigidity and fatigue resistance of the rear chamber 410, and extends the equipment's lifespan.

[0048] Each housing module is equipped with an independent heating device 500, meaning that different areas of the rear chamber 410 can be temperature-controlled in segments. The heating power for different areas can be set according to steam flow characteristics or temperature gradients, avoiding "one-size-fits-all" heating that could lead to localized overheating or energy waste. Fault isolation is also supported; if the heating of one module fails, other areas can still operate normally, reducing downtime.

[0049] Traditional integrated heating systems may suffer from insufficient heating at edges or joints due to complex wiring or structural limitations. Each module has its own heating device (500), ensuring uniform heating of the entire rear chamber 410 inner wall surface, eliminating cold spots or cold seams. Especially at the module joints, reinforcing ribs assist in heat conduction and localized heating, effectively eliminating the risk of localized condensation caused by seams and preventing water stains and smoke generation.

[0050] In one embodiment, for example, multiple heating devices 500 located at the same horizontal level are grouped together, and each group of heating devices 500 is connected to a data processing module via a controller. Uneven airflow distribution, differences in steam density, or differences in environmental heat dissipation may occur in the horizontal direction of the rear chamber 410 of the feeder 400, resulting in inconsistent temperatures on the left and right sides. Grouping multiple heating devices 500 at the same horizontal level means that coordinated heating control can be performed on the same floor plan. The controller uniformly adjusts the power of all heating devices 500 within the group to ensure a consistent temperature of the horizontal wall panel 300, preventing localized condensation or water stains caused by temperature differences between the left and right sides.

[0051] Each group of 500 heating units is managed by a dedicated controller, enabling localized, fast-response closed-loop control. The data processing module sends out temperature setpoints or control strategies, and the controller dynamically adjusts the heating output based on real-time feedback, such as from temperature sensors in the area. Compared to unified control of all 500 heating units, group control can more accurately respond to local heat load changes, such as start-up and shutdown, and recovery after door opening, with faster response and less fluctuation.

[0052] Although this design groups components by horizontal height, it can be further combined with axial segmentation to form a two-dimensional regional control network. The data processing module can set different target temperatures for different groups based on various operating conditions, such as tobacco flow rate, steam pressure, and ambient temperature and humidity. For example, the inlet section has high heating power for rapid temperature rise, while the outlet section only needs to maintain a constant temperature, resulting in energy-saving operation. This achieves refined thermal management with zoned heating and on-demand control.

[0053] In one embodiment, for example, the heating device 500 inside the access door 420 is electrically connected to the data processing module via an access controller. As a movable component within the rear chamber 410 wall panel 300, the access door 420 differs from the fixed wall panel 300 in material, heat capacity, and heat dissipation, resulting in different temperature response characteristics. Equipped with a dedicated access controller, an independent heating strategy can be set for the physical characteristics of the access door 420, such as heating rate, target temperature, and PID parameters, avoiding overheating or underheating caused by uniform control. This ensures that the inner surface temperature of the access door 420 is consistent with other areas, completely eliminating the risk of cold spots in this location and preventing localized condensation and water stains.

[0054] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, the features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other.

[0055] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A heating device for use in a tobacco shredding feeding machine, characterized in that, The heating device includes: A cover plate (100) has a cavity (110) inside it, and the cover plate (100) is detachably installed in the rear chamber (410) of the feeder (400); Heating assembly (200) includes heating layer (210) disposed in the cavity (110) near the wall panel (300) of the rear chamber (410), and heat insulation layer (220) disposed on the side of heating layer (210) away from the wall panel (300).

2. The heating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A gap is left between the side of the heat insulation layer (220) away from the heating layer (210) and the cover plate (100), and the gap is filled with heat insulation cotton (230).

3. The heating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, An adhesive layer (240) is provided between the heating layer (210) and the cover plate (100), and the heating layer (210) is fixed to the cover plate (100) by the adhesive layer (240).

4. The heating device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The projections of the heating layer (210), the heat insulation layer (220), and the adhesive layer (240) on the wall panel (300) of the rear chamber (410) overlap, and their projection areas are the same.

5. A feeding machine, characterized in that, The heating device (500) includes any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the heating device (500) is installed in the rear chamber (410) of the feeder (400); The wall panel (300) of the rear chamber (410) includes an inner panel and a front panel, the heating device (500) is disposed between the inner panel and the front panel, and the heating layer (210) is disposed near the inner panel.

6. The feeder according to claim 5, characterized in that, The rear chamber (410) has a communication opening at the center of the wall panel (300) in the direction away from the main body of the feeder (400), which is connected to the outside. A maintenance door (420) is hinged at the communication opening, and the heating device (500) is also installed inside the maintenance door (420).

7. The feeder according to claim 6, characterized in that, The wall panel (300) is also equipped with a data processing module, a temperature sensor and a display module. The temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature on the inner panel near the heating device (500). The display module is located on the panel. The data processing module is electrically connected to the temperature sensor, the display module and the heating device (500).

8. The feeder according to claim 7, characterized in that, The rear chamber (410) is assembled from multiple box modules, and reinforcing ribs are provided between adjacent box modules; each box module is provided with the heating device (500).

9. The feeder according to claim 8, characterized in that, Multiple heating devices (500) located at the same horizontal level are configured as a group, and each group of heating devices (500) is connected to the data processing module via a controller.

10. The feeder according to claim 9, characterized in that, The heating device (500) inside the inspection door (420) is electrically connected to the data processing module via the inspection controller.

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