Device and method for detecting appearance and internal quality of cigars

Abstract

The present invention provides a device for inspecting the appearance and internal quality of cigars, comprising a cigar clamping mechanism, a visual inspection mechanism and a negative pressure suction mechanism; the cigar clamping mechanism is used to clamp the axial ends of a cigar, and one of the clamping ends of the cigar clamping mechanism is provided with a suction channel that passes through the clamping end; the visual inspection mechanism is arranged at the periphery of the clamping space of the cigar clamping mechanism, and is used to obtain an image of the appearance of the cigar; the negative pressure suction mechanism is connected to the suction channel to provide negative pressure. The device obtains the appearance quality defects of the cigar through a single scan, and obtains the internal quality defects of the cigar through a comparison between a secondary scan after drawing negative pressure and a primary scan, thereby achieving full inspection of the inside and outside of the cigar.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a cigar quality detection device, in particular to a cigar appearance and internal quality detection device and a detection method. Background Art

[0002] Cigars are an important category of tobacco products in my country and are positioned as high-end tobacco products. The structure of cigars includes three types of cigar tobacco leaves: wrapper, binder and core. The quality of the three types of cigar tobacco leaves varies greatly. The quality requirements of cigar wrappers are mainly focused on the appearance quality and wrapping characteristics of the tobacco leaves, and the quality requirements of cigar binders are mainly focused on the wrapping characteristics and burning characteristics of the tobacco leaves. The core tobacco leaves are the main source of the flavor and taste of cigars, and have higher requirements for sensory quality.

[0003] Among them, the external characteristics of cigars are directly reflected in the cigar wrapper. The standard "GB15269.3-2011" specifically stipulates the technical requirements for cigar packaging, rolling and storage. Among them, the requirements for the appearance of cigarettes include a series of appearance parameters such as the maximum offset of the central axis, the height difference of the cut slope, rings, veins, folds, spots, stains, seams, holes, peeling, breakage, circumference, etc. These appearance parameters need to be measured item by item. At present, these measurements are mainly completed manually, and each cigar must be tested for these parameters, which will consume a lot of manpower and material resources and greatly affect the production efficiency of cigars.

[0004] For example, a series of cigar appearance inspection devices with application numbers: CN202122128324.1, CN202122146215.2 and CN202122146444.4 are all schemes for visual inspection of the appearance of cigars. Visual inspection schemes have become a very common means for inspecting the appearance of cigars or cigarettes, and are widely used in the appearance inspection of various tobacco products.

[0005] However, there is currently no good way to test the quality of the internal filling of cigars, which involves testing the overall tightness of the cigar and the uniformity of the tobacco distribution.

[0006] At present, there is an application number: CN202122014768.2, and the name is: A scheme for detecting the tightness of the appearance of cigar cigarettes. The pressure feedback value is detected by external pressure to reflect the tightness. However, the cigar wrapper is usually hard, and this method is only suitable for situations where the overall tightness difference is relatively large.

[0007] There is also an application number CN202121008749.2, named: A system for evaluating the uniformity of cigar rolling, which designs several flow channels and observes the flow values ​​of each parallel flow channel to judge the uniformity of tobacco distribution corresponding to each flow channel. This scheme is feasible, but even if the uniformity problem is known, it is still difficult to obtain where the area with internal filling quality problems is. Therefore, it is more suitable for evaluating the situation where the overall distribution of rolling uniformity is uneven.

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, people have been seeking an ideal technical solution. Summary of the invention

[0009] The purpose of the present invention is to address the deficiencies of the prior art and to provide a device and method for detecting the appearance and internal quality of cigars, which can detect both the appearance and internal quality defects of cigars and can roughly determine the locations of the internal quality defects, thereby helping to improve the production process.

[0010] This solution is developed based on the three-layer structure of cigars: wrapper, binder and core. Cigars are usually well sealed and protected by the wrapper, with only the ignition end exposed, and some are even completely sealed. Under this premise, it is easy to inspect the appearance through visual inspection, but the quality of the sealed core wrapped inside is difficult to see from the outside unless destructive inspection is performed. Taking advantage of the good sealing effect of the wrapper, negative pressure is applied to the exposed end, so that the wrapper corresponding to the uneven position of the internal wrapping loses support, forming pits, which are displayed in appearance. Then, through visual inspection, its defects can be displayed.

[0011] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is: a device for inspecting the appearance and internal quality of cigars, including a cigar clamping mechanism, a visual inspection mechanism and a negative pressure suction mechanism;

[0012] The cigar clamping mechanism is used to clamp the axial ends of the cigar, and one of the clamping ends of the cigar clamping mechanism is provided with a suction channel penetrating the clamping end;

[0013] The visual detection mechanism is arranged at the periphery of the clamping space of the cigar clamping mechanism, and is used to obtain the appearance image of the cigar;

[0014] The negative pressure suction mechanism is connected to the suction channel to provide negative pressure.

[0015] Based on the above, the cigar clamping mechanism is a rotating mechanism, and the visual detection mechanism includes at least one camera.

[0016] Based on the above, the cigar clamping mechanism includes a first clamping end and a second clamping end, the first clamping end includes a telescopic mechanism and a first top block arranged at a movable end of the telescopic mechanism, and the second clamping end includes a second top block with a suction channel.

[0017] Based on the above, the inner end of the first top block is provided with a cap top cavity.

[0018] Based on the above, the second clamping end also includes a sealing sleeve, a spring and an air port connecting piece. The second top block is telescopically and movably installed on the inner end of the sealing sleeve. A sealing ring is arranged around the second top block and between the sealing sleeve. The spring is installed inside the sealing sleeve and supported on the outer end of the second top block. The air port connecting piece is sealingly connected to the outer end of the sealing sleeve. The suction channel in the second top block, the inner cavity of the sealing sleeve and the channel of the air port connecting piece are sealed and connected. The outer end air port of the air port connecting piece is connected to the negative pressure suction mechanism.

[0019] Based on the above, the visual inspection mechanism includes at least three cameras arranged around the circumference of the clamping space of the cigar clamping mechanism.

[0020] Based on the above, the camera is a CCD area array camera, and the telescopic mechanism is a cylinder or an electric push rod or a hydraulic rod.

[0021] A method for detecting the appearance and internal quality of cigars, comprising the following steps:

[0022] In the first state, the outer contour of the cigar is scanned and imaged once to obtain a first set of image data and obtain quality defects of appearance detection;

[0023] In the second state, the cap end of the cigar is kept sealed, and negative pressure suction is applied to the lit end of the cigar. After a certain period of time, the outer contour of the cigar is scanned and imaged a second time to obtain a second set of image data. The second set of image data is compared with the first set of image data to obtain quality defects for internal detection.

[0024] The present invention has substantial features and progress compared to the prior art. Specifically, the present invention utilizes the good sealing property of cigars and draws negative pressure from the burning end to the inside. If there are rolling defects inside, that is, uneven depressions in the cigar core and overlapping rolling areas in the cigar wrapper, the cigar wrapper at that position will collapse under the action of negative pressure, forming a local depression in appearance, which can be observed from the appearance. The device is designed using this principle. First, a primary image is captured in a state without negative pressure to obtain quality defects in the product appearance. Then, a secondary image is captured in a state of drawing negative pressure to obtain deformation of the product appearance. The secondary image is compared with the primary image to obtain a specific deformation position, and then the internal defect position and defect type corresponding to the deformation position are deduced.

[0025] Furthermore, in order to facilitate the acquisition of images, the cigar is suspended by means of a clamp, and then a camera is used to take pictures to obtain image information. The pictures can be taken at a fixed angle or by a rotational method.

[0026] Furthermore, in order to prevent the cigar from being damaged by the clamping method, a spring is installed in the second clamping end, so that the clamping pressure can be adaptively adjusted to prevent damage caused by axial pressure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the device for detecting the appearance and internal quality of cigars in Example 1 of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of the device for detecting the appearance and internal quality of cigars in Example 2 of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the structure of the device for detecting the appearance and internal quality of cigars in Example 3 of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 4 It is a schematic structural diagram of the first clamping end in Example 3 of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 5 It is a schematic structural diagram of the second clamping end in Example 3 of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 6 It is an exploded view of the second clamping end in Example 3 of the present invention.

[0033] In the figure: 1. cigar clamping mechanism; 2. visual inspection mechanism; 3. negative pressure suction mechanism; 4. cigar; 5. second clamping end; 6. suction channel; 7. first clamping end; 11. cylinder; 12. first top block; 13. cigar cap top cavity; 14. second top block; 15. sealing sleeve; 16. spring; 17. air port connector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The technical solution of the present invention is further described in detail below through specific implementation methods.

[0035] Example 1

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, a device for inspecting the appearance and internal quality of cigars includes a cigar clamping mechanism 1, a visual inspection mechanism 2 and a negative pressure suction mechanism 3.

[0037] This embodiment is illustrated by taking a cigar with a traditional cap sealed and the other end exposed as an example:

[0038] The cigar clamping mechanism 1 is used to clamp the axial ends of the cigar 4. The second clamping end 5 of the cigar clamping mechanism 1 for clamping the lighting end of the cigar is provided with a suction channel 6 penetrating the clamping end.

[0039] The visual inspection mechanism 2 is arranged at the periphery of the clamping space of the cigar clamping mechanism 1, and is used to obtain the appearance image of the cigar. The visual inspection mechanism 2 can adopt a CCD area array camera, and the specific number depends on the performance of the CCD area array camera. For example, when the coverage range of the CCD area array camera is 110°, four area array cameras are required, which are evenly distributed around the periphery of the cigar 4.

[0040] The negative pressure suction mechanism 3 is connected to the suction channel to provide negative pressure. The negative pressure suction mechanism 3 adopts a negative pressure pump. In order to improve the accuracy and stability control of negative pressure suction, a flow controller can be added.

[0041] Working principle:

[0042] The cigar 4 is clamped between the cigar clamping mechanism 1, and the clamping force is maintained moderate to avoid deformation of the cigar 4. At the same time, the sealing condition of the connection between the ignition end and the suction channel 6 on the second clamping end must be ensured to prevent serious leakage during the suction process.

[0043] In the first state, the CCD area array camera is used to scan and image the outer contour of the cigar 4 to obtain a first set of image data and quality defects of appearance inspection. This process is mainly used for the evaluation and analysis of the outer contour of cigar products.

[0044] In the second state, the negative pressure pump is started to apply negative pressure suction to the lit end of the cigar. After a certain period of time, the CCD area array camera performs a second scanning and imaging of the outer contour of the cigar to obtain a second set of image data. The second set of image data is compared with the first set of image data to obtain quality defects for internal detection.

[0045] The principle is that defects inside the cigar will cause the wrapper to have no lining support at the corresponding position. When negative pressure occurs, the wrapper will deform toward that position, forming a depression in appearance. By comparing the two sets of image data, we can see information such as the shape, position, size, and depth of the depression, and then make thrust judgments based on this information to infer the internal quality reasons for the above-mentioned problems, so as to guide subsequent production process adjustments.

[0046] Example 2

[0047] like Figure 2 As shown, in order to reduce the manufacturing cost and the number of cameras, the cigar clamping mechanism is a rotating mechanism, and the visual inspection mechanism includes at least one camera, which collects a complete cigar image by rotating.

[0048] Example 3

[0049] like Figure 3-Figure 6 As shown, the main difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that the cigar clamping mechanism 1 includes a first clamping end and a second clamping end, the first clamping end includes a cylinder 11 and a first top block 12 arranged at the movable end of the cylinder 11, the cylinder can also be an electric push rod or a hydraulic rod, and the inner end of the first top block is provided with a cigar cap top cavity 13.

[0050] The second clamping end includes a second top block 14 with a suction channel 6, a sealing sleeve 15, a spring 16 and an air port connecting piece 17. The second top block 14 is telescopically and movably installed on the inner end of the sealing sleeve 15. A sealing ring is arranged around the second top block 14 and between the sealing sleeve 15. The spring 16 is installed inside the sealing sleeve 15 and supported on the outer end of the second top block 14. The air port connecting piece 17 is sealingly connected to the outer end of the sealing sleeve 15. The suction channel 6 in the second top block 14, the inner cavity of the sealing sleeve 15 and the channel of the air port connecting piece 17 are sealed and connected. The outer air port of the air port connecting piece 17 is connected to the negative pressure suction mechanism 3.

[0051] The main function of the cigar clamping mechanism 1 is to stably clamp the cigar 4. The shape of the cigar cap top cavity 13 matches the cigar cap and can maintain the stability of the clamping center. The inner end of the second top block 14 is used to be close to the lit end of the cigar 4 to align the cigar 4 and the suction channel 6. The suction channel 6 is presented as a number of evenly distributed parallel through holes in this embodiment, and the inner end of the second top block 14 and the cigar 4 are sealed by abutting. The inner end of the second top block 14 can also be provided with a shallow groove that matches the size of the lit end of the cigar 4 to further improve the sealing effect. Of course, in theory, this position does not need to be completely sealed, as long as there is negative pressure that can act on the inside of the cigar 4.

[0052] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solution of the present invention rather than to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments, ordinary technicians in the field should understand that the specific implementation methods of the present invention can still be modified or some technical features can be replaced by equivalents without departing from the spirit of the technical solution of the present invention, which should be included in the scope of the technical solution for protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for detecting the appearance and internal quality of cigars, Features: The process includes: In the first state, the outer contour of the cigar is scanned and imaged once to obtain a first set of image data and obtain quality defects of appearance detection; In the second state, the cap end of the cigar is kept sealed, and negative pressure suction is applied to the lit end of the cigar. After a certain period of time, the outer contour of the cigar is scanned and imaged a second time to obtain a second set of image data. The second set of image data is compared with the first set of image data to obtain quality defects for internal detection.

2. A device for detecting the appearance and internal quality of cigars, used to perform the method for detecting the appearance and internal quality of cigars as claimed in claim 1, Features: It includes a cigar clamping mechanism, a visual inspection mechanism and a negative pressure suction mechanism; The cigar clamping mechanism is used to clamp the axial ends of the cigar, and one of the clamping ends of the cigar clamping mechanism is provided with a suction channel penetrating the clamping end; The visual detection mechanism is arranged at the periphery of the clamping space of the cigar clamping mechanism, and is used to obtain the appearance image of the cigar; The negative pressure suction mechanism is connected to the suction channel to provide negative pressure.

3. The device for detecting the appearance and internal quality of cigars according to claim 2, Features: The cigar clamping mechanism is a rotating mechanism, and the visual detection mechanism includes at least one camera.

4. The device for detecting the appearance and internal quality of cigars according to claim 2, Features: The cigar clamping mechanism comprises a first clamping end and a second clamping end, wherein the first clamping end comprises a telescopic mechanism and a first top block arranged at a movable end of the telescopic mechanism, and the second clamping end comprises a second top block with a suction channel.

5. The device for detecting the appearance and internal quality of cigars according to claim 4, Features: The inner end of the first top block is provided with a cap top cavity.

6. The device for inspecting the appearance and internal quality of cigars according to claim 4 or 5, Features: The second clamping end also includes a sealing sleeve, a spring and an air port connecting piece. The second top block is telescopically and movably installed on the inner end of the sealing sleeve. A sealing ring is arranged around the second top block and between the sealing sleeve. The spring is installed inside the sealing sleeve and supported on the outer end of the second top block. The air port connecting piece is sealingly connected to the outer end of the sealing sleeve. The suction channel in the second top block, the inner cavity of the sealing sleeve and the channel of the air port connecting piece are sealed and connected. The outer end air port of the air port connecting piece is connected to the negative pressure suction mechanism.

7. The device for detecting the appearance and internal quality of cigars according to claim 6, Features: The visual inspection mechanism includes at least three cameras arranged around the circumference of the clamping space of the cigar clamping mechanism.

8. The device for inspecting the appearance and internal quality of cigars according to claim 7, Features: The camera is a CCD area array camera, and the telescopic mechanism is a cylinder or an electric push rod or a hydraulic rod.

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