A quality inspection method and system for anti-counterfeiting seals on cigarette cartons

Abstract

This invention discloses a quality inspection method and system for anti-counterfeiting seals on cigarette cartons. It utilizes a color mark sensor to detect the anti-counterfeiting seal, and two photoelectric switches act as synchronous photoelectric sensors to define the seal's position. The distance between the two photoelectric switches is the length of one anti-counterfeiting seal. When the left edge of the cigarette cart is between photoelectric switches one and two, the anti-counterfeiting seal is precisely within the detection range of the color mark sensor. By reading the sensor's state during this period, the presence or absence of the anti-counterfeiting seal and whether its application has been misaligned can be determined, thus identifying problematic cigarette cartons and removing them at the designated rejection point. This method solves the problem of quality defects in anti-counterfeiting seals caused by various reasons during production, reducing or even eliminating the flow of cigarette cartons with defective seals into the next process at the source, and promptly removing substandard cigarette cartons to improve product quality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of seal quality inspection technology on irregular cigarette packaging machines, specifically to a quality inspection method and system for anti-counterfeiting seals on cigarette cartons. Background Technology

[0002] The YB621D gift box cigarette packaging machine is a non-standard customized cigarette packaging machine with a simple and reasonable structure and convenient operation. It mainly performs functions such as filling small packs into gift boxes, sorting cellophane, folding the flaps, sealing and labeling, and packaging cartons with cellophane. During the anti-counterfeiting sealing and labeling process, the labeling accuracy and quality decrease when production speed is high, and vice versa. The anti-counterfeiting seals often do not meet packaging process requirements, such as: no seal on the carton, double seals before the labeling station, double seals after the labeling station, single seals that are too far forward, or single seals that are too far backward, affecting the quality of the carton cigarette packaging. Investigation revealed that there are some deficiencies in the current production process regarding quality inspection and control, making it impossible to detect and remove cigarette cartons with quality problems in the anti-counterfeiting seals. This results in problematic cigarette cartons flowing to subsequent stations and even into the market. If defective products with tamper-evident seals are discovered during subsequent production processes, rework is necessary, resulting in significant material and manpower waste. This impacts production efficiency and increases production costs. If these defective seals enter the market, consumers will immediately notice them, damaging brand trust, reputation, sales, and ultimately, profitability. Therefore, developing an effective tamper-evident seal quality detection system to promptly remove defective products is crucial. The current technology for the YB621D gift box cigarette packaging machine uses a single color mark sensor to detect the presence of a tamper-evident seal on one side of the cigarette carton. If a carton lacking a tamper-evident seal is detected, it will be rejected at the subsequent rejection mechanism. However, this method is not ideal, specifically due to the following issues:

[0003] (1) Unable to remove anti-counterfeiting seals and cigarette packs.

[0004] (2) The anti-counterfeiting seal is misaligned (too far ahead or too far behind) and cannot be removed.

[0005] If defective products with flawed anti-counterfeiting seals are discovered during subsequent production processes, rework is necessary, resulting in significant material and manpower waste. This impacts production efficiency and increases production costs. If products with defective anti-counterfeiting seals enter the market, these defects will be the first thing consumers notice, damaging brand trust, affecting the company's reputation, and ultimately impacting sales and profitability.

[0006] In the prior art, the invention disclosed in CN209080406, an automatic anti-counterfeiting labeling machine for cigarette cartons, includes a label detection device. While this device utilizes fiber optic sensors to determine the position of the seals, its technical solution has some shortcomings in actual production. In this solution, fiber optic sensor 1 must be close to fiber optic sensor 2, and fiber optic sensor 4 must be close to fiber optic sensor 3 to correctly detect multiple labels and seal offsets. This requires high installation precision, and the actual implementation is difficult due to the size limitations of the fiber optic sensors themselves. The spacing l determines the accuracy of detecting offset seals; a smaller spacing results in higher accuracy. However, due to the size limitations of the fiber optic sensors, a minimum installation space of 5mm is required, meaning the distance between two adjacent light spots must be greater than 5mm. This can lead to misjudgments when multiple seals overlap significantly (with offsets less than 5mm), resulting in false detections. Similarly, if the fiber optic sensor light spot is too large (approximately 3mm in diameter), interference between signals can occur if the installation spacing is too small, leading to excessive errors and instability. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To address the shortcomings and defects of existing technologies, the inventors have developed and designed a complete anti-counterfeiting seal quality inspection device. This device is a simple, ingeniously designed, and effective inspection system for anti-counterfeiting seals on cigarette cartons. It solves the problem of quality defects in anti-counterfeiting seals caused by various reasons during the production process, preventing cigarette cartons with defective seals from being mixed into the finished product. It reduces or even eliminates the flow of cigarette cartons with quality defects into the next process at the source, promptly removing substandard cigarette cartons to improve product quality. Specifically, this invention is implemented as follows:

[0008] A quality inspection method for anti-counterfeiting seals on cigarette cartons includes the following steps:

[0009] Step S1: Identify and detect cigarette cartons passing horizontally along the cigarette carton conveyor channel. Set up a color mark sensor, photoelectric switch No. 1, and photoelectric switch No. 2 along the direction of travel. The distance between the detection points of photoelectric switch No. 1 and photoelectric switch No. 2 is equal to the length of an anti-counterfeiting seal. The position of the color mark sensor is such that the distance between its detection points and photoelectric switch No. 1 is adapted to the conveying speed of the cigarette carton conveyor belt, so that when the front end of the cigarette carton is detected by photoelectric switch No. 1, the anti-counterfeiting seal on the side wall of the qualified cigarette carton is exactly within the detection range of the color mark sensor.

[0010] Step S2: The color mark sensor identifies the color of the passing detection object. When the color differs, it can record the seal time information and determine that an anti-counterfeiting seal has been detected. It can also perform detection to determine whether there is a seal at a certain time. When the first photoelectric switch and the second photoelectric switch detect the cigarette carton, they record the first and second passing time information.

[0011] Step S3: Within one testing cycle, if the seal time information is earlier than the first elapsed time information, it is determined that the anti-counterfeiting seal is ahead of time; if the seal time information is later than the second elapsed time information, it is determined that the anti-counterfeiting seal is delayed or there is no anti-counterfeiting seal, and it is determined to be an unqualified seal.

[0012] Step S4: Within one detection cycle, if the seal time information is later than the first elapsed time information but earlier than the second elapsed time information, then after a predetermined delay, the detection result of the color mark sensor is obtained again to determine whether the anti-counterfeiting seal exists after the predetermined delay. If it does not exist, it indicates that the anti-counterfeiting seal is correctly affixed and is judged as a qualified seal; if it exists, it indicates that the anti-counterfeiting seal is overlapped or multiple anti-counterfeiting seals are affixed and is judged as an unqualified seal.

[0013] Step S5: Remove the seals that are deemed unqualified.

[0014] Furthermore, in step S3, the color mark sensor continuously detects the cigarette carton. If the color mark sensor detects at least one jump signal, and the jump signal occurs within the time range of one carton after the first or second photoelectric switch detects the cigarette carton, it is determined to be a discontinuous multi-anti-counterfeiting seal, which is an unqualified seal.

[0015] Another aspect of the present invention discloses a quality inspection system for anti-counterfeiting seals on cigarette cartons, which is installed on the support of the cigarette carton conveying channel and the cigarette carton conveyor belt, and is used to inspect the quality of the anti-counterfeiting seals on cigarette cartons passing on the cigarette carton conveyor belt.

[0016] A color mark sensor is placed on the first adjustable mounting bracket and connected to the control unit, so that the color mark sensor faces the side wall of the cigarette carton that the cigarette conveyor belt passes over, and is used to transmit a signal to the control unit that the anti-counterfeiting seal is detected.

[0017] Photoelectric switches No. 1 and No. 2 are sequentially installed on the second mounting bracket along the conveying direction, so that photoelectric switches No. 1 and No. 2 face the side wall of the cigarette carton that the cigarette carton conveyor belt passes over, and are connected to the control unit to detect the time signal reached by the front end of the cigarette carton and send it to the control unit; the distance between the detection points of photoelectric switches No. 1 and No. 2 is equal to the length of an anti-counterfeiting seal.

[0018] The detection point spacing between the color mark sensor and the No. 1 photoelectric switch is adapted to the conveying speed of the cigarette pack conveyor belt, so that when the front end of the cigarette pack enters between the No. 1 and No. 2 photoelectric switches, the anti-counterfeiting seal on the side wall of the qualified cigarette pack is exactly within the detection range of the color mark sensor.

[0019] The control unit, connected to the color mark sensor, photoelectric switch No. 1, and photoelectric switch No. 2, is used to determine whether the anti-counterfeiting seal is qualified based on the signal of the presence of the anti-counterfeiting seal and the time signal of the front end of the cigarette carton reaching the photoelectric switch, and outputs the quality inspection result of the anti-counterfeiting seal of the cigarette carton.

[0020] Furthermore, the straight line where the No. 1 photoelectric switch and the No. 2 photoelectric switch are located is parallel to the straight line where the cigarette conveyor belt is located; the horizontal height where the color mark sensor, the No. 1 photoelectric switch, and the No. 2 photoelectric switch are located is equal to the horizontal height where the anti-counterfeiting seal standard is located on the side wall of the cigarette carton.

[0021] Furthermore, the first adjustable mounting bracket includes:

[0022] The I-shaped base is installed on the side wall of the cigarette conveying channel bracket at one end and connected to the adjustable vertical plate at the other end, which is used to install and support the entire first adjustable mounting bracket.

[0023] An adjustable vertical plate is mounted vertically on an I-shaped base and forms a movable connection, allowing its height to be adjusted in the vertical direction. It is used to connect with and support an adjustable horizontal plate.

[0024] An adjustable level plate, which is movably mounted horizontally on the upper end of an adjustable vertical plate, allows for horizontal adjustment of the lateral spacing relative to the cigarette conveyor belt.

[0025] The L-shaped mounting plate is installed on the side of the adjustable level plate near the cigarette conveyor belt and is used to install the color mark sensor.

[0026] Furthermore, the L-shaped mounting plate is a horizontally placed "L-shaped" structure, with through holes for mounting color mark sensors on the horizontal surface. The color mark sensors are fixedly connected to the L-shaped mounting plate by fastening bolts.

[0027] The adjustable horizontal plate is provided with a horizontal through groove for adjusting the installation position in the lateral direction; the upper end of the adjustable vertical plate is provided with a vertical screw that can be inserted into the horizontal through groove, and the vertical screw can be locked and fastened to the adjustable horizontal plate by a fastening nut; the adjustable horizontal plate can be adjusted to move laterally relative to the vertical screw within the horizontal through groove.

[0028] The adjustable vertical plate has a vertical through groove on its surface; the outer end of the I-shaped base is provided with a horizontal screw rod, which is inserted into the vertical through groove and can be locked to the adjustable vertical plate by a fastening nut; the adjustable vertical plate can be vertically adjusted relative to the I-shaped base within the vertical through groove.

[0029] Furthermore, the second mounting bracket includes:

[0030] The L-shaped mounting base has mounting holes on its vertical surface. Fastening bolts are inserted into the mounting holes to fix the base to the side wall of the cigarette conveying channel support.

[0031] The horizontal mounting plate is installed on the horizontal surface of the L-shaped mounting base and is used to install photoelectric switches No. 1 and No. 2.

[0032] Furthermore, the control unit determines whether the anti-counterfeiting seal is qualified by: within a detection work cycle, if the seal time information is earlier than the first elapsed time information, it is determined that the anti-counterfeiting seal is ahead of time; if the seal time information is later than the second elapsed time information, it is determined that the anti-counterfeiting seal is lagging behind or there is no anti-counterfeiting seal, and is determined to be an unqualified seal.

[0033] Within a testing cycle, if the seal time information is later than the first elapsed time information but earlier than the second elapsed time information, the color mark sensor's detection result is obtained again after a predetermined delay. The system then determines whether the anti-counterfeiting seal exists after the predetermined delay. If it does not exist, it indicates that the anti-counterfeiting seal is correctly affixed and is considered a qualified seal. If it does exist, it indicates that the anti-counterfeiting seal is overlapped or multiple anti-counterfeiting seals are affixed and is considered an unqualified seal.

[0034] The working principle of this invention is as follows: To detect cigarette packs with multiple anti-counterfeiting seals and those with misaligned anti-counterfeiting seals, this invention utilizes a color mark sensor to detect the anti-counterfeiting seal. Two photoelectric switches act as synchronous photoelectric sensors to frame the position of the anti-counterfeiting seal. The distance between the two photoelectric switches is the length of one anti-counterfeiting seal. A schematic diagram is attached. Figure 1When the left edge of the cigarette pack is between photoelectric switches No. 1 and No. 2, the anti-counterfeiting seal is exactly within the detection range of the color mark sensor. By reading the state of the color mark sensor during this period, we can determine whether the anti-counterfeiting seal is present and whether the anti-counterfeiting seal has been misaligned, thus identifying the problematic cigarette pack and removing it at the rejection position.

[0035] The circuit control block diagram of the quality inspection system for the anti-counterfeiting seal of cigarette cartons of the present invention is shown below ( Figure 2 As shown in the figure. The control unit is a YB621D packing machine IPC. The cigarette packs that fail the inspection will be shifted. When a rejection sensor signal is received, they will be rejected by the rejection mechanism.

[0036] In actual use: After the anti-counterfeiting seal is affixed to the cigarette carton by the labeling machine, the carton moves forward along the cigarette conveyor belt in the running direction. If the color mark sensor detects a signal from the anti-counterfeiting seal before the cigarette carton reaches the first synchronous photoelectric switch, it is determined that the anti-counterfeiting seal is ahead. Conversely, if the color mark sensor still detects a signal from the anti-counterfeiting seal after the front end of the cigarette carton has passed the second synchronous photoelectric switch, it is determined that the anti-counterfeiting seal is behind. If the front end of the cigarette carton passes the first synchronous photoelectric switch but does not reach the second synchronous photoelectric switch, the color mark sensor detects... If the anti-counterfeiting seal is present, the following situations apply: (1) If the color mark sensor does not receive a signal indicating the presence of the anti-counterfeiting seal, it is determined that there is no anti-counterfeiting seal; (2) After a delay of 60ms (60ms is approximately the time required for the cigarette pack to travel the length of one seal), the color mark sensor signal is read again. If the anti-counterfeiting seal is not present, it indicates that the anti-counterfeiting seal is correctly affixed and is deemed acceptable; (3) If the color mark sensor still detects the anti-counterfeiting seal after a delay of 60ms, it is determined that the seal is overlapping or there are multiple anti-counterfeiting seals, and it is deemed unacceptable. In addition, if the color mark sensor generates at least one jump signal within the time range of the signal detected by the synchronous photoelectric sensor 1 or 2, which is the travel time of one carton, such as jumping from present (1) to absent (0) and then back to present (1), it is determined that there are multiple anti-counterfeiting seals that are not continuous, and it is deemed unacceptable. Unacceptable cigarette packs will be rejected at the rejection port at the end of the conveyor belt.

[0037] The beneficial technical effects of this invention compared to the prior art are as follows:

[0038] (1) After the YB621D gift box cigarette packaging machine is equipped with the quality inspection system for anti-counterfeiting seals of cigarette carton provided by this invention, the machine runs well and can automatically reject cigarette cartons with seal quality problems such as no seal, double seal, single seal ahead, single seal behind, multiple non-overlapping seals, and multiple seals with less than 1 / 2 overlap, thus ensuring the accuracy of anti-counterfeiting label quality inspection.

[0039] (2) This invention effectively ensures the quality of cigarette cartons, prevents cigarette cartons with seal defects from being mixed into the finished product, reduces or even eliminates cigarette cartons with seal defects from flowing into the next process at the source, and promptly removes unqualified cigarette cartons, greatly reducing material waste.

[0040] (3) This invention improves equipment production efficiency, reduces the labor intensity of workers, and facilitates the control of labor costs. The quality inspection system for anti-counterfeiting seals on cigarette cartons of this invention has a simple structure and ingenious design, is easy to disassemble, adjust, and maintain, can achieve multi-dimensional adjustments, and is easy to be widely used for cigarettes of different specifications. Attached Figure Description

[0041] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the control system structure of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 3 One of the three-dimensional structural views of the quality inspection system for the anti-counterfeiting seal of cigarette cartons of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 4 The second three-dimensional structural view of the quality inspection system for the anti-counterfeiting seal of cigarette cartons of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structural installation of the quality inspection system for the anti-counterfeiting seal of cigarette cartons according to the present invention;

[0046] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the initial state in a quality inspection method for anti-counterfeiting seals on cigarette cartons according to the present invention;

[0047] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the unqualified state of an anti-counterfeiting seal that is ahead of its time in the quality inspection method for anti-counterfeiting seals of cigarette cartons according to the present invention.

[0048] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the unqualified state of a delayed anti-counterfeiting seal in a quality inspection method for anti-counterfeiting seals on cigarette cartons according to the present invention.

[0049] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the unqualified state of missing anti-counterfeiting seal in the quality inspection method of the anti-counterfeiting seal of a cigarette carton according to the present invention.

[0050] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the qualified state of the anti-counterfeiting seal in the quality inspection method for anti-counterfeiting seals on cigarette cartons according to the present invention.

[0051] Figure 11This is a schematic diagram of the unqualified state of overlapping anti-counterfeiting seals in the quality inspection method of anti-counterfeiting seals for cigarette cartons according to the present invention.

[0052] Among them: 1-Cigarette conveyor belt, 2-Color mark sensor, 3-L-shaped mounting plate, 4-No. 1 photoelectric switch, 5-No. 2 photoelectric switch, 6-Horizontal mounting plate, 7-L-shaped mounting base, 8-I-shaped base, 9-Adjustable vertical plate, 10-Adjustable horizontal plate, 11-Cigarette conveyor channel bracket, 12-Cigarette carton, 13-Anti-counterfeiting seal. Detailed Implementation

[0053] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these descriptions are merely exemplary and not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, descriptions of well-known structures and techniques are omitted in the following description to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the concept of the invention.

[0054] Example 1: A color mark sensor 2 and photoelectric switches 5 (number 1 and number 2) are installed on the side of the cigarette carton 12 along the cigarette conveying channel to detect the passing cigarette carton 12. Specifically, the spacing between photoelectric switches 4 (number 1) and 5 (number 2) is equal to the length of an anti-counterfeiting seal 13. The distance between the color mark sensor 2 and photoelectric switch 4 (number 1) is determined by the conveying speed of the cigarette conveyor belt 1, so that when the front end of the cigarette carton 12 is detected by photoelectric switch 4 (number 1), the anti-counterfeiting seal 13 on the side wall of the qualified cigarette carton 12 is exactly within the detection range of the color mark sensor 2.

[0055] When the cigarette pack 12 passes the color mark sensor 2, the color mark sensor 2 detects its color. If an abnormal color difference is found, the sealing time information is recorded. At the same time, two photoelectric switches also record the time information when the cigarette pack 12 passes them.

[0056] Within a testing cycle, the newly obtained seal time information is compared with the time information recorded by the photoelectric switch. If the seal time information is earlier than the first elapsed time information, it means that the anti-counterfeiting seal 13 is ahead of time, and the carton is judged as unqualified. If the seal time information is later than the second elapsed time information, it will also be judged as an unqualified seal.

[0057] Within a testing cycle, if the seal time information is found to be later than the first elapsed time information but earlier than the second elapsed time information, this information is recorded first. Then, after the set time value, the detection result of the color mark sensor 2 is collected again to determine whether the anti-counterfeiting seal 13 exists at this time. If it does not exist, it indicates that the anti-counterfeiting seal 13 is pasted in the correct position and is judged as a qualified seal; otherwise, it is judged as an unqualified seal.

[0058] Finally, all anti-counterfeiting seals 13 that were deemed unqualified were removed.

[0059] During the above steps, the color mark sensor 2 will continuously detect the cigarette carton 12. Once it detects at least one jump signal, and the jump signal occurs after the first photoelectric switch 4 or the second photoelectric switch 5 detects the cigarette carton 12, within the time range of one carton, it will be judged as an unqualified multi-anti-counterfeiting seal 13.

[0060] Example 2: A quality inspection system for the anti-counterfeiting seal 13 of a cigarette carton 12. The quality inspection system for the anti-counterfeiting seal 13 of a cigarette carton 12 of this invention mainly includes a color mark sensor 2, a multi-dimensional adjustable mounting bracket for the color mark sensor 2, two synchronous signal photoelectric switches, an adjustable mounting bracket for the synchronous signal photoelectric switches, a control unit, and other devices.

[0061] The color mark sensor 2 is the LEUZE color mark sensor 2KRT18BM.V5 / L6T-M12 model. It can detect even subtle differences in background color, has a fast processing speed, automatically adapts to wavelength, and can detect small differences in grayscale values, regardless of the mixed colors of the label and the background.

[0062] The color mark sensor 2 is mounted on a multi-dimensional adjustable mounting bracket, which allows for adjustment of the detection distance, detection height, and detection angle when necessary.

[0063] The color mark sensor 2 multi-dimensional adjustable mounting bracket includes an L-shaped mounting plate 3, an adjustable horizontal plate 10, an adjustable vertical plate 9, and an I-shaped base 8.

[0064] The L-shaped mounting plate 3 has an "L-shaped" structure. The vertical mounting plate has two through holes for mounting color mark sensors 2 and a horizontal through groove for adjusting the left and right mounting positions.

[0065] The color mark sensor 2 is fixedly connected to the L-shaped mounting plate 3 by fastening bolts.

[0066] The adjustable level plate 10 has two threaded holes at the front end for installing the L-shaped mounting plate 3, and two horizontal through slots on the main surface for adjusting the front and rear installation positions.

[0067] The L-shaped mounting plate 3 and the adjustable horizontal plate 10 are perpendicular to each other and are fixedly connected by fastening bolts.

[0068] The adjustable vertical plate 9 has two threaded holes at the top for installing a vertical mounting plate, and two vertical through slots on the main viewing surface that can adjust the upper and lower mounting positions.

[0069] The adjustable horizontal plate 10 and the adjustable vertical plate 9 are perpendicular to each other and are fixedly connected by fastening bolts.

[0070] The I-shaped base 8 has an I-shaped structure and is provided with two threaded holes for installing the adjustable vertical plate 9, and two through holes for installation on the cigarette conveying channel bracket 11.

[0071] The I-shaped base 8 and the adjustable vertical plate 9 are perpendicular to each other and are fixedly connected by fastening bolts. The I-shaped base 8 and the cigarette conveying channel bracket 11 are perpendicular to each other and are fixedly connected by fastening bolts.

[0072] The synchronous signal photoelectric switch is the KERI photoelectric switch PH-Q23-A3-030 model. This photoelectric switch has good anti-interference ability and strong vibration stability, which meets the requirements of production process.

[0073] Two synchronous signal photoelectric switches are mounted on an adjustable mounting bracket for photoelectric switches, allowing the detection distance to be adjusted if necessary.

[0074] The adjustable mounting bracket for the synchronous signal photoelectric switch includes a horizontal mounting plate 6 and an L-shaped mounting base 7.

[0075] The horizontal mounting plate 6 has four through holes for mounting the synchronization signal photoelectric sensor, ensuring that the installation spacing of the two synchronization signal photoelectric switches and the spacing of the synchronization signal photoelectric sensor light source is the length of an anti-counterfeiting seal 13, which is 32.5mm long.

[0076] The L-shaped mounting base 7 has an "L-shaped" structure. The top of the L-shaped mounting base 7 is provided with a horizontal through groove for placing the horizontal mounting plate 6, and the side is provided with two through holes for mounting on the cigarette conveying channel bracket 11.

[0077] The synchronous signal photoelectric switch, the horizontal mounting plate 6, and the L-shaped mounting base 7 are fixedly connected by fastening bolts. The L-shaped mounting base 7 and the cigarette conveying channel bracket 11 are fixedly connected by fastening bolts.

[0078] During installation, ensure that the distance between the light source of the color mark sensor 2 and the light source of the first synchronization signal photoelectric sensor is 90mm, which is the right edge of the anti-counterfeiting seal 13 where it is pasted on the cigarette carton 12.

[0079] The control unit is the YB621D box-loading machine IPC. If the cigarette sticks fail the test, they will be moved. When the rejection sensor signal is received, they will be rejected by the rejection mechanism.

[0080] The color mark sensor 2 and the photoelectric sensor are electrically connected to the YB621D in-cell IPC.

[0081] In actual use:

[0082] After the anti-counterfeiting seal is affixed to the carton by the labeling machine, it moves along the cigarette conveyor belt in the running direction. If the color mark sensor detects the presence of the anti-counterfeiting seal before the cigarette carton reaches the synchronous photoelectric switch 1, it is determined that the anti-counterfeiting seal is ahead. Conversely, if the color mark sensor still detects the presence of the anti-counterfeiting seal after the front end of the cigarette carton passes the synchronous photoelectric switch 2, it is determined that the anti-counterfeiting seal is behind. If the front end of the cigarette carton passes the synchronous photoelectric switch 1 but does not reach the synchronous photoelectric switch 2, and the color mark sensor detects the presence of the anti-counterfeiting seal, it is further divided into the following situations: (1) The color mark sensor never receives the presence of the anti-counterfeiting seal, and it is determined that there is no anti-counterfeiting seal; (2) After a delay of 60ms (60ms is approximately the time required for the cigarette carton to travel the length of one seal), the color mark sensor signal is read again. If the anti-counterfeiting seal is not present, it indicates that the anti-counterfeiting seal is correctly affixed and is deemed qualified; (3) After a delay of 60ms, the color mark sensor still detects the anti-counterfeiting seal, and it is determined that the seal overlaps or there are multiple anti-counterfeiting seals, and it is deemed unqualified. Furthermore, if the color mark sensor generates at least one transition signal within the duration of the signal detected by synchronous photoelectric sensor 1 or 2, which is the travel time of one carton, such as transitioning from presence (1) to absence (0) and then back to presence (1), it is determined to be a discontinuous multi-anti-counterfeiting seal and is therefore unqualified. Unqualified cigarette packs will be rejected at the rejection port at the end of the conveyor belt.

[0083] It should be understood that the specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative or explanatory of the principles of the invention and do not constitute a limitation thereof. Therefore, any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention should be included within the protection scope of the invention. Furthermore, the appended claims are intended to cover all variations and modifications falling within the scope and boundaries of the appended claims, or equivalent forms of such scope and boundaries.

Claims

1. A method for quality inspection of anti-counterfeiting seals on cigarette cartons, characterized in that... Includes the following steps: Step S1: Identify and detect cigarette cartons passing horizontally along the cigarette carton conveyor channel. Set up a color mark sensor, photoelectric switch No. 1, and photoelectric switch No. 2 along the direction of travel. The distance between the detection points of photoelectric switch No. 1 and photoelectric switch No. 2 is equal to the length of an anti-counterfeiting seal. The position of the color mark sensor is such that the distance between its detection points and photoelectric switch No. 1 is adapted to the conveying speed of the cigarette carton conveyor belt, so that when the front end of the cigarette carton is detected by photoelectric switch No. 1, the anti-counterfeiting seal on the side wall of the qualified cigarette carton is exactly within the detection range of the color mark sensor. Step S2: The color mark sensor identifies the color of the passing detection object. When the color differs, it can record the seal time information and determine that an anti-counterfeiting seal has been detected. It can also perform detection to determine whether there is a seal at a certain time. When the first photoelectric switch and the second photoelectric switch detect the cigarette carton, they record the first and second passing time information. Step S3: Within one detection cycle, if the seal time information is earlier than the first elapsed time information, it is determined that the anti-counterfeiting seal is ahead; if the seal time information is later than the second elapsed time information, it is determined that the anti-counterfeiting seal is delayed or there is no anti-counterfeiting seal, and it is determined to be an unqualified seal; the color mark sensor continuously detects the cigarette carton. If the detection result of the color mark sensor shows at least one jump signal, and the jump signal occurs within the time range of one carton after the first or second photoelectric switch detects the cigarette carton, it is determined to be a discontinuous multi-anti-counterfeiting seal, and it is an unqualified seal; Step S4: Within one detection cycle, if the seal time information is later than the first elapsed time information but earlier than the second elapsed time information, then after a predetermined delay, the detection result of the color mark sensor is obtained again to determine whether the anti-counterfeiting seal exists after the predetermined delay. If it does not exist, it indicates that the anti-counterfeiting seal is correctly affixed and is judged as a qualified seal; if it exists, it indicates that the anti-counterfeiting seal is overlapped or multiple anti-counterfeiting seals are affixed and is judged as an unqualified seal. Step S5: Remove the seals that are deemed unqualified.

2. A quality inspection system for anti-counterfeiting seals on cigarette cartons, characterized in that... include: Installed on the support frame and conveyor belt of the cigarette cartons, it is used to inspect the quality of the anti-counterfeiting seals on the cigarette cartons passing through the conveyor belt. A color mark sensor is placed on the first adjustable mounting bracket and connected to the control unit, so that the color mark sensor faces the side wall of the cigarette carton that the cigarette conveyor belt passes over, and is used to transmit a signal to the control unit that the anti-counterfeiting seal is detected. Photoelectric switches No. 1 and No. 2 are sequentially installed on the second mounting bracket along the conveying direction, so that photoelectric switches No. 1 and No. 2 face the side wall of the cigarette carton that the cigarette carton conveyor belt passes over, and are connected to the control unit to detect the time signal reached by the front end of the cigarette carton and send it to the control unit; the distance between the detection points of photoelectric switches No. 1 and No. 2 is equal to the length of an anti-counterfeiting seal. The detection point spacing between the color mark sensor and the No. 1 photoelectric switch is adapted to the conveying speed of the cigarette pack conveyor belt, so that when the front end of the cigarette pack enters between the No. 1 and No. 2 photoelectric switches, the anti-counterfeiting seal on the side wall of the qualified cigarette pack is exactly within the detection range of the color mark sensor. The control unit is connected to the color mark sensor, photoelectric switch No. 1, and photoelectric switch No.

2. It is used to determine whether the anti-counterfeiting seal is qualified based on the signal of the presence of the anti-counterfeiting seal and the time signal of the front end of the cigarette carton reaching the photoelectric switch, and output the quality inspection result of the anti-counterfeiting seal of the cigarette carton. The control unit determines whether the anti-counterfeiting seal is qualified by: within a detection work cycle, if the seal time information is earlier than the first elapsed time information, it is determined that the anti-counterfeiting seal is ahead of time; If the seal time information is later than the second elapsed time information, it is determined that the anti-counterfeiting seal is delayed or there is no anti-counterfeiting seal, and it is determined to be an unqualified seal. Within a testing cycle, if the seal time information is later than the first elapsed time information but earlier than the second elapsed time information, the color mark sensor's detection result is obtained again after a predetermined delay. The system then determines whether the anti-counterfeiting seal exists after the predetermined delay. If it does not exist, it indicates that the anti-counterfeiting seal is correctly affixed and is considered a qualified seal. If it does exist, it indicates that the anti-counterfeiting seal is overlapped or multiple anti-counterfeiting seals are affixed and is considered an unqualified seal.

3. The quality inspection system for anti-counterfeiting seals on cigarette cartons according to claim 2, characterized in that, The straight line where the No. 1 photoelectric switch and the No. 2 photoelectric switch are located is parallel to the straight line where the cigarette conveyor belt is located; the horizontal height of the color mark sensor, the No. 1 photoelectric switch and the No. 2 photoelectric switch is equal to the horizontal height of the anti-counterfeiting seal standard on the side wall of the cigarette carton.

4. The quality inspection system for anti-counterfeiting seals on cigarette cartons according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first adjustable mounting bracket includes: The I-shaped base is installed on the side wall of the cigarette conveying channel bracket at one end and connected to the adjustable vertical plate at the other end, which is used to install and support the entire first adjustable mounting bracket. An adjustable vertical plate is mounted vertically on an I-shaped base and forms a movable connection, allowing its height to be adjusted in the vertical direction. It is used to connect with and support an adjustable horizontal plate. An adjustable level plate, which is movably mounted horizontally on the upper end of an adjustable vertical plate, allows for horizontal adjustment of the lateral spacing relative to the cigarette conveyor belt. The L-shaped mounting plate is installed on the side of the adjustable level plate near the cigarette conveyor belt and is used to install the color mark sensor.

5. The quality inspection system for anti-counterfeiting seals on cigarette cartons according to claim 4, characterized in that, The L-shaped mounting plate is a horizontally placed "L-shaped" structure, with through holes for mounting color mark sensors on the horizontal surface. The color mark sensors are fixedly connected to the L-shaped mounting plate by fastening bolts. The adjustable horizontal plate is provided with a horizontal through groove for adjusting the installation position in the lateral direction; the upper end of the adjustable vertical plate is provided with a vertical screw that can be inserted into the horizontal through groove, and the vertical screw can be locked and fastened to the adjustable horizontal plate by a fastening nut; the adjustable horizontal plate can be adjusted to move laterally relative to the vertical screw within the horizontal through groove. The adjustable vertical plate has a vertical through groove on its surface; the outer end of the I-shaped base is provided with a horizontal screw rod, which is inserted into the vertical through groove and can be locked to the adjustable vertical plate by a fastening nut; the adjustable vertical plate can be vertically adjusted relative to the I-shaped base within the vertical through groove.

6. The quality inspection system for anti-counterfeiting seals on cigarette cartons according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second mounting bracket includes: The L-shaped mounting base has mounting holes on its vertical surface. Fastening bolts are inserted into the mounting holes to fix the base to the side wall of the cigarette conveying channel support. The horizontal mounting plate is installed on the horizontal surface of the L-shaped mounting base and is used to install photoelectric switches No. 1 and No. 2.

Images