A device and method for measuring the hardness of a cigarette filter rod based on automatic calibration

Abstract

This invention provides an automatic calibration-based cigarette filter rod hardness measurement device and method, comprising a cigarette sorting component, an auxiliary cigarette feeding component, a hardness detection component, and a recycling component mounted on a support. The cigarette sorting component is used to batch-store cigarettes / filter rods and feed them out one by one. The auxiliary cigarette feeding component is used to grab cigarettes / filter rods and feed them into the hardness detection component. The hardness detection component is used to apply preset pressure values ​​to multiple points on the cigarettes / filter rods and detect the displacement. The recycling component is located below the V-shaped groove to collect the cigarettes after the test. This automatic calibration-based cigarette filter rod hardness measurement device and method has the advantages of automatic detection, high flexibility, and more accurate multi-point detection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of cigarette filter rod property testing technology, specifically, to a cigarette filter rod hardness measuring device and method based on automatic calibration. Background Technology

[0002] According to the Chinese tobacco industry standard YC / T28.6-1996, hardness is defined as the percentage of the radial diameter of a sample after being compressed to its diameter before compression within a certain period of time. Therefore, the hardness index of cigarettes is a relatively important physical indicator. Its quality affects both the structural stability and shape retention of the cigarette itself, as well as the user's smoking experience, making it an important indicator in cigarette production.

[0003] Currently, many methods have been developed for measuring the hardness of cigarette filter rods. For example, the invention patent application with application number 202010352243.7 entitled "A Sliding Type Cigarette Hardness Measuring Device" and the utility model patent application number 201921368264.7 entitled "A High-Efficiency Cigarette Filter Rod Hardness Tester" both describe technical solutions for detecting the hardness of cigarette filter rods. Their purpose is to enable rapid testing of cigarettes, allowing them to be applied in production lines and achieve rapid testing in conjunction with the production line.

[0004] However, these testing methods overlook a crucial issue: cigarettes are filled with tobacco shreds, and achieving a perfectly even distribution of tobacco shreds is currently quite difficult. Furthermore, the density distribution of filter rods during manufacturing is not entirely uniform. This means that the stress point selected during hardness testing affects the results. Current hardness testing methods cannot perform comprehensive, multi-angle testing of submitted cigarettes or filter rods, leading to potential biases. Especially in the production of the same batch of cigarettes, certain process characteristics may cause identical hardness distribution defects within the same batch. Fixed-point testing is highly likely to fail to identify these issues, rendering traditional hardness testing methods ineffective.

[0005] In addition, there are some hardness testing solutions used in laboratories for research purposes, but the entire testing process is too reliant on manual labor. Although they can detect relatively comprehensively, they cannot achieve automated testing. In a production line, human intervention would be impossible, making it difficult to put these laboratory devices into production testing and limiting their use to laboratory research.

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, people have been seeking an ideal technological solution. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by providing an automatic detection, highly flexible, and more accurate multi-point detection device and method for measuring the hardness of cigarette filter rods based on automatic calibration.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is: an automatic calibration-based cigarette filter rod hardness measuring device, comprising a cigarette dispensing component, an auxiliary cigarette feeding component, a hardness detection component, and a recycling component mounted on a bracket;

[0009] The cigarette separating assembly includes a hopper, a separating roller, and a V-shaped groove. The bottom edge of the hopper is beveled. The separating roller is installed at the end of the bottom edge with the inlet side close to the bottom edge of the hopper. The roller surface of the separating roller is provided with a temporary storage groove that can only accommodate one cigarette / filter rod. The V-shaped groove is provided on the outlet side of the separating roller. One end of the V-shaped groove is provided with a notch that allows the end of the cigarette / filter rod to be suspended.

[0010] The auxiliary cigarette delivery assembly includes a mechanical claw and a two-stage working platform with lifting and horizontal movement capabilities. The two-stage working platform drives the mechanical claw to move to the notch of the V-shaped groove to grab the cigarette / filter rod.

[0011] The hardness detection component includes a detection platform and pressure and distance sensor components. The upper surface of the detection platform is provided with a U-shaped groove that matches the size of the cigarette / filter rod. The area of ​​the detection platform used for hardness detection is set as a platform area, which is at the same height as the bottom of the U-shaped groove. The two-stage working platform drives the mechanical gripper to place the cigarette / filter rod in the U-shaped groove of the detection platform. The pressure and distance sensor components are used to apply vertical pressure to the surface of the cigarette / filter rod and obtain the corresponding pressure value and displacement.

[0012] The recycling component is located below the V-shaped groove.

[0013] Based on the above, the pressure and distance sensor assembly includes a magnetic connecting block, a guide column, a pressure sensor, a pressure head, a light curtain laser displacement sensor, a displacement probe, a magnetic support arm, and a sensor lifting mechanism;

[0014] The sensor lifting mechanism is used to drive the lifting of the magnetic support arm. The top of the magnetic support arm is provided with a support groove. One end of the magnetic connecting block is magnetically installed in the support groove. The magnetic connecting block, guide column, pressure sensor and pressure head are connected in sequence from top to bottom to form a pressure transmission rod. The guide column is installed on the bracket through a linear bearing and bearing seat. The lower end face of the pressure head is flat and is set directly facing the platform area. The displacement probe is installed on the pressure transmission rod. One end of the displacement probe serves as a light curtain for the light curtain laser displacement sensor.

[0015] Based on the above, the sum of the magnetic attraction between the magnetic support arm and the magnetic connecting block and the gravity of the pressure transmission rod is greater than the theoretical maximum pressure applied to the cigarette / filter rod.

[0016] Based on the above, the other end of the displacement probe serves as a counterweight end so that the center of gravity of the displacement probe coincides with the center of gravity of the pressure transmission rod.

[0017] Based on the above, the mechanical gripper is a chuck-type mechanical gripper, and the chuck-type mechanical gripper is equipped with a rotary drive mechanism to enable the chuck-type mechanical gripper to rotate 360° around an axis.

[0018] Based on the above, the smoke-feeding side of the detection platform is provided with at least one supplementary platform. The supplementary platform includes a linear drive mechanism and a supplementary support platform. The movement direction of the linear drive mechanism is perpendicular to the length direction of the detection platform. The platform height of the supplementary support platform is equal to the bottom of the U-shaped groove. The linear drive mechanism is used to drive the supplementary support platform closer to or further away from the detection platform to extend or shorten the total length of the detection platform.

[0019] Based on the above, the two-stage working platform includes a primary horizontal moving platform and a secondary lifting platform. The primary horizontal moving platform includes a linear drive mechanism, a horizontal slider, and a linear track. The linear track is parallel to the U-shaped groove. The secondary lifting platform includes a lifting drive mechanism, a lifting slider, and a lifting track disposed on the horizontal slider. The rotary drive mechanism is mounted on the lifting slider, and the chuck-type mechanical gripper is mounted on the actuating end of the rotary drive assembly.

[0020] Based on the above, a limiting baffle is provided in the hopper, the position of which is adjustable. The limiting baffle and one side of the hopper are used to determine the position and length of the cigarette / filter rod being stored.

[0021] Based on the above, an auxiliary roller is provided in the upper region of the smoke separating roller, and the auxiliary roller is tangential to the smoke separating roller.

[0022] Based on the above, one of the inclined sides of the V-shaped groove is configured as a horizontally movable block. When the movable block is close together, it forms a complete V-shaped groove, and when the movable block is far apart, it forms a material discharge channel connecting the lower recycling component.

[0023] Based on the above, the detection platform is integrally formed with a horizontal extension, and a level is installed on the horizontal extension.

[0024] Based on the above, the testing platform is mounted on a horizontal adjustment mechanism, which is used to adjust the alignment of the U-shaped groove of the testing platform and the pressure head.

[0025] Based on the above, the number of temporary storage slots on the smoke separating roller is set to at least one.

[0026] A method for measuring the hardness of cigarette filter rods based on automatic calibration, comprising the aforementioned automatic calibration-based cigarette filter rod hardness measuring device, is executed through the following steps:

[0027] Step 1) Store a certain amount of cigarettes / filter rods of the same specification in the hopper, check whether the cigarettes / filter rods are neatly arranged, and adjust the position and alignment of the cigarettes / filter rods by using the limit baffle.

[0028] Step 2) Drive the cigarette-distributing roller to rotate. When the temporary storage trough passes through the area inside the hopper, one of the nearest cigarettes / filter rods is put into the temporary storage trough. As the cigarette-distributing roller continues to rotate, the temporary storage trough rotates to the cigarette outlet side. Driven by the weight of the cigarette / filter rod itself, it slides into the V-shaped groove, and one end of the cigarette / filter rod is suspended at the notch.

[0029] Step 3) Drive the mechanical claw in the auxiliary cigarette delivery device to the notch and grab the cigarette / filter rod. Then transfer the cigarette / filter rod to the U-shaped groove of the detection platform. After the mechanical claw releases the cigarette / filter rod, it returns to its original position or pauses and waits.

[0030] Step 4) Control the pressure and distance sensor assembly to move downwards, where the pressure sensor is used to obtain the applied pressure and the distance sensor is used to obtain the displacement.

[0031] Step 5) Calculate the hardness based on the applied pressure and the detected displacement.

[0032] Based on the above, in step 3), the length of the auxiliary cigarette feeding device driving the mechanical claw to transfer the cigarette / filter rod into the U-shaped groove is controllable. After the execution of steps 4) and 5), step 3) is repeated and the feeding length is adjusted to achieve multi-point detection in the length direction of the cigarette / filter rod, and the hardness is calculated by the mean method in step 5).

[0033] Based on the above, in step 3), the horizontal rotation angle of the auxiliary cigarette feeding device driving the mechanical claw to transfer the cigarette / filter rod into the U-shaped groove is controllable. After the execution of steps 4) and 5), step 3) is repeated and the rotation angle is adjusted to achieve multi-point detection in the circumferential direction of the cigarette / filter rod, and the hardness is calculated by the mean method in step 5).

[0034] This invention has outstanding substantive features and significant progress compared to the prior art. Specifically, this invention has the following advantages:

[0035] 1. By batch storage, sequential release, flexible transfer, multi-point placement and detection, the system can achieve automated, arbitrary multi-point detection of batch cigarettes / filter rods, solving the shortcomings of traditional solutions that can only detect fixed points according to corresponding standards, and can adapt to automated detection in production lines.

[0036] 2. Arbitrary multi-point detection includes axial multi-point and circumferential multi-point detection. With the help of a two-stage working platform and a chuck-type mechanical gripper in conjunction with a rotary drive mechanism, arbitrary points can be flexibly measured.

[0037] 3. Adding a supplementary platform: By setting a supplementary platform at the end of the detection platform, the detection position of cigarettes / filter rods can be maximized, instead of obtaining multi-point detection by moving the sensor components in a non-vertical direction. On the one hand, this can ensure the detection accuracy of the sensor components and avoid the defect of insufficient detection accuracy caused by excessive flexibility. On the other hand, it can meet the goal of maximizing the detection area.

[0038] 4. A pressure transmission rod is installed and a magnetic support arm is configured. The pressure transmission rod applies force to the pressure sensor below by relying on its own weight and magnetic attraction. On the one hand, compared with rigid connection transmission, this force transmission method can maximize the protection of the sensor itself and avoid damage to the pressure sensor caused by improper control or mechanical failure. On the other hand, the application of force mainly relies on its own weight and magnetic force, which makes the arrangement of the force-applying drive components easier and reduces performance requirements.

[0039] 5. The V-shaped groove added to the cigarette separating component is a movable V-shaped groove. When closed, it forms a V-shaped groove, and when open, it forms a falling channel. The notch is used to clamp the cigarette / filter rod, which has a high degree of flexibility.

[0040] 6. Add a level to check the levelness of the testing platform, and set up a horizontal leveling adjustment structure to adjust the position of the U-shaped groove in the testing platform to ensure that the U-shaped groove and the pressure head are aligned.

[0041] 7. An auxiliary roller is installed to push aside other cigarettes / filter rods piled up on the cigarette separating roller, so as to avoid damage to the cigarettes / filter rods. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the cigarette filter rod hardness measuring device based on automatic calibration in this invention.

[0043] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of the smoke separation component.

[0044] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the smoke separation component.

[0045] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the cooperative structure of the auxiliary smoke delivery component and the hardness detection component.

[0046] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the auxiliary smoke delivery component.

[0047] Figure 6 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of a hardness testing component.

[0048] Figure 7 This is the second schematic diagram of the hardness testing component.

[0049] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Enlarged view of point A in the middle.

[0050] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the supplementary platform.

[0051] In the diagram: 100 cigarette distribution assembly; 200 auxiliary cigarette delivery assembly; 300 hardness detection assembly; 400 recycling assembly; 500 support frame; 600 cigarette / filter rod;

[0052] 101. Feed bin; 102. Smoke separating roller; 103. V-groove; 104. Bottom edge of feed bin; 105. Temporary storage trough; 106. Notch; 107. Limiting baffle; 108. Auxiliary roller; 109. Movable block;

[0053] 201. Mechanical gripper; 202. Two-stage working platform; 203. Rotary drive mechanism; 204. First-stage horizontal moving platform; 205. Second-stage lifting platform; 206. Lifting drive mechanism; 207. Lifting slider; 208. Lifting rail; 209. Linear drive mechanism; 210. Horizontal slider; 211. Linear rail;

[0054] 301. Detection platform; 302. U-shaped groove; 303. Magnetic connecting block; 304. Guide column; 305. Pressure sensor; 306. Pressure head; 307. Light curtain laser displacement sensor; 308. Displacement probe; 309. Magnetic support arm; 310. Sensor lifting mechanism; 311. Support groove; 312. Bearing seat; 313. Light-shielding curtain; 314. Counterweight end; 315. Linear drive mechanism; 316. Compensating support platform; 317. Lateral level adjustment mechanism; 318. Level. Detailed Implementation

[0055] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described in detail below through specific embodiments.

[0056] like Figure 1As shown, an automatic calibration-based cigarette filter rod hardness measuring device includes a cigarette dispensing component 100, an auxiliary cigarette feeding component 200, a hardness detection component 300, and a recycling component 400 mounted on a bracket 500.

[0057] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the cigarette separating assembly 100 includes a hopper 101, a separating roller 102, and a V-groove 103. The bottom edge 104 of the hopper is an inclined side. The separating roller 102 is installed at the end of the bottom edge, with the smoke inlet side close to the bottom edge 104 of the hopper. The cigarettes / filter rods 600 stored in batches can automatically gather towards the bottom of the bottom edge 104 of the hopper.

[0058] The cigarette-distributing roller 102 has a temporary storage groove 105 on its roller surface, which can only accommodate one cigarette / filter rod. The axis height of the cigarette-distributing roller 102 is lower than the lowest point of the bottom edge 104 of the hopper, so that the cigarette / filter rod 600 can enter the temporary storage groove 105 under its own weight. The V-shaped groove 103 is provided on the smoke-exit side of the cigarette-distributing roller 102. The central axis height of the cigarette-distributing roller 102 is higher than the highest point of the inclined surface of the V-shaped groove 103, so that the cigarette / filter rod 600 can slide out of the temporary storage groove 105 under its own weight. One end of the V-shaped groove 103 is provided with a notch 106 that suspends the end of the cigarette / filter rod 600. The space of the notch 106 needs to be adapted to the mechanical claw 201 in the auxiliary cigarette-feeding assembly so that it can enter the notch 106 and grab the cigarette / filter rod 600.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the number of temporary storage slots on the smoke separating roller is set to at least one. Multiple temporary storage slots can be set to improve operating efficiency. Of course, a higher precision photoelectric sensor is also required to determine the rotation angle.

[0060] In this embodiment, a limiting baffle 107 is provided in the hopper 100. The position of the limiting baffle 107 is adjustable. The limiting baffle 107 and one side of the hopper 100 are used to determine the position and length of the cigarette / filter rod 600. Its main purpose is to ensure that the cigarette / filter rod is stacked on one side and is stacked relatively neatly, and will not move to the sides beyond the effective distance of the temporary storage tank 105 or the V-shaped groove below.

[0061] In this embodiment, an auxiliary roller 108 is provided in the upper region of the cigarette dividing roller 102. The auxiliary roller 108 is tangentially arranged with the cigarette dividing roller 107. Both are driven to rotate by separate drive motors. The rotation speed can be determined according to the design speed. A photoelectric switch for determining the number of rotations or angle should also be provided on the rotating shaft of the cigarette dividing roller 102 to help determine the working state of the cigarette dividing roller 107.

[0062] In this embodiment, one of the inclined sides of the V-shaped groove 103 is configured as a horizontally movable block 109. When the movable block 109 is close together, it forms a complete V-shaped groove. When the movable block 109 is far away, it forms a material drop channel connecting the lower recycling component. Its driving component can be a conventional linear motion mechanism such as a linear motor or a screw drive mechanism. The movement position only needs to be set to two, one in the closed state and one in the open state. It is closed during the feeding process and open during the recycling process.

[0063] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the auxiliary cigarette delivery assembly 200 includes a mechanical claw 201 and a two-stage working platform 202 with lifting and horizontal movement capabilities. The two-stage working platform 202 drives the mechanical claw 201 to move to the notch of the V-shaped groove 105 to grab the cigarette / filter rod 600.

[0064] In this embodiment, the mechanical gripper 201 is a chuck-type mechanical gripper. The chuck-type mechanical gripper is equipped with a rotary drive mechanism 203 so that the chuck-type mechanical gripper can rotate 360° around the axis to realize multi-point placement in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the rotary drive mechanism 203 is implemented by a decelerated stepper motor, which has high rotational accuracy and serves as the core functional component for determining the position of points on the circumferential surface.

[0065] In this embodiment, the two-stage working platform 202 includes a primary horizontal moving platform 204 and a secondary lifting platform 205. The primary horizontal moving platform 204 includes a linear drive mechanism 209, a horizontal slider 210, and a linear track 211. The linear drive mechanism can be a conventional linear operating mechanism such as a linear motor, a lead screw drive mechanism, or an electric cylinder, but it needs to have high control precision. The linear track is parallel to the U-shaped groove. The secondary lifting platform 205 includes a lifting drive mechanism 206, a lifting slider 207, and a lifting track 208 set on the horizontal slider. The lifting drive mechanism 206 can be a conventional linear operating mechanism such as a linear motor, a lead screw drive mechanism, or an electric cylinder. The rotary drive mechanism 203 is installed on the lifting slider 207, and the chuck-type mechanical gripper is installed on the actuating end of the rotary drive assembly 203.

[0066] like Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, the hardness detection component 300 includes a detection platform 301 and a pressure and distance sensor assembly. The upper surface of the detection platform 301 is provided with a U-shaped groove 302 that matches the size of the cigarette / filter rod. The area of ​​the detection platform used to detect hardness is set as a platform area. The platform area is at the same height as the bottom of the U-shaped groove. The purpose is to prevent the sidewall of the U-shaped groove 302 from obstructing the cigarette / filter rod when it is deformed by pressure. The two-stage working platform 202 drives the mechanical claw 201 to place the cigarette / filter rod 600 in the U-shaped groove 302 of the detection platform 301. The pressure and distance sensor assembly is used to apply vertical pressure to the surface of the cigarette / filter rod and obtain the corresponding displacement.

[0067] In this embodiment, the pressure and distance sensor assembly includes a magnetic connecting block 303, a guide column 304, a pressure sensor 305, a pressure head 306, a light curtain laser displacement sensor 307, a displacement probe 308, a magnetic support arm 309, and a sensor lifting mechanism 310.

[0068] The sensor lifting mechanism 310 is used to drive the lifting of the magnetic support arm 309. The sensor lifting mechanism 310 can be a conventional linear drive mechanism, such as a linear motor, electric cylinder, or lead screw transmission mechanism, in conjunction with the lifting track, but it must have relatively higher precision.

[0069] The top end of the magnetic support arm 309 is provided with a support groove 311. One end of the magnetic connecting block 303 is magnetically installed in the support groove 311. The magnetic connecting block 303, guide post 304, pressure sensor 305 and pressure head 306 are connected from top to bottom to form a pressure transmission rod. The guide post 304 is installed on the bracket 500 through a linear bearing and bearing seat 312. The lower end face of the pressure head 306 is flat and is set facing the platform area. The above components are combined to form an overall assembly for applying pressure.

[0070] The magnetic support arm 309, in conjunction with the magnetic connecting block 303, can protect the sensor. In this embodiment, the sum of the magnetic attraction between the magnetic support arm 309 and the magnetic connecting block 303 and the weight of the pressure transmission rod is greater than the theoretical maximum pressure applied to the cigarette / filter rod 600. In other words, even if there is an operational error or the sensor lifting mechanism 310 malfunctions, causing the applied pressure to be much greater than the required pressure, the magnetic support arm 309 and the magnetic connecting block 303 will be disconnected, and the pressure sensor 305 will not be continuously pressured, thereby protecting the pressure sensor 305.

[0071] The displacement probe 308 is mounted on the pressure transmission rod. One end of the displacement probe 308 serves as the light-shielding screen 313 of the light curtain laser displacement sensor 307, and the other end of the displacement probe 308 serves as the counterweight end 314, so that the center of gravity of the displacement probe 308 coincides with the center of gravity of the pressure transmission rod, thereby avoiding the displacement probe 308 from becoming unbalanced and affecting the accuracy of the applied pressure.

[0072] It should be noted that the detection principle of the light curtain laser displacement sensor 307 is to determine the displacement by using the amount of light blocked by the light curtain. Therefore, a light curtain is required. However, the light curtain usually has a certain volume and weight. The light curtain laser displacement sensor 307 also requires a certain amount of space for installation. In order not to interfere with the space of the pressure sensor, it can only be installed to the side. This will inevitably cause the center of gravity of the displacement probe 308 to be offset. Therefore, a counterweight end 314 is added to bring its center of gravity back to the center of gravity of the pressure transmission, so as not to hinder the accurate operation of the entire system.

[0073] The detection platform 301 has at least one supplementary platform on the cigarette feeding side. The supplementary platform includes a linear drive mechanism 315 and a supplementary support platform 316. The movement direction of the linear drive mechanism 315 is perpendicular to the length direction of the detection platform 301. In this embodiment, the linear drive mechanism 315 is a cylinder, but it can also be other mechanisms. The height of the supplementary support platform 316 is equal to the bottom of the U-shaped groove 302 to avoid imbalance after placing the cigarette / filter rod 600.

[0074] The linear drive mechanism 315 is used to drive the supplementary support platform 316 to move closer to or further away from the detection platform 301, so as to extend or shorten the total length of the detection platform 301. Its core purpose is to increase the detection position of the cigarette / filter rod 600, that is, detection can be carried out in the entire range from the farthest end to the nearest end.

[0075] To ensure the flexibility of the testing platform, the testing platform 301 is mounted on a horizontal adjustment mechanism 317. The horizontal adjustment mechanism 317 is used to adjust the alignment of the U-shaped groove 302 of the testing platform 301 and the pressure head 306. The testing platform 301 has an integrally formed horizontal extension, on which a level 318 is mounted to ensure the levelness of the testing platform 301.

[0076] The recycling component 400 is located below the V-shaped groove 103 and is mainly a box structure used to store recycled cigarettes, or designed as a conveyor belt to transfer tested cigarettes / filter rods to the downstream production line.

[0077] The method for measuring hardness using the above-mentioned automatically calibrated cigarette filter rod hardness measuring device is performed through the following steps:

[0078] Step 1) Store a certain amount of cigarettes / filter rods 600 of the same specification into the hopper 101, check whether the cigarettes / filter rods 600 are neatly arranged, and adjust the position and alignment of the cigarettes / filter rods 600 by using the limiting baffle 107. The limiting baffle 107 is movable, and its purpose is to adjust the width of the hopper 101 used to store cigarettes / filter rods 600, so that the movement range of the cigarettes / filter rods 600 is restricted and prevents them from being scattered.

[0079] Step 2) Drive the cigarette-distributing roller 102 to rotate. When the temporary storage trough 105 passes through the area inside the hopper 101, one of the nearby cigarettes / filter rods 600 is put into the temporary storage trough 105. As the cigarette-distributing roller 102 continues to rotate, the temporary storage trough 105 rotates to the cigarette outlet side. Driven by the gravity of the cigarette / filter rod 600, it slides into the V-shaped groove 103, and one end of the cigarette / filter rod 600 is suspended at the notch 106 to facilitate the gripping of the mechanical claw 201.

[0080] Step 3) Drive the mechanical claw 201 in the auxiliary cigarette delivery device to the notch 106 and grab the cigarette / filter rod 600. Then transfer the cigarette / filter rod 600 to the U-shaped groove 302 of the detection platform 301. After the mechanical claw 201 releases the cigarette / filter rod 600, it returns to its original position or pauses and waits.

[0081] Step 4) Control the pressure and distance sensor assembly to move down. The pressure sensor is used to obtain the magnitude of the applied pressure, and the distance sensor is used to obtain the displacement. Specifically, during counting, the pressure sensor starts recording the displacement as the pressure changes based on the reference value, thus establishing a correlation between the two.

[0082] Step 5) Calculate the hardness based on the applied pressure and the detected displacement.

[0083] To avoid errors caused by single-point measurement, a multi-point measurement scheme along the axis is introduced. In the preferred embodiment, in step 3), the length of the auxiliary cigarette feeding device driving the mechanical claw to transfer the cigarette / filter rod into the U-shaped groove is controllable. After the execution of steps 4) and 5), step 3) is repeated and the feeding length is adjusted to achieve multi-point detection in the length direction of the cigarette / filter rod, and the hardness is calculated by the mean method in step 5).

[0084] To further reduce the error of the measurement points, a multi-point measurement scheme in the circumferential direction is introduced. In the preferred embodiment, in step 3), the horizontal rotation angle of the auxiliary cigarette feeding device driving the mechanical claw to transfer the cigarette / filter rod into the U-shaped groove is controllable. After the execution of steps 4) and 5), step 3) is repeated and the rotation angle is adjusted to achieve multi-point detection in the circumferential direction of the cigarette / filter rod, and the hardness is calculated by the mean method in step 5).

[0085] The above solution enables automatic detection, axial multi-point detection, and circumferential multi-point detection of the hardness of cigarettes / filter rods 600. The measuring points completely cover all areas of cigarettes / filter rods 600, making the detection more accurate and flexible.

[0086] The following content is a comparative data obtained through experiments comparing it with a common hardness measuring device.

[0087] I. Testing of filter rod samples using the device of this invention and a conventional hardness measuring device

[0088] A control experiment was conducted using conventional cellulose acetate filter rods and fine-branched cellulose acetate filter rods as experimental samples. The specific procedure is as follows:

[0089] 1. The device of this invention measures the hardness index of filter rods.

[0090] 1.1 Take 3 sets of conventional cellulose acetate filter rods with a total length of 120mm, 10 rods in each set, and use the device of the present invention to detect the hardness measurement values ​​at 5 points on the filter rods. The measurement points and numbers are shown in Table 1, and the measurement data are shown in Tables 3-1, 3-2, and 3-3.

[0091] Table 1. Locations for multi-point hardness measurement of conventional filter rods

[0092]

[0093] 1.2 Take 3 sets of 10 fine cellulose acetate filter rods with a total length of 120 mm. Use the device of this invention to test the hardness values ​​at 5 points on the filter rods. The measurement points and numbers are shown in Table 2. The measurement data are shown in Tables 4-1, 4-2, and 4-3.

[0094] Table 2. Locations for multi-point hardness measurement of thin filter rod samples

[0095]

[0096] 2. Using a standard hardness measuring device to measure the hardness index of filter rods.

[0097] 2.1 Take 3 sets of conventional cellulose acetate filter rods with a total length of 120mm, 10 rods in each set, and use a common hardness measuring device to measure the hardness value at one point on the filter rod. The measuring point is 60mm away from the left end. The measurement data is shown in Table 5.

[0098] 2.2 Take 3 sets of 10 fine cellulose acetate filter rods with a total length of 120 mm. Use a common hardness measuring device to measure the hardness value at one point on the filter rod. The measuring point is 60 mm away from the left end. The measurement data is shown in Table 6.

[0099] 3. Measurement Results

[0100] 3.1 The data on the hardness index of conventional filter rods measured by the device of the present invention are shown in Tables 3-1, 3-2, and 3-3.

[0101] Table 3-1 Results of Multi-Point Hardness Measurement of Group 1 Conventional Filter Rods (%)

[0102]

[0103] Table 3-2 Results of Multi-Point Hardness Measurement of Group 2 Conventional Filter Rods (%)

[0104]

[0105] Table 3-3 Results of Multi-Point Hardness Measurement of Group 3 Conventional Filter Rods (%)

[0106]

[0107] 3.2 The data on the hardness index of the fine filter rod measured by the device of the present invention are shown in Tables 4-1, 4-2, and 4-3.

[0108] Table 4-1 Results of Multi-Point Hardness Measurement of Group 1 Fine Filter Rods (%)

[0109]

[0110] Table 4-2 Results of Multi-Point Hardness Measurement of Group 2 Fine Filter Rods (%)

[0111]

[0112] Table 4-3 Results of Multi-Point Hardness Measurement of Group 3 Fine Filter Rods (%)

[0113]

[0114] 3.3 The hardness data of conventional filter rods measured by a common hardness measuring device are shown in Table 5.

[0115] Table 5. Single-point hardness measurement results of three groups of conventional filter rods (%)

[0116]

[0117] 3.4 The hardness data of the fine filter rod measured by the ordinary hardness measuring device are shown in Table 6.

[0118] Table 6. Results of Single-Point Hardness Measurement of Three Groups of Fine Filter Rods (%)

[0119]

[0120] A comparison of the hardness measurement results in the tables above reveals the following:

[0121] 1) The hardness values ​​measured at different points on conventional cellulose acetate filter rods and fine-fiber cellulose acetate filter rods generally differ, and the hardness performance of the entire filter rod cannot be evaluated by measuring only one point. Compared with ordinary hardness measuring devices, the device of this invention can realize multi-point measurement of filter rod hardness, and better evaluate the hardness of different parts of the filter rod.

[0122] 2) Regarding the average value of the filter rod hardness measurement results, the average value measured by the device of the present invention is very close to that of the ordinary hardness measuring device, but the standard deviation of the former measurement result is much smaller than that of the latter, indicating that the stability of the device of the present invention is better than that of the ordinary hardness measuring device when measuring the same sample.

[0123] II. Pressure Detection of the Invention Device and Ordinary Hardness Measuring Devices

[0124] The device of the present invention and a conventional hardness measuring device were tested using a pressure gauge for pre-pressure and full-pressure values, respectively, and 10 data points were obtained for each. The results are shown in Tables 7 and 8.

[0125] Table 7. Pre-pressure and total pressure values ​​of the device of the present invention (unit: N)

[0126]

[0127] Table 8 Pre-pressure and Full Pressure Values ​​of Ordinary Hardness Measuring Devices (Unit: N)

[0128]

[0129] It is easy to see from the table above that the pre-pressure and full-pressure values ​​of the present invention are basically the same as those of ordinary hardness measuring devices, but the standard deviation of the applied force is smaller, which means that more stable measurement data can be obtained.

[0130] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the specific implementation of the present invention or equivalent substitutions can be made to some technical features without departing from the spirit of the technical solutions of the present invention, and all such modifications and substitutions should be covered within the scope of the technical solutions claimed in the present invention.

Claims

1. A cigarette filter rod hardness measuring device based on automatic calibration, characterized in that: This includes a smoke distribution assembly, an auxiliary smoke delivery assembly, a hardness detection assembly, and a recycling assembly, all mounted on a bracket. The cigarette separating assembly includes a hopper, a separating roller, and a V-shaped groove. The bottom edge of the hopper is beveled. The separating roller is installed at the end of the bottom edge with the inlet side close to the bottom edge of the hopper. The roller surface of the separating roller is provided with a temporary storage groove that can only accommodate one cigarette / filter rod. The V-shaped groove is provided on the outlet side of the separating roller. One end of the V-shaped groove is provided with a notch that allows the end of the cigarette / filter rod to be suspended. The auxiliary cigarette delivery assembly includes a mechanical gripper and a two-stage working platform with lifting and horizontal movement capabilities. The two-stage working platform drives the mechanical gripper to move to the notch of the V-shaped groove to grab the cigarette / filter rod. The mechanical gripper is a chuck-type mechanical gripper, and the chuck-type mechanical gripper is equipped with a rotary drive mechanism so that the chuck-type mechanical gripper can rotate 360° around the axis. The hardness detection component includes a detection platform and pressure and distance sensor components. The upper surface of the detection platform is provided with a U-shaped groove that matches the size of the cigarette / filter rod. The area of ​​the detection platform used for hardness detection is set as a platform area, which is at the same height as the bottom of the U-shaped groove. The two-stage working platform drives the mechanical gripper to place the cigarette / filter rod in the U-shaped groove of the detection platform. The pressure and distance sensor components are used to apply vertical pressure to the surface of the cigarette / filter rod and obtain the corresponding pressure value and displacement. The recycling component is located below the V-shaped groove.

2. The cigarette filter rod hardness measuring device based on automatic calibration according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressure and distance sensor assembly includes a magnetic connecting block, a guide column, a pressure sensor, a pressure head, a light curtain laser displacement sensor, a displacement probe, a magnetic support arm, and a sensor lifting mechanism. The sensor lifting mechanism is used to drive the lifting of the magnetic support arm. The top of the magnetic support arm is provided with a support groove. One end of the magnetic connecting block is magnetically installed in the support groove. The magnetic connecting block, guide column, pressure sensor and pressure head are connected in sequence from top to bottom to form a pressure transmission rod. The guide column is installed on the bracket through a linear bearing and bearing seat. The lower end face of the pressure head is flat and is set directly facing the platform area. The displacement probe is installed on the pressure transmission rod. One end of the displacement probe serves as a light curtain for the light curtain laser displacement sensor.

3. The cigarette filter rod hardness measuring device based on automatic calibration according to claim 2, characterized in that: The sum of the magnetic attraction between the magnetic support arm and the magnetic connecting block and the weight of the pressure transmission rod is greater than the theoretical maximum pressure applied to the cigarette / filter rod.

4. The cigarette filter rod hardness measuring device based on automatic calibration according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The other end of the displacement probe serves as a counterweight, so that the center of gravity of the displacement probe coincides with the center of gravity of the pressure transmission rod.

5. The cigarette filter rod hardness measuring device based on automatic calibration according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The detection platform has at least one supplementary platform on the smoke supply side. The supplementary platform includes a linear drive mechanism and a supplementary support platform. The movement direction of the linear drive mechanism is perpendicular to the length direction of the detection platform. The height of the supplementary support platform is equal to the bottom of the U-shaped groove. The linear drive mechanism is used to drive the supplementary support platform to move closer to or further away from the detection platform to extend or shorten the total length of the detection platform.

6. The cigarette filter rod hardness measuring device based on automatic calibration according to claim 5, characterized in that: The two-stage working platform includes a primary horizontal moving platform and a secondary lifting platform. The primary horizontal moving platform includes a linear drive mechanism, a horizontal slider, and a linear track. The linear track is parallel to the U-shaped groove. The secondary lifting platform includes a lifting drive mechanism, a lifting slider, and a lifting track set on the horizontal slider. The rotary drive mechanism is installed on the lifting slider, and the chuck-type mechanical gripper is installed on the actuating end of the rotary drive assembly.

7. The cigarette filter rod hardness measuring device based on automatic calibration according to claim 1, 2, 3, or 6, characterized in that: The hopper is equipped with a limiting baffle, the position of which is adjustable. The limiting baffle and one side of the hopper are used to determine the position and length of the cigarette / filter rod being stored.

8. The cigarette filter rod hardness measuring device based on automatic calibration according to claim 1, 2, 3, or 6, characterized in that: An auxiliary roller is provided in the upper part of the smoke-distributing roller, and the auxiliary roller is tangential to the smoke-distributing roller.

9. The cigarette filter rod hardness measuring device based on automatic calibration according to claim 1, 2, 3, or 6, characterized in that: One of the inclined sides of the V-shaped groove is configured as a horizontally movable block. When the movable block is close together, it forms a complete V-shaped groove. When the movable block is far apart, it forms a material discharge channel connecting the lower recycling component.

10. The cigarette filter rod hardness measuring device based on automatic calibration according to claim 1, 2, 3, or 6, characterized in that: The testing platform is integrally formed with a horizontal extension, on which a level is installed.

11. The cigarette filter rod hardness measuring device based on automatic calibration according to claim 2, 3, or 6, characterized in that: The testing platform is mounted on a horizontal adjustment mechanism, which is used to adjust the alignment of the U-shaped groove of the testing platform and the pressure head.

12. The cigarette filter rod hardness measuring device based on automatic calibration according to claim 1, 2, 3, or 6, characterized in that: The number of temporary storage slots on the tobacco separating roller is set to at least one.

13. A method for measuring the hardness of cigarette filter rods based on automatic calibration, characterized in that: The automatic calibration-based cigarette filter rod hardness measuring device according to any one of claims 1-12 is used to perform the following steps: Step 1) Store a certain amount of cigarettes / filter rods of the same specification in the hopper, check whether the cigarettes / filter rods are neatly arranged, and adjust the position and alignment of the cigarettes / filter rods by using the limit baffle. Step 2) Drive the cigarette-distributing roller to rotate. When the temporary storage trough passes through the area inside the hopper, one of the nearest cigarettes / filter rods is put into the temporary storage trough. As the cigarette-distributing roller continues to rotate, the temporary storage trough rotates to the cigarette outlet side. Driven by the weight of the cigarette / filter rod itself, it slides into the V-shaped groove, and one end of the cigarette / filter rod is suspended at the notch. Step 3) Drive the mechanical claw in the auxiliary cigarette delivery device to the notch and grab the cigarette / filter rod. Then transfer the cigarette / filter rod to the U-shaped groove of the detection platform. After the mechanical claw releases the cigarette / filter rod, it returns to its original position or pauses and waits. Step 4) Control the pressure and distance sensor assembly to move downwards, where the pressure sensor is used to obtain the applied pressure and the distance sensor is used to obtain the displacement. Step 5) Calculate the hardness based on the applied pressure and the detected displacement.

14. The method for measuring the hardness of cigarette filter rods based on automatic calibration according to claim 13, characterized in that: In step 3), the length of the auxiliary cigarette feeding device driving the mechanical claw to transfer the cigarette / filter rod into the U-shaped groove is controllable. After step 4) and step 5) are completed, step 3) is repeated and the feeding length is adjusted to achieve multi-point detection in the length direction of the cigarette / filter rod, and the hardness is calculated by the mean method in step 5).

15. The method for measuring the hardness of cigarette filter rods based on automatic calibration according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that: In step 3), the horizontal rotation angle of the auxiliary cigarette feeding device driving the mechanical claw to transfer the cigarette / filter rod into the U-shaped groove is controllable. After the execution of steps 4) and 5), step 3) is repeated and the rotation angle is adjusted to achieve multi-point detection in the circumferential direction of the cigarette / filter rod, and the hardness is calculated by the mean method in step 5).

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