Equipment and Method for Moisture Detection of Tobacco Materials Based on Optical Infrared Technology

Abstract

This invention discloses a tobacco material moisture detection device and method based on optical infrared technology, comprising a chassis, an inner recessed liner installed inside the chassis, a ventilated tray installed at one end of the inner recessed liner, and a double-sided belt leak-proof conveyor assembly installed on one side of the top of the chassis. A dual-axis adjustable pre-laying assembly is located inside the end of the double-sided belt leak-proof conveyor assembly away from the chassis. The double-sided belt leak-proof conveyor assembly of this invention conveys the same batch of tobacco material to an infrared moisture meter. During the conveying process, the dual-axis adjustable pre-laying assembly flattens and homogenizes the tobacco material. After the tobacco material is detected by the infrared moisture meter, it is fed into the inner recessed liner. If the detected moisture value is high, a hot air drying component performs hot air drying. A comb-type tooth distribution assembly continuously agitates the tobacco material in the inner recessed liner until the moisture detection and subsequent drying of the batch of tobacco material are completed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of tobacco material production technology, specifically to a tobacco material moisture detection device and method based on optical infrared technology. Background Technology

[0002] The tobacco material moisture detection equipment based on optical infrared technology uses non-contact optical measurement technology to perform real-time, continuous dynamic monitoring of tobacco materials on the production line, ensuring product processing quality and process stability. This equipment emits a beam of light onto the material surface using a specific wavelength infrared light source. Utilizing the selective absorption characteristics of water molecules on a specific infrared spectrum, and combining the analysis and calculation of the attenuation of reflected light intensity with a preset material model, it quickly acquires real-time moisture content data and transmits the results synchronously to the control system. This provides immediate feedback for the automated adjustment of processes such as drying and feeding. The equipment consists of an optical sensing module, a signal processing unit, a mechanical support system, and environmental adaptation components. The optical system captures reflected signals from the material using a precision lens group and a high-sensitivity detector. The signal processing unit uses an algorithm model to convert the light signal into a moisture value. The dustproof, shock-absorbing, and protective housing design ensures reliable operation of the equipment in the complex environment of tobacco production, characterized by high dust and vibration.

[0003] As disclosed in the authorization announcement CN220040249U, a tobacco material moisture detection device includes a frame, a base, and an infrared instrument body. The frame is a hollow, strip-shaped groove structure, and a base that can slide along the strip length of the frame is provided on the outside of the frame. The base is a frame structure, and a sliding block is arranged inside the base. The sliding block extends out of the first sliding groove of the side wall of the frame and connects to the inner side wall of the base. The sliding block has a mounting through hole. A sliding rod is provided inside the frame, and the sliding block is slidably fitted onto the sliding rod through the mounting through hole, which is used for support and sliding guidance of the base. The infrared instrument body is installed on the outer side wall of the base and slides together with the base. It utilizes the frame structure base to fit onto the groove structure frame, and the sliding rod inside the frame slides in cooperation with the sliding block of the base, which greatly strengthens the base on the frame. The above-mentioned technical solution improves the smoothness of the sliding motion of the infrared instrument body on the base, thereby effectively improving the stability of the scanning motion. However, in the process of using the above-mentioned technical solution, since it needs to be integrated into the production line, the tobacco material sent from the previous production process to the infrared instrument is often piled up too thickly. The excessively thick material will cause the infrared light to be scattered, absorbed or even completely blocked when penetrating multiple layers of material, resulting in signal weakening or distortion. This will cause the measurement results to deviate from the actual moisture content. Furthermore, if the tobacco material has too high moisture content after the test is completed, it also needs to be dried separately. At this time, the material needs to be transferred to an independent drying device. If the drying device is located downstream of the detection point or at a physical distance that is too far away, the material exceeding the standard needs to be recycled, resulting in redundant processes. This not only increases time costs but may also damage the material properties. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a tobacco material moisture detection device and method based on optical infrared technology. A double-sided belt leak-proof conveyor assembly conveys the same batch of tobacco material to an infrared moisture meter. During the conveying process, a dual-axis adjustable pre-laying assembly flattens and homogenizes the tobacco material. After being detected by the infrared moisture meter, the tobacco material is sent into a sunken inner liner. If the detected moisture value is high, a hot air drying component performs hot air drying. Simultaneously, a material-distributing comb assembly continuously moves the tobacco material in the sunken inner liner until the moisture detection and subsequent drying of the batch of tobacco material are completed, thereby solving the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a tobacco material moisture detection device based on optical infrared technology, comprising:

[0006] The machine casing has a recessed inner liner installed inside, and a ventilation tray is installed at one end of the recessed inner liner. A double-sided belt leak-proof conveyor assembly is installed on one side of the top of the machine casing. A dual-axis adjustable pre-laying material assembly is installed inside the end of the double-sided belt leak-proof conveyor assembly away from the machine casing. Two symmetrical infrared moisture meters are installed on one side of the top of the machine casing via a U-shaped frame. The tobacco material passes through the dual-axis adjustable pre-laying material assembly and the infrared moisture meters in sequence and enters the recessed inner liner.

[0007] A hot-air drying assembly is installed at the bottom of a sunken inner liner. A material-distributing comb assembly is installed on one side of the top of the ventilation tray. A belt drive structure for maintaining power connection is installed between the material-distributing comb assembly and the double-sided belt leak-proof conveyor assembly. A PLC control panel is installed on one side of the chassis surface. The output of the PLC control panel is electrically connected to the input of the double-sided belt leak-proof conveyor assembly, the dual-axis adjustable front-mounted material-laying assembly, and the hot-air drying assembly. The output of the infrared moisture meter is electrically connected to the input of the PLC control panel.

[0008] Preferably, the double-sided belt leak-proof conveyor assembly includes a U-shaped steel frame fixed to one side of the top of the chassis, a front support shaft and a rear support shaft rotatably mounted on the two sides of the top edge of the U-shaped steel frame via bearing seats, and belt rollers fixed at both ends of the surfaces of the front and rear support shafts. A multi-groove belt is fitted between the two belt rollers in the same X-axis direction. The dual-axis adjustable front-laying assembly is installed inside the U-shaped steel frame. The rear support shaft drives the material-distributing comb assembly through a belt drive structure. A geared motor for driving the rear support shaft to rotate is installed on one side of the outer wall of the chassis. A ramp is installed on the top of the ventilation tray near the rear support shaft.

[0009] Preferably, right-angle frames are welded to the front and rear edges of the top of the U-shaped steel structure frame, and the front and rear edges of the top of the right-angle frames are integrally formed with upturned edges.

[0010] Preferably, the dual-axis adjustable pre-laying assembly includes a H-shaped horizontal frame fixed inside the U-shaped steel structure frame, a double-rod cylinder installed on the inner wall of one side of the H-shaped horizontal frame, a top plate fixed to the top of the piston rod of the double-rod cylinder, and T-shaped arms symmetrically installed on both sides of the top of the top plate. The top of the T-shaped arms extends upward and passes between two multi-groove belts. Several equally spaced spreading rakes are installed on the outer wall of the two T-shaped arms on the side away from each other.

[0011] Preferably, right-angle seats are installed on both sides of the top of the top plate, and a Y-axis cylinder is installed on one outer wall of the right-angle seat. The top of the piston rod of the Y-axis cylinder is fixedly connected to one outer wall of the T-arm.

[0012] Preferably, the air-heated drying assembly includes several flat electric heating tubes installed at the bottom of the sunken inner tank and a fan installed at the center of the bottom of the sunken inner tank. The air-heated drying assembly also includes a thermocouple installed on the inner wall of the chassis above the ventilation tray. The output end of the thermocouple is electrically connected to the input end of the PLC control panel. The flat electric heating tubes are located below the ventilation tray.

[0013] Preferably, the material-distributing comb assembly includes two axle carriers fixed to one side of the top of the ventilation tray, a C-shaped upright frame installed on the outer wall of the axle carrier near the ramp, and a drive shaft rotatably installed between the two C-shaped upright frames. A crank-connecting rod material-distributing structure is installed on one side of the outer wall of one of the axle carriers. A cage-type material return structure is installed between the two axle carriers below the crank-connecting rod material-distributing structure. A sprocket drive assembly for power connection between the drive shaft, the crank-connecting rod material-distributing structure, and the cage-type material return structure is installed on the outer wall of one of the axle carriers. Power is transmitted between one end of the drive shaft and one end of the rear support shaft through a belt drive structure.

[0014] Preferably, the crank connecting rod material-pushing structure includes a protective shell fixed to the front and rear outer walls of the axle carrier, a protruding edge, a lower swing arm hinged to one side of the outer wall of the protective shell, and a short shaft rotatably mounted on one side of the outer wall of the axle carrier. One end of the short shaft is fixed to the crank body, and one end of the surface of the crank body is hinged to a fisheye-shaped pull arm. The bottom end of the fisheye-shaped pull arm is hinged to the top end of the lower swing arm. A material-pushing rake is fixed between two adjacent lower swing arms.

[0015] Preferably, the cage-type return structure includes a tail shaft rotatably mounted on the opposite outer walls of the two axle carriers, a disc fixed at one end of the tail shaft, and a plurality of bent ribs arranged in an annular array at equal intervals between the opposite outer walls of the two discs. The sprocket drive assembly includes a double sprocket drive structure installed between the drive shaft and the short shaft, and a three sprocket drive structure for connecting the short shaft and the tail shaft.

[0016] This invention also provides a method for detecting moisture in tobacco materials based on optical infrared technology, as described above, including the following steps:

[0017] S101: Set process parameters through the PLC control panel, including the conveying speed of the double-sided belt leak-proof conveyor assembly, the paving thickness of the dual-axis adjustable pre-laying assembly, the target moisture threshold of the infrared moisture meter, and the working temperature and wind speed of the air-heated drying component. After confirming that the feedback signals of each assembly component are normal, enter the working state.

[0018] S102: The tobacco material to be tested is fed into the double-sided belt leak-proof conveyor assembly. The double-sided belt leak-proof conveyor assembly transports the tobacco material to be tested from storage or previous process to the testing area where the infrared moisture meter is located. During the conveying process, the dual-axis adjustable pre-laying assembly is adjusted according to preset parameters to spread the tobacco material on the double-sided belt leak-proof conveyor assembly to form a uniform material layer. The infrared moisture meter measures the moisture content in the material by emitting infrared rays, and the data is transmitted to the PLC control panel in real time.

[0019] S103: After testing, the tobacco material is fed into the sunken inner liner and supported by the ventilated tray. The PLC control panel determines whether drying is required based on the moisture detection results. If the moisture content is too high, the PLC control panel issues a command and starts the hot air drying component. The ventilated tray, in conjunction with the hot air drying component, provides a stable hot airflow to help the tobacco material evaporate excess moisture quickly and evenly. In addition, part of the rotational power of the double-sided belt leak-proof conveyor assembly is synchronously transmitted to the material-distributing comb assembly through the belt drive structure. The sawtooth structure of the material-distributing comb assembly turns the material layer in a periodic reciprocating motion to ensure uniform drying.

[0020] S104: After drying is completed, the operator stops the operation of the hot air drying unit and the double-sided belt leak-proof conveyor assembly through the PLC control panel, and transfers the dried tobacco material in the sunken inner liner to the next stage or storage area.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: The tobacco material moisture detection equipment and method based on optical infrared technology employs a structure comprising a double-sided leak-proof conveyor assembly, a dual-axis adjustable pre-laying assembly, an infrared moisture meter, a sunken inner liner, a ventilated tray, a hot-air drying component, and a material-distributing comb assembly, among other mutually cooperating components. The double-sided leak-proof conveyor assembly conveys the same batch of tobacco material to the infrared moisture meter. During the conveying process, the dual-axis adjustable pre-laying assembly ensures that the tobacco material is spread and homogenized. After being detected by the infrared moisture meter, the tobacco material is fed into the sunken inner liner. If the detected moisture value is high, the hot-air drying component performs hot air drying. Meanwhile, the pusher-type comb tooth distribution assembly continuously pushes the tobacco material in the sinking inner liner until the moisture detection and drying of this batch of tobacco material are completed; the double-sided belt leak-proof conveyor assembly, together with the dual-axis adjustable front-mounted material spreading assembly, can adjust the spreading intensity according to the material characteristics (such as fiber length and moisture content), which can not only avoid excessive compaction and damage to the material structure, but also eliminate the problem of excessive accumulation or uneven distribution, so as to achieve the leveling and homogenization of tobacco material. The homogenized thin layer of material allows infrared light to fully penetrate the surface, significantly improving the consistency of detection depth, reducing the light signal interference caused by local accumulation or gaps, and ensuring that the data obtained by the moisture meter truly reflects the average moisture state of the entire batch of material;

[0022] Secondly, the sunken inner liner serves as a temporary storage and processing unit for materials after testing. Its integrated "detection-temporary storage-drying" design eliminates the time delay and secondary contamination risk caused by material transfer in traditional processes. After the infrared moisture meter completes online detection, the material falls directly into the sunken inner liner. The PLC control panel immediately triggers subsequent operations based on the real-time moisture data from the infrared moisture meter. If the moisture content exceeds the standard, the hot air drying component starts immediately without manual intervention or external equipment scheduling, significantly shortening the process response time. The hot air drying component, together with the ventilation tray, forms a multi-hole air supply. When the hot air penetrates the material layer, it can achieve uniform heat exchange, avoiding local overheating or insufficient drying. Combined with the periodic turning of the evenly distributed comb assembly, the material continuously loosens and reorganizes in the sunken inner liner, fully exposing the humid areas, breaking up clumps and accelerating moisture evaporation. This forms a synergistic effect of "dynamic turning + directional air supply," which simultaneously improves drying efficiency and uniformity, and is especially suitable for the rapid correction of high-moisture materials.

[0023] Finally, from pre-conveying and spreading to mid-stage testing and post-drying, the same batch of materials is always in a closed-loop process to avoid mixing or cross-contamination between multiple batches. This ensures that the entire process operates efficiently, stably, and reliably, not only guaranteeing that the moisture content of each batch of tobacco is controlled within a reasonable range, but also reducing subsequent quality problems caused by moisture deviations. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the front cross-sectional structure of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional cross-sectional structural diagram of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the upper and lower isometric isometric solid structure of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the present invention. Figure 3 ;

[0030] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the double-sided belt leak-proof conveyor assembly according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the dual-axis adjustable pre-lay material assembly according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the uniformly distributed comb teeth in Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional cross-sectional structure of the uniformly distributed comb teeth in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 11 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the crank-connecting rod feeding structure according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 12 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the cage-type material return structure according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0036] In the diagram: 1. Chassis; 101. Sloping ramp; 2. U-shaped steel frame; 201. Right-angle frame; 202. Upward-curving edge; 3. Double-sided leak-proof conveyor assembly; 301. Front support shaft; 302. Rear support shaft; 303. Belt roller; 304. Multi-groove belt; 4. Dual-shaft adjustable front-mounted material spreading assembly; 401. H-shaped horizontal frame; 402. Double-rod cylinder; 403. Top plate; 4031. Right-angle seat; 4032. Y-axis cylinder; 404. T-arm; 405. Spreading rake; 5. Infrared moisture meter; 6. Recessed inner liner; 601. Ventilated tray; 7. Material-distributing comb assembly; 701. Shaft support frame; 7011. Protective shell; 701 2. Convex edge; 702. C-shaped upright frame; 703. Drive shaft; 704. Crank connecting rod feeding structure; 7041. Short shaft; 7042. Crank body; 7043. Lower swing arm; 7044. Fish-eye type pull arm; 7045. Feeding rake; 705. Sprocket drive assembly; 7051. Double sprocket drive structure; 7052. Three sprocket drive structure; 706. Cage-type return structure; 7061. Tail shaft; 7062. Disc; 7063. Bending rib; 8. Belt drive structure; 9. Gear motor; 10. PLC control panel; 11. Air-heated drying assembly; 1101. Flat electric heating tube; 1102. Fan; 1103. Thermocouple. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0038] Example 1, by Figures 1 to 6 The present invention includes a chassis 1, inside which a sunken inner liner 6 is installed, and a ventilation tray 601 is installed at one end of the sunken inner liner 6. A double-sided belt leak-proof conveyor assembly 3 is installed on one side of the top of the chassis 1. A dual-axis adjustable pre-laying material assembly 4 is provided inside the end of the double-sided belt leak-proof conveyor assembly 3 away from the chassis 1. Two symmetrical infrared moisture meters 5 are installed on one side of the top of the chassis 1 through a U-shaped frame. Tobacco material passes through the dual-axis adjustable pre-laying material assembly 4 and the infrared moisture meters 5 in sequence and enters the sunken inner liner 6.

[0039] The air-heated drying assembly 11 is installed at the bottom of the sunken inner liner 6. A material-distributing comb tooth uniform distribution assembly 7 is installed on one side of the top of the ventilation tray 601. A belt drive structure 8 for maintaining power connection is installed between the material-distributing comb tooth uniform distribution assembly 7 and the double-sided belt leak-proof conveyor assembly 3. A PLC control panel 10 is installed on one side of the surface of the chassis 1. The output terminal of the PLC control panel 10 is electrically connected to the input terminal of the double-sided belt leak-proof conveyor assembly 3, the dual-axis adjustable front-mounted material distribution assembly 4, and the air-heated drying assembly 11. The output terminal of the infrared moisture meter 5 is electrically connected to the input terminal of the PLC control panel 10.

[0040] The method for detecting moisture in tobacco materials based on optical infrared technology in this embodiment, as described above with the device for detecting moisture in tobacco materials based on optical infrared technology, includes the following steps:

[0041] S101: Set process parameters through PLC control panel 10, including conveying speed of double-sided belt leak-proof conveyor assembly 3, paving thickness of dual-axis adjustable pre-laying assembly 4, target moisture threshold of infrared moisture meter 5, and working temperature and wind speed of air-heated drying component 11. After confirming that the feedback signals of each assembly component are normal, enter the working state.

[0042] S102: The tobacco material to be tested is fed into the double-sided belt leak-proof conveyor assembly 3. The double-sided belt leak-proof conveyor assembly 3 transports the tobacco material to be tested from storage or previous process to the detection area where the infrared moisture meter 5 is located. During the conveying process, the dual-axis adjustable pre-laying assembly 4 is adjusted according to preset parameters to spread the tobacco material on the double-sided belt leak-proof conveyor assembly 3 to form a uniform material layer. The infrared moisture meter 5 measures the moisture content in the material by emitting infrared rays, and the data is transmitted to the PLC control panel 10 in real time.

[0043] S103: After testing, the tobacco material is fed into the sunken inner liner 6 and supported by the ventilation tray 601. The PLC control panel 10 determines whether drying is required based on the moisture detection results. If the moisture content is too high, the PLC control panel 10 issues a command and starts the hot air drying component 11. The ventilation tray 601, in conjunction with the hot air drying component 11, provides a stable hot airflow to help the tobacco material evaporate excess moisture quickly and evenly. In addition, part of the rotational power of the double-sided belt leak-proof conveyor assembly 3 is synchronously transmitted to the material-pulling comb tooth distribution assembly 7 through the belt drive structure 8. The sawtooth structure of the material-pulling comb tooth distribution assembly 7 periodically reciprocates to turn the material layer, ensuring uniform drying.

[0044] S104: After drying is completed, the staff stops the operation of the hot air drying assembly 11 and the double-sided belt leak-proof conveyor assembly 3 through the PLC control panel 10, and transfers the dried tobacco material in the sunken inner liner 6 to the next stage or storage area.

[0045] An infrared moisture meter 5 and a moisture analyzer can be installed on the top of the casing 1 above the sunken inner liner 6. The moisture analyzer is a GMK-3306 model. The detection probe of the moisture analyzer is inserted into the tobacco material pile in the sunken inner liner 6. During the drying process, the instrument continuously samples and re-inspects the material in the sunken inner liner 6. The collected moisture data is fed back to the PLC control panel 10 in real time. If the moisture decreases slowly, the hot air temperature of the air-heated drying component 11 is gradually increased or the drying time is extended. If it is close to the target value, it is switched to a low-temperature slow drying state to avoid over-drying.

[0046] Example 2, based on Example 1, is... Figure 7 and Figure 8 The double-sided leak-proof conveyor assembly 3 includes a U-shaped steel frame 2 fixed to one side of the top of the housing 1, a front support shaft 301 and a rear support shaft 302 rotatably mounted on the two sides of the top of the U-shaped steel frame 2 via bearing seats, and belt rollers 303 fixed at both ends of the surfaces of the front support shaft 301 and the rear support shaft 302. A multi-groove belt 304 is fitted between the two belt rollers 303 in the same X-axis direction. A dual-shaft adjustable front-laying assembly 4 is installed inside the U-shaped steel frame 2. The rear support shaft 302 is connected via a belt drive structure. The drive assembly 7 is operated by a pusher comb. A geared motor 9 is installed on one side of the outer wall of the housing 1 to drive the rear support shaft 302 to rotate. A ramp 101 is installed on the top of the ventilation tray 601 near the rear support shaft 302. When the double-sided belt anti-leakage conveyor assembly 3 is working, the operator turns on the geared motor 9 through the PLC control panel 10. The geared motor 9 drives the rear support shaft 302 and belt roller 303 to rotate. The multi-groove belt 304 between the two belt rollers 303 in the X-axis direction is used to move the tobacco material.

[0047] Right-angle frames 201 are welded to the front and rear edges of the top of the U-shaped steel frame 2. Upward-curved edges 202 are integrally formed at the front and rear edges of the top of the right-angle frames 201. The upward-curved edges 202 at the front and rear edges of the top of the right-angle frames 201 are used to form a barrier on the movement path of the tobacco material to limit the flow range of the material and prevent the edges from scattering due to vibration or speed changes. It is suitable for the directional conveying of fluffy tobacco materials.

[0048] The dual-axis adjustable front-mounted material spreading assembly 4 includes a U-shaped horizontal frame 401 fixed inside the U-shaped steel frame 2, a double-rod cylinder 402 installed on the inner wall of one side of the U-shaped horizontal frame 401, a top plate 403 fixed to the top of the piston rod of the double-rod cylinder 402, and T-shaped arms 404 symmetrically installed on both sides of the top of the top of the top of the top plate 403. The top of the T-shaped arms 404 extends upward and passes between two multi-groove belts 304. Several equally spaced spreading rakes 405 are installed on the outer wall of the two T-shaped arms 404 on the side away from each other. When the shaft-adjustable front-mounted material spreading assembly 4 actively spreads the tobacco material on the multi-groove belt 304, the operator controls the double-rod cylinder 402 through the PLC control panel 10. The double-rod cylinder 402 drives the top plate 403, T-arm 404, and spreading rake 405 to rise and fall, so as to adjust the distance between the claw end of the spreading rake 405 and the multi-groove belt 304. When the spreading rake 405 contacts the tobacco material, it adapts to the surface undulation, which not only avoids excessive compaction and damage to the structure, but also spreads the thick material evenly to the appropriate thickness range for detection.

[0049] Right-angle seats 4031 are installed on both sides of the top of the top plate 403. A Y-axis cylinder 4032 is installed on one outer wall of the right-angle seat 4031. The top of the piston rod of the Y-axis cylinder 4032 is fixedly connected to one outer wall of the T-arm 404. The Y-axis cylinder 4032 drives the T-arm 404 and the spreading rake 405 to move in the Y-axis direction to control the Y-axis position of the spreading rake 405. Through the dual-axis control design of the spreading rake 405, the equipment can adjust the spreading width and thickness according to the material characteristics and process requirements to achieve uniform spreading and precise control.

[0050] Example 3, based on Example 2, by Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 The air-heated drying assembly 11 includes several flat electric heating tubes 1101 installed at the bottom of the recessed inner liner 6 and a fan 1102 installed at the center of the bottom end of the recessed inner liner 6. The air-heated drying assembly 11 also includes thermocouples 1103 installed on the inner wall of the casing 1 above the ventilation tray 601. The output end of the thermocouple 1103 is electrically connected to the input end of the PLC control panel 10. The flat electric heating tubes 1101 are located below the ventilation tray 601. When tobacco material enters the recessed inner liner 6... Then, the PLC control panel 10 controls whether the air-heated drying component 11 works based on the feedback data from the infrared moisture meter 5. When the air-heated drying component 11 is working, the flat electric heating tube 1101 and the fan 1102 are started. The fan 1102 blows hot air onto the ventilation tray 601. At this time, the hot air is blown into the tobacco material through the holes. During this process, the thermocouple 1103 continuously monitors the temperature in the sinking inner liner 6 to ensure that the hot air temperature is always within the material's tolerance threshold, reducing the phenomenon of charring or aroma loss.

[0051] The material-distributing comb assembly 7 includes two axle carriers 701 fixed to one side of the top of the ventilation tray 601, a C-shaped upright frame 702 mounted on the outer wall of the axle carrier 701 near the ramp 101, and a drive shaft 703 rotatably mounted between the two C-shaped upright frames 702. A crank-connecting rod material-distributing structure 704 is mounted on the outer wall of one of the axle carriers 701. A cage-type material return structure 706 is installed between the two axle carriers 701 below the crank-connecting rod material-distributing structure 704. A sprocket drive assembly 705 is mounted on the outer wall of one of the axle carriers 701 to enable power connection between the drive shaft 703, the crank-connecting rod material-distributing structure 704, and the cage-type material return structure 706. Power is transmitted between one end of the drive shaft 703 and one end of the rear support shaft 302 via a belt drive structure 8. During the drying process of tobacco materials by the hot drying assembly 11, the drive shaft 703 always receives the rotational power from the rear support shaft 302 through the belt drive structure 8. Then, the drive shaft 703 drives the crank connecting rod feeding structure 704 and the cage-type return structure 706 to work through the sprocket drive group 705. The crank connecting rod feeding structure 704 inserts into the material layer at a specific frequency and stroke, and breaks up the sticky tobacco leaves through reciprocating motion, forcibly exposing the internal humid areas. At the same time, it separates the clumps of material while maintaining the integrity of the fibers, avoiding breakage and loss. The turning process simultaneously promotes the maximization of the contact area between hot air and material, accelerates moisture evaporation, and shortens the drying cycle. The cage-type return structure 706 sends the tobacco material that has been fed away back to the crank connecting rod feeding structure 704 to ensure uniform circulation of material and avoid one-sided accumulation of material.

[0052] The crank-connecting rod feed structure 704 includes a protective shell 7011 fixed to the front and rear outer walls of the axle carrier 701, a protruding edge 7012, a lower control arm 7043 hinged to one side outer wall of the protective shell 7011, and a short shaft 7041 rotatably mounted on one side outer wall of one of the axle carriers 701. One end of the short shaft 7041 is fixed to a crank body 7042, and one end of the surface of the crank body 7042 is hinged to a fisheye-shaped pull arm 7044. The bottom end of the fisheye-shaped pull arm 7044 is connected to the top end of the lower control arm 7043. The two lower swing arms 7043 are hinged together and a material rake 7045 is fixed between them. The rotational power of the drive shaft 703 is transmitted to the short shaft 7041 through the sprocket drive group 705. The short shaft 7041 drives the crank body 7042 to rotate. The rotational motion of the crank body 7042 is converted into the reciprocating up and down swinging motion of the lower swing arms 7043 and the material rake 7045 through the fish-eye type pull arm 7044. Then the material rake 7045 continuously disturbs the tobacco material to avoid the problem of local accumulation or uneven accumulation.

[0053] The cage-type return structure 706 includes a tail shaft 7061 rotatably mounted on the opposite outer walls of two axle carriers 701, a disc 7062 fixed at one end of the tail shaft 7061, and a number of bent ribs 7063 arranged in an annular array between the opposite outer walls of the two discs 7062. The sprocket drive assembly 705 includes a double sprocket drive structure 7051 installed between the drive shaft 703 and the short shaft 7041, and a three sprocket drive structure 7052 for connecting the short shaft 7041 and the tail shaft 7061. The drive shaft 703 drives the short shaft 7041 to rotate through the double sprocket drive structure 7051, while the short shaft 7041 drives the tail shaft 7061 and the disc 7062 to rotate through the three sprocket drive structure 7052. At this time, the number of bent ribs 7063 between the two discs 7062 revolves around the tail shaft 7061 in the Y-axis direction to send the separated tobacco material back to the feeding rake 7045.

[0054] In this embodiment, the operator first sets the process parameters via the PLC control panel 10, including the conveying speed of the double-sided leak-proof conveyor assembly 3, the spreading thickness of the dual-axis adjustable pre-laying material assembly 4, the target moisture threshold of the infrared moisture meter 5, and the working temperature and wind speed of the air-heated drying component 11. After confirming that the feedback signals of each assembly are normal, the assembly enters the working state. The operator puts the tobacco material to be tested onto the double-sided leak-proof conveyor assembly 3. The double-sided shielding parts of the double-sided leak-proof conveyor assembly 3 constrain the flow of the material and prevent it from scattering at the edges, so as to transport the tobacco material to be tested from storage or previous process to the detection area where the infrared moisture meter 5 is located. During the conveying process, the dual-axis adjustable pre-laying material... Assembly 4 adjusts according to preset parameters, spreading the tobacco material onto the double-sided leak-proof conveyor assembly 3 to form a uniform material layer. This ensures the material is spread evenly and smoothly, avoiding accumulation or gaps, thus providing a stable material state for subsequent moisture detection. After being spread, the tobacco material automatically enters the detection area of ​​the infrared moisture meter 5. The infrared moisture meter 5 measures the moisture content of the material by emitting infrared rays, and the data is transmitted to the PLC control panel 10 in real time. During this process, the operator should closely monitor the detection data to ensure normal equipment operation. If the detection results show that the moisture content is too high or too low, the detection parameters should be adjusted in time or the equipment fault should be investigated. After testing, the tobacco material is sent into the sinking inner tank 6. The ventilated tray 601 supports the tobacco material. The PLC control panel 10 determines whether drying is necessary based on moisture detection results. If the moisture content is too high, the PLC control panel 10 issues a command and activates the hot-air drying component 11. The ventilated tray 601, in conjunction with the hot-air drying component 11, provides a stable flow of hot air to help the tobacco material evaporate excess moisture quickly and evenly. At this time, a portion of the rotational power of the double-sided leak-proof conveyor assembly 3 is synchronously transmitted to the material-distributing comb assembly 7 via the belt drive structure 8. The sawtooth structure of the material-distributing comb assembly 7 periodically reciprocates, turning over the material layer to ensure uniform drying. Operators must observe the equipment's operating status to ensure proper material distribution. The comb tooth distribution assembly 7 operates normally without jamming or abnormal vibration, preventing material accumulation or clumping and ensuring that the tobacco is fully exposed to hot air, thus achieving uniform drying. Personnel should also regularly check the temperature and airflow parameters of the drying equipment to ensure the drying process proceeds stably within the set range. After drying, personnel use the PLC control panel 10 to stop the operation of the hot air drying component 11 and the double-sided belt leak-proof conveyor assembly 3. The dried tobacco material in the sunken inner liner 6 is then transferred to the next stage or storage area. The equipment is cleaned and maintained to ensure the normal operation of the double-sided belt leak-proof conveyor assembly 3, the ventilated tray 601, and the material-distributing comb tooth distribution assembly 7, preparing for the next batch of testing and drying.

[0055] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0056] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A moisture detection device for tobacco materials based on optical infrared technology, characterized in that, include: The machine casing has a recessed inner liner installed inside, and a ventilation tray is installed at one end of the recessed inner liner. A double-sided belt leak-proof conveyor assembly is installed on one side of the top of the machine casing. A dual-axis adjustable pre-laying material assembly is installed inside the end of the double-sided belt leak-proof conveyor assembly away from the machine casing. Two symmetrical infrared moisture meters are installed on one side of the top of the machine casing via a U-shaped frame. The tobacco material passes through the dual-axis adjustable pre-laying material assembly and the infrared moisture meters in sequence and enters the recessed inner liner. A hot-air drying assembly is installed at the bottom of a sunken inner liner. A material-distributing comb assembly is installed on one side of the top of the ventilation tray. A belt drive structure for maintaining power connection is installed between the material-distributing comb assembly and the double-sided belt leak-proof conveyor assembly. A PLC control panel is installed on one side of the machine casing. The output of the PLC control panel is electrically connected to the input of the double-sided belt leak-proof conveyor assembly, the dual-axis adjustable front-mounted material-laying assembly, and the hot-air drying assembly. The output of the infrared moisture meter is electrically connected to the input of the PLC control panel. The double-sided belt leak-proof conveyor assembly includes a U-shaped steel frame fixed to one side of the top of the chassis, a front support shaft and a rear support shaft rotatably mounted on the two sides of the top edge of the U-shaped steel frame via bearing seats, and belt rollers fixed at both ends of the surfaces of the front support shaft and the rear support shaft. A multi-groove belt is fitted between the two belt rollers in the same X-axis direction. The rear support shaft drives the material-feeding comb tooth distribution assembly to work through a belt drive structure. A ramp is installed at the top of the ventilation tray on the side near the rear support shaft. The material-distributing comb assembly includes two axle carriers fixed to one side of the top of the ventilation tray, a C-shaped upright frame installed on the outer wall of the axle carrier near the ramp, and a drive shaft rotatably installed between the two C-shaped upright frames. A crank-connecting rod material-distributing structure is installed on one side of the outer wall of one of the axle carriers. A cage-type material return structure is installed between the two axle carriers below the crank-connecting rod material-distributing structure. A sprocket drive group for power connection between the drive shaft, the crank-connecting rod material-distributing structure, and the cage-type material return structure is installed on the outer wall of one of the axle carriers. Power is transmitted between one end of the drive shaft and one end of the rear support shaft through a belt drive structure. The crank connecting rod feeding structure includes a protective shell fixed to the front and rear outer walls of the axle carrier, a protruding edge, a lower swing arm hinged to one side of the outer wall of the protective shell, and a short shaft rotatably mounted on one side of the outer wall of the axle carrier. One end of the short shaft is fixed to the crank body, and one end of the surface of the crank body is hinged to a fisheye-shaped pull arm. The bottom end of the fisheye-shaped pull arm is hinged to the top end of the lower swing arm. Feeding rakes are fixed between two adjacent lower swing arms. The cage-type material return structure includes a tail shaft rotatably mounted on the opposite outer walls of the two axle carriers, a disc fixed at one end of the tail shaft, and a number of bent ribs arranged in an annular array at equal intervals between the opposite outer walls of the two discs. The sprocket drive assembly includes a double sprocket drive structure installed between the drive shaft and the short shaft, and a three sprocket drive structure for connecting the short shaft and the tail shaft.

2. The tobacco material moisture detection device based on optical infrared technology according to claim 1, characterized in that: The dual-axis adjustable front-laying assembly is installed inside the U-shaped steel structure frame, and a geared motor for driving the rear support shaft to rotate is installed on one side of the outer wall of the chassis.

3. The tobacco material moisture detection device based on optical infrared technology according to claim 1, characterized in that: Right-angle frames are welded to the front and rear edges of the top of the spiral steel frame, and the front and rear edges of the top of the right-angle frames are integrally formed with upturned edges.

4. The tobacco material moisture detection device based on optical infrared technology according to claim 1, characterized in that: The dual-axis adjustable pre-laying assembly includes a H-shaped horizontal frame fixed inside the U-shaped steel structure frame, a double-rod cylinder installed on the inner wall of one side of the H-shaped horizontal frame, a top plate fixed to the top of the piston rod of the double-rod cylinder, and T-shaped arms symmetrically installed on both sides of the top of the top plate. The top of the T-shaped arms extends upward and passes between two multi-groove belts. Several equally spaced spreading rakes are installed on the outer wall of the two T-shaped arms on the side away from each other.

5. The tobacco material moisture detection device based on optical infrared technology according to claim 4, characterized in that: Right-angle seats are installed on both sides of the top of the top plate. A Y-axis cylinder is installed on one outer wall of the right-angle seat. The top of the piston rod of the Y-axis cylinder is fixedly connected to one outer wall of the T-shaped arm.

6. The tobacco material moisture detection device based on optical infrared technology according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air-heated drying assembly includes several flat electric heating tubes installed at the bottom of the sunken inner tank and a fan installed at the center of the bottom of the sunken inner tank. The air-heated drying assembly also includes thermocouples installed on the inner wall of the chassis above the ventilation tray. The output end of the thermocouple is electrically connected to the input end of the PLC control panel. The flat electric heating tubes are located below the ventilation tray.

7. A method for detecting moisture in tobacco materials based on optical infrared technology, comprising the tobacco material moisture detection device based on optical infrared technology as described in any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: S101: Set process parameters through the PLC control panel, including the conveying speed of the double-sided belt leak-proof conveyor assembly, the paving thickness of the dual-axis adjustable pre-laying assembly, the target moisture threshold of the infrared moisture meter, and the working temperature and wind speed of the air-heated drying component. After confirming that the feedback signals of each assembly component are normal, enter the working state. S102: The tobacco material to be tested is fed into the double-sided belt leak-proof conveyor assembly. The double-sided belt leak-proof conveyor assembly transports the tobacco material to be tested from storage or previous process to the testing area where the infrared moisture meter is located. During the conveying process, the dual-axis adjustable pre-laying assembly is adjusted according to preset parameters to spread the tobacco material on the double-sided belt leak-proof conveyor assembly to form a uniform material layer. The infrared moisture meter measures the moisture content in the material by emitting infrared rays, and the data is transmitted to the PLC control panel in real time. S103: After testing, the tobacco material is fed into the sunken inner liner and supported by the ventilated tray. The PLC control panel determines whether drying is required based on the moisture detection results. If the moisture content is too high, the PLC control panel issues a command and starts the hot air drying component. The ventilated tray, in conjunction with the hot air drying component, provides a stable hot airflow to help the tobacco material evaporate excess moisture quickly and evenly. In addition, part of the rotational power of the double-sided belt leak-proof conveyor assembly is synchronously transmitted to the material-distributing comb assembly through the belt drive structure. The sawtooth structure of the material-distributing comb assembly turns the material layer in a periodic reciprocating motion to ensure uniform drying. S104: After drying is completed, the operator stops the operation of the hot air drying unit and the double-sided belt leak-proof conveyor assembly through the PLC control panel, and transfers the dried tobacco material in the sunken inner liner to the next stage or storage area.

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