Controllable sealed flue gas trap for smoking machine, smoking machine and flue gas trapping method

Abstract

The invention discloses a controllable sealed flue gas trap for a smoking machine, the smoking machine and a flue gas trapping method. The controllable sealed flue gas trap comprises a trapping unit, a sliding sealing cover, a base and a moving unit, a Cambridge filter is arranged in the trapping unit, and the inlet end and the outlet end of the trapping unit are both connected with sliding sealing covers; the multiple trapping units are independently arranged on the moving unit, the base comprises an ejector rod, and when the moving unit moves the trapping units to the position close to the ejector rod, the sliding sealing cover moves under abutting of the ejector rod, so that the trapping units are in an open state, smoke generated by suction of the smoke suction machine enters the trapping units, and the trapping units are separated from the base. And the purposes of automatic replacement and integrated sealed storage functions are achieved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The patent belongs to the technical field of cigarettes and cigarette analysis and testing, and particularly relates to a controllable sealed smoke collector for a smoking machine, the smoking machine, and a smoke collecting method. BACKGROUND

[0002] In tobacco and smoke analysis, a standard smoking machine is used to simulate human smoking behavior and collect smoke samples for subsequent chemical analysis. Smoke is mainly composed of gas-phase substances and particulate matter. Currently, the mainstream collection method is to use a Cambridge filter to collect total particulate matter (TPM) in the smoke. Therefore, the smoke collector is one of the core components of the smoking machine, and its performance is directly related to the accuracy and reliability of the analysis results.

[0003] The existing smoke collector has the following significant defects:

[0004] 1. Complicated operation and low efficiency: Before collection, the Cambridge filter needs to be placed in the collector. After completing the suction of one sample (usually several cigarettes need to be smoked), the experimenter must manually pry open the collector, remove the Cambridge filter, wipe off the residual liquid, replace it with a new clean Cambridge filter, and then test the next sample. This process not only takes time, but also increases the risk of human error and cross contamination.

[0005] 2. Complex subsequent processing of Cambridge filters: The used Cambridge filter needs to be carefully transferred to a sealed bottle or bag for subsequent analysis steps such as weighing and solvent extraction. This transfer process is prone to sample loss or contamination.

[0006] 3. Resource waste: Multiple storage containers (bottles) are needed for each experiment due to the transfer of the Cambridge filter, increasing the cost of experimental consumables and the amount of waste disposal.

[0007] Therefore, there is an urgent need in the field for a new smoke collector that can automatically replace and integrate sealing storage functions, and avoid the above problems. SUMMARY

[0008] The purpose of the patent is to provide a controllable sealed smoke collector for a smoking machine, a smoking machine, and a smoke collecting method, which realizes the functions of automatic replacement and integrated sealing storage.

[0009] To solve the above technical problems, the patent adopts the following technical solutions:

[0010] A controllable sealed smoke collector for a smoking machine, comprising a collection unit, a sliding seal cover, a base, and a moving unit;

[0011] The collection unit is internally provided with a Cambridge filter, and the inlet end and the outlet end of the collection unit are both connected with a sliding seal cover;

[0012] The plurality of trapping units are independently arranged on the moving unit,

[0013] The base comprises a top rod, when the moving unit moves the trapping unit to a position close to the top rod, the sliding sealing cover moves to a position under the abutment of the top rod, so that the trapping unit is in an open state, and the smoke generated by the suction of the smoking machine enters the trapping unit.

[0014] Further, the moving unit comprises a rotating disc, and the trapping units are uniformly distributed on the circumferential surface of the rotating disc.

[0015] Further, the trapping units are installed on the rotating disc in a radial manner;

[0016] The trapping unit comprises an outer shell and a filter cavity;

[0017] The outer shell is connected to the inlet end and the outlet end,

[0018] The inlet end and the outlet end are oppositely arranged;

[0019] The sliding sealing cover is rotationally connected to the outer shell;

[0020] The filter cavity is used to fix the Cambridge filter, and the filter cavity is arranged on the smoke flow path inside the trapping unit.

[0021] Further, the sliding sealing cover is connected to a pre-tightening unit, and the pre-tightening unit can rotate the sliding sealing cover to a position closing the inlet end and the outlet end.

[0022] Further, the pre-tightening unit comprises a spring mechanism or a memory alloy mechanism.

[0023] Further, the smoke trap further comprises a driving motor and a smoke interface,

[0024] The driving motor is used to drive the moving unit to move, so that the trapping unit moves to a position corresponding to the smoke interface;

[0025] The smoke interface is fixedly installed on the base.

[0026] Further, the smoke interface comprises a smoke input pipe and a suction interface,

[0027] One end of the smoke interface is connected to the main smoke channel of the smoking machine;

[0028] The other end of the smoke interface is connected to the inlet end;

[0029] One end of the suction interface is connected to a suction pump,

[0030] The suction pump is used to provide the negative pressure required for the suction of the smoking machine;

[0031] The other end of the suction interface is connected to the outlet end.

[0032] Further, the base is connected with a control system, the control system is connected with the driving motor to move the trapping unit.

[0033] The patent further provides a smoking machine, which comprises any of the controllable sealed smoke trapping devices for the smoking machine.

[0034] The patent further provides a method for trapping smoke of a smoking machine, which comprises the following steps:

[0035] Step A: the control system of the smoking machine rotates the first trapping unit on the moving unit to the trapping station, and the ejector rod moves the sliding sealing cover so that the first trapping unit is in an open state;

[0036] Step B: the suction pump of the smoking machine is started to perform suction, the smoke generated by the suction is collected into the first trapping unit from the main smoke channel of the smoking machine through the smoke input pipe, and the total particulate matter in the smoke is trapped in the Cambridge filter of the first trapping unit;

[0037] Step C: after the Cambridge filter of the first trapping unit is collected, the control system moves the first trapping unit away from the trapping station, the second trapping unit is moved to the trapping station, and the pre-tightening unit on the first trapping unit rotates the sliding sealing cover so that the first trapping unit is in a closed state.

[0038] In the patent, the term "Cambridge filter" is a F319-04 type filter produced by Whatman Company, which is a glass microfiber filter specially designed for tobacco detection and analysis, and is the core medium of the global "Cambridge filter method". It is used to simulate the smoking process of the smoking machine, to trap dry particulate matter and nicotine in cigarette smoke, to determine the tar and nicotine (nicotine) content by HPLC method, and the interception rate of 0.30 μm DOP standard particulate matter is greater than 99.9% (test flow rate 140 mm / s).

[0039] In the patent, the control system can be a simple switch. Alternatively, the control system can be a circuit and can include one or more microprocessors or microcontrollers.

[0040] Compared with the prior art, the present application has the following advantages:

[0041] Full automation: automatic replacement and sealing of the trapping unit are realized, manpower is liberated, and continuous experiments can be realized;

[0042] High efficiency and high throughput: once installed, multiple samples can be continuously trapped, improving experimental efficiency and being suitable for testing of large quantities of samples;

[0043] No cross-contamination: In-situ automatic sealing technology completely avoids sample loss and contamination caused by human contact during the transfer process, ensuring the accuracy of analytical results;

[0044] Easy to operate: It eliminates the tedious steps of frequently changing filter plates and transferring bottles, reducing the labor intensity and skill requirements of operators;

[0045] Integration and standardization: The trap and storage container are combined into one, which is compact, easy to manage and transport, and also facilitates the standardized production of the trap unit. Attached Figure Description

[0046] The above content of this patent and the following detailed embodiments will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the drawings are merely examples of the claimed technical solution.

[0047] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the flue gas collector in this patent;

[0048] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the capture unit in the open state in this patent.

[0049] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the capture unit in the off state in this patent;

[0050] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the smoke collection method of the smoking machine in this patent.

[0051] The reference numerals in the attached figures are explained as follows:

[0052] Capture Unit: 1

[0053] Casing: 11

[0054] Filter chamber: 12

[0055] Import end: 13

[0056] Export end: 14

[0057] Sliding sealing cap: 2

[0058] Rotating disks: 3

[0059] Drive motors: 4

[0060] Base: 5

[0061] Top rod: 51

[0062] Flue gas inlet: 6 Detailed Implementation

[0063] The detailed features and advantages of this patent are described below in the specific embodiments. The content is sufficient to enable any person skilled in the art to understand the technical content of this patent and implement it accordingly. Based on the specification, claims and drawings disclosed in this specification, a person skilled in the art can easily understand the related objectives and advantages of this patent.

[0064] This specification also uses several compound terms to describe devices, components, equipment, etc. that include more than one function, or to assign additional functions to a corresponding device, component, equipment, etc. Those skilled in the art will understand that such compound terms can be implemented by a single or multiple devices, components, equipment, etc., as long as they are reasonable under the interpretation rules of this patent terminology.

[0065] It should be noted that in this specification, similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and interpreted in subsequent figures. In this specification and claims, several terms will be used, and unless otherwise indicated, these terms will be defined as having the following meanings:

[0066] The terms “comprising” or “having” have the same meaning as “containing”, and also include other forms of the term, such as the gerund and singular forms in English, meaning including but not limited to, and not intended to exclude, for example, other elements, components, integers or steps.

[0067] All other terms used herein for special definition are intended to have the general meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in particular, meaning that one of ordinary skill in the art, upon reading the claims, specification and drawings of this patent, can directly and without doubt determine how the technical solution of this patent can be implemented.

[0068] Even if there are incomplete descriptions, omissions, or ambiguities in the grammar, words, punctuation, graphics, symbols, etc. of the claims, specification, and drawings of this patent, a person skilled in the art can still arrive at the only correct understanding by reading the claims, specification, and drawings as a whole without extensive reasoning or experimentation, and effectively exclude various incorrect interpretations that are not aimed at achieving the purpose of this patent.

[0069] Those skilled in the art would first choose to read the claims, specification, and drawings of this patent to reasonably interpret the terms; secondly, they would choose to refer to the relevant definitions in other documents published by the applicant before the filing date to reasonably interpret the terms; thirdly, they would choose the references cited in this patent to reasonably interpret the terms; and finally, they would choose to combine the technical dictionaries, technical manuals, reference books, textbooks, national or industry technical standards, etc., commonly used by those skilled in the art to reasonably interpret the terms.

[0070] All references cited in this application are incorporated herein by way of quotation, to the extent that they do not contradict the disclosure herein. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that products (apparatus, components, devices, compounds, compositions, materials, etc.) and methods (processes, steps, conditions, parameters, equipment, and test methods, equipment, etc.) not specifically described herein can be applied to the implementation of the inventions fully disclosed herein without the need for excessive experimentation. This patent is intended to cover all functional equivalents known in the art of the methods, apparatus, apparatus components, materials, processes, and techniques specifically described herein. All cited references include:

[0071] The following publications are included: Marks' Standard Handbook for Mechanical Engineers (11th edition and other editions prior to this patent application date), published by McGraw-Hill, Inc.; DeGarmo's Materials and Processes in Manufacturing (13th edition and other editions prior to this patent application date), published by Wiley; Machinery's Handbook (32nd edition and other editions prior to this patent application date), published by IndustrialPress Inc.; Mechanical Design Handbook (6th edition and other editions prior to this patent application date), edited by Cheng Daxian, published by Chemical Industry Press; and Modern Mechanical Design Handbook (6th edition and other editions prior to this patent application date), edited by Wen Bangchun, published by Machinery Industry Press.

[0072] This patent will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference numerals denote similar elements. While specific structures and arrangements are discussed, it should be understood that this is done merely for illustrative purposes. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other structures and arrangements can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of this patent. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that this patent can also be used in a variety of other applications.

[0073] This patent provides a controllable, sealed smoke collector for a smoking machine, the main body of which is a rotatable rotating disk mechanism or a vertical stacked automatic collection mechanism. As an example, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the following explanation uses a rotating disk mechanism, on which multiple independent disposable collection units are evenly distributed around the circumference of the rotating disk mechanism.

[0074] The controllable sealed flue gas collector specifically includes multiple collection units 1, a sliding sealing cover 2, a rotating disk 3, a drive motor 4, a base 5, and a fixed flue gas interface 6.

[0075] Trapping unit

[0076] The capture unit 1 is mounted radially on the rotating disk (similar to the cabin layout of a Ferris wheel), and each unit is an independent and complete capture-storage integrated device.

[0077] Multiple independent trapping units 1 have an outer shell 11, which is typically a cylindrical or box-shaped structure made of plastic.

[0078] The filter chamber 12 is used to place Cambridge filters or other adsorption media.

[0079] The inlet end 13 is located at one end of the outer casing 11, and the inlet end 13 is designed to be connected to the fixed flue gas inlet pipe on the base 5.

[0080] The outlet end 14 is correspondingly provided at the other end of the outer shell 11, and the outlet end 14 can be connected to the negative pressure air extraction interface on the base 5.

[0081] Sliding seal cover

[0082] Each collection unit 1 is equipped with a sliding sealing cover 2 at both the inlet end 13 and the outlet end 14, which can slide in both "open" and "closed" positions.

[0083] The sliding sealing cover 2 can be either a flip cover or a rotating cover, preferably a rotating cover, which is rotatably connected to the inlet end 13 and the outlet end 14 via a rotating shaft structure.

[0084] like Figure 2 As shown, when in the "open" position, the collection unit 1 is in the open state, and the sliding sealing cover 2 is rotated to a position away from the inlet end 13 and the outlet end 14.

[0085] like Figure 3 As shown, when in the "closed" position, the collection unit 1 is in the closed state, and the sliding sealing cover 2 is rotated to the position of closing the inlet end 13 and the outlet end 14.

[0086] The sliding sealing cover 2 is connected to the pre-tightening unit, which includes a simple spring mechanism or a shape memory alloy mechanism. The pre-tightening unit pre-tightens the sliding sealing cover 2, and the capture unit 1 is in the closed state by default.

[0087] As an example, the pre-tightening unit is configured as a spring mechanism. When the collection unit 1 is in the open state, the sliding sealing cover 2 rotates away from the inlet end 13 and the outlet end 14 under the action of the push rod 51, at which time the spring mechanism is stretched. When the rotating disk 3 moves so that the push rod 51 no longer abuts against the sliding sealing cover 2, the spring mechanism generates a restoring force, and the sliding sealing cover 2 returns to the position of closing the inlet end 13 and the outlet end 14 under the action of the restoring force, and the collection unit 1 is in the closed state.

[0088] Rotary disc

[0089] The rotating disk 3 is driven by the drive motor 4 and can perform precise indexing rotation, that is, each rotation is a fixed angle, such as 90° or 120°. The specific rotation angle depends on the number of collection units 1.

[0090] Drive motor

[0091] The drive motor 4 is usually a stepper motor or a servo motor, used to precisely control the angle of the rotary disk 3.

[0092] Base

[0093] The base 5 provides fixed support for the collection unit 1, the sliding sealing cover 2, the rotating disk 3, the drive motor 4, and the flue gas interface 6.

[0094] The base 5 integrates the drive motor 4, the control system, and the flue gas interface 6.

[0095] On the base, a flue gas inlet pipe and an exhaust port are fixed at the position corresponding to each collection station. The ends of the flue gas inlet pipe and the exhaust port are designed as top rod structures.

[0096] When the rotating disk 3 rotates and rotates an unloaded collection unit 1 to the collection station, the top rod on the base will push open the sliding sealing cover 2 on the inlet end 13 and outlet end 14 of the collection unit 1, so that the passage of the flue gas interface 6 is unobstructed, the collection unit 1 is in the open state, and normal collection begins.

[0097] Once the capture unit 1 has completed its capture, the rotating disk receives an instruction and begins to rotate.

[0098] At the moment of turning away from the collection station, the top rod 51 separates from the collection unit 1, and the sliding sealing cover 2 of the collection unit 1 automatically springs back under the action of the spring mechanism or the shape memory alloy mechanism, instantly sealing the inlet end 13 and the outlet end 14 tightly, and completely sealing the sample inside the collection unit 1.

[0099] Flue gas interface

[0100] The flue gas interface 6 is fixedly installed on the base, and the flue gas interface 6 includes:

[0101] The flue gas inlet pipe connects to the main flue gas passage of the smoke extraction machine;

[0102] The air extraction interface is connected to an air pump to provide the negative pressure required for extraction. The smoke generated by the cigarette sample is collected from the main smoke channel of the smoking machine through the smoke inlet pipe into the collection unit 1.

[0103] Workflow:

[0104] 1. Before the smoking analysis experiment, multiple (e.g., 4 or 6) collection units 1 containing clean Cambridge filters are loaded onto the rotating disk 3 at one time.

[0105] 2. For example Figure 4 As shown, the program is started, and the control system controls the drive motor 4 to rotate the first collection unit 1 to the collection position. At this time, the top rod 51 pushes open the sliding sealing cover 2, and the control system further controls the air pump to start the suction of cigarette A, and begins to collect the generated smoke, i.e. smoke sample A. Smoke sample A is collected from the main smoke channel of the smoking machine through the smoke input pipe into the collection unit 1, and enters the interior of the outer shell 11 from the inlet end 13. After passing through the filter chamber 12, it flows out from the outlet end 14. The total particulate matter (TPM) in the smoke resides on the Cambridge filter.

[0106] 3. After the smoke sample A is collected, the control system controls the rotating disk 3 to rotate automatically, taking the first collection unit 1 away from the collection station and automatically sealing the sliding sealing cover 2; at the same time, the second new collection unit 1 rotates to the collection station, opens the sliding sealing cover 2, restarts the program, and begins collecting the smoke sample B of cigarette B. Cigarette A and cigarette B can be the same cigarette; smoke sample A is the smoke inhaled during the first puff of the cigarette, and smoke sample B is the smoke inhaled during the second puff of the cigarette.

[0107] 4. Repeat this process until all collection units 1 are used up. Researchers can remove all sealed sample collection units 1 at once and send them directly to the laboratory for weighing and analysis without any intermediate transfer steps. This ensures that the total particulate matter collected by the Cambridge filters in each collection unit is not lost or contaminated.

[0108] This patent has the following advantages over existing technologies:

[0109] 1. Enables the installation of multiple collection units at once, and allows for automatic and seamless switching during experiments, reducing manual intervention; a complete automated working method realizes the entire process of "loading -> positioning -> opening -> collection -> separation -> sealing -> switching";

[0110] 2. The collection and sealing storage functions are integrated into one unit. After collection, the sample is immediately sealed in situ to avoid loss and contamination caused by sample transfer. The structure of the "collection-storage integrated unit" integrates the traditionally separate Cambridge filter clip and storage bottle into an independent unit with self-sealing function.

[0111] 3. Significantly improves the efficiency and automation of smoking experiments, supporting high-throughput and continuous sample analysis; the "top rod-sliding cover" automatic opening and closing sealing mechanism, which utilizes the interaction between the fixed top rod on the workstation and the movable sealing cover on the unit, achieves automated sealing, with a clever structure and high reliability.

[0112] 4. Reduce the types and quantities of experimental consumables and decrease operational complexity.

[0113] The terms and expressions used in this specification are for illustrative purposes and not for limitation. Their use is not intended to exclude any equivalents of the features or portions thereof shown, but rather to facilitate the understanding that various modifications may be possible within the scope of this patent claim. Therefore, it should be understood that while this patent has been specifically disclosed through preferred embodiments, exemplary embodiments, and optional features, variations or modifications of the concepts disclosed herein may be adopted by those skilled in the art, and such variations and modifications are therefore considered to be within the scope of this patent as defined by the appended claims. The specific embodiments given in this specification are examples of useful embodiments of this patent, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this patent can be implemented using many variations of the devices, device components, and method steps disclosed herein.

[0114] The foregoing description of specific embodiments fully discloses the general features of this patent, enabling others to easily modify and / or adapt such embodiments for various applications by applying knowledge within the scope of the art, without excessive experimentation or deviation from the general concept of this patent. Therefore, based on the teachings and guidance provided herein, it is intended that such modifications and alterations be included within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It should be understood that the wording or terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes and not intended to be limiting; thus, the wording or terminology in this specification will be interpreted by those skilled in the art based on the foregoing teachings and guidance.

[0115] Furthermore, the scope of this patent should not be limited to any of the exemplary embodiments described above, but only to the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A controllable, sealed smoke collector for a smoking machine, characterized in that, Includes a collection unit, a sliding sealing cover, a base, and a moving unit; The collection unit is equipped with a Cambridge filter, and the inlet and outlet ends of the collection unit are both connected to the sliding sealing cover. Multiple capture units are provided, and each unit is independently configured on the moving unit. The base includes a top rod. When the moving unit moves the collecting unit to a position close to the top rod, the sliding sealing cover moves to a position under the contact of the top rod, thereby opening the collecting unit and allowing the smoke generated by the smoking machine to enter the collecting unit.

2. The controllable sealed smoke collector for a smoking machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The moving unit includes a rotating disk. The collection units are evenly distributed on the circumferential surface of the rotating disk.

3. The controllable sealed smoke collector for a smoking machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The collection units are mounted radially on the rotating disk; The collection unit includes an outer shell and a filter chamber; The outer casing connects the inlet end and the outlet end. The inlet and the outlet are positioned opposite to each other. The sliding sealing cover is rotatably connected to the outer casing; The filter chamber is used to fix the Cambridge filter, and the filter chamber is located on the flue gas flow path inside the collection unit.

4. The controllable sealed smoke collector for a smoking machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sliding sealing cover is connected to a pre-tightening unit. The pre-tightening unit allows the sliding sealing cap to rotate to a position that closes the inlet and outlet ends.

5. The controllable sealed smoke collector for a smoking machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, The preload unit includes a spring mechanism or a shape memory alloy mechanism.

6. The controllable sealed smoke collector for a smoking machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flue gas collector also includes a drive motor and a flue gas interface. The drive motor is used to drive the moving unit to move, so that the collection unit moves to a position corresponding to the flue gas interface; The flue gas inlet is fixedly installed on the base.

7. The controllable sealed smoke collector for a smoking machine according to claim 6, characterized in that, The flue gas interface includes a flue gas inlet pipe and an exhaust port. One end of the smoke inlet is connected to the main smoke channel of the smoking machine; The other end of the flue gas interface is connected to the inlet end; One end of the air extraction port is connected to an air pump. The air pump is used to provide the negative pressure required for the suction of the smoking machine; The other end of the air extraction port is connected to the outlet end.

8. The controllable sealed smoke collector for a smoking machine according to claim 6, characterized in that, The base is connected to a control system. The control system is connected to the drive motor to move the capture unit.

9. A smoking machine, characterized in that, Includes the controllable sealed smoke trap for a smoking machine as described in any of claims 1-8.

10. A method for collecting smoke from a smoking machine according to claim 9, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step A: The smoking machine start control system rotates the first collection unit on the moving unit to the collection position, and the top rod moves the sliding sealing cover so that the first collection unit is in the open state; Step B: Turn on the air pump of the smoking machine to suck up the smoke. The smoke generated by the suction is collected from the main smoke channel of the smoking machine through the smoke inlet pipe into the first collection unit. The total particulate matter in the smoke is captured in the Cambridge filter of the first collection unit. Step C: After the Cambridge filter of the first collection unit is collected, the control system moves the first collection unit away from the collection station, and the second collection unit moves to the collection station. The pre-tightening unit on the first collection unit causes the sliding sealing cover to rotate so that the first collection unit is in the closed state.

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