A nozzle atomization state testing device and a feeding cylinder

Abstract

This invention discloses a nozzle atomization state verification device and a feeding cylinder. The nozzle atomization state verification device includes: an inner shell, an outer shell, an image acquisition device, and a light source assembly. The inner shell and the outer shell are respectively installed opposite each other inside and outside the feeding cylinder. The image acquisition device is installed at the end of the inner shell away from the outer shell and is used to acquire images inside the feeding cylinder. The light source assembly includes a light source and a bundle of multiple optical fibers. The light source is installed inside the outer shell, and the optical fibers are used to conduct the light source to the feeding cylinder. This device, through a miniaturized imaging structure and an external fiber optic light source, achieves explosion-proof imaging in a limited space, effectively improving the dustproof and fogproof imaging effect and ensuring continuous imaging detection during the production process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of tobacco processing testing equipment, and in particular to a nozzle atomization status testing device and a feeding cylinder. Background Technology

[0002] In tobacco processing, multiple steps require the use of multi-media mixing nozzles to add sugars, flavorings, and other additives to the tobacco. Existing flavoring or feeding cylinders include nozzle structures; during production, the flavorings or sugars are atomized, creating a large amount of mist inside the cylinder. This makes it impossible to determine or quantify the nozzle's working state and atomization effect. Generally, the nozzle's atomization effect is visually assessed in an empty state or one minute before start-up, a method with poor accuracy and reliability. Furthermore, the working environment inside the flavoring and feeding cylinder is harsh, with high levels of dust and mist, severely impacting the implementation and continuous monitoring performance of detection methods.

[0003] Existing methods for detecting nozzle atomization status have the following drawbacks: 1. Install a camera outside the feeding cylinder to complete the detection and measurement function: This method is limited by the cleanliness of the viewing window, and the imaging quality is unstable.

[0004] 2. Install and deploy cameras on the inner wall of the cylinder to achieve relevant detection: In this method, the cameras are usually large, and the stability of imaging detection and long-term dustproof capability have not been well resolved. Material spots and smoke are easily caused by material accumulation on the surface of the device.

[0005] 3. Install a detection system with a telescopic mechanism to complete timed in-depth imaging: This method requires extending the detection system into the cylinder through the telescopic mechanism during detection, and then withdrawing the detection system out of the cylinder through the telescopic mechanism after detection before cleaning, which is complicated.

[0006] 4. Regarding the imaging of light sources, commonly used LED light sources generate heat during use, and when installed inside the fragrance and additive cylinder, there are explosion-proof issues due to the limited space, posing certain potential hazards. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Objective: In order to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology, the present invention provides a nozzle atomization state detection device and a feeding cylinder. The device acquires clear images, transmits data stably, and produces less dust during use.

[0008] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0009] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a nozzle atomization state detection device, comprising: an inner housing, an outer housing, an image acquisition device, and a light source assembly; The inner shell and the outer shell are respectively installed opposite to each other inside and outside the feeding cylinder; The image acquisition device is installed at the end of the inner shell away from the outer shell, and is used to acquire images inside the feeding cylinder; The light source assembly includes a light source and a bundle of multiple optical fibers. The light source is installed inside the housing, and the optical fibers are used to conduct the light source to the feeding cylinder.

[0010] The device provided by this invention places the light source inside the outer casing, outside the feeding cylinder, to avoid safety hazards caused by heat generation during the light emission process, in environments with limited production conditions. Simultaneously, this device provides supplementary lighting through fiber optic transmission, ensuring adequate illumination for imaging.

[0011] In some embodiments, the image acquisition device is a camera with a size ≤ 8 mm * 8 mm * 5 mm; the resolution of the camera is ≥ 12 million pixels.

[0012] In some embodiments, the image acquisition device employs a MIPI image acquisition interface.

[0013] From a camera perspective, this invention employs a high-quality image acquisition scheme, specifically based on a high-speed MIPI image acquisition interface, using a camera with dimensions ≤8 mm*8 mm*5 mm. The camera boasts high resolution, resulting in clear images and reliable data transmission. The MIPI interface offers fast transmission speed, low power consumption, and low latency, significantly enhancing real-time detection and capture capabilities.

[0014] In some embodiments, an air inlet is provided at one end of the outer shell away from the inner shell for continuously supplying air into the nozzle atomization state verification device and creating a positive pressure environment outside the camera.

[0015] In some embodiments, the inner shell is a cylinder with a diameter of 40-60 mm.

[0016] In some embodiments, one end of the multiple optical fibers forms a light beam that is connected to a light source via a reflector, and the other end splits the light beam into an array at the inner shell between the camera and the wall of the feeding cylinder along the direction of the camera lens; the inner shell in the direction of the camera lens is made of glass.

[0017] In some embodiments, the end of the beam output is provided with a fastener, the fastener being made of stainless steel.

[0018] In some embodiments, the number of output beams is ≥16.

[0019] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a feeding cylinder comprising at least two nozzle atomization state verification devices as described in the first aspect; wherein at least one image acquisition device acquires a color image and at least one image acquisition device acquires an infrared image.

[0020] In some embodiments, the nozzle atomization state verification device is installed obliquely above the nozzle on the feeding cylinder, and the distance between the nozzle atomization state verification device and the nozzle is 380-450 mm.

[0021] Beneficial effects:

[0022] 1. It adopts fiber optic transmission light source and has explosion-proof characteristics in confined spaces.

[0023] 2. The camera is installed inside the feeding cylinder to provide real-time detection capabilities.

[0024] 3. The overall structure is internally connected with compressed air to achieve positive pressure dust removal function.

[0025] 4. It adopts a miniature camera based on the MIPI interface, which has fast transmission speed, low power consumption and low latency, to achieve nozzle atomization imaging.

[0026] 5. The small size of the inner shell reduces the chance of tobacco adhering to it; the nozzle atomization status verification device is installed on the feed cylinder at an angle above the nozzle, away from the spray center, which provides the best dust prevention effect. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the nozzle atomization state verification device in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the nozzle atomization state verification device in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the optical fiber bundle in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] In the diagram: 1. Inner shell, 2. Outer shell, 3. Camera, 4. Light source assembly, 5. Feeding cylinder wall, 6. Optical fiber, 61. Inlet beam, 62. Outlet beam, 63. Fastener, 64. Heat shrink tubing, 7. Reflector, 8. Air inlet. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the present invention or its application or use.

[0033] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may include different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it need not be further discussed in subsequent figures.

[0034] Example 1:

[0035] This embodiment provides a nozzle atomization state testing device, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it includes: an inner housing 1, an outer housing 2, a camera 3, and a light source assembly 4.

[0036] The inner housing 1 and the outer housing 2 are respectively installed inside and outside the feeding cylinder; the inner housing 1 is a cylinder with a diameter of 50 mm. An air inlet 8 is provided at the end of the outer housing 2 furthest from the inner housing 1, for continuous airflow into the nozzle atomization status verification device and to create a positive pressure environment outside the camera 3. The camera 3 is installed at the end of the inner housing 1 furthest from the outer housing 2; the camera 3 has dimensions of 8 mm * 8 mm * 5 mm, a resolution of 12 megapixels, and uses a MIPI image acquisition interface.

[0037] The light source assembly 4 includes a light source 5 and a bundle of multiple optical fibers 6, wherein the light source 5 is installed inside the housing.

[0038] Multiple optical fibers 6 are bundled into an incoming beam 61 via heat-shrink tubing 64 and connected to a light source via a reflector 7. The other ends of the fibers branch out into beams 62 along the lens direction of the camera 3, arrayed within the inner housing 1 between the camera 3 and the wall of the feeding cylinder 5. The inner housing 1 along the lens direction of the camera 3 is made of glass. There are 16 outgoing beams 62, arranged in a 2×8 pattern. Fasteners 63, made of stainless steel, are provided at the ends of the outgoing beams 62.

[0039] Example 2:

[0040] This embodiment provides a feeding cylinder, including two sets of nozzle atomization state detection devices as described in Embodiment 1; wherein, one set of image acquisition devices acquires color images, and the other set of image acquisition devices acquires infrared images.

[0041] Both nozzle atomization status verification devices are installed diagonally above the nozzles on the feeding cylinder, with a distance of 400 mm between the nozzle atomization status verification devices and the nozzles.

[0042] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "up," "down," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement between components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly. These terms are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting the invention.

[0043] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0044] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0045] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A nozzle atomization state testing device, characterized in that, include: Inner casing, outer casing, image acquisition equipment, and light source assembly; The inner shell and the outer shell are respectively installed opposite to each other inside and outside the feeding cylinder; The image acquisition device is installed at the end of the inner shell away from the outer shell, and is used to acquire images inside the feeding cylinder; The light source assembly includes a light source and a bundle of multiple optical fibers. The light source is installed inside the housing, and the optical fibers are used to conduct the light source to the feeding cylinder.

2. The nozzle atomization state testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The image acquisition device is a camera with a size ≤ 8 mm * 8 mm * 5 mm; the resolution of the camera is ≥ 12 million pixels.

3. The nozzle atomization state verification device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The image acquisition device uses a MIPI image acquisition interface.

4. The nozzle atomization state testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, An air inlet is provided at one end of the outer shell away from the inner shell, which is used to continuously vent air into the nozzle atomization state detection device and create a positive pressure environment outside the camera.

5. The nozzle atomization state verification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner shell is a cylinder with a diameter of 40-60 mm.

6. The nozzle atomization state verification device according to claim 2 or 4, characterized in that, One end of each of the multiple optical fibers forms a light beam that is connected to a light source via a reflector, while the other end branches out into a light beam array along the direction of the camera lens at the inner shell between the camera and the wall of the feeding cylinder; the inner shell in the direction of the camera lens is made of glass.

7. The nozzle atomization state testing device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The end of the beam output is provided with a fastener, and the fastener is made of stainless steel.

8. The nozzle atomization state verification device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The number of output beams is ≥16.

9. A feeding cylinder, characterized in that, It includes at least two nozzle atomization status verification devices as described in any one of claims 1-8; wherein at least one image acquisition device acquires a color image, and at least one image acquisition device acquires an infrared image.

10. The feeding cylinder according to claim 9, characterized in that, The nozzle atomization state verification device is installed diagonally above the nozzle on the feeding cylinder, and the distance between the nozzle atomization state verification device and the nozzle is 380-450 mm.

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