An automatic continuous measuring device and method for detecting the draw resistance of cigars.

Abstract

This invention discloses an automatic continuous measuring device and method for cigar smoke resistance detection, comprising: upper and lower cigar smoke tubes, a through-beam laser sensor, a servo motor, a linear module, and a smoke tube motion connector; wherein the upper and lower cigar smoke tubes include an upper cigar smoke tube and a lower cigar smoke tube, the through-beam laser sensor is disposed at the inlet of the lower cigar smoke tube, the linear module is connected to the servo motor, and the smoke tube motion connector is connected to both the upper and lower cigar smoke tubes and the linear module, thereby driving the upper and lower cigar smoke tubes to move vertically. This invention effectively improves the automation and continuity of cigar smoke resistance detection, reduces manual intervention, and avoids operational errors and time waste caused by manually adjusting the clamping position and starting / stopping the detection process in traditional detection methods.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of suction resistance detection technology, and in particular to an automatic continuous measuring device and method for detecting the suction resistance of cigars. Background Technology

[0002] As a special tobacco product, the draw resistance of cigars is a key indicator for evaluating their smoking quality and manufacturing process. Excessive or insufficient draw resistance directly impacts the consumer's smoking experience. Therefore, accurate and efficient testing of draw resistance is crucial in the cigar production process.

[0003] Smoke resistance testing typically involves simulating the human smoking action and assessing the air permeability of a cigarette by measuring the pressure difference generated under specific smoking conditions. Traditional testing methods often rely on manual operation, which is inefficient and easily affected by human factors.

[0004] Currently, most existing cigar draw resistance testing devices employ single-point or semi-automatic testing methods. These devices typically include a fixed draw inlet and a clamping device. Operators must manually place the cigar onto the clamping device before starting the testing. While some devices incorporate automated robotic arms or conveyor belts, shortcomings remain in the clamping and positioning processes, often requiring manual alignment or adjustment.

[0005] In summary, the shortcomings of existing technologies are as follows: Firstly, they are inefficient. Most existing equipment is for single-use testing, and operators need to frequently perform actions such as clamping, starting, and sampling, which cannot achieve continuous and batch automated testing, making it difficult to meet the needs of large-scale production in terms of testing efficiency. Secondly, the positioning accuracy is poor. Due to the varying lengths of cigars and the tendency for manual clamping to cause deviations, the contact between the suction nozzle and the end face of the cigar is not tight, affecting the accuracy of the test data. Thirdly, the lack of an effective sensor feedback mechanism makes it impossible to automatically identify whether the cigarette is placed in the correct position, leading to frequent misoperations or missed detections. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides an automatic continuous measuring device and method for cigar smoke draw resistance detection. This invention effectively improves the automation and continuity of cigar smoke draw resistance detection, reduces manual intervention, and avoids operational errors and time waste caused by manually adjusting the clamping position and starting and stopping the detection process in traditional detection methods.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: In a first aspect, the present invention provides an automatic continuous measuring device for detecting the draw resistance of cigars, comprising: upper and lower cylinders for cigar smoking, a through-beam laser sensor, a servo motor, a linear module, and a moving connector for the cylinder; The cigar suction tube includes an upper cigar suction tube and a lower cigar suction tube. The through-beam laser sensor is installed at the inlet of the lower cigar suction tube to detect whether a cigar has been inserted. The linear module is connected to a servo motor. The suction tube motion connector is connected to the upper and lower cigar suction tubes and the linear module to drive the upper and lower cigar suction tubes to move vertically, which is used to accommodate cigars of different lengths.

[0008] As a further technical solution, the upper and lower cigar suction tubes are used to accommodate and hold cigars, and include an upper cigar suction tube and a lower cigar suction tube arranged opposite each other in a vertical direction, wherein the upper cigar suction tube is provided with an upper latex tube and a lower latex tube.

[0009] As a further technical solution, positive pressure gas is introduced to expand the upper and / or lower latex tubes to clamp the cigar, and negative pressure gas is applied to contract the upper and / or lower latex tubes to release the cigar.

[0010] As a further technical solution, the transmitting end and receiving end of the through-beam laser sensor are respectively set at the inlet of the lower tube of the cigar smoker, and the through-beam laser sensor adopts one or two pairs of sensors. If one pair of sensors is used, a complete optical path is formed; if two pairs of sensors are used, they are arranged in a cross-shaped through-beam manner.

[0011] As a further technical solution, after the cigar is placed in, the light path is blocked, and the through-beam laser sensor sends a blocking signal, triggering the expansion of the upper and lower latex tubes to clamp the cigar; after the suction resistance detection is completed, negative pressure adsorption is triggered, and the upper and lower latex tubes release the cigar.

[0012] As a further technical solution, the suction cylinder moving connector includes an upper suction cylinder moving connector and a lower suction cylinder moving connector. The upper suction cylinder moving connector connects the upper cigar suction cylinder to the linear module, and the lower suction cylinder moving connector connects the lower cigar suction cylinder to the linear module, so as to drive the upper cigar suction cylinder and the lower cigar suction cylinder to move in the vertical direction.

[0013] As a further technical solution, it also includes an industrial control computer and a printer; the industrial control computer is connected to the through-beam laser sensor and the servo motor signal, and is used to receive the through-beam laser sensor signal, control the movement of the servo motor and display the suction resistance detection result; the printer is used to print the suction resistance detection result.

[0014] In a second aspect, the present invention provides an automatic continuous measurement method for detecting the draw resistance of a cigar, based on an automatic continuous measurement device for detecting the draw resistance of a cigar as described in any one of the first aspects, comprising: Obtain the brand information of the cigar to be tested, and adjust the cigar top tube to the appropriate position; The cigar to be tested is placed into the inlet of the upper tube of the cigar, so that its bottom blocks the optical path of the through-beam laser sensor at the inlet of the lower tube of the cigar. The through-beam laser sensor emits a blocking signal, triggering the upper and lower latex tubes to expand and clamp the cigar. Start the pre-stored suction resistance detection program; After completing the suction resistance test, the upper and lower latex tubes are loosened from the cigar, the cigar is removed, and the optical path of the laser sensor is restored.

[0015] As a further technical solution, positive pressure gas is introduced to expand the upper and lower latex tubes and clamp the cigar; negative pressure adsorption is used to shrink the upper and lower latex tubes to release the cigar.

[0016] As a further technical solution, based on the cigar brand information and its corresponding pre-stored parameters, a servo motor is controlled to drive a linear module, which moves the cigar upper tube to a preset height to adapt to the cigar to be tested.

[0017] One or more technical solutions of the present invention have the following beneficial effects: This invention designs a through-beam laser sensor and places it at the inlet of the cigar draw tube to detect whether a cigar has been placed inside, forming the core of the automated detection process for triggering and judging. When a cigar is placed inside and blocks the light path, the sensor automatically sends a signal, and the system can then automatically initiate a series of processes such as clamping, drawing detection, and release. This achieves fully automated continuous detection from cigar placement to removal, eliminating the need for frequent manual intervention to start and stop, greatly improving detection efficiency, and avoiding false or missed detections due to human error.

[0018] The device provided by this invention includes upper and lower cigar suction cylinders, a linear module, a suction cylinder motion connector, and a servo motor, enabling the upper and lower cigar suction cylinders to move vertically. This allows for automatic and precise adjustment of the relative position and clamping distance of the suction cylinders according to the actual length of the cigar being tested. This achieves precise positioning and self-adaptation for cigars of different lengths, avoiding loose contact or improper clamping caused by manual adjustment or fixed spacing, significantly improving the accuracy, applicability, and protection of the cigar. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the invention.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an automatic continuous measuring device for detecting the draw resistance of cigars according to the present invention; Figure 2 This is a slanted view of the suction device of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the suction device of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the suction device of the present invention; The components include: 1. Suction device; 2. Industrial computer; 3. Printer; 4. Side door; 1-1. Cigar upper suction tube; 1-2. Cigar lower suction tube; 1-3. Servo motor; 1-4. Linear module; 1-5. Upper suction tube motion connector; 1-6. Lower suction tube motion connector; 1-7. Cigar; 1-8. Through-beam laser sensor; 1-1-1. Upper latex tube; 1-1-2. Lower latex tube. Detailed Implementation

[0021] It should be noted that the following detailed description is illustrative and intended to provide further explanation of the invention. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used in this invention have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0022] Example 1 like Figure 1 As shown, the present invention provides an automatic continuous measuring device for detecting the draw resistance of cigars. The device includes a suction device 1, an industrial control computer 2, a printer 3, and a side door 4.

[0023] In this embodiment, as Figure 2 As shown, the suction device 1 includes upper and lower cigar suction cylinders, a through-beam laser sensor 1-8, a servo motor 1-3, a linear module 1-4, and a suction cylinder motion connector; wherein the upper and lower cigar suction cylinders include an upper cigar suction cylinder 1-1 and a lower cigar suction cylinder 1-2, and the suction cylinder motion connectors include an upper suction cylinder motion connector 1-5 and a lower suction cylinder motion connector 1-6.

[0024] like Figure 2 As shown, the upper and lower cigar suction tubes are used to accommodate and hold cigars 1-7. They include an upper cigar suction tube 1-1 and a lower cigar suction tube 1-2 arranged vertically opposite each other. The linear module is connected to a servo motor to provide precise power output.

[0025] To achieve synchronized movement of the upper and lower cylinders of the cigar, this embodiment includes a cylinder movement connector (upper cylinder movement connector 1-5 and lower cylinder movement connector 1-6). The upper cylinder movement connector connects the upper cylinder of the cigar to the linear module, and the lower cylinder movement connector connects the lower cylinder of the cigar to the linear module, thereby driving the upper and lower cylinders of the cigar to move vertically.

[0026] like Figure 3 As shown, the cigar suction tube contains an upper latex tube 1-1-1 and a lower latex tube 1-1-2. The upper and lower latex tubes are located at the upper and lower openings of the cigar suction tube, respectively. During operation, positive pressure gas is injected into the latex tubes (upper and lower tubes) to expand them and clamp the cigar. After testing, negative pressure gas is applied to contract the upper and / or lower latex tubes to release the cigar for easy removal. This design avoids damage to the cigar caused by traditional clamping mechanisms (mechanical grippers or simple pneumatic clamps), and this embodiment can accommodate cigars of different diameters, making it highly versatile.

[0027] like Figure 4 As shown, in order to achieve automated detection, through-beam laser sensors 1-8 are installed at the inlet of the cigar draw tube to detect whether a cigar has been placed in. Specifically, the transmitter and receiver of the through-beam laser sensor are respectively set at the inlet of the cigar draw tube. The through-beam laser sensor uses one or two pairs of sensors. If one pair of sensors is used, a complete optical path is formed; if two pairs of sensors are used, they are arranged in a cross-shaped through-beam configuration. Using two pairs of sensors can prevent false detection, as sometimes fallen tobacco leaves can cause false detection.

[0028] When a cigar is placed in the tube, the light path is blocked. The through-beam laser sensor sends a blocking signal, triggering the expansion of the upper and lower latex tubes to clamp the cigar. After the suction resistance is detected, negative pressure adsorption is triggered, and the upper and lower latex tubes release the cigar.

[0029] In this embodiment, the industrial control computer is connected to the through-beam laser sensor and the servo motor signal, and is used to receive the through-beam laser sensor signal, control the movement of the servo motor and display the suction resistance detection result; the printer is used to print the suction resistance detection result.

[0030] Example 2 This embodiment provides an automatic continuous measurement method for detecting the draw resistance of cigars, based on the automatic continuous measurement device for detecting the draw resistance of cigars provided in Embodiment 1. The specific method is as follows: Obtain the brand information of the cigar to be tested, and adjust the cigar top tube to the appropriate position; The cigar to be tested is placed into the inlet of the upper tube of the cigar, so that its bottom blocks the optical path of the through-beam laser sensor at the inlet of the lower tube of the cigar. The through-beam laser sensor emits a blocking signal, triggering the upper and lower latex tubes to expand and clamp the cigar. Start the pre-stored suction resistance detection program; After the suction resistance test is completed, the industrial control computer display will show the suction resistance value of the cigar. Then, the cigar is drawn into the upper and lower latex tubes of the upper tube, the cigar is released, and the cigar is removed. The optical path of the laser sensor is restored. The cigar is then removed and the next round of testing is performed.

[0031] The above method achieves fully automated continuous detection from the insertion of the cigar to be tested to its removal, without the need for frequent manual intervention to start and stop, which greatly improves detection efficiency and avoids false detection or missed detection caused by human error.

[0032] In this embodiment, based on the cigar brand information and its corresponding pre-stored parameters, a servo motor is controlled to drive a linear module, which moves the cigar upper tube to a preset height to adapt to the cigar to be tested.

[0033] In this embodiment, positive pressure gas is introduced to expand the upper and lower latex tubes and clamp the cigar; negative pressure adsorption causes the upper and lower latex tubes to contract and release the cigar.

[0034] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic continuous measuring device for detecting the draw resistance of cigars, characterized in that, include: Cigar smoke tubes (upper and lower), through-beam laser sensor, servo motor, linear module, and motion connectors for the smoke tube; The cigar suction tube includes an upper cigar suction tube and a lower cigar suction tube. The through-beam laser sensor is installed at the inlet of the lower cigar suction tube to detect whether a cigar has been inserted. The linear module is connected to a servo motor. The suction tube motion connector is connected to the upper and lower cigar suction tubes and the linear module to drive the upper and lower cigar suction tubes to move vertically, which is used to accommodate cigars of different lengths.

2. The automatic continuous measuring device for detecting the draw resistance of cigars as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The upper and lower cigar suction tubes are used to hold and clamp cigars. They include an upper cigar suction tube and a lower cigar suction tube arranged vertically opposite each other. The upper cigar suction tube is provided with an upper latex tube and a lower latex tube.

3. The automatic continuous measuring device for detecting the draw resistance of cigars as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The upper and / or lower latex tubes are expanded by filling with positive pressure gas to clamp the cigar, and the upper and / or lower latex tubes are contracted by applying negative pressure gas to release the cigar.

4. The automatic continuous measuring device for detecting the draw resistance of cigars as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The transmitting and receiving ends of the laser sensor are respectively located at the inlet of the lower tube of the cigar. The laser sensor uses one or two pairs of sensors. If one pair of sensors is used, a complete optical path is formed; if two pairs of sensors are used, they are arranged in a cross-shaped laser beam pattern.

5. The automatic continuous measuring device for detecting the draw resistance of cigars as described in claim 4, characterized in that, When a cigar is placed in the tube, the light path is blocked. The through-beam laser sensor sends a blocking signal, which triggers the expansion of the upper and lower latex tubes to clamp the cigar. After the suction resistance is detected, negative pressure adsorption is triggered, and the upper and lower latex tubes release the cigar.

6. The automatic continuous measuring device for detecting the draw resistance of a cigar as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The suction cylinder motion connector includes an upper suction cylinder motion connector and a lower suction cylinder motion connector. The upper suction cylinder motion connector connects the upper cigar suction cylinder to the linear module, and the lower suction cylinder motion connector connects the lower cigar suction cylinder to the linear module, so as to drive the upper and lower cigar suction cylinders to move vertically.

7. The automatic continuous measuring device for detecting the draw resistance of a cigar as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an industrial control computer and a printer; the industrial control computer is connected to the through-beam laser sensor and the servo motor signal, and is used to receive the through-beam laser sensor signal, control the movement of the servo motor and display the suction resistance detection result; the printer is used to print the suction resistance detection result.

8. An automatic continuous measurement method for detecting the draw resistance of cigars, based on the automatic continuous measurement device for detecting the draw resistance of cigars according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, include: Obtain the brand information of the cigar to be tested, and adjust the cigar top tube to the appropriate position; The cigar to be tested is placed into the inlet of the upper tube of the cigar, so that its bottom blocks the optical path of the through-beam laser sensor at the inlet of the lower tube of the cigar. The through-beam laser sensor emits a blocking signal, triggering the upper and lower latex tubes to expand and clamp the cigar. Start the pre-stored suction resistance detection program; After completing the suction resistance test, the upper and lower latex tubes are loosened from the cigar, the cigar is removed, and the optical path of the laser sensor is restored.

9. The automatic continuous measurement method for detecting the draw resistance of a cigar as described in claim 8, characterized in that, Positive pressure gas is used to expand the upper and lower latex tubes and clamp the cigar; negative pressure adsorption causes the upper and lower latex tubes to contract and release the cigar.

10. The automatic continuous measurement method for detecting the draw resistance of a cigar as described in claim 8, characterized in that, Based on the cigar brand information and its corresponding pre-stored parameters, the servo motor drives the linear module to move the cigar upper tube to a preset height to adapt to the cigar to be tested.

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