Tobacco material block preparation device

Abstract

The utility model discloses a tobacco material block preparation device which is used for measuring thermophysical property parameters and comprises a sample preparation mechanism, an automatic pressing unit, a control system, a positioning and clamping unit and a pneumatic unit, the sample preparation mechanism is used for containing tobacco bulk materials, the automatic pressing unit is connected with the sample preparation mechanism and driven by the control system, and the pneumatic unit is connected with the positioning and clamping unit. The tobacco bulk material is pressed into a tobacco material block in the sample preparation mechanism; the positioning and clamping unit is connected with the thermophysical property measuring sensor, and the pneumatic unit drives the positioning and clamping unit to move in the process that the tobacco bulk material is pressed into the tobacco material block, so that the thermophysical property measuring sensor is clamped in the tobacco material block. According to the utility model, the thermophysical property measuring sensor is tightly wrapped in the tobacco material block under the driving of the pneumatic unit, the whole process is controlled by a machine system in a full-automatic manner, and character parameters such as the compaction volume and the stacking density accuracy of the tobacco material block obtained by pressing, the consistency of parallel samples and the like are easy to control.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of novel tobacco technology, and in particular to a tobacco slurry preparation device. Background Technology

[0002] Since heated tobacco products (heated non-combustible tobacco products, HNB) rely on heat from the heating element of the smoking device to evaporate substances in the tobacco and produce smoke, the heat transfer properties of the tobacco material are one of the main factors affecting smoke quality (including the amount of smoke produced, smoke concentration, smoke release stability, and the chemical composition of the smoke). Thermophysical parameters of tobacco materials are measured: thermal conductivity (W / mK), thermal diffusivity (mm²). 2 / s), specific heat of volume (MJ / m 3 Heat transfer properties (TTP) are an important tool for evaluating and studying the heat transfer performance of tobacco materials. Changes in the heat transfer performance of tobacco materials are influenced by many factors: in addition to factors such as tobacco formulation, type and proportion of additives, and moisture content, they are also related to the material's appearance (filamentous, granular, flake-like, curly, etc.), packing density, and distribution.

[0003] For the design of heated cigarette products and related scientific research, those skilled in the art wish to understand the range and laws of the changes in thermophysical parameters of tobacco in the filling state of cigarette sticks. Due to the influence of many factors such as the type, form (filament, granular, flake, etc.) and chemical composition content of tobacco materials, the volume per unit weight of different tobacco samples varies greatly, and the elastic modulus after stacking (characterized by "filling degree" in this field) also varies. Therefore, in combination with the performance characteristics of thermophysical measuring instruments, the following requirements should be met when measuring the thermophysical parameters of tobacco materials: (1) In cigarette design and actual production, the filling density of different types and properties of tobacco materials often has its own suitable range and process fluctuation. When conducting thermophysical research, it is necessary to simulate the distribution characteristics of tobacco materials in cigarette sticks and accurately prepare tobacco blocks with different filling density levels within a certain range; (2) The transient planar heat source method (TPS) is a commonly used method for measuring the thermophysical parameters of tobacco blocks. The commonly used commercially available measuring instruments use a continuous double helix structure made of thermally resistive material, with a double layer of polyimide (Kapton) on the outside. (3) Because the probe is soft, it cannot be inserted into the material after the material is pressed and formed. Therefore, the probe needs to be pre-embedded in the material before pressing. During the pressing process, the probe diameter is generally above 12.8 mm. When measuring, in order to obtain accurate and stable measurement results, the probe must be placed flat inside the material block. The radial / lateral dimension of the material block is not less than twice the probe diameter, the axial / longitudinal stacking thickness is not less than the probe radius, the two sides of the probe are in good contact with the sample, the density distribution of the material block is uniform, and it is stably and consistently balanced to the set target temperature. (4) Since the probe is soft, it cannot be inserted into the material block after pressing. Therefore, the probe needs to be pre-embedded in the material before pressing. During the pressing process, it must be ensured that the probe does not bend or deform and thus affect the measurement performance. (5) The moisture content of tobacco material is easy to change, which will cause the essential properties of the sample to change and cause the measurement results to be distorted. The sample preparation, sample temperature balance and measurement process inevitably require a long time. Therefore, the change of sample moisture content should be avoided as much as possible throughout the process.

[0004] Traditional sample preparation methods use a cylindrical empty cup with a 180° slit in the center and a cylindrical pressing block as sample preparation tools. First, half of a certain mass of material is put into the empty cup, and the pressing block is used to pre-press it to the thickness below the slit. Then, the probe is inserted from the slit to the top of the pre-pressed block, and then the other half of the material is put in to continue pressing. The overall height of the block is controlled to achieve the target volume. The main technical defects of this sample preparation device and method are: (1) The pressing process is entirely manual, and it is difficult to accurately control the accuracy of the compressed volume and packing density of the block and the consistency of parallel samples; (2) There is a large gap between the slit and the probe film, which makes it easy for the material to leak, affecting the quality of the block. In addition, it is connected to the ambient atmosphere, and the moisture content of the sample is easily changed, altering the original properties of the sample; (3) The force of manual pressing is insufficient, making it difficult to prepare high-density samples.

[0005] In order to overcome the above-mentioned technical defects, this utility model discloses an apparatus and method for preparing tobacco blocks for measuring thermophysical parameters. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a tobacco block preparation device that can prepare loose tobacco material into blocks with different filling densities and uniform distribution for use in thermophysical parameter testing.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] A tobacco block preparation apparatus is disclosed, wherein the tobacco blocks are used to measure thermophysical parameters. The apparatus includes a sample preparation mechanism, an automatic pressing unit, a control system, a positioning and clamping unit, and a pneumatic unit. The sample preparation mechanism is used to hold loose tobacco material. The automatic pressing unit is connected to the sample preparation mechanism and is driven by the control system to press the loose tobacco material into tobacco blocks within the sample preparation mechanism. The positioning and clamping unit is connected to a thermophysical property measuring sensor. During the process of pressing the loose tobacco material into tobacco blocks, the pneumatic unit drives the positioning and clamping unit to move, so that the thermophysical property measuring sensor is clamped in the tobacco block.

[0009] Furthermore, the sample preparation mechanism includes a sample preparation tube, which comprises an upper sample preparation core and a lower sample preparation core. The upper and lower sample preparation cores are symmetrically arranged to form a opposing plunger structure. The loose tobacco material is contained within the upper and lower sample preparation cores, respectively. An automatic pressing unit is symmetrically positioned at the upper and lower sample preparation cores, thereby pressing the loose tobacco material in the upper and lower sample preparation cores in opposite directions. Because the pressing direction in existing technologies is unidirectional, and the material at the upper and lower parts of the probe is pressed twice, for samples with low filling density, especially those with a certain viscosity, the density distribution of the sample along the pressing direction can easily vary to different degrees when the material generates different levels of frictional resistance with the sidewalls during the pressing process. This leads to uncertain deviations in the thermophysical property measurement results. This invention innovatively uses a structure that presses in opposite directions, further solving the problem of deviations in thermophysical property measurement results.

[0010] Furthermore, the automatic pressing unit includes a pressing servo motor, a synchronous belt drive assembly, a high-precision lead screw assembly, a pressing head mounting block, a guide module, and a detection switch. The pressing servo motor is connected to the high-precision lead screw assembly via the synchronous belt drive assembly. The guide module is used to guide the high-precision lead screw assembly. The pressing head mounting block is mounted on the high-precision lead screw assembly and is connected to the sample preparation mechanism to perform the process of pressing tobacco bulk material into tobacco blocks. The detection switch is connected to the control system and is used to detect the initial position of the high-precision lead screw assembly, thereby setting the pressing parameters.

[0011] Furthermore, the tobacco block preparation device also includes a connecting component, which includes a buckle and a locking handle. The sample preparation mechanism also includes a sample cup lower support. The openings of the upper sample core and the lower sample core are arranged opposite to each other and are connected to the upper sample core and the lower sample core through the sample cup lower support. The sample cup lower support is fixedly connected to the pneumatic unit through the buckle. Both ends of the sample preparation mechanism are fixedly connected to the automatic pressing unit through the locking handles.

[0012] Furthermore, the tobacco block preparation device also includes an automatic mixing unit. The sample preparation mechanism is installed and fixed on the automatic mixing unit. The automatic mixing unit is used to drive the sample preparation mechanism to reciprocate along the axial direction, so that the tobacco blocks are evenly distributed. This avoids the uneven stress on the film probe during the pressing process due to the irregular loose state of the material, which can easily cause deformation or even damage.

[0013] Furthermore, the automatic mixing unit includes a mixing servo motor, an eccentric turntable, a rocker arm, and a mounting plate. The mixing servo motor is connected to the eccentric turntable, the eccentric turntable is connected to the mounting plate through the rocker arm, and the mounting plate is connected to the sample preparation mechanism. The mixing servo motor drives the eccentric turntable to move, thereby driving the sample preparation mechanism to move in the up and down direction through the mounting plate.

[0014] Furthermore, the positioning and clamping unit includes a protective plate, which prevents the thermophysical property measurement sensor from deforming under pressure during the pressing of the loose tobacco material into tobacco blocks. A pneumatic unit drives the protective plate away from the sample preparation mechanism, thereby tightly clamping the thermophysical property measurement sensor within the tobacco block. The thickness of the protective plate must be within the expansion distance between the upper and lower tobacco blocks. After the loose tobacco material is pressed into upper and lower tobacco blocks, the pneumatic unit removes the protective plate from the sample preparation mechanism, and the upper and lower tobacco blocks automatically expand to form the tobacco block.

[0015] Furthermore, the protective plate has a slit for accommodating a thermal property measurement sensor. When the tobacco bulk is compressed, the thermal property measurement sensor is located in the slit, thereby preventing the thermal property measurement sensor from being deformed by pressure.

[0016] Furthermore, the protective plate includes an upper sample core protective plate, a measuring film protective plate, and a lower sample core protective plate arranged in sequence. The measuring film protective plate is provided with a hollow groove, thereby forming a slit with the upper and lower sample core protective plates at the position of the hollow groove.

[0017] Furthermore, the positioning and clamping unit is a thin-film positioning and clamping unit, which passes through the sample preparation mechanism to connect to the thermophysical property measurement sensor.

[0018] Furthermore, the film positioning and clamping unit includes a protective tray, and the pneumatic unit connects to the protective plate through the protective tray, so that the protective plate moves away from the sample preparation mechanism, thereby tightly clamping the thermophysical property measurement sensor in the tobacco block.

[0019] Furthermore, the thin-film positioning clamping unit includes a thin-film positioning structure for limiting the movement of the thermal property measurement sensor.

[0020] Furthermore, the film positioning structure includes an upper film plate and a lower film plate, and the thermophysical property measurement sensor is restricted from moving between the upper film plate and the lower film plate.

[0021] Furthermore, the film positioning structure also includes a film positioning knob fastener, which is used to fix the upper pressure plate of the film to the upper surface of the sample preparation mechanism.

[0022] Furthermore, the film positioning structure also includes a film positioning knob handle, and the lower film pressure plate is fixedly connected to the lower surface of the sample preparation mechanism via the film positioning knob handle.

[0023] Furthermore, the thermal property measurement sensors include Hotdisk thermal property measurement sensors and / or thermal property measurement films.

[0024] Furthermore, the device also includes a sealing mechanism, which is installed at both ends of the sample preparation mechanism. The sample preparation mechanism includes a piston rod, which passes through the sealing mechanism and is connected to the automatic pressing unit, thereby pressing the loose tobacco material into tobacco blocks in the sample preparation mechanism.

[0025] Furthermore, the inner diameter of the empty sample tube is 30-80mm, preferably 40-60mm, and even more preferably 40mm. This serves to: standardize the diameter of various sample blocks, which is beneficial for controlling the volume of the blocks; fully meet the requirement that the sample cross-sectional size be greater than twice the probe diameter for accurate determination of thermophysical parameters, while controlling the sample quantity to avoid increasing the difficulty of sample preparation and unnecessary waste.

[0026] Furthermore, the wall thickness of the empty tube of the sample preparation tube is 2-6mm, preferably 3-5mm, and even more preferably 3mm. The thickness is controlled to ensure structural rigidity, and the weight is controlled to reduce the moment of inertia to prevent loosening of related connections and wear during long-term use; the thermal resistance is reduced to ensure heat transfer efficiency.

[0027] Furthermore, the lengths of the upper and lower sample cores are 100-300mm, preferably 200mm. This length ensures that various loose tobacco materials of a set weight are loaded without overflowing, while also controlling the length to prevent excessive increase in the piston rod's running distance. This facilitates control of the overall length and height of the sample preparation unit and motion control unit, making it easier for experimental personnel to operate.

[0028] The tobacco block of this invention can be used for measuring thermophysical parameters, and the measurement method includes:

[0029] Step 1: Prepare loose tobacco material, place a thermophysical property measurement sensor into the loose tobacco material, and press it according to the required filling density to obtain a tobacco block containing a thermophysical property measurement sensor; Step 2: Place the tobacco block into the measuring device and connect the thermophysical property measurement sensor to the measuring device; Step 3: Start the measuring device and measure the tobacco block to obtain the thermophysical property parameters of the tobacco block.

[0030] This utility model provides a tobacco block preparation device. During the process of pressing loose tobacco into tobacco blocks, a thermophysical property measurement sensor is tightly wrapped inside the tobacco block under the drive of a pneumatic unit. The entire process is fully automatically controlled by the machine system. The accuracy of the compressed volume and bulk density of the pressed tobacco block, as well as the consistency of parallel samples, are easy to control. The contact area between the tobacco block and moisture in the air is reduced, and it can maintain the specified shape for a longer period of time.

[0031] Secondly, the tobacco bulk material is loaded and pressed according to the set filling density. The thermophysical property measurement sensor is then smoothly inserted into the center of the tobacco material to complete the pressing and shaping of the tobacco block. This prevents uneven pressure on the sensor from causing bending and deformation, which would affect the measurement performance. The whole process is convenient and quick, which is beneficial for production applications.

[0032] Furthermore, the pressing process of this invention can be entirely mechanically controlled, resulting in high accuracy and precision, and producing tobacco blocks with uniform density distribution. Moreover, the loose tobacco particles in the upper and lower sample cores are simultaneously pressed in opposite directions, forming a complete tobacco block. Changes in pressing parameters can be adjusted by the control system according to the properties of different loose tobacco particles, enhancing the applicability to various tobacco particles. Attached Figure Description

[0033] The above description of this utility model 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.

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the tobacco slurry preparation device;

[0035] Figure 2A This is a schematic diagram of the sample preparation mechanism;

[0036] Figure 2B This is a schematic diagram of the cross-section of the sample preparation mechanism;

[0037] Figure 2C This is a schematic diagram of the sample preparation mechanism for preparing tobacco blocks;

[0038] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the automatic pressing unit structure;

[0039] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the automatic mixing unit.

[0040] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of an eccentric turntable;

[0041] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the thin-film positioning and clamping unit structure;

[0042] Figure 6A This is an exploded view of the thin-film positioning and clamping unit;

[0043] Figure 6B This is a schematic diagram of the compression state of the pneumatic unit;

[0044] Figure 6C This is a schematic diagram of the first moving state of the pneumatic unit;

[0045] Figure 6D This is a schematic diagram of the second moving state of the pneumatic unit;

[0046] Figure 6E This is a schematic diagram of the protective panel structure;

[0047] Figure 6F This is a schematic diagram of the upper sample core protective plate structure;

[0048] Figure 6G This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the measuring film protective plate;

[0049] Figure 6H This is a schematic diagram of the protective plate structure for the sample core;

[0050] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the cylinder unit structure;

[0051] Figure 8A This is a schematic diagram of the upper bucket lid structure;

[0052] Figure 8B This is a schematic diagram of the lower bucket lid structure;

[0053] Figure 9A This is a schematic diagram showing the assembly of the components of the sealing mechanism at the top of the bucket lid;

[0054] Figure 9B This is a schematic diagram showing the assembly of the components of the sealing mechanism at the bottom of the bucket lid;

[0055] Figure 10A This is a schematic diagram of the sealing structure of the sealing mechanism at the top of the bucket lid;

[0056] Figure 10B This is a schematic diagram of the sealing structure of the sealing mechanism at the bottom of the bucket lid;

[0057] Figure 11This is a schematic diagram of the connecting component structure;

[0058] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the intermediate state of the sample preparation mechanism and the thin film positioning and clamping unit during the removal process;

[0059] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram showing the sample preparation mechanism and the thin film positioning and clamping unit in the removed state;

[0060] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the operation of the knob handle of the sample preparation mechanism;

[0061] Figure 15A yes Figure 14 Cross-sectional view of the sample preparation mechanism and the thin film positioning and clamping unit;

[0062] Figure 15B yes Figure 14 Side view of the sample preparation mechanism and the thin film positioning and clamping unit;

[0063] Figure 16 This is a diagram showing the knob handle being moved out;

[0064] Figure 17A yes Figure 16 Cross-sectional view;

[0065] Figure 17B yes Figure 16 Side view;

[0066] Figure 18 This is a diagram illustrating the replacement of the sample tube;

[0067] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram showing the separation of the upper and lower sample cores during the material replacement process;

[0068] Figure 20A This is a schematic diagram of the first state of assembly of the upper and lower sample cores during the material replacement process;

[0069] Figure 20B This is a cross-sectional view of the first state of the upper and lower sample cores during the material loading and replacement process.

[0070] Figure 21A This is a schematic diagram of the second state of assembly of the upper and lower sample cores during the material replacement process;

[0071] Figure 21B This is a cross-sectional view of the second state of the upper and lower sample cores during the material replacement process;

[0072] Figure 22A This is a schematic diagram of the third state of assembly of the upper and lower sample cores during the material replacement process;

[0073] Figure 22BThis is a cross-sectional view of the third state of the upper and lower sample cores during the material replacement process.

[0074] Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram showing the completed assembly of the upper and lower sample cores;

[0075] Figure 24 This is a cross-sectional view of the knob handle reinstallation position;

[0076] Figure 25 This is a schematic diagram of the intermediate state of the sample preparation mechanism and the thin film positioning and clamping unit during the flipping process;

[0077] Figure 26 This is a schematic diagram showing the end of the flipping state of the sample preparation mechanism and the thin film positioning and clamping unit;

[0078] Figure 27 This is a schematic diagram of the intermediate state of the sample preparation mechanism and the thin film positioning and clamping unit during the retraction process;

[0079] Figure 28 This is a schematic diagram showing the sample preparation mechanism and the film positioning and clamping unit moving back to their original positions.

[0080] The reference numerals in the attached figures are explained as follows:

[0081] Sample preparation institution: 1

[0082] Piston rod: 1.1, 1.1'

[0083] Sample tubes: 1.2, 1.2'

[0084] Sample cores: 1.21, 1.21'

[0085] Sample cores to be prepared: 1.22, 1.22'

[0086] Knob handle: 1.3

[0087] Fixing nut component: 1.31

[0088] Sample cup support: 1.4

[0089] Slot size: 1.41

[0090] Pistons: 1.5

[0091] Automatic pressing unit: 2

[0092] Pressing servo motor: 2.1

[0093] Synchronous belt drive assembly: 2.2

[0094] High-precision lead screw assembly: 2.3

[0095] Pressure head mounting block: 2.4

[0096] Guide module: 2.5

[0097] Detection switch: 2.6

[0098] Automatic mixing unit: 3

[0099] Mixing servo motor: 3.1

[0100] Gear reducer: 3.2

[0101] Motor mounting bracket: 3.3

[0102] Coupling: 3.4

[0103] Rotation axis: 3.5

[0104] Zero-position induction ring: 3.6

[0105] Eccentric turntable: 3.7

[0106] Rocker arm: 3.8

[0107] Resale: 3.9

[0108] Mounting plate: 3.10

[0109] Sensor: 3.11

[0110] Thin film positioning and clamping unit: 4

[0111] Protective panel: 4.1

[0112] Upper sample core protective plate: 4.11

[0113] Measuring the thin-film protective plate: 4.12

[0114] Hollow groove: 4.121

[0115] Lower sample core protective plate: 4.13

[0116] Slit: 4.14

[0117] Protective tray: 4.2

[0118] Film upper pressure plate: 4.3

[0119] Film underplate: 4.4

[0120] Thin-film positioning knob handle: 4.5

[0121] Thin-film positioning knob fastener: 4.51

[0122] Hotdisk thermal property measurement sensor: 4.6

[0123] Thermophysical property measurement thin film: 4.7

[0124] Pneumatic units: 5

[0125] Cylinder: 5.1

[0126] Cylinder mounting plate: 5.2

[0127] Cylinder puller: 5.3

[0128] Control system: 6

[0129] Front panel: 7

[0130] Closed structure: 8

[0131] Top lid: 8.1

[0132] Upper screw positioning slot: 8.11

[0133] Upper nut positioning groove: 8.12

[0134] Upper lid screws: 8.2

[0135] Upper bucket lid nut: 8.3

[0136] Bottom lid: 8.4

[0137] Lower screw positioning slot: 8.41

[0138] Lower nut positioning groove: 8.42

[0139] Bottom lid screws: 8.5

[0140] Bottom lid nut: 8.6

[0141] Connection components: 9

[0142] Fastener: 9.1

[0143] Locking handle: 9.2 Detailed Implementation

[0144] The detailed features and advantages of this utility model are described below in specific embodiments. The content is sufficient to enable any person skilled in the art to understand the technical content of this utility model and implement it accordingly. Based on the specification, claims and drawings disclosed in this specification, those skilled in the art can easily understand the related objectives and advantages of this utility model.

[0145] It should be noted that in this specification, similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0146] In the description of this embodiment, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the product is usually placed during use. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not 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 limitations on this utility model.

[0147] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the embodiments of this utility model will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0148] like Figure 1-28 The present invention, as shown in one embodiment, mainly includes: a sample preparation mechanism 1, an automatic pressing unit 2, an automatic mixing unit 3, a film positioning and clamping unit 4, a pneumatic unit 5, a control system 6, a front panel 7, a sealing mechanism 8, and a connecting component 9.

[0149] like Figure 1 As shown, the sample preparation mechanism 1 is mounted and fixed to the automatic mixing unit 3 via a stop and a knob handle 1.3. The entire unit can be easily interchanged for preparing multiple samples. The main body is a pair of opposing plunger structures, which can be easily disassembled for material loading and replacement. The circular inner cross-section helps maintain consistent radial stress during the pressing process. The smooth inner wall reduces frictional resistance between the sample and the tube wall during pressing, as well as the impact of resistance transmission into the block on the uniformity of the block density distribution. Rigid materials such as aluminum alloy and stainless steel are used, making the unit robust, pressure-resistant, dimensionally stable, easy to clean, and possessing good heat transfer properties to facilitate rapid temperature equilibrium. The upper and lower ends of the sample preparation mechanism 1 are sealed by a closing mechanism 8 to keep the material inside the mechanism in preparation for pressing.

[0150] The automatic pressing unit 2 is installed at the front end of the front panel 7, located above and below the sample preparation mechanism 1. It achieves fully automatic pressing of tobacco blocks by driving the pressing head to squeeze the piston 1.5 of the sample preparation module through the pressing servo motor 2.1 and the high-precision linear slide.

[0151] The automatic mixing unit 3 is installed and fixed at the rear end of the front panel 7. The automatic pressing unit 2 is driven by the mixing servo motor 3.1 to reciprocate in the up and down direction, which promotes the mixing of tobacco smoke body as tobacco bulk material and the equalization of internal stress. The vibration speed, frequency and interval can be set individually and in combination to ensure that the material block obtained after pressing is evenly distributed.

[0152] The thin-film positioning and clamping unit 4 is mounted on the sample preparation mechanism 1. The protective plate 4.1 prevents the Hotdisk thermophysical property measurement probe (i.e., the thermophysical property measurement thin film 4.7) from being excessively deformed under pressure during the material block preparation process, and has a structural design and protective design to prevent deformation of the thermophysical property measurement sensor. The pneumatic unit 5 is mounted on the automatic pressing unit 2 and is located behind the sample preparation mechanism 1. During the tobacco block pressing process, it can automatically pull the protective plate 4.2 backward so that the upper and lower tobacco blocks can tightly clamp the thermophysical property measurement sensor.

[0153] The connecting assembly 9 is connected to the closing mechanism 8 to fix the sample preparation mechanism 1 in the front panel 7 in the axial position, and can also maintain a stable connection of the opposing plunger structures of the sample preparation mechanism 1.

[0154] <Sample Preparation Organization>

[0155] The sample preparation mechanism 1 is used to hold tobacco sample blocks. It includes a sample preparation tube 1.2, which comprises an upper sample preparation core 1.21 and a lower sample preparation core 1.22. The sample preparation tube 1.2 is fixed to the sample cup support 1.4 via a knob handle 1.3. Both the upper sample preparation core 1.21 and the lower sample preparation core 1.22 are equipped with a piston rod 1.1 and a piston 1.5, respectively. In some operating states, the piston rod 1.1 is extended. The upper sample preparation core 1.21 and the lower sample preparation core 1.22 are symmetrically arranged to form a opposing plunger structure. Loose tobacco material is contained in the upper sample preparation core 1.21 and the lower sample preparation core 1.22, respectively. An automatic pressing unit 2 is symmetrically positioned at the upper sample preparation core 1.21 and the lower sample preparation core 1.22, thereby pressing the loose tobacco material in the upper sample preparation core 1.21 and the lower sample preparation core 1.22 in opposite directions. When the automatic pressing unit 2 is pressing, the Hotdisk thermophysical property measurement sensor 4.6 is located outside the sample preparation tube 1.2, and the thermophysical property measurement film 4.7 is located between the upper sample preparation core 1.21 and the lower sample preparation core 1.22, and is attached to the protective plate 4.1 to prevent excessive deformation under pressure during the pressing process. After the automatic pressing unit 2 has finished pressing, the tobacco material in the upper sample preparation core 1.21 and the lower sample preparation core 1.22 is pressed into upper tobacco material blocks and lower tobacco material blocks, respectively. The pneumatic unit 5 pulls out the protective plate 4.1, and the upper and lower tobacco material blocks automatically expand, thereby tightly wrapping the thermophysical property measurement film 4.7 in the upper and lower tobacco material blocks to form tobacco material blocks.

[0156] like Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2CAs shown, piston 1.5 and piston rod 1.1 are installed together in the inner hole of sample preparation tube 1.2 to form a cavity for accommodating tobacco shreds, tobacco powder, and sheet tobacco of different types, formulas, and containing different additives as tobacco bulk material. The tobacco bulk material is pressed into tobacco blocks by automatic pressing unit 2 inside sample preparation tube 1.2. Sample preparation tube 1.2 is fixed to sample cup support 1.4 by its outer wall. The stop of sample cup support 1.4 is designed with a slot 1.41 and a barb. The slot 1.41 facilitates connection with sample preparation tube 1.2 by knob handle 1.3, and the barb facilitates connection with buckle 9.1 of connecting component 9 to fix it to front panel 7.

[0157] <Automatic compression unit>

[0158] The automatic pressing unit 2 is installed and fixed at the front end of the front panel 7, located above and below the sample preparation mechanism 1. It mainly includes: a pressing servo motor 2.1, a synchronous belt drive assembly 2.2, a high-precision lead screw assembly 2.3, a pressing head mounting block 2.4, a guide module 2.5, and a detection switch 2.6, etc.

[0159] like Figure 3 As shown, the pressing servo motor 2.1 is mounted on the front panel 7, and is connected to the high-precision lead screw assembly 2.3 via a synchronous belt drive assembly 2.2. The pressing head mounting block 2.4 is mounted on the lead screw nut of the high-precision lead screw assembly 2.3. The guide module 2.5 is used for guiding the lead screw. The detection switch 2.6 is used to detect the initial position of the high-precision lead screw assembly 2.3 for the control system 6 to determine its operation, thereby setting and adjusting the pressing parameters.

[0160] When the pressing servo motor 2.1 drives the synchronous belt drive assembly 2.2 to rotate, it in turn drives the high-precision lead screw assembly 2.3 to move, thereby causing the press head mounting block 2.4 to compress the piston rod 1.1 and piston 1.2 of the sample preparation mechanism 1 to achieve fully automatic pressing of tobacco bulk material into tobacco blocks. Because the synchronous belt drive assembly 2.2 transmits the pressing power, a soft connection is formed between the fixed pressing servo motor 2.1 and the high-precision lead screw assembly 2.3, which vibrates with the mounting plate 3.10. This avoids vibration of the pressing servo motor 2.1, which is the driving unit, and improves the safety and service life of the device. The sample preparation action can be set by the operator through the operating program of the control system 6. Specific parameters include: the ability to select and set single-stage pressing or multi-stage pressing; the ability to set the step distance and pressing speed for each single pressing; and the ability to set the pause time between any two steps. The pressing thickness adjustment accuracy is not less than 0.1mm, and the error is ≤0.1mm.

[0161] Automatic mixing unit

[0162] The automatic mixing unit 3 is installed on the front panel 7, and the sample preparation mechanism 1 is installed and fixed on the automatic mixing unit 3. The sample preparation mechanism 1 is driven by a servo motor to reciprocate in the up and down direction, so that the tobacco powder contained in the sample preparation module is evenly distributed, and the tobacco powder block obtained after pressing is evenly distributed. It mainly includes: mixing servo motor 3.1, reducer 3.2, motor mounting base 3.3, coupling 3.4, rotating shaft 3.5, zero position sensing ring 3.6, eccentric turntable 3.7, rocker arm 3.8, pivot pin 3.9, mounting plate 3.10 and sensor 3.11, etc.

[0163] like Figures 4-5 As shown, the mixing servo motor 3.1 and reducer 3.2 are mounted on the front panel 7 via motor mounting base 3.3, and then connected to the rotating shaft 3.5 via coupling 3.4. The rotating shaft 3.5 is equipped with a zero-position sensing ring 3.6 and an eccentric turntable 3.7. The eccentric turntable 3.7 is connected to the mounting plate 3.10 via a pivot pin 3.9 and a rocker arm 3.8. The eccentric turntable 3.7 has three mounting positions, each corresponding to a different eccentricity, used to adjust the amplitude. A sensor 3.11 is mounted below the zero-position sensing ring 3.6 to detect the origin of rotation. The mixing servo motor 3.1 rotates under the control system 6's program, driving the eccentric turntable 3.7 on the rotating shaft 3.5, which in turn moves the mounting plate 3.10 vertically. This achieves simultaneous vibration, mixing, and uniform distribution of the tobacco blocks contained in the sample preparation mechanism 1 connected to the mounting plate 3.10. Furthermore, the vibration speed can be changed by mounting the eccentric turntable 3.7 at different positions.

[0164] <Thin-film positioning and clamping unit>

[0165] The thin film positioning and clamping unit 4 is mounted on the sample preparation mechanism 1. The thin film positioning and clamping unit 4 passes through the sample preparation mechanism 1 to connect to the thermophysical property measurement sensor. It prevents excessive deformation of the thin film of the thermophysical property measurement sensor during the material block preparation process. It has a structural design to prevent film deformation and a protective design, mainly including: a protective plate 4.1, a protective support plate 4.2, an upper thin film pressure plate 4.3, a lower thin film pressure plate 4.4, a thin film positioning knob handle 4.5, a thermophysical property measurement thin film 4.7, and a Hotdisk thermophysical property measurement sensor 4.6. Among them, the thermophysical property measurement thin film 4.7 and the Hotdisk thermophysical property measurement sensor 4.6 constitute a complete thermophysical property measurement sensor mechanism.

[0166] like Figure 6 and Figure 6AAs shown, the protective plate 4.1 is installed in the middle of the sample cup support 1.4 of the sample preparation mechanism 1, and the protective support plate 4.2 is connected to the protective plate 4.1 behind the sample cup support 1.4 of the sample preparation mechanism 1. Before the tobacco bulk material is pressed into tobacco blocks, a φ12.8mm×d2.5um flexible thermophysical property measuring film 4.7 can be pre-embedded radially. The protective plate 4.1 ensures that the thermophysical property measuring film 4.7 is located at the geometric center of the tobacco block, and its eccentricity can be easily controlled to be less than 2mm. The thermophysical property measuring film 4.7 is externally connected to a cable that connects to the machine host. The thin-film positioning structure includes a thin-film positioning knob handle 4.5 and a thin-film positioning knob fastener 4.51. The thin-film positioning knob fasteners 4.51, located at both ends of the Hotdisk thermophysical property measurement sensor 4.6, connect to the upper pressure plate 4.3. The thin-film positioning knob fasteners can be in the form of pins or bolts, used to limit the left and right directions of the Hotdisk thermophysical property measurement sensor 4.6, pressing and fixing the Hotdisk thermophysical property measurement sensor 4.6 to the upper surface of the sample cup lower support 1.4. Under the action of the film positioning knob handle 4.5, the pressure plate 4.4 automatically clamps the Hotdisk thermophysical property measurement sensor 4.6, that is, the lower film pressure plate 4.4 is fixed to the lower surface of the sample cup support 1.4, thereby fixing the thermophysical property measurement sensor between the upper and lower film pressure plates. The film positioning knob handle is used to limit the vertical movement of the Hotdisk thermophysical property measurement sensor 4.6, ensuring that the Hotdisk thermophysical property measurement sensor 4.6 will not move during the movement and pressing of the sample preparation mechanism 1. For example, Figures 6E to 6H As shown, the protective plate 4.1 includes an upper sample core protective plate 4.11, a measuring film protective plate 4.12, and a lower sample core protective plate 4.13. These three plates are arranged sequentially along the direction from the upper sample core 1.21 to the lower sample core 1.22. The measuring film protective plate 4.12 has a hollow groove 4.121 to accommodate the thermophysical property measuring film 4.7, thus forming a slit 4.14 of a certain volume on the protective plate 4.1 at the position of the hollow groove 4.121 with the upper and lower sample core protective plates 4.11 and 4.13. When the tobacco powder is pressed in the sample preparation mechanism, the thermophysical property measuring film 4.7 is located in the slit 4.14, as... Figure 6B As shown, to simplify the illustration of the position of the thermophysical property measuring film 4.7, the structures of the upper sample core protective plate 4.11 and the measuring film protective plate 4.12 are omitted from the figure. The pneumatic unit 5 is in a pressing state at this time, with the thermophysical property measuring film 4.7 positioned between the upper and lower tobacco blocks. The protective plate 4.11 protects the thermophysical property measuring film 4.7 from damage during pressing. After the tobacco bulk material is pressed, as shown... Figure 6CAs shown, in the first moving state, the pneumatic unit 5 is pulled backward by the telescopic cylinder of the pneumatic unit 5, thereby causing the protective plate 4.1 to be pulled out in a direction away from the sample preparation mechanism. The Hotdisk thermophysical property measurement sensor 4.6 is pressed on the upper plate 4.3 of the film, and the lower plate 4.4 of the film is always positioned at the geometric center of the material block under the clamping of the film positioning knob handle 4.5. Figure 6D As shown, in the second moving state, the pneumatic unit 5 is fully pulled back by the telescopic cylinder of the pneumatic unit 5. The gap left between the upper and lower tobacco blocks by the protective plate 4.1 is filled by the automatic expansion of the tobacco. In this way, the upper and lower tobacco blocks can tightly clamp the thermophysical property measuring film 4.7, resulting in a tobacco block holding the thermophysical property measuring sensor. During the process of pressing the loose tobacco into tobacco blocks, the Hotdisk thermophysical property measuring sensor 4.6 can remain outside the tobacco block, facilitating subsequent connection with measuring equipment to obtain the thermophysical property parameters of the tobacco block.

[0167] <Pneumatic Unit>

[0168] The pneumatic unit 5 is mounted on the front panel 7 and is connected to the protective tray 4.2 in the film positioning and clamping unit 4. It mainly includes: cylinder 5.1, cylinder mounting plate 5.2, and cylinder pull head 5.3.

[0169] like Figure 7 As shown, cylinder 5.1 is fixed to the front panel 7 via cylinder mounting plate 5.2. During the tobacco block production process, after the tobacco block is pressed, the protective support plate 4.2 is pulled backward by cylinder 5.1 via cylinder pull head 5.3, thereby removing the protective plate 4.1. The Hotdisk thermophysical property measurement sensor 4.6 is tightly sandwiched between the upper and lower tobacco blocks for subsequent thermophysical parameter measurement.

[0170] <Closed Institution>

[0171] A sealing mechanism 8 is installed at the openings of the upper sample core 1.21 and the lower sample core 1.22, thereby sealing the space containing the loose tobacco material. A piston rod 1.1 passes through the sealing mechanism 8 and connects to the automatic pressing unit 2, thereby pressing the loose tobacco material into tobacco blocks within the sample preparation mechanism. It mainly includes: an upper barrel cover 8.1, an upper screw positioning groove 8.11, an upper nut positioning groove 8.12, an upper barrel cover screw 8.2, an upper barrel cover nut 8.3, a lower barrel cover 8.4, a lower screw positioning groove 8.41, a lower nut positioning groove 8.42, a lower barrel cover screw 8.5, and a lower barrel cover nut 8.6.

[0172] As shown in Figures 8-10, the upper barrel cover 8.1 is located at the upper opening of the sample preparation mechanism 1. The upper barrel cover 8.1 has an upper screw positioning groove 8.11 and an upper nut positioning groove 8.12. The upper screw positioning groove 8.11 is U-shaped to accommodate the upper barrel cover screw 8.2, and the upper nut positioning groove 8.12 is a stepped shape to accommodate and fix the upper barrel cover nut 8.3.

[0173] After the tobacco material is filled into the sample tube 1.2, the upper lid 8.1 passes through the piston rod 1.1 to seal the opening. Then, the upper lid nut 8.3 is fixed in the upper nut positioning groove 8.12, and the upper lid screw 8.2 moves through the upper screw positioning groove 8.11 to the upper nut positioning groove 8.12. The upper lid screw 8.2 and the upper lid nut 8.3 are fixedly connected by rotation. Therefore, the lateral movement path of the upper end of the piston rod 1.1 is blocked to prevent uneven force during the pressing of the tobacco material.

[0174] The lower barrel cover 8.4 is installed at the lower opening of the sample preparation mechanism 1. The lower barrel cover has a lower screw positioning groove 8.41 and a lower nut positioning groove 8.42. The lower screw positioning groove 8.41 is U-shaped to accommodate the lower barrel cover screw 8.5, and the lower nut positioning groove 8.42 is stepped to accommodate and fix the lower barrel cover nut 8.6. After the tobacco material is filled into the sample preparation tube 1.2, the lower barrel cover passes through the piston rod 1.1 to fit and close the opening. Then, the lower barrel cover nut 8.6 is fixed in the lower nut positioning groove 8.42. The lower barrel cover screw 8.5 moves through the lower screw positioning groove 8.41 to the lower nut positioning groove 8.42, and the lower barrel cover screw 8.5 and the lower barrel cover nut 8.6 are fixedly connected by rotation. Therefore, the lateral movement path of the lower end of the piston rod 1.1 is blocked to prevent uneven force during the pressing of the tobacco material.

[0175] <Connection Components>

[0176] The connecting component 9 is used for fixing and replacing the sample preparation mechanism. After the first sample preparation tube 1.2 completes the pressing of the first batch of tobacco material, the connection between the sample preparation mechanism and the front panel 7 can be released through the connecting component 9, and the second sample preparation tube 1.2' can be replaced to press the second batch of tobacco material, thus improving production efficiency. The connecting component 9 includes: a buckle 9.1 and a locking handle 9.2. The locking handle 9.2 can be in the form of a knob handle.

[0177] like Figure 11As shown, the latches 9.1 are located at both ends of the film positioning and clamping unit 4 to fix the position of the sample preparation mechanism 1. The piston rod 1.1 passes through the sealing mechanism 8 to reach the pressure head mounting block 2.4, and the connection between the piston rod 1.1 and the pressure head mounting block 2.4 is fixed by the locking handle 9.2, thereby driving the automatic pressing unit 2 to move the piston rod 1.1 up and down, thus pressing the tobacco bulk into tobacco blocks for thermophysical parameter measurement. After the first batch of tobacco bulk is pressed into tobacco blocks, the rotating eccentric turntable 3.7 drives the rocker arm 3.8 to rotate in the direction of the arrow, causing the mounting plate 3.10 to descend. At this time, the cylinder pull head 5.3 disengages from the protective plate 4.1 to prevent the protective plate 4.1 from being unable to be pulled out when the sample preparation mechanism 1 is removed.

[0178] like Figure 12 As shown, open the latch 9.1 and locking handle 9.2, and remove the sample preparation mechanism 1 and the film positioning clamping unit 4 in the direction of the arrow, separating them from the front panel 7. Figure 13 As shown, the sample preparation mechanism 1 and the thin film positioning and clamping unit 4 are moved out of the front panel 7 as a whole.

[0179] like Figure 14-1 As shown in Figure 5, rotate the knob handle 1.3 in the direction of the arrow to open it, thereby releasing the locking connection between the sample cup support 1.4 and the first sample tube 1.2.

[0180] like Figure 16 As shown in Figure 17, remove the knob handle 1.3 in the direction of the arrow, thereby removing the knob handle 1.3 from the sample cup support 1.4. Specifically, as shown in Figure 17, the knob handle 1.3 is further fixed to the sample cup support 1.4 by a fixing nut component 1.31. Before removing the knob handle 1.3 from the sample cup support 1.4, the fixing nut component 1.31 needs to be unscrewed downwards to release the fixed connection between the knob handle 1.3 and the sample cup support 1.4. Then, remove the knob handle 1.3 from both the left and right sides.

[0181] The second sample preparation tube 1.2' to be replaced can be placed adjacent to the thin film positioning and clamping unit 4, such as... Figure 18 As shown, the upper sample core 1.21 and lower sample core 1.22 of the first sample tube 1.2 are removed sequentially from top to bottom along the arrow. Then, the upper sample core 1.21' and lower sample core 1.22' of the second sample tube 1.2' to be replaced are loaded and replaced into the film positioning and clamping unit 4 respectively. The loading and replacement process is as follows: Figures 19-23 As shown. During the material replacement process, the piston rod is pulled out to allow maximum space for the tobacco stock within the upper sample core 1.21' and lower sample core 1.22'.

[0182] like Figure 19As shown, the upper sample core 1.21' and lower sample core 1.22' are moved up and down and pulled out respectively in the direction of the arrow. The upper sample core 1.21' is rotated 180° in the direction of the arrow, so that the openings of both the upper and lower sample cores 1.21' and 1.22' face upwards. At this point, the upper and lower sample cores 1.21' and 1.22' are separated and open. As the second sample tube 1.2' to be replaced, the open state allows tobacco material to be loaded into the upper and lower sample cores 1.21' and 1.22' respectively. Conversely, as the first sample tube 1.2, the upper and lower sample cores 1.21 and 1.22 can also be separated and opened in the same way, facilitating the removal of tobacco material blocks.

[0183] As shown in Figure 20, the upper sample core 1.21' and the lower sample core 1.22' are in the open state for loading tobacco powder. After loading is completed, the lower sample core 1.22' is moved in the direction of the arrow to prepare for insertion and connection with the lower support 1.4 of the sample cup.

[0184] like Figure 21A As shown, the lower sample core 1.22' is inserted into one opening of the sample cup lower support 1.4, wherein the sample cup lower support 1.4 can be connected to the lower sample core 1.22' by interference fit. Figure 21B As shown, after the lower sample core 1.22' is connected to the sample cup support 1.4, the whole can be rotated 180° in the direction of the arrow. At this time, the opening of the lower sample core 1.22' is placed downward.

[0185] As shown in Figure 22, after the sample core 1.22' and the sample cup lower support 1.4 are flipped over, the upper sample core 1.21' moves in the direction of the arrow and is inserted into another cylinder opening of the sample cup lower support 1.4, in preparation for the assembly and connection of the upper sample core 1.21' and the lower sample core 1.22'.

[0186] like Figure 23 As shown, the assembly and connection of the upper sample core 1.21' and the lower sample core 1.22' are completed. At this point, the loading and replacement process of the sample tube 1.2' is finished, the piston rod 1.1' is compressed back into the sample tube 1.2', and then the knob handle 1.3 is reinstalled into the lower support 1.4 of the sample cup along the guide of the slot 1.41. Wherein, as Figure 24 As shown, the knob handle 1.3 can be reinstalled back into the sample cup support 1.4 via the fixing nut component 1.31.

[0187] After tightening the fixing nut 1.31 of the knob handle 1.3, as follows: Figure 25 As shown, the entire device is rotated 180° along the arrow to obtain... Figure 26 As shown in the structure, the second sample preparation tube 1.2' is reassembled into the sample preparation mechanism 1 to await the pressing of the second batch of tobacco bulk material, thereby further obtaining the second batch of tobacco blocks.

[0188] like Figure 27 As shown, rotate the knob handle 1.3 in the direction of the arrow to lock it in place, so that the sample cup support 1.4 and the second sample tube 1.2' are locked together. Then, move the sample preparation mechanism 1 and the film positioning clamping unit 4 back into the front panel 7 in the direction of the arrow and reconnect them to the front panel 7.

[0189] like Figure 28 As shown, after the sample preparation mechanism 1 and the film positioning and clamping unit 4 return to the connection position with the front panel 7, the latch 9.1 and the locking handle 9.2 are closed, and the eccentric turntable 3.7 is rotated to drive the rocker arm 3.8 to raise the mounting plate 3.10, so that the cylinder pull head 5.3 reconnects to the protective plate 4.1, thereby pressing the second batch of tobacco bulk material.

[0190] <Tobacco Pulp Preparation>

[0191] A measured amount of loose tobacco material is loaded into the upper sample core 1.21 and the lower sample core 1.22, respectively, and assembled into a sample preparation tube 1.2, which, together with the sample cup support 1.4, forms the sample preparation mechanism 1. For details, please refer to... Figure 20A Place the upper sample core 1.21 and the lower sample core 1.22 with their openings facing upwards, and inject two equal portions of tobacco powder into the upper sample core 1.21 and the lower sample core 1.22 respectively. Simultaneously, as... Figure 6B The protective plate 4.1 is inserted into the sample cup lower support 1.4 as shown in the figure, but the thermophysical property measurement probe 4.7 has not yet been inserted into the sample cup lower support 1.4 at this time.

[0192] refer to Figure 22A As shown, the sample cup lower support 1.4 with protective plate 4.1 is placed on the lower sample core 1.22, and then inverted and flipped over to place on the upper sample core 1.21; then the knob handle 1.3 is installed into the slots 1.41 on both sides of the sample preparation mechanism, and the knob handle 1.3 is pressed to lock it. (Refer to...) Figure 24 As shown, the upper sample core 1.21 and the lower sample core 1.22 are connected to the sample cup lower support 1.4 as a whole.

[0193] refer to Figure 12As shown, the integrated sample preparation mechanism 1 is installed and fixed onto the automatic pressing unit 2; the sample cup lower support 1.4 and piston rod 1.1 are fixed with buckles 9.1 and upper and lower locking handles 9.2 respectively; then the Hotdisk thermophysical property measurement sensor 4.6 is manually inserted into the slit 4.14 formed by the protective plate 4.1, thus semi-fixing it between the upper sample core 1.21 and the lower sample core 1.22, and locked with the thin-film positioning knob fasteners 4.51 set at both ends of the Hotdisk thermophysical property measurement sensor 4.6. The upper film pressure plate 4.3 connected by the two thin-film positioning knob fasteners 4.51 and the lower film pressure plate 4.4 connected and fixed by the thin-film positioning knob handles 4.5 are used to press and fix the Hotdisk thermophysical property measurement sensor 4.6 and the sample cup lower support 1.4. At this time, the thermophysical property measurement film 4.7 is located at... Figure 6B The location shown.

[0194] The pressing operation parameters are set through the control system 6, such as material block thickness, pressing time, pressing speed, pressing distance, vibration frequency, and stepping time. The upper barrel cover 8.1 and lower barrel cover 8.4 are locked. The equipment pushes the piston rod 1.5 to begin pressing the tobacco material. After pressing, the eccentric turntable 3.7 rotates, and through the connected rocker arm 3.8, it drives the mounting plate 3.10 to move up and down, causing the groove of the protective support plate 4.2 to move and align with the cylinder pull head 5.3. The cylinder 5.1 then moves back, pulling out the protective support plate 4.2 along with the protective plate 4.1. Figures 6B-6D At this time, the Hotdisk thermophysical property measurement sensor 4.6 and the thermophysical property measurement film 4.7 remain in their original positions. The upper and lower tobacco blocks expand under the action of pressure and their own elasticity to form a tobacco material block. Thus, the upper and lower surfaces of the thermophysical property measurement film 4.7 are in close contact with the tobacco material block to be clamped in it, thereby obtaining a tobacco material block containing the thermophysical property measurement sensor inside.

[0195] refer to Figure 9A and Figure 9B Using the upper lid screw 8.2, lower lid screw 8.5, upper lid nut 8.3, and lower lid nut 8.6, the upper and lower sealing mechanisms 8 are tightened, thereby locking the position of the upper and lower piston rods 1.1. This prevents the piston rods 1.1 from moving under the rebound of the tobacco blocks when the sample preparation mechanism 1, which is connected to the tobacco block, is removed from the automatic pressing unit 2, thus preventing changes in the volume and pressing density of the tobacco blocks.

[0196] Loosen the buckle 9.1 and the upper and lower locking handles 9.2 to remove the sample preparation mechanism 1, which is connected to the tobacco block, from the automatic pressing unit 2, so as to facilitate subsequent thermophysical parameter measurement tests.

[0197] After pressing is complete, remove the sample preparation mechanism 1 and replace it with a new sample preparation tube to press the second batch of tobacco bulk material. Repeat this step. The operation is simple and reduces the preparation time of tobacco blocks.

[0198] < Measurement of thermophysical parameters of tobacco blocks >

[0199] The pressed tobacco block is placed into a measuring device, and a thermophysical property measuring sensor is connected to the measuring device. As one implementation method, the transient planar heat source method (TPS) can be used to measure the thermophysical parameters of the tobacco block, and the measuring device is a transient planar heat source thermal conductivity meter. The thermophysical property measuring sensor is a soft, flat, circular sheet made of thermally resistive material with a continuous double-helix structure and covered with a double-layer polyimide (Kapton) protective layer as the thermophysical property measuring film (hereinafter referred to as the "probe"). The probe diameter is generally above 12.8 mm. To obtain accurate and stable measurement results, the probe must be placed flat inside the tobacco block under the drive of the pneumatic unit 5. The radial / lateral dimension of the tobacco block is not less than twice the probe diameter, the axial / longitudinal stacking thickness is not less than the probe radius, both sides of the probe are in good contact with the sample, the density distribution of the tobacco block is uniform, and it is stably and consistently balanced to the set target temperature. The sample preparation mechanism, integrated with the tobacco block, is placed in a constant temperature and humidity chamber for equilibration at the set temperature. The signal line of the Hotdisk thermophysical property sensor 4.6 is connected to the Hotdisk thermophysical property measuring instrument (i.e., the measuring device). Once the equilibration temperature of the tobacco block reaches the set temperature and is sufficiently stable, the Hotdisk thermophysical property measuring instrument is activated to measure various thermophysical parameters of the tobacco block. During this process, the volume and density of the tobacco block must be maintained; therefore, the integrated sample preparation mechanism is not disassembled until the measurement is completed. Afterward, the tobacco block is removed, refilled, and the next round of tobacco block preparation and thermophysical property measurement is performed.

[0200] The terminology and expressions used herein are for descriptive purposes only, and this invention should not be limited to these terms and expressions. The use of these terms and expressions does not mean the exclusion of any illustrative and descriptive equivalent features (or parts thereof), and it should be recognized that various modifications that may exist should also be included within the scope of the claims. Other modifications, variations, and substitutions may also exist. Accordingly, the claims should be considered to cover all such equivalents.

[0201] Similarly, it should be noted that although the present invention has been described with reference to the specific embodiments described above, those skilled in the art should recognize that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the present invention, and various equivalent changes or substitutions can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, any changes or modifications to the above embodiments within the scope of the essential spirit of the present invention will fall within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A tobacco slurry preparation apparatus, wherein the tobacco slurry is used to measure thermophysical parameters, characterized in that, include: Sample preparation mechanism, automatic pressing unit, control system, positioning and clamping unit, and pneumatic unit. The sample preparation mechanism is used to contain loose tobacco material. The automatic pressing unit is connected to the sample preparation mechanism, and the automatic pressing unit is driven by the control system to press the tobacco bulk material into tobacco blocks in the sample preparation mechanism. The positioning and clamping unit is connected to a thermal property measurement sensor. During the process of pressing the tobacco bulk material into the tobacco block, the pneumatic unit drives the positioning and clamping unit to move, so that the thermophysical property measurement sensor is clamped in the tobacco block.

2. The tobacco slurry preparation apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sample preparation mechanism includes a sample preparation tube. The sample preparation tube includes an upper sample preparation core and a lower sample preparation core. The upper and lower sample cores are symmetrically arranged to form a piston structure facing each other. The tobacco powder is respectively contained in the upper sample core and the lower sample core. The automatic pressing unit is symmetrically arranged at the positions of the upper sample core and the lower sample core, thereby pressing the tobacco material in the upper sample core and the lower sample core in opposite directions.

3. The tobacco slurry preparation apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The positioning and clamping unit includes a protective plate, which is used to prevent the thermophysical property measurement sensor from being deformed by pressure during the process of pressing the tobacco bulk material into the tobacco block. The pneumatic unit drives the protective plate to move away from the sample preparation mechanism, thereby tightly clamping the thermophysical property measurement sensor in the tobacco block.

4. The tobacco slurry preparation apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The protective plate has a slit for accommodating the thermophysical property measuring sensor. When the tobacco powder is compressed, the thermophysical property measuring sensor is located in the slit, thereby preventing the thermophysical property measuring sensor from being deformed by pressure.

5. The tobacco slurry preparation apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The protective plate includes an upper sample core protective plate, a measuring film protective plate, and a lower sample core protective plate arranged in sequence. The measuring film protective plate is provided with a hollow groove, thereby forming the slit with the upper sample core protective plate and the lower sample core protective plate at the position of the hollow groove.

6. The tobacco slurry preparation apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The positioning and clamping unit is a thin-film positioning and clamping unit, which passes through the sample preparation mechanism to connect to the thermophysical property measurement sensor.

7. The tobacco slurry preparation apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The film positioning and clamping unit includes a protective tray, and the pneumatic unit is connected to the protective plate through the protective tray, so that the protective plate moves away from the sample preparation mechanism, thereby making the thermophysical property measurement sensor tightly clamped in the tobacco block.

8. The tobacco slurry preparation apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The thin-film positioning and clamping unit includes a thin-film positioning structure, which is used to restrict the movement of the thermal property measurement sensor.

9. The tobacco slurry preparation apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, The film positioning structure includes an upper film plate and a lower film plate, and the thermophysical property measurement sensor is restricted from moving between the upper film plate and the lower film plate.

10. The tobacco slurry preparation apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that, The film positioning structure also includes a film positioning knob fastener, which is used to fix the film upper pressure plate to the upper surface of the sample preparation mechanism.

11. The tobacco slurry preparation apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that, The film positioning structure also includes a film positioning knob handle, and the film lower pressure plate is fixedly connected to the lower surface of the sample preparation mechanism through the film positioning knob handle.

12. The tobacco slurry preparation apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The automatic pressing unit includes a pressing servo motor, a synchronous belt drive assembly, a high-precision lead screw assembly, a pressing head mounting block, a guide module, and a detection switch. The pressing servo motor is connected to the high-precision lead screw assembly via the synchronous belt drive assembly. The guide module is used to guide the high-precision lead screw assembly. The pressure head mounting block is mounted on the high-precision lead screw assembly, and the pressure head mounting block is connected to the sample preparation mechanism to perform the process of pressing the tobacco bulk material into the tobacco block; The detection switch is connected to the control system and is used to detect the initial position of the high-precision lead screw assembly, thereby setting the pressing parameters.

13. The tobacco slurry preparation apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tobacco slurry preparation device also includes a connecting component. The connection assembly includes a buckle and a locking handle. The sample preparation mechanism also includes a sample preparation cup support, with the openings of the upper and lower sample preparation cores positioned opposite each other, and the upper and lower sample preparation cores connected by the sample preparation cup support. The sample cup lower support is fixedly connected to the pneumatic unit via the buckle. The sample preparation mechanism is fixedly connected to the automatic pressing unit at both ends via the locking handles.

14. The tobacco slurry preparation apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tobacco slurry preparation device also includes an automatic mixing unit. The sample preparation mechanism is mounted and fixed on the automatic mixing unit. The automatic mixing unit is used to drive the sample preparation mechanism to reciprocate along the axial direction, thereby making the tobacco material blocks evenly distributed.

15. The tobacco slurry preparation apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that, The automatic mixing unit includes a mixing servo motor, an eccentric turntable, a rocker arm, and a mounting plate. The mixing servo motor is connected to the eccentric turntable. The eccentric turntable is connected to the mounting plate via the rocker arm. The mounting plate is connected to the sample preparation mechanism. The mixing servo motor drives the eccentric turntable to move, thereby driving the sample preparation mechanism to move in the up-down direction through the mounting plate.

16. The tobacco slurry preparation apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tobacco slurry preparation device also includes a sealing mechanism, which is installed at both ends of the sample preparation mechanism. The sample preparation mechanism includes a piston rod that passes through the sealing mechanism and is connected to the automatic pressing unit, thereby pressing the loose tobacco material into tobacco blocks in the sample preparation mechanism.

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