An automated pre-treatment system for tobacco flavour extract

Abstract

The utility model relates to essence processing auxiliary equipment technical field especially, a kind of automatic pretreatment system for tobacco essence flavor extraction, including control mechanism, needle stopping platform, sample placement platform, needle washing mechanism, nitrogen blow concentration mechanism, ultrasonic assisted extraction mechanism, transfer handle, sample inlet assembly and auxiliary transmission component;Auxiliary transmission component realizes the horizontal and vertical movement of transfer handle, transfer handle grabs centrifugal tube or sample inlet assembly, each functional mechanism respectively completes ultrasonic extraction, nitrogen blow concentration, sample needle cleaning, and control mechanism dispatches each component collaborative work.Working, after sample is extracted by ultrasonic, nitrogen blow concentration, sample inlet assembly automatically samples and injects GC-MS, and whole process does not need manual sample transfer or parameter adjustment.The system integrates multi-process function, eliminates artificial intervention breakpoint, improves processing efficiency, reduces the security risk brought by low-temperature nitrogen gas and organic solvent, and is suitable for the automatic pretreatment scene of tobacco essence flavor analysis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of auxiliary equipment for flavor processing, and in particular to an automated pretreatment system for extracting flavors from tobacco products. Background Technology

[0002] Extraction and enrichment of flavor substances in tobacco flavorings are key prerequisites for cigarette quality control and flavor analysis, directly affecting the analytical accuracy of subsequent detection equipment such as GC-MS (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry). Therefore, the efficiency, stability and safety of flavor extraction pretreatment technology are of paramount importance.

[0003] In the current field of tobacco flavor extraction, ultrasonic-assisted extraction (with minimal damage to heat-sensitive substances and high efficiency) and nitrogen blowing concentration (with good preservation of flavor substances) are the mainstream technical combinations, and related solutions have been applied in the literature (e.g., Chen Weihua et al., *Tobacco Science and Technology*, 2025, No. 9: Perilla essential oil requires ultrasonic extraction, rotary evaporation for pre-concentration, nitrogen blowing for fine concentration, and finally transfer to GC-MS for detection). However, in existing technologies, core steps such as ultrasonic extraction, nitrogen blowing concentration, and injection needle cleaning need to be completed using separate equipment, directly leading to excessive reliance on manual intervention in the entire pretreatment process. Specific scenarios and drawbacks are as follows: Low efficiency and equipment idleness: After ultrasonic extraction, centrifuge tubes containing samples need to be manually removed from the ultrasonic equipment and transported to the fixed position of the nitrogen blowing equipment; after nitrogen blowing concentration, samples need to be manually transferred to the GC-MS injection station; after injection, the injection needle needs to be manually transferred to an independent cleaning device for processing. The transfer of samples and instruments between devices relies on manual operation, resulting in extremely poor process continuity, with equipment frequently in an idle state of "waiting for manual intervention," and the batch sample processing cycle is significantly extended.

[0004] Manual intervention carries multiple risks: On the one hand, improper handling during sample handling can easily lead to centrifuge tube tipping and sample leakage, resulting in material waste and detection errors; on the other hand, nitrogen blowing equipment requires manual adjustment of nitrogen flow rate at close range, and low-temperature nitrogen can easily cause frostbite to the hands; the high-frequency noise generated by ultrasonic equipment can affect the hearing of operators in the long term; organic solvents used in the extraction process (such as dichloromethane) are volatile and toxic, and can easily harm health through respiratory or skin contact during manual transfer, while frequent handling and operation also significantly increase the intensity of manual labor.

[0005] In summary, the existing "equipment separation - manual transfer" model has become a core bottleneck restricting the efficiency and safety of pretreatment for tobacco flavor extraction. Developing a fully automated pretreatment system (coupled with GC-MS) that integrates ultrasonic extraction, nitrogen blowing concentration, sample injection, and needle washing to achieve automatic sample and equipment transfer without manual intervention is an urgent need to address this pain point. Utility Model Content

[0006] This invention addresses the shortcomings of existing technologies by developing an automated pretreatment system for extracting flavorings from tobacco products. This invention achieves full automation of the pretreatment process for extracting flavorings from tobacco products, eliminating the need for manual intervention, effectively improving processing efficiency and operational accuracy, while avoiding the risk of contamination that may be caused by manual operation, and ensuring the accuracy and reliability of test results.

[0007] The technical solution to the technical problem solved by this utility model is as follows: This application provides an automated pretreatment system for extracting flavorings from tobacco products, including a control mechanism, a transfer handle, a sample injection assembly, and auxiliary transmission components; The auxiliary transmission component includes a guide rail assembly, an electric slide stage, and a frame body. The frame body includes an upper frame and a lower frame, which are distributed in two layers. A needle-stopping platform, a sample placement platform, an ultrasonic-assisted extraction mechanism, and a nitrogen blowing concentration mechanism are connected sequentially along the left-right direction on the lower frame. A needle-washing mechanism for cleaning the sample injection assembly is connected to one side of the lower frame. The guide rail assembly is horizontally installed on the upper frame, and the electric slide stage is slidably connected to the guide rail assembly. The needle-stopping platform is provided with a positioning groove for placing the sample injection component; The sample placement platform is equipped with a tray for placing centrifuge tubes; The electric slide is connected to a transfer handle at the bottom. The centrifuge tube and sample injection assembly are transferred by the transfer handle, and the transfer handle can move left and right and back and forth in the horizontal plane by the guide rail assembly. The control mechanism is connected to the lower frame and is electrically connected to the needle washing mechanism, nitrogen blowing concentration mechanism, ultrasonic-assisted extraction mechanism, transfer handle, and sample injection assembly, respectively.

[0008] As an improvement to the above solution, the guide rail assembly includes a first guide rail and a second guide rail arranged vertically. The second guide rail is slidably connected to the first guide rail, and the electric slide is slidably connected to the second guide rail. The left and right movement of the transfer handle is achieved by sliding the second guide rail on the first guide rail, and the forward and backward movement of the transfer handle is achieved by sliding the electric slide on the second guide rail.

[0009] As an improvement to the above solution, the transfer handle includes a drive base with a built-in servo motor, a telescopic arm, and a gripper. The drive base is fixed below the electric slide table, and the drive base drives the telescopic arm to extend and retract to move the gripper up and down.

[0010] As an improvement to the above solution, the injection assembly includes a micro-injection pump and an injection needle. The injection needle is connected to the micro-injection pump through a needle holder. The needle holder is provided with a first magnetic attraction element, and the gripper is provided with a second magnetic attraction element that is adapted to the first magnetic attraction element at a corresponding position.

[0011] As an improvement to the above solution, the second magnetic component of the transfer handle is an electromagnet, and the electromagnet is electrically connected to the control mechanism.

[0012] As an improvement to the above solution, the sample placement platform includes at least one layer of trays, each layer of trays having a mounting base for placing centrifuge tubes, and photoelectric sensors electrically connected to the control mechanism are installed on the side of the mounting base.

[0013] As an improvement to the above solution, each tray of the sample placement platform is provided with a retaining edge, and a silicone cushioning pad is attached to the bottom of the fixing seat.

[0014] As an improvement to the above solution, the ultrasonic-assisted extraction mechanism includes an ultrasonic generator and a heating device. The ultrasonic generator includes an ultrasonic cleaning tank, and a positioning frame for placing centrifuge tubes is provided inside the ultrasonic cleaning tank. Multiple ultrasonic transducers are distributed at the bottom of the ultrasonic cleaning tank. The heating device is an electric heating tube, and the electric heating tube is located in the interlayer at the bottom of the ultrasonic cleaning tank.

[0015] As an improvement to the above solution, the nitrogen blowing concentration mechanism includes a protective shell with a sliding door. The sliding door is equipped with a magnetic switch electrically connected to the control mechanism. A fixing frame is connected to the inside of the sliding door, and a fixing position for placing centrifuge tubes is provided on the fixing frame. A liquid level sensor electrically connected to the control mechanism is installed on the side of the fixing position. The detection probe of the liquid level sensor faces the inside of the centrifuge tube to monitor the liquid level of the sample in the centrifuge tube in real time. A gas distributor is installed at the top inside the protective shell. The gas distributor has multiple gas outlets, each of which is connected to a nitrogen blowing needle. When the sliding door is closed, the fixing position and the nitrogen blowing needle are precisely aligned. A nitrogen cylinder is connected to the gas distributor. An electronic flow controller electrically connected to the control mechanism is provided at the outlet of the nitrogen cylinder. The nitrogen blowing needle has a 45° bevel at the tip and is mounted below the gas distributor via a height adjustment bracket. The height adjustment bracket is moved up and down by a drive component to adjust the height of the nitrogen blowing needle.

[0016] As an improvement to the above solution, the needle washing mechanism includes a cuboid washing tank, a spray system, and a drying device; the bottom of the washing tank is inclined, and the lowest point of the tank bottom is connected to a drain pipe, the outlet of which is connected to a waste liquid collection box; the fan-shaped nozzles of the spray system are respectively arranged on the side and bottom of the washing tank; the drying device includes a miniature blower, a heater, and an air duct, the miniature blower is connected to the inlet end of the air duct, the heater is connected to the middle of the air duct, the outlet end of the air duct is located on the side of the washing tank, and both the spray system and the drying device are electrically connected to the control mechanism.

[0017] Compared with existing technologies, the above solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: Improved processing efficiency: Integrates ultrasonic extraction, nitrogen blowing concentration, sample injection, and needle washing functions. The sample and injection components are automatically transferred via a transfer handle, eliminating manual handling interruptions. The equipment does not need to be idle and waiting, significantly improving batch processing efficiency.

[0018] Reduce safety risks: Full automation reduces human contact with low-temperature nitrogen, high-frequency ultrasound, and toxic organic solvents, avoiding frostbite, noise damage, and solvent hazards, while also reducing the intensity of manual labor.

[0019] Simplified operation process: The control mechanism centrally schedules all components, eliminating the need for manual adjustment of nitrogen blowing flow rate, needle washing parameters, etc., reducing human intervention, lowering the operation threshold, and adapting to the needs of laboratory and industrial scenarios.

[0020] Ensuring operational stability: The movement and lifting of the transfer handle are precisely controlled by servo motors and electric slides, which are automated to avoid human error and ensure consistency in processing different batches. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The accompanying drawings are provided to further understand the present invention and form part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of the present invention to explain the present invention and do not constitute a limitation thereof.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a front view schematic diagram of the automated pretreatment system for extracting flavorings from tobacco products according to this embodiment.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a top view of the automated pretreatment system for extracting flavorings from tobacco products, as described in this embodiment.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the ultrasonic-assisted extraction mechanism involved in this embodiment.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the nitrogen blowing concentration mechanism involved in this embodiment.

[0026] In the diagram: 1. Control mechanism; 2. Needle-stopping platform; 2-1. Positioning groove; 3. Sample placement platform; 3-1. Fixing base; 4. Needle washing mechanism; 4-1. Cleaning tank; 4-2. Spray system; 4-3. Drying device; 5. Ultrasonic assisted extraction mechanism; 5-1. Ultrasonic cleaning tank; 5-2. Ultrasonic transducer; 5-3. Electric heating tube; 5-4. Positioning frame; 6. Nitrogen blowing concentration mechanism; 6-1. Protective shell; 6-2. Gas distributor; 6-3. Hoses; 6-4. Nitrogen blowing needle; 6-5. Fixing frame; 6-6. Height adjustment bracket; 7. Lower frame; 8. First guide rail; 9. Second guide rail; 10. Electric slide table; 11. Transfer handle; 11-1. Drive base; 11-2. Telescopic arm; 11-3. Gripper; 12. GC-MS docking station. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To clearly illustrate the technical features of this solution, the present invention will be described in detail below through specific embodiments and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing different structures of the present invention. To simplify the disclosure of the present invention, the components and arrangements of specific examples are described below. Furthermore, the present invention may repeat reference numerals and / or letters in different examples. This repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or arrangements discussed. It should be noted that the components illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. The present invention omits descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques and processes to avoid unnecessarily limiting the present invention. The terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0028] See Figure 1This embodiment provides an automated pretreatment system for extracting flavorings from tobacco products, including a control mechanism 1, a needle-stopping platform 2, a sample placement platform 3, a needle-washing mechanism 4, an ultrasonic-assisted extraction mechanism 5, a nitrogen blowing concentration mechanism 6, a transfer handle 11, a sample injection assembly, and auxiliary transmission components. The components work together to realize an automated pretreatment process for extracting flavorings from tobacco products, greatly improving processing efficiency and accuracy.

[0029] The auxiliary transmission components form the basis for the installation and movement of the entire system, including the guide rail assembly, the electric slide 10, and the frame body. The frame body adopts a two-layer structure design, namely the upper frame and the lower frame 7. The layered layout makes reasonable use of space and facilitates the orderly installation and coordinated operation of various functional components. From left to right, the lower frame 7 is connected to the needle-stopping platform 2, the sample placement platform 3, the ultrasonic-assisted extraction mechanism 5, and the nitrogen blowing concentration mechanism 6. The components are arranged in a straight line to ensure a simple and efficient movement path for the transfer handle 11. A needle-washing mechanism 4 is connected to one side of the lower frame 7, and the needle-washing mechanism 4 is located directly opposite the sample placement platform 3. This layout allows the sample injection component to quickly move to the needle-washing mechanism 4 for cleaning after completing the sample injection operation, shortening the movement distance and improving the overall process efficiency. The guide rail assembly includes a vertically arranged first guide rail 8 and a second guide rail 9. The first guide rail 8 is horizontally fixedly installed on the upper frame and extends along the arrangement direction (left-right direction) of the functional components on the lower frame 7. The second guide rail 9 is slidably connected to the first guide rail 8, that is, the second guide rail 9 can slide along the length direction (left-right direction) of the first guide rail 8. The electric slide table 10 is slidably connected to the second guide rail 9 below the second guide rail 9, that is, the electric slide table 10 can slide along the length direction (front-back direction) of the second guide rail 9. The left-right movement of the transfer handle 11 is realized by the sliding of the second guide rail 9 on the first guide rail 8, and the front-back movement of the transfer handle 11 is realized by the sliding of the electric slide table 10 on the second guide rail 9, together providing two-dimensional movement guidance for the transfer handle 11 in the horizontal plane.

[0030] The transfer handle 11 is used to grasp and transfer centrifuge tubes and sample injection components. Its structure, from top to bottom, includes a drive base 11-1 with a built-in servo motor, a telescopic arm 11-2, and a gripper 11-3. The drive base 11-1 is fixed upside down to the electric slide table 10 by bolts, ensuring a stable connection and facilitating disassembly and maintenance. The servo motor built into the drive base 11-1 provides power for the telescopic movement of the telescopic arm 11-2, precisely controlling its extension and retraction stroke, thereby causing the gripper 11-3 to move up and down. The initial position of the transfer handle 11 is set directly above the needle-stopping platform 2, ensuring orderly return to its original position when not in operation.

[0031] The control mechanism 1 is fixed to one end of the lower frame 7 by bolts. It adopts a centralized control mode and is electrically connected to the needle washing mechanism 4, nitrogen blowing concentration mechanism 5, ultrasonic-assisted extraction mechanism 6, transfer handle 11, sample injection assembly, and various sensors and actuators. It is used to receive feedback signals from each component and output control commands so that each component works together to form a complete automated control closed loop.

[0032] The portal-shaped aluminum alloy bracket of the needle-stopping platform 2 is rigidly connected to the lower frame 7 by bolts. The aluminum alloy material combines lightweight and high strength, ensuring the stability of the bracket while reducing the overall weight. The needle-stopping platform 2 is provided with a positioning groove 2-1 adapted to the sample injection component, which is used to place the sample injection component when not in operation, so as to achieve precise positioning and storage of the sample injection component.

[0033] The sample injection assembly includes a micro-injection pump and a sample injection needle connected sequentially from top to bottom. During operation, the height of the sample injection needle can be directly adjusted via the gripper 11-3 and telescopic arm 11-2 of the transfer handle 11, allowing precise control of the needle's height. Once the target height is reached, the micro-injection pump drives the needle to complete the sampling or ejection action. The sample injection needle is detachably connected to the micro-injection pump via a needle holder, facilitating needle replacement and maintenance. A first magnetic attractor is fixedly installed on the needle holder, and a second magnetic attractor is fitted at the corresponding position of the gripper 11-3. In this embodiment, the second magnetic attractor is an electromagnet. In the working state, the second magnetic attractor of the transfer handle 11 is energized to generate magnetic force to attract the first magnetic attractor, thereby achieving stable gripping of the sample injection assembly. In the non-working state, the electromagnet is de-energized, the magnetic attraction is released, and the sample injection assembly can be stably placed in the positioning groove 2-1 of the needle-stopping platform 2.

[0034] The sample placement platform 3 adopts a stainless steel welded structure, which can be configured as a single-layer tray or multiple parallel trays. Each tray has upward-protruding edges to effectively prevent items from accidentally falling off. Each tray has 5×2 matrix-arranged mounting seats 3-1 evenly distributed on it. The mounting seats 3-1 are used to hold centrifuge tubes, and a 3mm thick silicone cushioning pad is attached to the bottom of each seat. This silicone cushioning pad provides good cushioning performance, preventing damage from hard contact between the centrifuge tubes and the mounting seats 3-1. A diffuse reflection photoelectric sensor is installed on the side of each mounting seat 3-1. This sensor detects in real time whether the centrifuge tubes are properly positioned and feeds the detection signal back to the control mechanism 1, providing a trigger signal for the subsequent automated process. When using a multi-layer tray design, the transfer handle 11 only grasps the centrifuge tubes in the top tray, leaving the lower trays as spare space.

[0035] The needle washing mechanism 4 includes a cuboid washing tank 4-1, a spray system 4-2, and a drying device 4-3 integrated into the washing tank 4-1. The bottom of the washing tank 4-1 is designed with an incline, and a drain pipe is connected to the lowest point of the bottom. The outlet of the drain pipe is sealed to a waste liquid collection box, facilitating the centralized collection and treatment of cleaning waste liquid and avoiding environmental pollution. The fan-shaped nozzles of the spray system 4-2 are respectively located on the sides and bottom of the washing tank 4-1. This multi-directional layout allows for multi-angle spray cleaning of the injection needles, ensuring effective cleaning. The drying device 4-3 consists of a miniature blower, a heater, and an air duct. The miniature blower is connected to the inlet of the air duct to provide drying airflow; the heater is connected to the middle of the air duct to heat the airflow; the outlet of the air duct is located on both sides of the washing tank 4-1, with the outlet facing the interior of the washing tank 4-1. During operation, the hot air heated by the heater is blown through the air duct onto the cleaned injection needles for rapid drying. The specific working process of the needle washing mechanism 4 is as follows: the injection needle is inserted into the cleaning tank 4-1 under the drive of the transfer handle 11, the spray system 4-2 is started, and the cleaning liquid is sprayed out from all directions of the fan-shaped nozzles to thoroughly clean the injection needle. After cleaning, the spray system 4-2 is turned off, the drying device 4-3 is started, and the airflow delivered by the micro blower is heated by the heater to form hot air to dry the injection needle. After drying, the next injection operation can be performed.

[0036] The ultrasonic-assisted extraction mechanism 5 includes an ultrasonic generator and a heating device. The ultrasonic generator includes an ultrasonic cleaning tank 5-1, with multiple ultrasonic transducers 5-2 evenly distributed on the bottom of the ultrasonic cleaning tank 5-1. The simultaneous operation of these multiple ultrasonic transducers 5-2 generates a uniform ultrasonic field, improving the ultrasonic extraction effect. The heating device uses electric heating tubes 5-3, installed within the interlayer at the bottom of the ultrasonic tank. This installation method ensures uniform heating and avoids direct contact with the liquid in the ultrasonic cleaning tank 5-1, extending its service life. Positioning frames 5-4 are evenly arranged within the ultrasonic cleaning tank 5-1, and centrifuge tubes are appropriately placed on these frames to ensure stability and prevent shaking, thus guaranteeing the stability of the ultrasonic extraction process. During operation, the heating device heats the extraction solvent in the ultrasonic cleaning tank 5-1 to a preset temperature. The ultrasonic transducers 5-2 generate ultrasonic vibrations, performing ultrasonic-assisted extraction of the sample in the centrifuge tubes and accelerating the dissolution of tobacco flavor components.

[0037] The nitrogen blowing concentration mechanism 6 includes a protective shell 6-1 with a sliding door. A magnetic switch is installed on the sliding door, automatically cutting off the nitrogen supply when the door is opened, providing safety protection and preventing nitrogen leakage hazards. A gas distributor 6-2 is fixedly installed at the top inside the protective shell 6-1. The gas distributor 6-2 has 10 evenly distributed gas outlets, each connected to a nitrogen blowing needle 6-4 via a flexible hose 6-3, allowing simultaneous nitrogen blowing concentration of multiple centrifuge tubes and improving processing efficiency. A mounting bracket 6-5 for placing centrifuge tubes is fixedly connected to the inside of the sliding door. The mounting bracket 6-5 has fixed positions, the number of which corresponds one-to-one with the gas outlets of the gas distributor 6-2, and the fixed positions move synchronously with the opening and closing of the sliding door. A liquid level sensor, electrically connected to the control mechanism 1, is installed on the side of the fixed position. The sensor's probe faces the inside of the centrifuge tube to monitor the liquid level of the sample in real time. The liquid level sensor can be a non-contact infrared liquid level sensor; this non-contact design avoids direct contact with the sample and potential contamination. When the sliding door is fully closed, the fixed position is precisely positioned directly below the nitrogen blowing needle 6-4, ensuring coaxial alignment between the centrifuge tube and the nitrogen blowing needle 6-4. A nitrogen cylinder is connected to the gas distributor 6-2, and an electronic flow controller is installed at the outlet of the nitrogen cylinder to precisely adjust the nitrogen output flow rate to meet different concentration requirements. The tip of the nitrogen blowing needle 6-4 features a 45° bevel design, facilitating uniform blowing of nitrogen onto the sample surface inside the centrifuge tube. The nitrogen blowing needle 6-4 is mounted via a height adjustment bracket 6-6, which is driven by a drive mechanism to change the height of the nitrogen blowing needle 6-4, thereby precisely adjusting the distance between the needle tip and the bottom of the centrifuge tube and optimizing the nitrogen blowing concentration effect. The drive mechanism can be a pneumatic cylinder.

[0038] The lower frame 7 is equipped with a GC-MS docking station 12, which is located within the movement trajectory of the transfer handle 11. After the sample grabbing is completed, the sample injection component can move to the docking station with the transfer handle 11 to accurately dock with the GC end injection port of the GC-MS to complete the sample injection, thus achieving seamless connection between the pretreatment and analysis stages.

[0039] The working process of the automated pre-processing system in this embodiment is as follows: 1. Sample preparation Place an appropriate amount of sample into a centrifuge tube, then add the required solutions such as extraction solvent and internal standard solution. After shaking well, place the centrifuge tube in the fixed seat 3-1 of the sample placement platform 3. After the photoelectric sensor detects that the centrifuge tube is in place, it sends a signal to the control mechanism 1. After receiving the signal, the control mechanism 1 starts the subsequent automated process.

[0040] 2. Automated ultrasonic extraction The control mechanism 1 controls the second guide rail 9 to slide along the first guide rail 8 and the electric slide table 10 to slide along the second guide rail 9, which in turn drives the transfer handle 11 to move along the guide rail to the target fixing seat 3-1 above the sample placement platform 3. The telescopic arm 11-2 of the transfer handle 11 extends downward under the drive of the servo motor, and the gripper 11-3 grabs the centrifuge tube; The telescopic arm 11-2 retracts upward to its initial height, and the electric slide 10 moves along the guide rail assembly to above the ultrasonic-assisted extraction mechanism 5. After positioning, the telescopic arm 11-2 extends downward to place the centrifuge tube into the positioning frame 5-4 of the ultrasonic-assisted extraction mechanism 5. The gripper 11-3 opens to release the centrifuge tube and retracts upward. The control mechanism 1 controls the ultrasonic-assisted extraction mechanism 5 to start. The heating device heats the liquid in the ultrasonic cleaning tank 5-1 to the preset temperature. The ultrasonic generator starts and performs ultrasonic treatment for a preset time. After the ultrasonic treatment is completed, the ultrasonic-assisted extraction mechanism 5 stops working.

[0041] 3. Automatic nitrogen blowing concentration The control mechanism 1 controls the transfer handle 11 to grab the ultrasonic centrifuge tube according to the above grabbing process. The transfer handle 11 moves to the top of the nitrogen blowing concentration mechanism 6, the telescopic arm 11-2 extends downward, and the centrifuge tube is placed in the fixed position of the nitrogen blowing concentration mechanism 6. The gripper 11-3 opens and retracts upward. Control mechanism 1 controls the automatic closing of the sliding door of nitrogen blowing concentration mechanism 6. After the magnetic switch detects the door closing signal, it feeds back to control mechanism 1. The nitrogen blowing needle 6-4 is lowered into the centrifuge tube through the height adjustment bracket 6-6. Control mechanism 1 controls the opening of the nitrogen cylinder valve. After the nitrogen is adjusted to the preset flow rate by the electronic flow controller, it enters the gas distributor 6-2 and is then blown evenly into the corresponding centrifuge tube through each nitrogen blowing needle 6-4 to concentrate the sample. During the nitrogen blowing concentration process, the liquid level sensor detects the sample volume in the centrifuge tube in real time. When the preset volume is reached, the liquid level sensor sends a signal to control mechanism 1 to control the nitrogen cylinder valve to close.

[0042] 4. Automatic sample injection The transfer handle 11 picks up the centrifuge tube after nitrogen blowing, moves it to the sample loading area of ​​the sample placement platform 3, and places the centrifuge tube into the corresponding fixing seat 3-1; The transfer handle 11 moves above the needle-stopping platform 2 and uses the second magnetic suction to attract the first magnetic suction of the injection assembly, thus grabbing the injection assembly; the transfer handle 11 drives the injection needle to move above the corresponding fixed seat 3-1. The telescopic arm 11-2 of the transfer handle 11 moves downward, causing the injection needle of the injection component to be inserted into the centrifuge tube. The micro-injection pump starts and extracts an appropriate amount of sample. After sampling is completed, the telescopic arm 11-2 returns to its original position, the injection component moves to the GC-MS injection port, and the telescopic arm 11-2 moves downward again to insert the injection needle into the injection port. The micro-injection pump injects the sample into the GC-MS, completing the automatic injection operation.

[0043] 5. Cleaning the injection needle After injection, the injection assembly moves above the cleaning tank 4-1 of the needle washing mechanism 4. The telescopic arm 11-2 of the transfer handle 11 moves downward, allowing the injection needle to be inserted into the cleaning tank 4-1. The control mechanism 1 controls the spray system 4-2 to start, and the nozzle sprays the injection needle for cleaning. After the spraying is completed, the spray system 4-2 is turned off, and the drying device 4-3 is started. The airflow delivered by the micro blower is heated by the heater to form hot air, which dries the injection needle. After cleaning and drying are completed, the telescopic arm 11-2 returns to its original position, and the transfer handle 11 drives the injection assembly back to the needle-stopping platform 2. The electromagnet is de-energized and the magnetic attraction is released, placing the injection assembly in the positioning groove 2-1. The transfer handle 11 returns to its initial position under the drive of the electric slide 10, waiting for the next processing cycle.

[0044] Through the above structural design and workflow, the automated pretreatment system of this embodiment realizes the full automation of the pretreatment process for extracting flavorings from tobacco products, without the need for manual intervention. This effectively improves processing efficiency and operational accuracy, while avoiding the risk of contamination that may be caused by manual operation, and ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the test results.

[0045] It should be noted that the control system in this application is simply based on a PLC control system to control various mechanisms, sensors or valves (specifically, a Siemens S7-414 PLC controller can be used). The technology of using a PLC control system to start and stop equipment, communicate signals, and control parameters is already quite mature in the existing technology. This application does not involve any improvement to its algorithms and programs.

[0046] Although the specific embodiments of the utility model have been described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, this is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the utility model. Based on the technical solution of the utility model, various modifications or variations that can be made by those skilled in the art without creative effort are still within the scope of protection of the utility model.

Claims

1. An automated pretreatment system for extracting flavorings from tobacco products, characterized in that: Includes a control mechanism (1), a transfer handle (11), a sample injection assembly, and auxiliary transmission components; The auxiliary transmission component includes a guide rail assembly, an electric slide (10), and a frame body. The frame body includes an upper frame and a lower frame (7) with two layers. The lower frame (7) is connected in sequence along the left and right directions to a needle-stopping platform (2), a sample placement platform (3), an ultrasonic-assisted extraction mechanism (5), and a nitrogen blowing concentration mechanism (6). A needle-washing mechanism (4) for cleaning the sample injection assembly is connected to one side of the lower frame (7). The guide rail assembly is horizontally installed on the upper frame, and the electric slide (10) is slidably connected to the guide rail assembly. The needle-stopping platform (2) is provided with a positioning groove (2-1) for placing the injection component. The sample placement platform (3) is equipped with a tray for placing centrifuge tubes; The electric slide (10) is connected to a transfer handle (11) below. The centrifuge tube and sample injection assembly are transferred through the transfer handle (11), and the transfer handle (11) can move left and right and back and forth in the horizontal plane through the guide rail assembly. The control mechanism (1) is connected to the lower frame (7) and is electrically connected to the needle washing mechanism (4), the nitrogen blowing concentration mechanism (6), the ultrasonic-assisted extraction mechanism (5), the transfer handle (11), and the sample injection assembly, respectively.

2. The automated pretreatment system for extracting flavorings from tobacco products according to claim 1, characterized in that: The guide rail assembly includes a first guide rail (8) and a second guide rail (9) arranged vertically. The second guide rail (9) is slidably connected to the first guide rail (8), and the electric slide (10) is slidably connected to the second guide rail (9). The transfer handle (11) can move left and right by sliding the second guide rail (9) on the first guide rail (8), and the transfer handle (11) can move back and forth by sliding the electric slide (10) on the second guide rail (9).

3. The automated pretreatment system for extracting flavorings from tobacco products according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transfer handle (11) includes a drive base (11-1) with a built-in servo motor, a telescopic arm (11-2) and a gripper (11-3). The drive base (11-1) is fixed below the electric slide (10). The drive base (11-1) drives the telescopic arm (11-2) to extend and retract to drive the gripper (11-3) to move up and down.

4. The automated pretreatment system for extracting flavorings from tobacco products according to claim 1, characterized in that: The injection assembly includes a micro-injection pump and an injection needle. The injection needle is connected to the micro-injection pump through a needle holder. The needle holder is provided with a first magnetic attraction element, and the corresponding position of the gripper (11-3) is provided with a second magnetic attraction element that is adapted to the first magnetic attraction element.

5. An automated pretreatment system for extracting flavorings from tobacco products according to claim 3, characterized in that: The second magnetic component of the transfer handle (11) is an electromagnet, and the electromagnet is electrically connected to the control mechanism (1).

6. The automated pretreatment system for extracting flavorings from tobacco products according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sample placement platform (3) includes at least one layer of trays, each layer of trays is distributed with a fixing seat (3-1) for placing centrifuge tubes, and a photoelectric sensor electrically connected to the control mechanism (1) is installed on the side of the fixing seat (3-1).

7. An automated pretreatment system for extracting flavorings from tobacco products according to claim 6, characterized in that: The sample placement platform (3) has a retaining edge on each tray edge, and the bottom of the fixing seat (3-1) is covered with a silicone cushioning pad.

8. An automated pretreatment system for extracting flavorings from tobacco products according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ultrasonic-assisted extraction mechanism (5) includes an ultrasonic generator and a heating device. The ultrasonic generator includes an ultrasonic cleaning tank (5-1). The ultrasonic cleaning tank (5-1) is equipped with a positioning frame (5-4) for placing centrifuge tubes. Multiple ultrasonic transducers (5-2) are distributed at the bottom of the ultrasonic cleaning tank (5-1). The heating device is an electric heating tube (5-3), and the electric heating tube (5-3) is located in the interlayer at the bottom of the ultrasonic cleaning tank (5-1).

9. An automated pretreatment system for extracting flavorings from tobacco products according to claim 1, characterized in that: The nitrogen blowing concentration mechanism (6) includes a protective shell (6-1), which has a sliding door. The sliding door is equipped with a magnetic control switch electrically connected to the control mechanism (1). A fixing frame (6-5) is connected to the inside of the sliding door. The fixing frame (6-5) has a fixing position for placing centrifuge tubes. A liquid level sensor electrically connected to the control mechanism (1) is installed on the side of the fixing position. The detection probe of the liquid level sensor faces the inside of the centrifuge tube and is used to monitor the liquid level of the sample in the centrifuge tube in real time. A gas distributor (6-2) is installed at the top inside the protective shell (6-1). The gas distributor (6-2) has multiple gas outlets. Each gas outlet is connected to a nitrogen blowing needle (6-4). When the sliding door is closed, the fixing position is precisely aligned with the nitrogen blowing needle (6-4). A nitrogen cylinder is connected to the gas distributor (6-2). An electronic flow controller electrically connected to the control mechanism (1) is installed at the outlet of the nitrogen cylinder. The nitrogen blowing needle (6-4) has a 45° beveled tip and is mounted below the gas distributor (6-2) via a height adjustment bracket (6-6). The height adjustment bracket (6-6) is driven up and down by a drive component to adjust the height of the nitrogen blowing needle (6-4).

10. An automated pretreatment system for extracting flavorings from tobacco products according to claim 1, characterized in that: The needle washing mechanism (4) includes a cuboid washing tank (4-1), a spray system (4-2), and a drying device (4-3); the bottom of the washing tank (4-1) is inclined, and the lowest point of the bottom is connected to a drain pipe, and the outlet of the drain pipe is connected to a waste liquid collection box; the fan-shaped nozzles of the spray system (4-2) are respectively set on the side and bottom of the washing tank (4-1); the drying device (4-3) includes a miniature blower, a heater, and an air duct, the miniature blower is connected to the inlet end of the air duct, the heater is connected to the middle of the air duct, the outlet end of the air duct is located on the side of the washing tank (4-1), and the spray system (4-2) and the drying device (4-3) are both electrically connected to the control mechanism (1).

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