Material handling system, automated trolley, track gap detection device and method

Abstract

The present application relates to a kind of material conveying system, automated crane, track gap detection device and method, track gap detection device includes vibration detector.Vibration detector is installed on the vehicle body of automated crane, vibration detector is used to be electrically connected with the controller of material conveying system, and it is used to obtain the vibration amplitude information when automated crane runs on the track to be measured, and vibration amplitude information is transmitted to the controller when automated crane runs on the track to be measured.Vibration detector can synchronously sense vibration amplitude information due to being provided with vibration detector on the vehicle body of automated crane, and vibration amplitude information is transmitted to the controller in time during the process that automated crane runs on the track to be measured, so as to be beneficial to detecting track gap defect in time accurately, without manual detection as in traditional technology, detection efficiency is greatly improved, and the degree of automation is higher, and maintenance cost is greatly lower.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of semiconductor manufacturing technology, and in particular to a material handling system, an automated overhead crane, a track gap detection device and method. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional Automated Material Handling Systems (AMHS) consist of an overhead hoist transfer (OHT) and tracks. The OHT's wheels move back and forth along the tracks to transport wafers. After running on the tracks for a period of time, especially after three years of use, discontinuities can easily appear at the joints between adjacent tracks. This means that the end surface of one track is either higher or lower than the other. When the OHT's wheels pass over tracks with discontinuities, the wheels experience significant wear, resulting in a substantial reduction in their lifespan.

[0003] Generally, maintenance personnel need to periodically inspect and maintain the track's discontinuity. These personnel typically stand on the moving equipment and manually use a ruler to compare and inspect the flatness of the mating points of adjacent tracks, visually judging the discontinuity based on the flatness. However, automated material handling systems often operate over long distances, such as 100m, 1000m, 10000m, and 20000m, requiring a large number of tracks (usually hundreds or thousands), and thus many mating points of adjacent tracks to be inspected. This results in a significant workload for track discontinuity inspection and maintenance, consuming substantial manpower and resources, and leading to high maintenance costs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies and provide a material handling system, an automated overhead crane, a track discontinuity detection device and method that can detect track discontinuity defects in a timely and accurate manner, with high detection efficiency, high degree of automation and low maintenance cost.

[0005] The technical solution is as follows: A track gap detection device includes: a vibration detector, which is installed on an automated overhead crane and electrically connected to the controller of a material handling system, for acquiring vibration amplitude information when the automated overhead crane runs on the track to be tested, and transmitting the vibration amplitude information to the controller.

[0006] The aforementioned track discontinuity detection device has a vibration detector installed on the body of the automated crane. During the operation of the automated crane on the track to be tested, the vibration detector can synchronously sense the vibration amplitude information and transmit the vibration amplitude information to the controller in a timely manner. This facilitates the timely and accurate detection of track discontinuity defects, eliminating the need for manual inspection as in traditional technologies. This greatly improves detection efficiency, has a high degree of automation, and significantly reduces maintenance costs.

[0007] In one embodiment, the track gap detection device further includes at least one distance measuring instrument; the distance measuring instrument is mounted on the automated crane and electrically connected to the controller; the distance measuring instrument is used to acquire distance information from the distance measuring instrument to the track surface to be measured, and transmit the distance information to the controller.

[0008] In one embodiment, the vibration detector is mounted on the front running plate of the automated crane; the rangefinder is mounted on the rear running plate of the automated crane.

[0009] In one embodiment, the vibration detector is mounted on the rear running plate, front gearbox, rear gearbox, or hanger of the automated crane; the rangefinder is mounted on the front running plate, front gearbox, rear gearbox, or hanger of the automated crane.

[0010] In one embodiment, there are two rangefinders, and the detection ends of the two rangefinders are set one-to-one with the two track beams of the track to be measured.

[0011] In one embodiment, the vibration detector is installed at the same distance from the two track beams of the track to be tested on the automated crane.

[0012] In one embodiment, the rangefinder includes a bracket and a detection end disposed on the bracket; the bracket is mounted on the automated overhead crane, and the detection end is disposed facing the upper surface of the track to be measured.

[0013] In one embodiment, there are multiple vibration detectors; each of the multiple vibration detectors is respectively installed at multiple different positions on the automated overhead crane.

[0014] An automated overhead crane includes the aforementioned track discontinuity detection device and a car body, wherein the track discontinuity detection device is mounted on the car body.

[0015] The aforementioned automated overhead crane is equipped with a vibration detector on its body. As the crane runs on the track to be tested, the vibration detector can simultaneously sense the vibration amplitude information and transmit it to the controller in a timely manner. This facilitates the timely and accurate detection of track discontinuity defects, eliminating the need for manual inspection as in traditional technologies. This greatly improves detection efficiency, increases the degree of automation, and significantly reduces maintenance costs.

[0016] A material handling system includes an automated overhead crane, and further includes a controller and a track to be tested; the controller is electrically connected to the vibration detector; the automated overhead crane runs on the track to be tested.

[0017] The aforementioned material handling system, equipped with a vibration detector on the body of the automated overhead crane, allows the vibration detector to simultaneously sense vibration amplitude information while the crane is running on the track to be tested. This information is then transmitted to the controller in a timely manner, enabling timely and accurate detection of track breakage defects. Unlike traditional technologies, manual inspection is not required, resulting in significantly improved inspection efficiency, a high degree of automation, and much lower maintenance costs.

[0018] In one embodiment, the controller is also electrically connected to the power mechanism of the automated crane; the controller is used to control the power mechanism of the automated crane to stop operating when it is determined that the discontinuity value of the track under test exceeds a preset threshold.

[0019] In one embodiment, the material handling system further includes an alarm, and the controller is electrically connected to the alarm; the controller is used to control the alarm to activate when it is determined that the discontinuity value of the track under test exceeds a preset threshold.

[0020] A method for detecting track discontinuity, employing the aforementioned material handling system, includes the following steps:

[0021] Obtain vibration amplitude information when the automated overhead crane is running on the track to be tested;

[0022] The vibration amplitude information is used to determine whether there is a discontinuity defect in the track under test.

[0023] The above-mentioned track discontinuity detection method eliminates the need for manual inspection as in traditional technologies, greatly improving detection efficiency, increasing automation, and significantly reducing maintenance costs.

[0024] In one embodiment, determining whether the track under test has a discontinuity defect based on the vibration amplitude information specifically includes the following steps:

[0025] When the vibration amplitude information is greater than the first set value, the distance information detected by the rangefinder is obtained, and the presence of a discontinuity defect in the track under test is determined based on the distance information.

[0026] When the vibration amplitude information is not greater than the first set value, it indicates that the track under test does not have any discontinuity defects.

[0027] In one embodiment, determining whether the track under test has a discontinuity defect based on the distance information specifically includes the following steps:

[0028] During a set time period when the vibration amplitude detected by the vibration detector is greater than the first set value, multiple distance information is sequentially obtained by the rangefinder.

[0029] The spacing deviation value is obtained by determining the maximum and minimum distance values ​​based on multiple distance information.

[0030] When the spacing deviation value is greater than the second set value, it indicates that there is a discontinuity defect in the track under test;

[0031] When the spacing deviation value is not greater than the second set value, it indicates that there is no discontinuity defect in the track under test. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the invention.

[0033] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an automated overhead crane operating on a track to be tested according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The structural diagram omitting the hanger is shown from one perspective.

[0036] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Another structural view of the hanger is omitted in the diagram.

[0037] Figure 4 for Figure 1 Another structural diagram omitting the hanger;

[0038] Figure 5for Figure 1 Another structural view omitting the hanger;

[0039] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the control structure of a material conveying system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 7 This is a schematic flowchart of a track discontinuity detection method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] 10. Vibration detector; 20. Vehicle body; 21. Front gearbox; 211. Front running plate; 22. Rear gearbox; 221. Rear running plate; 23. Hanger; 24. Running wheel; 25. Anti-tilt wheel; 26. Power mechanism; 27. Guide wheel; 30. Controller; 40. Track to be tested; 41. Track beam; 50. Rangefinder; 51. Bracket; 52. Detection end; 60. Monitoring module; 70. Warning device. Detailed Implementation

[0042] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention can be practiced in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0043] See Figures 1 to 5 Any one, Figure 1 This diagram illustrates the structure of an automated overhead crane operating on a test track 40 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 2 to 5 They are shown respectively Figure 1 The structural diagrams of the hanger 23 from different perspectives are omitted. One embodiment of the present invention provides a track discontinuity detection device, which includes a vibration detector 10. The vibration detector 10 is mounted on the body 20 of an automated overhead crane and is connected to the controller 30 of the material handling system (e.g., Figure 6 The electrical connection (shown) is used to acquire vibration amplitude information when the automated crane is running on the track 40 under test, and to transmit the vibration amplitude information to the controller 30.

[0044] The aforementioned track discontinuity detection device, because a vibration detector 10 is installed on the body 20 of the automated crane, can synchronously sense vibration amplitude information during the operation of the automated crane on the track 40 to be tested, and transmit the vibration amplitude information to the controller 30 in a timely manner. This facilitates timely and accurate detection of track discontinuity defects, eliminating the need for manual inspection as in traditional technologies. The detection efficiency is greatly improved, the degree of automation is high, and the maintenance cost is significantly lower.

[0045] Please see Figure 1 In one embodiment, the track discontinuity detection device further includes at least one rangefinder 50. The rangefinder 50 is mounted on the body 20 of the automated crane and is electrically connected to the controller 30. The rangefinder 50 is used to acquire distance information from the rangefinder 50 to the surface of the track 40 under test when the automated crane is running on the track 40 under test, and transmits the distance information to the controller 30. Thus, the vibration amplitude detected by the vibration detector 10 when the automated crane is running on a track without discontinuities is defined as the standard amplitude, and the vibration amplitude detected by the vibration detector 10 when the automated crane is running on the track 40 under test is defined as the detected amplitude. When the detected vibration amplitude is greater than a first preset value of the standard amplitude, such as 5%, 7%, 10%, 12%, or 15% of the standard amplitude, the controller 30 further acquires the distance information detected by the rangefinder 50 and determines whether the track discontinuity exceeds a second preset value, such as 0.5mm, 1mm, or 2mm. In this way, the detection amplitude of the vibration detector 10 plays a role in screening out possible discontinuity defects. Especially when the track to be tested is long (e.g., 1000m, 2000m, 10000m, etc.), it can greatly reduce the amount of data from the rangefinder, thereby improving detection efficiency. In addition, when the detection amplitude of the vibration detector 10 indicates that a possible discontinuity defect exists, the track discontinuity defect can be detected more accurately based on the distance information detected by the rangefinder 50, avoiding detection errors caused by other factors (such as subway sound waves, wind, rain, etc.).

[0046] As an optional solution, without using the rangefinder 50, when the detected amplitude is greater than a first preset value of the standard amplitude, the controller 30 can, for example, directly determine that the track under test 40 has a discontinuity defect. Furthermore, when the detected amplitude is not greater than the first preset value of the standard amplitude, the controller 30 accordingly determines that the track under test 40 does not have a discontinuity defect.

[0047] Please see Figures 1 to 5 In one embodiment, the vibration detector 10 is mounted on the front running plate 211 of the automated overhead crane. The rangefinder 50 is mounted on the rear running plate 221 of the automated overhead crane. In this way, the vibration detector 10 can be mounted on the automated overhead crane relatively stably. In addition, the distance between the vibration detector 10 and the track 40 to be tested is relatively close, making the detection results more sensitive and accurate.

[0048] Specifically, the vibration detector 10 is fixed to the front running plate 211 by means of bonding, snap-fitting, welding, magnetic fixation, etc., or it can be fixed to the front running plate 211 by screws, bolts, pins, rivets, ropes, etc. The specific assembly method can be set according to the actual situation and is not limited here. Similarly, the rangefinder 50 is fixed to the rear running plate 221 by means of bonding, snap-fitting, welding, magnetic fixation, etc., or it can be fixed to the rear running plate 221 by screws, bolts, pins, rivets, ropes, etc. The specific assembly method can be set according to the actual situation and is not limited here.

[0049] It should be noted that, as an optional solution, the vibration detector 10 is not limited to being installed on the front traveling plate 211, but can also be installed on the rear traveling plate 221, the front gearbox 21, the rear gearbox 22, or the hanger 23 of the automated crane. This is not a limitation and can be set according to the actual situation. Similarly, the rangefinder 50 is not limited to being installed on the rear traveling plate 221, but can also be installed on the front traveling plate 211, the front gearbox 21, the rear gearbox 22, or the hanger 23 of the automated crane. This is not a limitation and can be set according to the actual situation.

[0050] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 In one embodiment, two rangefinders 50 are used, with their detection ends 52 corresponding one-to-one with the two track beams 41 of the track 40 to be tested. Thus, the detection end 52 of one rangefinder 50 is used to obtain the distance to the surface of one of the track beams 41 of the track 40 to determine whether a discontinuity defect exists in that track beam 41; the detection end 52 of the other rangefinder 50 is used to obtain the distance to the surface of the other track beam 41 of the track 40 to determine whether a discontinuity defect exists in the other track beam 41. This allows for more accurate detection of track discontinuity defects.

[0051] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 Furthermore, the vibration detector 10 is installed on the automated overhead crane at the same distance from the two track beams 41 of the track under test 40. Specifically, the vibration detector 10 is installed in the middle of the front traveling liner 211. In this way, when any track beam 41 of the track under test 40 has a track discontinuity defect, the vibration detector 10 can sensitively sense it, thereby enabling relatively accurate detection of the track discontinuity defect.

[0052] As an example, the vibration detector 10 is not limited to one; there can also be two. For example, two vibration detectors 10 can be installed alternately on the front running plate 211, alternately on the front gearbox 21, alternately on the rear gearbox 22, or alternately on the hanger 23, etc. Of course, there can also be three, four, or more vibration detectors 10. There is no limitation here, and the configuration can be determined according to the actual situation.

[0053] In one specific embodiment, there are multiple vibration detectors 10. Specifically, the multiple vibration detectors 10 are respectively installed at multiple different positions on the body 20 of the automated overhead crane. In this way, the multiple vibration detectors 10 can sense multiple vibration amplitude information. The controller calculates the average value of the multiple vibration amplitude information, compares the average value with a standard amplitude, and determines whether the average value is greater than the standard amplitude by a first preset value. This makes the detection results more accurate.

[0054] Please see Figure 5 In one embodiment, the rangefinder 50 includes a bracket 51 and a detection end 52 disposed on the bracket 51. The bracket 51 is mounted on an automated overhead crane, and the detection end 52 is positioned directly opposite the upper surface of the track 40 to be measured. Further, the bracket 51 is an L-shaped frame. The bottom of the L-shaped frame is mounted on the rear running plate 221 of the automated overhead crane, and the detection end 52 is mounted on the top of the L-shaped frame. Specifically, when the automated overhead crane is running on the track 40 to be measured, the rangefinder 50 is used to acquire distance information from the detection end 52 of the rangefinder 50 to the surface of the track 40 to be measured.

[0055] In one embodiment, the rangefinder 50 is a laser rangefinder 50, an ultrasonic rangefinder 50, a magnetic induction rangefinder 50, or an infrared rangefinder 50.

[0056] Please see Figures 1 to 5 In any one embodiment, an automated overhead crane includes a track discontinuity detection device according to any of the above embodiments, and a car body 20, wherein the track discontinuity detection device is mounted on the car body 20.

[0057] The aforementioned automated overhead crane, with a vibration detector 10 installed on its body 20, can synchronously sense vibration amplitude information while the crane is running on the track 40 under test. This information is then transmitted to the controller 30 in a timely manner, which helps to detect track discontinuity defects accurately and promptly. Unlike traditional methods, manual inspection is not required, resulting in significantly improved inspection efficiency, a high degree of automation, and much lower maintenance costs.

[0058] Please see Figures 1 to 3Furthermore, the vehicle body 20 includes a front gearbox 21, a rear gearbox 22, and a hanger 23. Both sides of the front gearbox 21 and both sides of the rear gearbox 22 are provided with running wheels 24, which run along the upper surface of the track 40 to be tested. The bottom surface of the front gearbox 21 is provided with a front running plate 211, and the bottom surface of the rear gearbox 22 is provided with a rear running plate 221. The hanger 23 is connected to the bottom surfaces of the front gearbox 21 and the rear gearbox 22 respectively, and is located below the track 40 to be tested, where it carries cargo. The cargo may specifically be, for example, electronic products such as wafers.

[0059] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 4 In one embodiment, guide wheels 27 are provided on the top surface of both the front gearbox 21 and the rear gearbox 22. Thus, the guide wheels 27 can guide the vehicle body 20, allowing the automated overhead crane to smoothly enter the next workstation.

[0060] Please see Figures 3 to 5 In one embodiment, anti-tilt wheels 25 are provided on both sides of the front gearbox 21 and both sides of the rear gearbox 22. The anti-tilt wheels 25 move along the sidewall of the track 40 to be tested. Specifically, the track 40 to be tested includes two track beams 41 spaced apart. The anti-tilt wheels 25 on one side of the front gearbox 21 and one side of the rear gearbox 22 abut against one of the track beams 41, and the anti-tilt wheels 25 on the other side of the front gearbox 21 and the other side of the rear gearbox 22 abut against the other track beam 41, thereby preventing tilting.

[0061] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 6 , Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the control structure of a material handling system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. In one embodiment, a material handling system includes an automated overhead crane as described in any of the above embodiments, and further includes a controller 30 and a track 40 to be tested. The controller 30 is electrically connected to a vibration detector 10. The automated overhead crane runs on the track 40 to be tested.

[0062] The material handling system described above has a vibration detector 10 installed on the body 20 of the automated overhead crane. During the operation of the automated overhead crane on the track 40 to be tested, the vibration detector 10 can synchronously sense the vibration amplitude information and transmit the vibration amplitude information to the controller 30 in a timely manner. This facilitates the timely and accurate detection of track discontinuity defects, eliminating the need for manual inspection as in traditional technologies. This greatly improves the detection efficiency, increases the degree of automation, and significantly reduces maintenance costs.

[0063] Please see Figure 6Furthermore, the controller 30 is also electrically connected to the rangefinder 50. When the controller 30 determines that the detected vibration amplitude is greater than a first preset value of the standard vibration amplitude, the controller 30 acquires the distance information detected by the rangefinder 50 and determines whether the track discontinuity value exceeds a second preset value based on the distance information. The second preset value is, for example, 0.5mm, 1mm, or 2mm. In this way, the detected vibration amplitude of the vibration detector 10 plays a filtering role. The distance information detected by the rangefinder 50 and the vibration detector 10 at the same time can more accurately detect track discontinuity defects and avoid detection errors caused by other factors (such as subway sound waves, wind, rain, and other environmental factors).

[0064] Please see Figure 6 In one embodiment, the material handling system further includes a monitoring module 60. The monitoring module 60 is electrically connected to the controller 30. Thus, the controller 30, for example, transmits collected distance information to the monitoring module 60. The monitoring module 60 monitors the distance information, determines the maximum and minimum distance values ​​based on multiple distance values, obtains the spacing deviation value from the maximum and minimum distance values, and determines whether the spacing deviation value meets the requirements. If it does not meet the requirements, it indicates that the track under test 40 has a discontinuity defect; if it meets the requirements, it indicates that the track under test 40 does not have a discontinuity defect. When the monitoring module 60 detects a discontinuity defect in the track under test 40, it also indicates the location of the station on the track under test where the discontinuity defect occurs, thereby enabling maintenance personnel to quickly locate the station where the discontinuity defect exists and improving maintenance efficiency.

[0065] It should be noted that the monitoring module 60 can be integrated into the controller 30 or be a separate device independent of the controller 30. There is no limitation here, and it can be set according to the actual situation.

[0066] Please see Figure 6 In one embodiment, the controller 30 is also electrically connected to the power mechanism 26 of the automated crane. The controller 30 is used to control the power mechanism 26 of the automated crane to stop operating when it determines that the discontinuity value of the track under test 40 exceeds a preset threshold. Specifically, when the discontinuity value of the track under test 40 exceeds the preset threshold, that is, when the controller 30 acquires the distance information detected by the rangefinder 50 and determines that the discontinuity value of the track exceeds a second preset value based on the distance information, the controller 30 can alert maintenance personnel that there is a discontinuity defect on the track under test 40, allowing them to perform timely maintenance. Furthermore, it can prevent the running wheels 24 from wearing out due to continued operation of the automated crane.

[0067] In one embodiment, the material handling system further includes an alarm 70. The controller 30 is also electrically connected to the alarm 70. The controller 30 controls the alarm 70 to activate when it detects that the discontinuity value of the track under test 40 exceeds a preset threshold. Thus, when the discontinuity value of the track under test 40 is detected to exceed the preset threshold, indicating a discontinuity defect in the track 40, the alarm activation promptly alerts personnel to perform maintenance, preventing continued operation from causing significant wear on the traveling wheels 24.

[0068] Specifically, the alarm device 70 can be, for example, a loudspeaker, a warning light, a vibrator, a monitor, etc., and is not limited here. It can be set according to actual needs.

[0069] Please see Figure 7 , Figure 7 A schematic flowchart of a track discontinuity detection method according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. In one embodiment, the track discontinuity detection method employs the material handling system of any of the above embodiments, and the track discontinuity detection method includes the following steps:

[0070] Step S100: Obtain vibration amplitude information when the automated overhead crane is running on the track to be tested 40;

[0071] Step S200: Determine whether there is a discontinuity defect in the track 40 to be tested based on the vibration amplitude information.

[0072] The above-mentioned track discontinuity detection method eliminates the need for manual inspection as in traditional technologies, greatly improving detection efficiency, increasing automation, and significantly reducing maintenance costs.

[0073] Furthermore, in step S200, determining whether the track 40 under test has a discontinuity defect based on the vibration amplitude information specifically includes the following steps:

[0074] Step S210: Determine whether the vibration amplitude information is greater than the first set value; wherein, when the vibration amplitude information is not greater than the first set value, proceed to step S260, and when the vibration amplitude information is greater than the first set value, proceed to step S220.

[0075] It should be noted that the method for setting the first set value is based on the first preset value in the above embodiment. For example, the first set value is 5%, 7%, 10%, 12% or 15% larger than the standard amplitude, etc. There is no limitation here, and it can be set according to the actual situation.

[0076] Step S220: When the vibration amplitude information is greater than the first set value, within the set time period in which the vibration amplitude information is detected to be greater than the first set value, multiple distance information is sequentially acquired by the rangefinder 50.

[0077] It should be noted that the set time period is determined based on the periodic detection time interval of the rangefinder 50 and the operating speed of the automated crane. The periodic detection time interval of the rangefinder 50 may be, for example, 0.1S, 0.2S, 0.3S, etc., and the operating speed of the automated crane may be, for example, 1m / S, 1m / S, 2m / S, 10m / S, etc. The specific set time period can be set to 1S, 3S, 5S, 10S, etc. For example, if the periodic detection time interval of the rangefinder 50 is 0.1S, the set time period is 1S, and the operating speed of the automated crane is 1m / S, then within 1S of detecting vibration amplitude information greater than the first set value, the rangefinder 50 can detect 10 distances, and the traveling wheels 24 will travel a distance of 1m.

[0078] Step S230: Determine the maximum and minimum distance values ​​based on multiple distance information obtained within a set time period, and obtain the spacing deviation value based on the maximum and minimum distance values;

[0079] For example, in the example above, 10 distance information points are obtained within 1 second. Then, the maximum and minimum distance values ​​are determined from the 10 distance information points, and the spacing deviation value is obtained based on the maximum and minimum distance values.

[0080] Step S240: Determine whether the spacing deviation value is greater than the second set value; wherein, when the spacing deviation value is not greater than the second set value, proceed to step S260, and when the spacing deviation value is greater than the second set value, proceed to step S250.

[0081] It should be noted that the method for setting the second setting value is the same as the second preset value in the above embodiment. Specifically, the second setting value is, for example, 0.5mm, 1mm or 2mm.

[0082] Step S250 indicates that there is a discontinuity defect in the track 40 under test;

[0083] Step S260 indicates that there is no discontinuity defect in the track 40 to be tested.

[0084] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0085] The above embodiments merely illustrate several implementation methods of the present invention, and their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of this invention patent should be determined by the appended claims.

[0086] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention 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 invention.

[0087] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0088] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; 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; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0089] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0090] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

Claims

1. A method for detecting track discontinuity in a material conveying system, characterized in that, The material handling system includes an automated overhead crane, a controller, and a track to be tested, wherein the automated overhead crane runs on the track to be tested; The automated overhead crane includes a track discontinuity detection device and a car body. The track discontinuity detection device is installed on the car body and includes: A vibration detector is installed on the automated overhead crane and electrically connected to the controller of the material handling system. It is used to acquire vibration amplitude information when the automated overhead crane runs on the track to be tested and to transmit the vibration amplitude information to the controller. At least one rangefinder is installed on the automated overhead crane and electrically connected to the controller. The rangefinder is used to acquire distance information from the rangefinder to the track surface to be measured and to transmit the distance information to the controller. The controller is used to acquire the distance information detected by the rangefinder when the vibration amplitude information is greater than a first set value, and to determine whether there is a discontinuity defect in the track to be tested based on the distance information. The track discontinuity detection method includes the following steps: Obtain vibration amplitude information when the automated overhead crane is running on the track to be tested; When the vibration amplitude information is greater than the first set value, the distance information detected by the rangefinder is obtained, and the presence of a discontinuity defect in the track under test is determined based on the distance information. When the vibration amplitude information is not greater than the first set value, it indicates that the track under test does not have a discontinuity defect; The step of determining whether the track under test has a discontinuity defect based on the distance information specifically includes the following steps: During a set time period when the vibration amplitude detected by the vibration detector is greater than the first set value, multiple distance information is sequentially obtained by the rangefinder. The spacing deviation value is obtained by determining the maximum and minimum distance values ​​based on multiple distance information. When the spacing deviation value is greater than the second set value, it indicates that there is a discontinuity defect in the track under test; When the spacing deviation value is not greater than the second set value, it indicates that there is no discontinuity defect in the track under test.

2. The track discontinuity detection method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vibration detector is installed on the front running plate of the automated overhead crane; the rangefinder is installed on the rear running plate of the automated overhead crane.

3. The track discontinuity detection method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vibration detector is installed on the rear running plate, front gearbox, rear gearbox, or hanger of the automated overhead crane; the rangefinder is installed on the front running plate, front gearbox, rear gearbox, or hanger of the automated overhead crane.

4. The track discontinuity detection method according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are two rangefinders, and the detection ends of the two rangefinders are set one-to-one with the two track beams of the track to be measured.

5. The track discontinuity detection method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vibration detectors are installed at the same distance from the two track beams of the track to be tested on the automated overhead crane.

6. The track discontinuity detection method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rangefinder includes a bracket and a detection end mounted on the bracket; the bracket is mounted on the automated overhead crane, and the detection end is positioned directly opposite the upper surface of the track to be measured.

7. The track discontinuity detection method according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are multiple vibration detectors; each of the multiple vibration detectors is respectively set at multiple different positions on the automated overhead crane.

8. The track discontinuity detection method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller is also electrically connected to the power mechanism of the automated crane; the controller is used to control the power mechanism of the automated crane to stop operating when it is determined that the discontinuity value of the track under test exceeds a preset threshold.

9. The track discontinuity detection method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The material handling system also includes an alarm, and the controller is electrically connected to the alarm; the controller is used to control the alarm to activate when it is determined that the discontinuity value of the track under test exceeds a preset threshold.

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