Thermal imaging components and control systems and methods for controlling industrial production processes.

Abstract

The thermal imager assembly (1) includes: a thermal imaging detector (3) that provides thermal images and / or records; a protective housing (2) that houses the thermal imaging detector and includes a window (5) with a transparent screen (6); one or more sensors (15, 16, 20, 32, 33) arranged in the protective housing and providing signals indicating physical quantities or states; one or more actuators (8, 22, 28) arranged in the protective housing; and a control unit (9) integrated in the protective housing. The control unit is directly connected to the thermal imaging detector to receive thermal images and / or records and transmit them to the outside, directly connected to the sensors to receive relevant signals, and directly connected to the actuators to control the actuators according to the received signals. The control unit is capable of managing and controlling all communication between the thermal imager components and the outside. The thermal imager assembly is part of a control system for controlling industrial production processes and is used in related control methods.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a thermal imaging assembly or thermal imager (also known as a thermal imager), which is a specific camera sensitive to infrared radiation, and thus can obtain thermal images or records showing the temperature of the surface pointed to by the camera.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a control system and method for controlling industrial production processes in an industrial production environment by means of a thermal imaging device.

[0003] This invention relates to thermal imaging components or thermal imagers used for controlling or monitoring various types of industrial production processes. For example, it can be applied in foundries to inspect the temperature of objects such as molds, in hot forming and rolling processes to inspect temperature changes in metals undergoing forming processes, in inertial welding processes to inspect the temperature of welding materials, in industrial furnaces to inspect the temperature of molten metal, and even in additive manufacturing processes. Background Technology

[0004] Known thermal imagers used in foundries are described, for example, in patent application number WO2004011891A2 or patent application number WO2016199057A2, and include a thermal imaging detector (sensitive to infrared radiation) and a metal protective housing that houses the thermal imaging detector for mechanical and thermal protection.

[0005] The protective housing has a detection window that is enclosed by a transparent screen and positioned on the lens of the thermal imaging detector to allow the detector to be seen from outside the housing. A valve is hinged to the outside of the housing and can be rotatably moved from an open position where the valve does not cover the detection window to a closed position where the valve covers the detection window. A pneumatic actuator controls the position of the valve so that it remains open only for the time required to acquire a thermal image or record it.

[0006] The protective housing includes a compressed air cooling system that introduces a flow of compressed air into the housing. Preferably, the cooling system is equipped with a vortex tube (i.e., a Ranque-Hilsch tube) located outside the housing, which allows the high-pressure fluid to be separated into two jets with very different temperatures: the hottest jet is directed to the outside of the housing, while the cooler jet is directed to the inside. Inside the housing are also one or more sensors and one or more actuators that facilitate the operation of the thermal imager.

[0007] Therefore, known thermal imagers of the aforementioned type require pneumatic connections for a compressed air source and wires for transmitting power (essential for powering the thermal imaging detector and any sensors and actuators) and signals (i.e., signals from the thermal imager and sensors to the remote controller and from the remote controller to the thermal imager and actuators) in both directions. Such wires require exceptionally thick multipole cables (e.g., with a diameter approaching 30 mm), which are difficult to operate in industrial plants such as foundries because several tight obstacles force the multipole cables to bend into bends with small radii of curvature. Since each component housed in the thermal imager (sensors and / or actuators) is individually connected to the remote controller via dedicated electrical connections for power supply and signal transmission, it is impossible to reduce the thickness of the cables used for all connections to overcome the difficulties in operating the cables. Using thick multipole cables also means using equally bulky electrical connectors to connect the cables to the thermal imager. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a thermal imager that does not have the above-mentioned disadvantages and is easy and economical to manufacture and / or implement, as well as a control system and method for controlling industrial production processes.

[0009] The present invention provides a thermal imaging camera assembly (or thermal imager) as claimed in the appended claims, and a control system including said thermal imaging camera assembly.

[0010] The present invention also provides a method for controlling an industrial production process including a thermal imaging unit in an industrial production environment, as claimed in the appended claims. The claims describe embodiments of the invention and form part of this specification. Attached Figure Description

[0011] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate non-limiting examples of embodiments, in which:

[0012] - Figure 1 This is a side view of the thermal imager according to the present invention;

[0013] - Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Front view of the thermal imager;

[0014] - Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Rear view of the thermal imager;

[0015] - Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A top view of the thermal imager, where part of the protective housing has been removed;

[0016] - Figure 5 yes Figure 1A side view of the thermal imager, showing that part of the protective housing has been removed; and

[0017] - Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A magnified view of the details. Detailed Implementation

[0018] In the accompanying drawings, reference numeral 1 generally indicates the thermal imager assembly or thermal imager 1.

[0019] The thermal imager 1 includes a metal protective housing 2, which may be, for example, a parallelepiped having six walls: a mutually parallel and opposing upper and lower wall, two mutually parallel and opposing side walls, and a mutually parallel and opposing front and rear wall. The upper wall, lower wall, and two side walls form a tubular body having two open opposing ends, at which the front and rear walls are mounted and locked by their respective screws. The parallelepiped shape of the protective housing 2 allows for optimization of the arrangement of components inside the protective housing 2 by minimizing the internal space and thus the external dimensions of the protective housing 2.

[0020] Although the parallelepiped shape is particularly advantageous in terms of overall size, the protective shell 2 can have different shapes, such as cylindrical.

[0021] The thermal imager 1 includes several different types of internal components, which are arranged inside the protective housing 2 and will be described in detail below.

[0022] Thermal imager 1 includes thermal imaging detector 3 (in Figure 4 and Figure 5 (Partially visible), the thermal imaging detector 3 is housed within a protective housing 2 and includes a lens 4 through which thermal images are acquired. The thermal imaging detector 3 provides images and / or thermal recordings showing the temperature of the surface it points to; specifically, it provides data for generating such images and / or recordings. Typically, the spectral range of the thermal imaging detector 3 is SW (shortwave infrared, suitable for measuring high temperatures), but obviously, the spectral range of the thermal imaging detector 3 can also be different. According to possible embodiments, the thermal imaging detector 3 may include a planar matrix microradiative thermal sensing element.

[0023] The thermal imaging detector 3 can be a known device, such as a commercial thermal imager.

[0024] like Figure 2As shown, the protective housing 2 has a detection window 5, which is enclosed by a transparent screen 6 (typically made of germanium glass) and is typically arranged in a straight line with the lens 4 of the thermal imaging detector 3, or in any case arranged in a manner that allows the thermal imaging detector 3 to be "seen" from outside the protective housing 2. According to a preferred embodiment, a valve 7 is hinged to the outside of the protective housing 2 and rotates between an open position (shown in the figures) where the valve 7 does not cover the detection window 5 and a closed position (not shown) where the valve 7 covers the detection window 5. According to a preferred embodiment, a motor 8 (in...) Figure 4 and Figure 5 The device (as can be seen) is housed inside the protective housing 2 and mechanically connected to the valve 7 (if necessary, a mechanical transmission to reduce rotation can be placed between them) to move the valve 7 between the open and closed positions. The motor 8 represents one of the actuators arranged in the protective housing 2 of the thermal imager 1.

[0025] Thermal imager 1 includes control electronics, specifically control unit 9 (in Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 (As shown in the figure), the control unit supervises the operation of the thermal imager assembly 1, is integrated into the protective housing 2, and is connected to the thermal imaging detector 3 for receiving and / or recording thermal images and transmitting them to the outside of the thermal imager 1. According to the preferred embodiment shown in the figure, the control unit 9 is arranged inside the protective housing 2. The control unit 9 drives the motor 8 to open the valve 7 only when necessary to acquire thermal images or record them. Figure 1 As shown, the control unit 9 communicates (i.e., sends and receives information) with an external controller or remote controller 10 (i.e., separate from and independent of the thermal imager 1). The control unit is connected to the external controller or remote controller via a single cable 11 for power supply and data transmission. The cable 11 is connected to an electrical connector 12, which is mounted on the rear wall of the protective housing 2 to bring the electrical connection into the interior of the protective housing 2.

[0026] Therefore, the thermal imager 1 is configured to communicate with the outside via digital data transmission through the control unit 9. The control unit 9 is also configured to receive power transmitted via cable 11 and distribute it to the internal components of the thermal imager 1. The control unit 9 then controls the power supply to the thermal imaging detector 3.

[0027] according to Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the control unit 9 includes, for example, a printed circuit board 13 mounted on the lower wall of the protective housing 2.

[0028] According to the preferred embodiment shown in the figure, there is a damping element 14 (i.e., a vibration damper, which dampens vibration so that vibration is not transmitted from the protective housing 2 to the printed circuit board 13) between the printed circuit board 13 and the wall of the protective housing 2.

[0029] Thermal imager 1 includes temperature sensor 15 (in Figure 4 (Illustrated schematically) The temperature sensor 15 is connected to the control unit 9 and measures the temperature inside the protective housing 2. According to a preferred embodiment, the temperature sensor 15 is integrated into the control unit 9, i.e., it is mounted on the printed circuit board 13 of the control unit 9. As explained in detail below, in the preferred embodiment, the control unit 9 monitors the temperature inside the protective housing 2 by means of the temperature sensor 15, and, if necessary, regulates the temperature by acting on the cooling system 21 in a manner that ensures the temperature value does not exceed a predetermined threshold. That is, the control unit 9 is configured to act on the cooling system (21) by means of commands to one or more actuators. More specifically, the control unit 9 acts on the cooling system 21 based on the signal received from the temperature sensor 15. Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, the control unit 9 is configured to shut down the thermal imaging detector 3 (i.e., cut off the power supply to the thermal imaging detector 3) in an emergency (i.e., if the temperature inside the protective housing 2 exceeds a predetermined threshold). Therefore, if it is not possible to adequately correct the temperature inside the protective housing 2 and the temperature reaches an excessively high value, the thermal imaging detector 3 is "protected" (as much as possible) by avoiding the generation of additional heat due to the Joule effect inside the thermal imaging detector 3. Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, the control unit 9 is configured to send an alarm signal to the external controller 10 if the temperature inside the protective housing 2 exceeds a predetermined threshold. In other words, the control unit 9 notifies the external controller 10 of the abnormal situation, and if necessary, requires the operator to take action (e.g., if the abnormal situation is too severe or lasts too long).

[0030] Thermal imager 1 also includes Figure 4 A humidity sensor 16 is schematically shown, which is connected to the control unit 9 and measures the humidity level inside the protective housing 2. According to a preferred embodiment, the humidity sensor 16 is integrated into the control unit 9, i.e., it is mounted on the printed circuit board 13 of the control unit 9. Excessive humidity inside the protective housing 2 is harmful because it causes condensation, which can fog the lens 4 of the thermal imaging detector 3, damage electronic components, and cause oxidation of metal components over time. According to a preferred embodiment, the control unit 9 is configured to send an alarm signal to the external controller 10 if the humidity inside the protective housing 2 exceeds a predetermined threshold. In other words, the control unit 9 notifies the external controller 10 of an abnormality, and if necessary, requires operator action (e.g., if the abnormality is too severe or lasts too long).

[0031] like Figure 5 As shown, the thermal imager 1 includes a compressed air distributor 17, which is placed inside the protective housing 2 and connected to a pneumatic connector 19 (e.g., Figure 1 and Figure 3 The pipe 18 (shown) receives a flow of compressed air. The pneumatic connector is mounted on the rear wall of the protective housing 2 and is connected to the compressed air source by means of a pneumatic line.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment, a pressure sensor 20 is provided. It is preferably arranged in the compressed air distributor 17 and measures the pressure value of the compressed air entering the compressed air distributor 17 (i.e., entering the protective housing 2). Preferably, the control unit 9 is connected to the pressure sensor 20 to read the pressure value of the compressed air entering the compressed air distributor 17, and sends an alarm signal to the external controller 10 if the pressure value exceeds a predetermined maximum threshold and / or falls below a predetermined minimum threshold (i.e., if there is too much or too little pressure). In other words, the control unit 9 notifies the external controller 10 of the abnormal situation, and if necessary, requires operator action (e.g., if the abnormal situation is too severe or lasts too long).

[0033] according to Figure 5 The preferred embodiment shown, as described above, provides a compressed air cooling system 21. It is entirely disposed inside the protective housing 2 and introduces compressed air flow into the protective housing 2 to reduce temperature. A control unit 9 controls the flow of compressed air toward the cooling system 21. More specifically, the compressed air distributor 17 includes a solenoid valve 22, which is controlled by the control unit 9 and regulates the supply of compressed air to the cooling system 21; that is, by opening and closing the solenoid valve 22, the control unit 9 increases or decreases the cooling of the internal volume of the protective housing 2 performed by the cooling system 21. In the preferred embodiment, the control unit 9 measures the temperature value inside the protective housing 2 by means of a temperature sensor 15, and thus controls the solenoid valve 22 (which constitutes an actuator) according to the temperature value inside the protective housing 2. In other words, the control unit 9 is connected to the temperature sensor 15 to read the value of the physical quantity (temperature) and to the actuator (including the solenoid valve 22) to control the actuator according to the value of the physical quantity (temperature).

[0034] According to one embodiment, the control unit 9 acts as a simple switch (with a certain hysteresis) that opens the solenoid valve 22 (i.e., "turns on" the cooling system 21) when the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 15 is above a predetermined threshold, and closes the solenoid valve 22 (i.e., "turns off" the cooling system 21) when the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 15 is below the predetermined threshold. According to a more refined embodiment, the control unit 9 biases the opening / closing of the solenoid valve 22 based on the difference between the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 15 and the predetermined threshold.

[0035] like Figure 4 As shown, the compressed air cooling system 21 includes a vortex tube 23 (i.e., a Ranque-Flilsch tube) that receives a flow of compressed air at an inlet 24 (which is connected to a solenoid valve 22 of the compressed air distributor 17 via a pipe 25) and separates the compressed air flow into a warmer portion directed toward a first compressed air outlet 26 facing the exterior of the protective housing 2 and a cooler portion directed toward a second compressed air outlet 27 facing the interior of the protective housing 2 (and particularly toward the thermal imaging detector 3, which is the component most in need of cooling). Figure 4 In the preferred embodiment shown, the outlet 26 of the vortex tube 23 opens to the outside through the rear wall of the protective housing 2. In other words, the vortex tube 23 allows the high-pressure fluid from the inlet 24 to be separated into two separate jets with very different temperatures: the hottest jet is guided to the outside of the protective housing 2 through outlet 26 (which opens to the outside through the rear wall of the protective housing 2), while the cooler jet is guided to the inside of the protective housing 2 through outlet 27 (facing the thermal imaging detector 3).

[0036] Figure 5 The preferred embodiment shown in the middle section includes a compressed air cleaning circuit that receives compressed air from a compressed air distributor 17 and generates a jet of compressed air outside the protective housing 2 at the transparent screen 6 to keep the transparent screen 6 clean. The compressed air distributor 17 includes a solenoid valve 28 (constituting an actuator) that receives compressed air from conduit 18 and directs it to another conduit 29 terminating in the compressed air cleaning circuit. The solenoid valve 28 is controlled by a control unit 9, which opens the solenoid valve (i.e., activates the compressed air cleaning circuit) whenever the valve 7 is opened. According to possible embodiments, the compressed air cleaning circuit includes an annular conduit arranged around the detection window 5 and having an opening, or an air passage conduit extending radially to generate as much compressed air jet as possible directed toward the center of the detection window 5.

[0037] according to Figure 5 and Figure 6In the preferred embodiment shown, the thermal imaging detector 3 is mounted on the lower wall of the protective housing 2, and a damping element 30 (i.e., a vibration damper that dampens vibrations so that vibrations are not transmitted from the protective housing 2 to the thermal imaging detector 3) is placed between them. The damping element 30 supporting the thermal imaging detector 3 is different from the damping element 14 supporting the printed circuit board 13 of the control unit 9 (in size and / or composition) because the thermal imaging detector 3 has a much larger mass than the printed circuit board 13, and also because the thermal imaging detector 3 has a different vibration sensitivity relative to the printed circuit board 13.

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment, the thermal imaging detector 3 is placed (mounted) in a support (e.g., a metal bracket 31) that is fixed to the lower wall of the protective housing 2, and a damping element is placed between them.

[0039] The thermal imager 1 includes at least one inertial sensor 32, preferably a triaxial accelerometer or accelerometer (in Figure 4 (Illustrated schematically) The inertial sensor is connected to the control unit 9 and measures the value of the acceleration experienced by the protective housing 2. According to a preferred embodiment, the accelerometer 32 is integrated into the control unit 9; more specifically, it is mounted on the printed circuit board 13 of the control unit 9. According to a preferred embodiment, the control unit 9 is configured to send an alarm signal to the external controller 10 if the instantaneous acceleration experienced by the protective housing 2, either collectively or individually, exceeds a predetermined threshold. In other words, the control unit 9 notifies the external controller 10 of an abnormality, and if necessary, requires operator action (e.g., if the abnormality is too severe or lasts too long). Specifically, the detected vibration may be caused, for example, by a suboptimal (i.e., too “loose”) fastening of the protective housing 2 to its support, by an impact to the protective housing 2, or by movement of the support to which the thermal imager is attached during normal operation in an industrial plant.

[0040] According to possible implementations, control unit 9 is configured to process the signals from inertial sensor 32 in a known manner to obtain overall information about the spatial arrangement of protective housing 2 and thermal imager 1. This information can be used, for example, to restore the correct spatial arrangement of protective housing 2 after an impact or when protective housing 2 is reinstalled after it has been removed for, for example, maintenance intervention. Information relating to the spatial arrangement of protective housing 2 can also be used to send an alarm signal to external controller 10 indicating undesirable movement of thermal imager 1 relative to its initial position.

[0041] Alternatively, or in addition to accelerometers, different types of inertial sensors, such as gyroscope sensors, can be provided to detect the spatial arrangement of the protective housing 2.

[0042] According to possible implementations, the thermal imager 1 includes a position sensor 33 (in... Figure 4 (Illustrated schematically), the position sensor directly or indirectly detects the position of the valve 7. For example, the position sensor 33 can be as follows: Figure 4 The control unit 9 is connected to the position sensor 33 to detect the position of the shaft of the motor 8, which is mechanically connected to the valve 7, or it can be mounted on the front wall of the protective housing 2 (to directly detect the position of the valve 7). The control unit 9 is connected to the position sensor 33 to read the position of the valve 7, and sends an alarm signal to the external controller 10 if the position of the valve 7 does not change within a expected time range when the motor 8 is started. For example, the position sensor 33 may include a pair of sensors to detect two different positions of the valve 7 (closed or open).

[0043] In summary, the thermal imager includes one or more sensors arranged within the protective housing 2 to provide signals indicating physical quantities or states. These sensors may include a temperature sensor 15, a humidity sensor 16, a pressure sensor 20, a position sensor 33, and an accelerometer 32.

[0044] In addition, the thermal imager 1 includes one or more actuators, such as solenoid valves 22 and 28 and an electric motor 8, which are also arranged in the protective housing 2.

[0045] In addition to being connected to the thermal imaging detector 3, the control unit 9 is also connected to the sensors to receive the signals they provide, and to the actuator to control the actuator based on the signals received from the sensors.

[0046] As mentioned earlier, the control unit 9 controls the power supply to the internal components of the thermal imager, and therefore controls the power supply to the thermal imaging detector 3, the sensor and the actuator.

[0047] According to a preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the protective housing 2 is provided with heat insulation. The inner surfaces of the walls (all or at least some of the walls) of the protective housing 2 are provided with heat insulation; for example, the metal walls of the protective housing 2 may have internal cavities or chambers partially or completely filled with heat insulation material. This improves the overall thermal efficiency of the protective housing 2 and the thermal imager 1.

[0048] As can be seen from the above, the external controller 10 communicates only with the control unit 9, which, in a preferred embodiment, is entirely housed within the protective housing 2 and, in any case, integrated into the protective housing 2. The control unit 9 is the only component of the thermal imager 1 that communicates with the outside (i.e., with the external controller 10). Therefore, the thermal imaging detector 3 is connected solely and exclusively to the control unit 9, which is responsible for classifying and transmitting digital data to and from the thermal imaging detector 3. In other words, the control unit 9 (i.e., the control electronics of the thermal imager 1), connected to the external controller 10, is responsible for classifying and transmitting digital data to and from the thermal imaging detector 3.

[0049] In the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the control unit 9 is entirely disposed inside the protective housing 2 and mounted on the lower wall of the protective housing 2. According to an alternative embodiment (not shown), the control unit 9 may be disposed inside the thermal imaging detector 3; more specifically, the control unit 9 may be integrated with the electronics of the thermal imaging detector 3 (in this embodiment, the control unit 9 is also entirely disposed inside the protective housing 2).

[0050] The control unit 9, which can be defined as "intelligent," can be configured to receive information and / or data from components of the thermal imager 1 (thermal imaging detector 3, sensors, actuators, etc.), autonomously process such information and / or data, and directly control these components of the thermal imager 1, sending report and / or alarm signals only to the external controller 10 based on signals received from the sensors. Alternatively, the control unit 9 can collect information and / or data only from the internal components of the thermal imager, send them to the external controller 10, and receive instructions from the external controller on how to control these components. An intermediate solution is also possible, in which the control unit 9 directly manages and controls the internal components in response to some signals, while in response to other signals, it seeks instructions from the external controller 10 on how to control the internal components.

[0051] According to a preferred embodiment, the control unit 9 is capable of autonomously processing thermal images and / or records collected by the thermal imaging detector 3, and sending them to an external controller after processing. Unlike known thermal imagers that must delegate the processing of thermal images and / or records to an external processor, the thermal imager 1 of the present invention can therefore perform processing operations autonomously, can be used in industrial plants, and can be integrated into industrial production processes without the need for an external processor. The present invention also relates to a control method for controlling an industrial production process in an industrial production environment by means of a thermal imager assembly, the thermal imager assembly comprising: a protective housing including a window enclosed by a transparent screen and housing a thermal imaging detector, one or more sensors, one or more actuators, and an integrated control unit directly connected to the thermal imaging detector, sensors, and actuators.

[0052] The method according to the present invention includes the following steps:

[0053] Position the thermal imaging unit relative to the target it must be pointing at within the industrial production environment.

[0054] Acquire at least one thermal image or record of an object or material corresponding to a target and used or processed in an industrial production process by means of a thermal imaging detector.

[0055] Send thermal images and / or records to the integrated control unit.

[0056] The thermal images or records are processed in an integrated control unit to obtain at least one processed thermal image and / or record.

[0057] Processed thermal images and / or records are transmitted to external devices via digital data transmission specifically handled by the control unit.

[0058] Using processed thermal images and / or records to control at least one part of an industrial production process.

[0059] The control method according to the invention can be applied, for example, to foundries to check the temperature of objects such as molds, to thermoforming and rolling processes to check the temperature changes of materials (more specifically metals) undergoing forming processes, to inertial welding processes to check the temperature of welding materials, to industrial furnace plants to check the temperature of molten metal, and even to additive manufacturing processes.

[0060] The embodiments described herein can be combined with each other without departing from the scope of protection of this invention.

[0061] The thermal imager 1 described above has several advantages.

[0062] First, the cable 11 (a single cable for digital transmission of power and data) has a relatively small diameter, i.e., a relatively small thickness. Therefore, it can even be bent into bends with small radii of curvature, greatly simplifying operation when several close obstacles are present. Furthermore, it greatly facilitates the use of the thermal imager 1 in factories where the thermal imager is moved. In other words, the single digital connection between the external controller 10 and the thermal imager 1 (i.e., the control unit 9 of the thermal imager 1) allows for a significant reduction in the diameter of the cable 11, thereby reducing the radius of curvature and simplifying the installation and relocation of the thermal imager 1. The reduced size of the cable 11 also allows for the use of significantly smaller electrical connectors 12. Furthermore, the cable 11 can be divided into segments that connect to each other by means of releasable connectors. In this case, only the segments of the cable 11 most susceptible to exposure to harsh environmental conditions must be protected by special sheaths, while segments of the cable 11 less exposed to harsh environmental conditions may not have protective sheaths.

[0063] The results and advantages provided by the thermal imager 1 according to the invention are possible because the control unit 9 is integrated into the protective housing 2 (e.g., entirely housed within it) and is able to manage and control the communication between all components of the thermal imager 1 and the external controller 10. If configured to do so, the control unit 9 can also independently control the individual components of the thermal imager 1 (i.e., without requiring external commands from the external controller 10).

[0064] In the thermal imager 1 described above, the values ​​measured by various sensors can be used locally to generate alarm signals, or can be transmitted to an external controller 10 for diagnostic and data logging functions.

[0065] The aforementioned thermal imager 1 uses a pressure sensor 20 to measure the pressure of the inlet compressed air, thereby ensuring that the pneumatic action is always sufficient and effective.

[0066] The thermal imager 1 measures humidity with the aid of humidity sensor 16, thereby verifying that no moisture is introduced into the protective housing 2 due to the pneumatic system or due to leakage in the protective housing 2.

[0067] The thermal imager 1 described above measures the acceleration (more specifically, dynamic acceleration) experienced by the thermal imager by means of at least one inertial sensor (e.g., a triaxial accelerometer) to examine the stress experienced by the thermal imager 1 during normal operating cycles.

[0068] The aforementioned thermal imager 1 measures the acceleration experienced by the thermal imager (more specifically, static acceleration) by means of at least one inertial sensor (e.g., a triaxial accelerometer and / or a gyroscope sensor), thereby monitoring the spatial arrangement of the thermal imager 1 and verifying its proper fastening and any positional changes caused by loss of clamping force in the support, collision, or incorrect operation during operator action on the machine.

[0069] Inertial sensors can be made, for example, using MEMS technology.

[0070] The thermal imager 1 measures the temperature using a temperature sensor 15; thus, it adjusts the thermal state inside the protective housing 2 to effectively regulate the cooling system 21 and ensure that the thermal imaging detector 3 is not subjected to excessively high temperatures.

[0071] If environmental conditions are suitable, the presence of an electrically actuated valve allows the thermal imager 1 to operate even without a pneumatic connection. It also allows for reduced compressed air consumption. Under suitable environmental conditions, the thermal imager 1 may not actually have a cooling system 21. The absence of a pneumatic connection offers not only economic advantages but also ecological advantages, as the use of compressed air typically involves high energy consumption.

[0072] The presence of the cooling system 21, which is completely housed inside the protective housing 2, and the insulation within the protective housing 2, allows for a reduction in the consumption of compressed air for cooling.

[0073] The placement of dampers (damping elements 14 and 30) increases resistance to external stresses. In addition to the aforementioned damping elements 14 and 30, additional and / or different dampers may be provided to protect other "sensitive" components of the thermal imager 1, such as solenoid valves or motors.

[0074] The present invention also relates to a control system for monitoring and controlling industrial production processes in an industrial production environment, the control system comprising a thermal imager 1 as described above, and a power supply and processing device. This power supply and processing device includes a control unit 9 integrated into the thermal imager 1 and an external controller 10.

[0075] As described above, according to the preferred embodiment, the control unit 9 (more generally, the thermal imager 1) is connected to the external controller 10 by means of a single cable 11 for digital transmission of power and data.

Claims

1. A thermal imager assembly (1), characterized in that, include: - Thermal imaging detector (3), which provides thermal images and / or records; - A protective housing (2) for housing the thermal imaging detector (3), the protective housing including a window (5) closed by a transparent screen (6); - One or more sensors arranged in the protective housing (2), the sensors providing signals indicating physical quantities or states; - One or more actuators arranged in the protective housing (2); The thermal imaging module (1) is characterized in that, - It includes a control unit (9) integrated into the protective housing (2) and directly connected to the thermal imaging detector (3) to receive the thermal images and / or record and transmit them to the outside, directly connected to the one or more sensors to receive corresponding signals, and directly connected to the one or more actuators to control the actuators according to the received signals; and - It is configured to communicate with the outside via digital transmission of data through the control unit (9); - It includes a cooling system (21) which is located entirely inside the protective housing (2); the cooling system includes a vortex tube (23) which is configured to receive a single stream of compressed air through an inlet (24) inside the protective housing (2) and separate the single stream of compressed air into a warm air stream and a cold air stream, the warm air stream being directed to the outside of the protective housing (2) through a first compressed air outlet (26) and the cold air stream being directed to the inside of the protective housing (2) through a second compressed air outlet (27), and the cooling system (21) is actuated by the control unit (9) by controlling one or more actuators.

2. The thermal imager assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that Includes a single cable (11) for digital transmission of the data and for powering the thermal imager assembly (1).

3. The thermal imaging camera assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, in, The digital transmission of the data includes transmitting alarm signals based on the signals received from the one or more sensors.

4. The thermal imaging camera assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, in, The control unit (9) controls the power supply to the thermal imaging detector (3).

5. The thermal imaging camera assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, in, The one or more sensors include a temperature sensor (15).

6. The thermal imaging camera assembly (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that, in, The control unit (9) actuates the cooling system (21) based on the signal received from the temperature sensor (15).

7. The thermal imaging camera assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, It includes a damping element (30) placed between an internal component of the thermal imager assembly (1) and the protective housing (2), the internal component including the thermal imaging detector (3).

8. The thermal imaging camera assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, in, At least a portion of the protective casing (2) is provided with heat insulation.

9. The thermal imaging camera assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, in, The control unit (9) is located inside the protective housing (2).

10. The thermal imaging camera assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, in, The control unit (9) controls the power supply to the one or more sensors and the one or more actuators.

11. The thermal imager assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, It also includes at least one inertial sensor connected to the control unit (9) and measuring the acceleration value experienced by the protective housing (2).

12. The thermal imager assembly (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that, in, At least one inertial sensor is integrated into the control unit (9).

13. The thermal imaging camera assembly (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that, in, The at least one inertial sensor is a triaxial accelerometer.

14. The thermal imaging assembly (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that, in, The control unit (9) is configured to send an alarm signal if the value of the instantaneous acceleration experienced by the protective housing (2) exceeds a threshold, either in whole or in part.

15. The thermal imager assembly (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that, in, The control unit (9) is configured to process signals provided by the at least one inertial sensor to obtain information about the spatial arrangement of the protective housing (2).

16. The thermal imaging assembly (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that, in, The control unit (9) is configured to send an alarm signal indicating that the protective housing (2) has experienced an unwanted displacement relative to its initial position.

17. The thermal imager assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, in, The control unit (9) autonomously processes the thermal images and / or records received from the thermal imaging detector (3) and transmits them to the outside after processing the thermal images and / or records.

18. A control system for monitoring and controlling an industrial production process in an industrial production environment, the control system comprising: - Thermal imager assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, and - A power supply and processing unit connected to the thermal imager assembly (1), Its features are, The power supply and processing device includes the control unit (9) and an external controller (10) that communicates with the control unit (9).

19. A control method for controlling an industrial production process in an industrial production environment by means of a thermal imaging unit (1), characterized in that, The thermal imager assembly includes: a protective housing (2) including a window (5) enclosed by a transparent screen (6) and housing a thermal imaging detector (3), one or more sensors, one or more actuators, a cooling system (21), and an integrated control unit (9) directly connected to the thermal imaging detector (3), the one or more sensors, and the one or more actuators; wherein the cooling system and the control unit (9) are entirely located inside the protective housing (2); the method includes the following steps: - Position the thermal imaging unit relative to the target that the thermal imaging unit must be pointing at within the industrial production environment; - By means of the thermal imaging detector (3), at least one thermal image or record of an object or material corresponding to the target and a part used or processed in the industrial production process is obtained; - Send the at least one thermal image and / or record to the integrated control unit; - The at least one thermal image or record is processed in the integrated control unit to obtain at least one processed thermal image and / or record; - The at least one processed thermal image and / or record is transmitted to an external location via digital data transmission through the control unit (9); and - Use the at least one processed thermal image and / or record to control at least one part of the industrial production process.

20. The control method according to claim 19, characterized in that, in, The cooling system includes a vortex tube (23) configured to receive a single stream of compressed air through an inlet (24) within the protective housing (2) and separate the single stream of compressed air into a warm air stream and a cold air stream. The warm air stream is directed to the outside of the protective housing (2) through a first compressed air outlet (26), and the cold air stream is directed to the inside of the protective housing (2) through a second compressed air outlet (27). The cooling system (21) is actuated by the control unit (9) by controlling one or more actuators.

21. The control method according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that, The additional steps include: receiving signals emitted by the one or more sensors via the integrated control unit, and controlling the one or more actuators via the integrated control unit.

22. The control method according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that, in, The thermal imager assembly (1) includes at least one inertial sensor connected to the control unit (9), and the method includes the additional step of measuring the value of the acceleration experienced by the thermal imager assembly (1).

23. The control method according to claim 22, characterized in that, The additional steps include: processing the signal provided by the at least one inertial sensor, and obtaining information about the spatial arrangement of the thermal imager assembly (1) based on the signal.

24. The control method according to claim 22, characterized in that, The following additional steps are included: if the value of the acceleration experienced by the thermal imager component (1) exceeds a predetermined threshold, an alarm signal is generated.

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