A cable surface defect detection and classification device

Abstract

This invention provides a cable surface defect detection and classification device. In this process, the cable is supported within the annular limiting grooves of each limiting wheel. The cable limiting unit can adjust the distance between the upper and lower limiting wheels, thereby adapting to cables of different sizes and increasing the applicability of the cable surface defect detection and classification device. Two industrial cameras comprehensively and meticulously capture images of the cables passing through the inspection mechanism, and the control mechanism analyzes the images transmitted from the two industrial cameras. When a problem is found on the cable surface, the control mechanism controls two cable-carrying mechanisms to transport the problematic portion of the cable to the vicinity of a cable folding and labeling machine. The cable folding and labeling machine then labels the area near the problematic portion of the cable. This serves two purposes: firstly, it confirms that there is a problem on the surface of the bundled cables to be inspected; secondly, it marks the location of the problem for subsequent repair.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of cable inspection, and in particular to a device for detecting and classifying surface defects in cables. Background Technology

[0002] Cables are a general term encompassing optical fibers, electrical cables, and similar items. They have numerous uses, primarily for control installations, equipment connections, and power transmission, making them a common and indispensable part of daily life. Before leaving the factory, cables undergo performance and product testing. Among these tests, surface defect detection is an essential component.

[0003] However, traditional cable surface defect detection devices, such as the technical solution protected by the patent with application number CN202122678496.6, entitled "Intelligent Detection Device for Cable Outer Surface", cannot perform batch precision detection of bundled cables and cannot meet the detection needs of bundled cables. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a cable surface defect detection and classification device to address the technical problem that traditional cable surface defect detection devices cannot perform batch precision inspection of bundled cables and cannot meet the inspection requirements of bundled cables.

[0005] A cable surface defect detection and classification device includes: two cable carrying mechanisms, a detection mechanism, a cable folding and labeling machine, and a control mechanism;

[0006] One cable-carrying mechanism is used to receive the cable to be tested, and the other cable-carrying mechanism is used to receive the cable after testing; the testing mechanism is disposed between the two cable-carrying mechanisms; the cable folding and labeling machine is disposed between one cable-carrying mechanism and the testing mechanism, and is used to label cables that have problems during testing.

[0007] The detection mechanism includes a detection base, a detection link, and two detection components; one end of the detection link is connected to the middle area of ​​the detection base; the two detection components are symmetrically arranged on the detection link; each detection component includes a detection plate, an industrial camera, and two cable limiting units; the detection plate is perpendicularly connected to the detection link, the industrial camera is located in the middle area of ​​the detection plate, and the two cable limiting units are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the industrial camera;

[0008] The cable limiting unit includes a U-shaped connecting plate, a limiting wheel, two compression springs, and two sliding blocks. The outer wall of the sealed end of the U-shaped connecting plate is connected to the detection connecting plate. Sliding tracks are formed on the inner walls of both sides of the U-shaped connecting plate, and the cross-section of each sliding track is convex. Each sliding block and each compression spring are correspondingly disposed in one of the sliding tracks. The sliding block is adapted to the sliding track, inserted into the sliding track, and slidably connected to the U-shaped connecting plate. The compression spring is housed in the sliding track, with one end connected to the sliding block and the other end connected to the inner wall of one end of the sliding track. An annular limiting groove is formed in the middle area of ​​the limiting wheel to receive the detection cable. The rotation shaft at each end of the limiting wheel is correspondingly inserted into one of the sliding blocks and rotatably connected to the sliding block.

[0009] Each of the industrial cameras, the cable folding and labeling machine, and the two cable carrying mechanisms are electrically connected to the control mechanism.

[0010] In one embodiment, the detection link and the detection seat are integrally formed.

[0011] In one embodiment, the detection link is a cylindrical structure.

[0012] In one embodiment, the detection link is a quadrangular prism structure.

[0013] In one embodiment, the detection plate and the detection rod are integrally formed.

[0014] In one embodiment, the detection plate is a rectangular plate structure.

[0015] In one embodiment, the rotating shaft and the limiting wheel are integrally formed.

[0016] In one embodiment, the U-shaped connecting plate and the detection connecting plate are integrally formed.

[0017] In one embodiment, the detection seat is a cylindrical structure.

[0018] In one embodiment, the detection seat is a quadrangular prism structure.

[0019] In operation, the aforementioned cable surface defect detection and classification device involves placing bundles of cables to be inspected onto a cable carrying mechanism. An empty cable reel is placed onto another cable carrying mechanism to receive the inspected cables. The cables are pulled from the cable reel, pass through the inspection mechanism and a cable folding and labeling machine, and are then returned to the empty cable reel. During this process, the cables are held within the annular limiting grooves of each limiting wheel. The cable limiting unit can adjust the distance between the upper and lower limiting wheels to accommodate cables of different sizes, increasing the applicability of the cable surface defect detection and classification device. Two industrial cameras comprehensively and meticulously film the cables passing through the inspection mechanism, and the control mechanism analyzes the images transmitted from the two cameras. When a problem is found on the cable surface, the control mechanism directs the two cable carrying mechanisms to transport the problematic portion of the cable to the vicinity of the cable folding and labeling machine. The cable folding and labeling machine then labels the area near the problematic portion of the cable. This serves two purposes: firstly, it confirms the presence of a problem on the surface of the bundled cables to be inspected; secondly, it marks the location of the problem for later repair. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the cable surface defect detection and classification device in one embodiment;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a cable surface defect detection and classification device in one embodiment;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cable carrying mechanism in one embodiment;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the supporting component in one embodiment;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the supporting component in another embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the 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. In the description of the present 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," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships, are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying 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, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, when a first feature is "above" or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediary. Furthermore, when a first feature is "above," "above," or "above" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a higher level than the second feature. When a first feature is "below," "below," or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a lower level than the second feature.

[0029] 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.

[0030] Please also refer to Figures 1 to 2 The present invention provides a cable surface defect detection and classification device 10, which includes: two cable carrying mechanisms 100, a detection mechanism 200, a cable folding and labeling machine 300, and a control mechanism 400.

[0031] One cable-carrying mechanism 100 is used to receive cables undergoing testing, and another cable-carrying mechanism 100 is used to receive cables that have completed testing. A testing mechanism 200 is positioned between the two cable-carrying mechanisms 100. A cable folding and labeling machine 300 is positioned between one cable-carrying mechanism 100 and the testing mechanism 200, and is used to label cables that have encountered problems during testing.

[0032] The detection mechanism 200 includes a detection base 210, a detection link 220, and two detection components 230. The detection base 210 is a cylindrical structure. In another embodiment, the detection base 210 is a quadrangular prism structure. The detection link 220 is a cylindrical structure. In another embodiment, the detection link 220 is a quadrangular prism structure. One end of the detection link 220 is connected to the middle region of the detection base 210. In this embodiment, the detection link 220 and the detection base 210 are integrally formed. The two detection components 230 are symmetrically arranged on the detection link 220. The detection component 230 includes a detection plate 231, an industrial camera 232, and two cable limiting units 240. The detection plate 231 is perpendicularly connected to the detection link 220. In this embodiment, the detection plate 231 and the detection link 220 are integrally formed. The detection plate 231 is a rectangular plate structure. An industrial camera 232 is positioned in the middle area of ​​the detection plate 231, and two cable limiting units 240 are symmetrically positioned on both sides of the industrial camera 232.

[0033] The cable limiting unit 240 includes a U-shaped connecting plate 241, a limiting wheel 242, two compression springs 243, and two sliding blocks 244. The outer wall of the sealed end of the U-shaped connecting plate 241 is connected to the detection connecting plate 231. In this embodiment, the U-shaped connecting plate 241 and the detection connecting plate 231 are integrally formed. Sliding tracks 201 are provided on both inner walls of the U-shaped connecting plate 241, and the cross-section of the sliding track 201 is convex. Each sliding block 244 and a compression spring 243 are correspondingly disposed in a sliding track 201. The sliding block 244 is adapted to the sliding track 201, and the sliding block 244 is inserted into the sliding track 201 and slidably connected to the U-shaped connecting plate 241. The compression spring 243 is housed in the sliding track 201, one end of the compression spring 243 is connected to the sliding block 244, and the other end of the compression spring 243 is connected to the inner wall of one end of the sliding track 201. The limiting wheel 242 has an annular limiting groove 202 in its middle area to support the receiving test cable. The rotating shaft at each end of the limiting wheel 242 is inserted into a sliding block 244 and rotatably connected to the sliding block 244. In this embodiment, the rotating shaft and the limiting wheel 242 are integrally formed.

[0034] Each industrial camera 232, cable folding and labeling machine 300, and the two cable carrying mechanisms 100 are electrically connected to the control mechanism 400. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the control mechanism 400 is a lower-level machine, specifically a PLC. In another embodiment, the control mechanism 400 is a microcontroller. In other embodiments, the control mechanism 400 includes a higher-level machine and a lower-level machine, which are electrically connected. The control mechanism 400 controls the coordinated operation of each industrial camera 232, cable folding and labeling machine 300, and the two cable carrying mechanisms 100 to ensure the operational stability of the cable surface defect detection and classification device 10.

[0035] During operation, the cable surface defect detection and classification device 10 places bundles of cables to be inspected onto a cable carrying mechanism 100. An empty cable reel 500 is placed onto another cable carrying mechanism 100 to receive inspected cables. The cable is pulled from the cable reel 500, passes through the inspection mechanism 200 and the cable folding and labeling machine 300, and is then returned to the empty cable reel 500. During this process, the cable rests within the annular limiting grooves 202 of each limiting wheel 242. The cable limiting unit 240 can adjust the distance between the upper and lower limiting wheels 242 to accommodate cables of different sizes, increasing the applicability of the cable surface defect detection and classification device 10. Two industrial cameras 232 comprehensively and meticulously capture images of the cables passing through the inspection mechanism 200, and the control mechanism 400 analyzes the images transmitted by the two industrial cameras 232. When a problem occurs on the surface of the cable, the control mechanism 400 controls two cable-carrying mechanisms 100 to transport the problematic portion of the cable to the vicinity of the cable folding and labeling machine 300. The cable folding and labeling machine 300 then applies labels to the vicinity of the problematic portion of the cable. This serves two purposes: firstly, it confirms that there is a problem on the surface of the bundle of cables to be inspected; secondly, it marks the location of the problem to facilitate subsequent repair.

[0036] For ease of installation and disassembly of bundled or empty cable reels 500, please refer to the following: Figures 3 to 5In one embodiment, the cable carrying mechanism 100 includes a support platform 110, a first connecting post 120, a second connecting post 130, a drive assembly 140, and a locking assembly 150. The first connecting post 120 and the second connecting post 130 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the support platform 110. The drive assembly 140 includes a U-shaped plate 141, a drive motor 142, a drive shaft 143, and a drive block 144. The drive motor 142 is connected to the first connecting post 120 through the U-shaped plate 141. The output shaft of the drive motor 142 passes through the first connecting post 120 and is driven by the drive shaft 143. The drive block 144 is connected to the end of the drive shaft 143 away from the drive motor 142. The drive block 144 has a cuboid structure. The drive block 144 is used to insert into a first drive groove 501 at one end of the cable reel 500. A sliding hole 101 is provided on the second connecting post 130. The positioning assembly 150 includes a drive linkage 151, a drive cylinder 152, a drive slider 153, a rotary bearing 154, a rotating rod 155, and a rotating block 156. The drive cylinder 152 is connected to the support platform 110 via the drive linkage 151 and is driven by the drive slider 153. The rotary bearing 154 is embedded in the drive slider 153. The rotating rod 155 is adapted to the rotary bearing 154, with one end inserted into the bearing and the other end connected to the rotating block 156. The rotating block 156 is inserted into the second drive groove 502 at the other end of the cable reel 500. The rotating block 156 has a cuboid structure. The drive slider 153 is adapted to the sliding hole 101, inserted into the sliding hole 101, and slidably connected to the second connecting post 130. The drive cylinder 152 drives the rotating block 156 to insert into the second drive groove 502 at the other end of the cable reel 500 via the drive slider 153, the rotating bearing 154, and the rotating rod 155. This facilitates the installation and removal of bundled cables to be tested or empty cables from the cable reel 500.

[0037] For further convenience in installing and removing bundled or empty cable reels 500, please refer to the following: Figures 3 to 5In one embodiment, the cable carrying mechanism 100 further includes a receiving component 160, which includes a receiving block 161, a sliding carrier plate 162, and a carrying slider 163. The receiving block 161 is disposed on the carrier platform 110, between the first connecting post 120 and the second connecting post 130. The carrying slider 163 is connected to the sliding carrier plate 162. A sliding track 102 is provided on the receiving block 161, which is adapted to the carrying slider 163. The carrying slider 163 is inserted into the sliding track 102 and slidably connected to the receiving block 161. Each end of the sliding carrier plate 162 has two pull handles 164 on its sides. The sliding carrier plate 162 is used to support the cable reel 500. When the cable reel 500 is to be installed on the cable carrying mechanism 100, the cable reel 500 is first placed on the sliding carrier plate 162. Then, by pulling the handle 164, the sliding carrier plate 162 is moved along the slide rail 102, so that the drive block 144 is inserted into the first drive groove 501 at one end of the cable reel 500. The drive cylinder 152 drives the rotating block 156 to be inserted into the second drive groove 502 at the other end of the cable reel 500 through the drive slider 153, the rotating bearing 154, and the rotating rod 155, thereby completing the installation of the cable reel 500. In this way, the receiving assembly 160 further facilitates the installation and removal of bundled cable reels 500 to be tested or empty cable reels 500.

[0038] To improve the operational stability of the receiving component 160, the cable carrying mechanism 100 also includes a height adjustment component 170. Two push plates 165 are mounted on the sliding plate 162. A sliding groove 103 is formed on the top of the support platform 110, and a sliding groove 104 is formed on the side wall of the support platform 110. One end of the sliding groove 103 communicates with the middle area of ​​the sliding groove 104. The height adjustment component 170 includes a connecting platform 171, a rotating motor 172, a rotating gear 173, a sliding rod 174, and a sliding column 175. The rotating motor 172 is mounted on the connecting platform 171 and is driven by the rotating gear 173. A linear gear 176 is mounted on the sliding rod 174, and the rotating gear 173 meshes with the linear gear 176. The sliding rod 174 is adapted to the sliding groove 104, with the end of the sliding rod 174 away from the linear gear 176 inserted into the sliding groove 104 and slidably connected to the support platform 110. The sliding column 175 is adapted to the sliding groove 103. One end of the sliding column 175 is inserted into the sliding groove 103 and slidably connected to the support platform 110. The other end of the sliding column 175 is connected to the middle area of ​​the bottom of the receiving block 161. A passive inclined surface is provided at the end of the sliding column 175 inserted into the sliding groove 103, and a driving inclined surface is provided at the end of the sliding rod 174 inserted into the sliding groove 104. The passive inclined surface can slide against the driving inclined surface. During operation, the cable reel 500 is first placed on the sliding carrier plate 162, so that each push plate 165 abuts against a disc on the cable reel 500. Then, by pulling the handle 164, the sliding carrier plate 162 is moved along the sliding track 102, causing the drive block 144 to be inserted into the first drive groove 501 at one end of the cable reel 500. The drive cylinder 152 drives the rotating block 156 to insert into the second drive groove 502 at the other end of the cable reel 500 through the drive slider 153, the rotating bearing 154, and the rotating rod 155, thus completing the installation of the cable reel 500. After installation, the rotating motor 172 drives the sliding rod 174 to move backward along the sliding groove 104 through the rotating gear 173 and the linear gear 176. During the backward movement of the sliding rod 174, the sliding column 175 is driven to move downward along the sliding groove 103, preventing the two push plates 165 from affecting the rotation of the cable reel 500. This improves the working stability of the receiving component 160.

[0039] 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.

[0040] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, 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.

Claims

1. A device for detecting and classifying surface defects in cables, characterized in that, include: Two cable carrying mechanisms, a testing mechanism, a cable folding and labeling machine, and a control mechanism; One of the cable-carrying mechanisms is used to receive the cable being tested, and the other cable-carrying mechanism is used to receive the cable after testing. The detection mechanism is located between the two cable carrying mechanisms; the cable folding and labeling machine is located between one of the cable carrying mechanisms and the detection mechanism, and is used to label cables that have detected problems. The detection mechanism includes a detection base, a detection link, and two detection components; one end of the detection link is connected to the middle area of ​​the detection base; the two detection components are symmetrically arranged on the detection link; each detection component includes a detection plate, an industrial camera, and two cable limiting units; the detection plate is perpendicularly connected to the detection link, the industrial camera is located in the middle area of ​​the detection plate, and the two cable limiting units are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the industrial camera; The cable limiting unit includes a U-shaped connecting plate, a limiting wheel, two compression springs, and two sliding blocks. The outer wall of the sealed end of the U-shaped connecting plate is connected to the detection connecting plate. Sliding tracks are formed on the inner walls of both sides of the U-shaped connecting plate, and the cross-section of each sliding track is convex. Each sliding block and each compression spring are correspondingly disposed in one of the sliding tracks. The sliding block is adapted to the sliding track, inserted into the sliding track, and slidably connected to the U-shaped connecting plate. The compression spring is housed in the sliding track, with one end connected to the sliding block and the other end connected to the inner wall of one end of the sliding track. An annular limiting groove is formed in the middle area of ​​the limiting wheel to receive the detection cable. The rotation shaft at each end of the limiting wheel is correspondingly inserted into one of the sliding blocks and rotatably connected to the sliding block. Each of the aforementioned industrial cameras and the cable folding and labeling machine is electrically connected to the control mechanism; The cable carrying mechanism includes a support platform, a first connecting column, a second connecting column, a drive assembly, and a locking assembly; the first connecting column and the second connecting column are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the support platform; the drive assembly includes a U-shaped plate, a drive motor, a drive shaft, and a drive block; The drive motor is connected to the first connecting post via the U-shaped plate. The output shaft of the drive motor passes through the first connecting post and is driven by the drive shaft. The drive block is connected to the end of the drive shaft away from the drive motor. The drive block has a cuboid structure and is inserted into a first drive groove at one end of the cable reel. A sliding hole is provided on the second connecting post. The positioning assembly includes a drive linkage, a drive cylinder, a drive slider, a rotary bearing, a rotating rod, and a rotating block. The drive cylinder is connected to the support platform via the drive linkage, and the drive cylinder is driven by the drive slider. The rotating bearing is embedded in the drive slider; the rotating rod is adapted to the rotating bearing, one end of the rotating rod is inserted into the rotating bearing, and the other end of the rotating rod is connected to the rotating block; the rotating block is used to be inserted into the second drive groove at the other end of the cable reel; the rotating block has a cuboid structure; the drive slider is adapted to the sliding hole, the drive slider is inserted into the sliding hole and slidably connected to the second connecting post; the drive cylinder drives the rotating block to be inserted into the second drive groove at the other end of the cable reel through the drive slider, the rotating bearing, and the rotating rod.

2. The cable surface defect detection and classification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection link and the detection seat are integrally formed.

3. The cable surface defect detection and classification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection link is a cylindrical structure.

4. The cable surface defect detection and classification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection link is a quadrangular prism structure.

5. The cable surface defect detection and classification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection plate and the detection rod are integrally formed.

6. The cable surface defect detection and classification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection plate is a rectangular plate structure.

7. The cable surface defect detection and classification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotating shaft and the limiting wheel are integrally formed.

8. The cable surface defect detection and classification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The U-shaped connecting plate and the detection connecting plate are integrally formed.

9. The cable surface defect detection and classification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection seat has a cylindrical structure.

10. The cable surface defect detection and classification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection seat has a quadrangular prism structure.

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