Automatic optical equipment for detecting bead balls

Abstract

The invention provides automatic optical equipment for detecting beads, and the equipment comprises a bead transmission device which is provided with a frame body, a transmission unit, and two transmission rods rotatably arranged on the frame body, and the transmission unit is in power connection with the transmission rods; the optical detection system is provided with an image capturing device and a central processing unit, the central processing unit is provided with a picture receiving database and a bead judging module which are in information connection, the image capturing device captures pictures of beads, and the picture receiving database receives the pictures and transmits the pictures to the bead judging module; the bead judgment module compares the pictures according to a bead classification model to obtain a plurality of types of classification signals; and the bead sorting device is provided with a feeding part, a control unit, a sorting mechanism and a plurality of discharging parts, the feeding part receives the beads falling from the transmission rod, and the control unit controls the sorting mechanism according to a sorting signal, so that the beads passing through the feeding part change or do not change the path through actuation or non-actuation of the sorting mechanism, and fall into one of the discharging parts.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an automatic optical device, and more particularly to an automatic optical device for detecting beads. Background Technology

[0002] Precision balls used in general industry, such as ceramic balls, are resistant to high-temperature corrosion and are widely used in bearing parts. They are mostly made of materials such as silicon nitride, alumina, and zirconium oxide. During the manufacturing process, some defective products are inevitably produced. Therefore, it is necessary to check for defects in detail before they leave the factory.

[0003] However, ceramic beads are highly reflective and spherical, making them extremely difficult to inspect. In the past, ceramic beads were inspected by soaking them in water to allow dirt to float on the surface and then visually examining the flaws. However, this method is quite time-consuming and has accuracy issues.

[0004] In addition, the industry has also developed an automated inspection method based on mechanical contact. This method can automatically classify ceramic beads into two different categories: defective and non-defective. While this method can greatly improve inspection efficiency, it is prone to classifying non-defective beads into defective bins, thus causing over-screening. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides an automated optical device for detecting beads, the main purpose of which is to provide a detection device that can accurately classify and reduce the problem of over-screening.

[0006] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention provides an automated optical device for detecting beads, comprising:

[0007] A ball-transfer device includes a frame, a transmission unit, and two transmission rods. The two transmission rods are rotatably mounted on the frame. The transmission unit is poweredly connected to the two transmission rods to drive the two transmission rods to rotate. The two transmission rods extend in the same direction and are arranged side by side. The two transmission rods are used to move a ball.

[0008] An optical inspection system includes an image capturing device and a central processing unit (CPU). The CPU has an image receiving database, a bead judgment module, and a defect database, all interconnected. The image capturing device faces two transmission rods and captures an image of the bead. The image receiving database receives the image and transmits it to the bead judgment module. The defect database stores multiple defect templates. The bead judgment module trains itself based on these defect templates to build a bead classification model. The bead judgment module compares the image with the bead classification model and classifies the image to obtain multiple classification signals.

[0009] A ball sorting device includes a feeding section, a control unit, a sorting mechanism, and a plurality of discharging sections. The feeding section is located on one side of two transmission rods and is used to receive balls falling from the two transmission rods. The feeding section is connected to the discharging sections. The control unit is signal-connected to a ball judgment module and is control-connected to the sorting mechanism. The control unit is used to receive sorting signals and control the sorting mechanism based on the sorting signals.

[0010] As described above, the present invention can capture the image of the bead through the optical detection system, obtain different classification signals by comparing them with the bead judgment module, and control the sorting mechanism based on the obtained classification signals, so that the bead passing through the feeding part can change its path or not change its path by moving or not moving through the sorting mechanism, so as to fall into one of the discharging parts, thereby achieving the purpose of accurate classification and reducing the problem of over-screening. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the automatic optical device for detecting beads according to the present invention.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the automated optical device for detecting beads according to the present invention.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the automatic optical device for detecting beads according to the present invention.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a partial top view of the automatic optical device for detecting beads according to the present invention.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a partial exploded view of the automatic optical device for detecting beads according to the present invention.

[0016] Figure 6 for Figure 1 Sectional view along section line 6-6.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of the automatic optical device for detecting beads according to the present invention.

[0018] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of another preferred embodiment of the automatic optical device for detecting beads according to the present invention.

[0019] Explanation of symbols in the attached diagram:

[0020] Bead storage device 10

[0021] Material bucket 11

[0022] Feed pipe 12

[0023] Bead Transfer Device 20

[0024] Frame 21

[0025] First upright board 211

[0026] Second upright board 212

[0027] Guide Channel 212A

[0028] Transmission unit 22

[0029] Stepper motor 221

[0030] Belt 222

[0031] First gear 223

[0032] Second gear 224

[0033] Transmission rod 23

[0034] First end 231

[0035] Second end 232

[0036] Optical inspection system 30

[0037] Image capturing device 31

[0038] Central Processing Unit 32

[0039] Image receiving database 321

[0040] Bead Detection Module 322

[0041] Defect Database 323

[0042] Image preprocessing module 324

[0043] Bead sorting device 40

[0044] Feed section 40A

[0045] Control Unit 40B

[0046] 40C Material sorting mechanism

[0047] 40D discharge section

[0048] Feed pipe 41

[0049] Feed hole 411

[0050] Discharge pipe 42

[0051] Classification 42A

[0052] 42B discharge port

[0053] First discharge pipe 421

[0054] Second discharge pipe 422

[0055] Third discharge pipe 423

[0056] Ventilation tube 43

[0057] First ventilation tube 43A

[0058] Second ventilation tube 43B

[0059] Inlet end 431

[0060] 432 exhaust end

[0061] 432A air outlet

[0062] Gas supply source 44

[0063] First gas supply source 441

[0064] Second gas supply source 442

[0065] Bead B

[0066] Axial X Detailed Implementation

[0067] This invention provides an automated optical device for detecting beads; please refer to [reference needed]. Figures 1-8 As shown, it includes:

[0068] A ball storage device 10 has a material tank 11 and a feeding pipe 12. The material tank 11 is used to store a plurality of balls B, and one end of the feeding pipe 12 is connected to the material tank 11.

[0069] A ball conveying device 20 includes a frame 21, a transmission unit 22, and two transmission rods 23. The two transmission rods 23 are rotatably mounted on the frame 21. The transmission unit 22 is poweredly connected to the two transmission rods 23 to drive the two transmission rods 23 to rotate. The two transmission rods 23 extend in the same direction and are arranged side by side. The two transmission rods 23 extend along an axial direction X. By rotating the two transmission rods 23, the ball B is displaced along the axial direction X. The ball B rotates along the axial direction X during the displacement. In this embodiment, one of the transmission rods 23 is a screw. The other end of the feed pipe 12 is connected to the material barrel 11 and faces the two transmission rods 23. Thus, the ball B in the material barrel 11 can be conveyed to the two transmission rods 23 through the feed pipe 12.

[0070] In this embodiment, please refer to Figure 1 , 2The frame 21 has a first upright plate 211 and a second upright plate 212, with a distance between the first upright plate 211 and the second upright plate 212. The transmission unit 22 is installed on the first upright plate 211. The two transmission rods 23 have opposite first ends 231 and second ends 232. The first ends 231 of the two transmission rods 23 are rotatably installed on the first upright plate 211, and the second ends 232 of the two transmission rods 23 are rotatably installed on the second upright plate 212.

[0071] In this embodiment, please refer to Figure 2 The transmission unit 22 includes two stepper motors 221, two belts 222, two first gears 223, and two second gears 224. The two stepper motors 221 are mounted on the first vertical plate 211. One of the first gears 223 is sleeved on the shaft of one of the stepper motors 221, and the other first gear 223 is sleeved on the shaft of the other stepper motor 221. One of the second gears 224 is sleeved on the first end 231 of one of the transmission rods 23, and the other second gear 224 is sleeved on the first end 231 of the other transmission rod 23. One belt 222 is sleeved on one of the first gears 223 and one of the second gears 224, and the other belt 222 is sleeved on the other first gear 223 and the other second gear 224, thereby causing the two stepper motors 221 to drive the two transmission rods 23 to rotate respectively.

[0072] An optical inspection system 30 includes an image capturing device 31 and a central processing unit 32. The central processing unit 32 has an image receiving database 321, a bead judgment module 322, and a defect database 323 connected to information. The image capturing device 31 faces the two transmission rods 23 and is used to capture an image of bead B. The image receiving database 321 receives the image and transmits it to the bead judgment module 322. The defect database 323 stores a plurality of defect templates, including but not limited to images of beads with cracks, beads with dents, and beads with dirt. The bead judgment module 322 is trained using these defect templates to establish a bead classification system. The model, the bead judgment module 322 compares the images according to the bead classification model and classifies the images to obtain multiple classification signals. In this embodiment, the image capturing device 31 can be a camera lens. There are three types of classification signals, defined as a flawless signal, a flawed signal, and a dirty signal. When the bead judgment module 322 determines that the beads in the image are flawless, it sends the flawless signal. When the bead judgment module 322 determines that the beads in the image are flawed, it sends the flawed signal. When the bead judgment module 322 determines that the beads in the image are not flawed but have dirt on the surface, it sends the dirty signal. In this embodiment, the optical inspection system 30 is an Automatic Optical Inspection (AOI) device.

[0073] For a better option, please refer to Figure 8 The central processing unit 32 also has a screen preprocessing module 324, which is connected to the screen receiving database 321 and the ball judgment module 322. The screen preprocessing module 324 is used to preprocess the screen received by the screen receiving database 321, and the ball judgment module 322 compares the screen based on the preprocessed screen.

[0074] A bead sorting device 40, please refer to... Figures 5-7It has a feeding section 40A, a control unit 40B, a dispensing mechanism 40C, and a plurality of discharging sections 40D. The feeding section 40A is located on one side of the second end 232 of the two transmission rods 23. The feeding section 40A is used to receive the balls B falling from the two transmission rods 23. The feeding section 40A is connected to the discharging sections 40D. The control unit 40B is signal-connected to the ball judgment module 322. The control unit 40B is control-connected to the dispensing mechanism 40C. The control unit 40B is used to receive the classification signals. The control unit 40B controls the dispensing mechanism 40C according to the classification signals, so that the balls B passing through the feeding section 40A change their falling path or do not change their falling path through the dispensing mechanism 40C, and fall into the specific discharging section 40D.

[0075] In this embodiment, please refer to Figures 5-7As shown, the feeding section 40A is a feeding pipe 41, the discharging section 40D is a discharging pipe 42, and there are three discharging pipes 42. The material separating mechanism 40C includes two vent pipes 43 and two air supply sources 44. One end of the feeding pipe 41 has a feeding hole 411, and the end of the feeding pipe 41 with the feeding hole 411 is located on one side of the second end 232 of the two transmission rods 23, so that the ball B on the two transmission rods 23 falls into the feeding hole 411. Each of the three discharging pipes 42 has a sorting port 42A and a discharging port 42B, which are located at the two ends of the discharging pipe 42, respectively. The three discharging pipes 42 are defined as a first discharging pipe 421, a second discharging pipe 422, and a third discharging pipe 422. The feed pipe 423 has an inlet pipe 41 with an inlet hole 411 at one end connected to the first outlet pipe 421, the second outlet pipe 422, and the third outlet pipe 423. The feed pipe 41 communicates with the sorting port 42A of the first outlet pipe 421, the second outlet pipe 422, and the third outlet pipe 423. The second outlet pipe 422 is located between the first outlet pipe 421 and the third outlet pipe 423, and the sorting port 42A of the second outlet pipe 422 faces the feed pipe 41. The two vent pipes 43 each have an inlet end 431 and an outlet end 432 in opposite directions. The two vent pipes 43 have an outlet port 432A at the outlet end 432. The inlet end 431 of the two vent pipes 43 is connected to the air supply source 44. Two vent pipes are defined. The air pipe 43 comprises a first air pipe 43A and a second air pipe 43B. The air outlet 432 of the first air pipe 43A is connected to one side of the feed pipe 41, and the air outlet 432A of the first air pipe 43A faces the sorting port 42A of the third discharge pipe 423. The two air supply sources 44 are defined as a first air supply source 441 and a second air supply source 442. The air inlet 431 of the first air pipe 43A is connected to the first air supply source 441, and the air outlet 432 of the second air pipe 43B is connected to the other side of the feed pipe 41. The air outlet 432A of the second air pipe 43B faces the sorting port 42A of the first discharge pipe 421, and the air inlet 431 of the second air pipe 43B is connected to the second air supply source 442. The control... Control unit 40B is connected to the first air supply source 441 and the second air supply source 442. Control unit 40B controls the supply of air from the first air supply source 441, the second air supply source 442, or neither, based on the classification signals. When the first air supply source 441 supplies air, the gas is output through the first vent pipe 43A and blows the bead B to the third discharge pipe 423, causing the bead B to be output from the discharge port 42B of the third discharge pipe 423. When the second air supply source 442 supplies air, the gas is output through the second vent pipe 43B and blows the bead B to the first discharge pipe 421, causing the bead B to be output from the discharge port 42B of the first discharge pipe 421. When neither the first air supply source 441 nor the second air supply source 442 supplies air...The ball B falls from the inlet pipe 41 into the second outlet pipe 422 due to gravity, and is then output from the outlet 42B of the second outlet pipe 422, thus achieving the effect of sorting.

[0076] For a better option, please refer to Figure 5 The second vertical plate 212 has a guide channel 212A. One end of the guide channel 212A is located on one side of the second end 232 of the two transmission rods 23, and the other end of the guide channel 212A is located on one side of the feed hole 411, so that the ball B falls from between the two transmission rods 23 into the guide channel 212A and from the guide channel 212A into the feed hole 411.

[0077] The above describes the configuration of the main components in each embodiment of the present invention. The operation and effects of the present invention are described below.

[0078] The ball B moves along the axis X on the two transmission rods 23. The image capturing device 31 captures the image of the ball B passing by. The image receiving database 321 receives the image. The ball judging module 322 compares the image with the ball classification model to obtain any one of the flawless signal, the flawed signal, or the dirty signal, and transmits any one of the flawless signal, the flawed signal, or the dirty signal to the control unit 40B.

[0079] For example, when the control unit 40B receives the defect-free signal, the control unit 40B controls the first air supply source 441 to supply air, and the gas is output through the first vent pipe 43A and blows the ball B to the third discharge pipe 423, so that the ball B is output from the discharge port 42B of the third discharge pipe 423.

[0080] When the control unit 40B receives the defect signal, the control unit 40B controls the first air supply source 441 and the second air supply source 442 to stop supplying air. The ball B then falls from the feed pipe 41 into the second discharge pipe 422 due to gravity, so that the ball B is output from the discharge port 42B of the second discharge pipe 422.

[0081] When the control unit 40B receives the dirt signal, the control unit 40B controls the second air supply source 442 to supply air, and the gas is output through the second vent pipe 43B and blows the ball B to the first discharge pipe 421, so that the ball B is output from the discharge port 42B of the first discharge pipe 421.

[0082] Therefore, the present invention can capture images of the balls B through the optical detection system 30, obtain different classification signals by comparing them with the ball judgment module 322, and control the sorting mechanism 40C based on the obtained classification signals, so that the balls B passing through the feeding section 40A can change their path or not change their path by operating the sorting mechanism 40C, so as to fall into one of the discharging sections 40D, thereby achieving the purpose of accurate classification and reducing the problem of over-screening.

[0083] Beads B that are classified as dirty can be recycled into flawless beads B by wiping their surface, thus reducing the occurrence of over-screening problems.

Claims

1. An automatic optical device for detecting beads, characterized in that, The automated optical device for detecting beads includes: A ball-transfer device includes a frame, a transmission unit, and two transmission rods. The two transmission rods are rotatably mounted on the frame. The transmission unit is poweredly connected to the two transmission rods to drive the two transmission rods to rotate. The two transmission rods extend in the same direction and are arranged side by side. The two transmission rods are used to move a ball. An optical inspection system includes an image capturing device and a central processing unit (CPU). The CPU has an image receiving database, a bead judgment module, and a defect database connected via information links. The image capturing device faces two transmission rods and is used to capture an image of the bead. The image receiving database receives the image and transmits it to the bead judgment module. The defect database stores multiple defect templates. The bead judgment module is used to train a bead classification model based on the defect templates. The bead judgment module compares the image with the bead classification model and classifies the image to obtain multiple classification signals. A ball sorting device includes a feeding section, a control unit, a sorting mechanism, and multiple discharging sections. The feeding section is located on one side of two transmission rods and is used to receive balls falling from the two transmission rods. The feeding section is connected to the discharging sections. The control unit is signal-connected to a ball judgment module and control-connected to the sorting mechanism. The control unit is used to receive the sorting signal and control the sorting mechanism based on the sorting signal.

2. The automatic optical device for detecting beads according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also has a ball storage device, which has a material bucket and a feeding pipe. The material bucket is used to store the balls, and one end of the feeding pipe is connected to the material bucket. The other end of the feeding pipe, which is connected to the material bucket, faces the two transmission rods.

3. The automatic optical device for detecting beads according to claim 1, characterized in that, One of the transmission rods is a screw.

4. The automatic optical device for detecting beads according to claim 1, characterized in that, The frame has a first upright plate and a second upright plate, with a distance between the first upright plate and the second upright plate. The transmission unit is installed on the first upright plate. The two transmission rods have opposite first ends and second ends. The first ends of the two transmission rods are rotatably installed on the first upright plate, and the second ends of the two transmission rods are rotatably installed on the second upright plate.

5. The automatic optical device for detecting beads according to claim 4, characterized in that, The transmission unit includes two stepper motors, two belts, two first gears, and two second gears. The two stepper motors are mounted on the first vertical plate. One of the first gears is sleeved on the shaft of one of the stepper motors, and the other first gear is sleeved on the shaft of the other stepper motor. One of the second gears is sleeved on the first end of one of the transmission rods, and the other second gear is sleeved on the first end of the other transmission rod. One belt is sleeved on one of the first gears and one of the second gears, and the other belt is sleeved on the other first gear and the other second gear.

6. The automatic optical device for detecting beads according to claim 1, characterized in that, The central processing unit also has a screen preprocessing module, which is connected to the screen receiving database and the ball judgment module. The screen preprocessing module is used to preprocess the screen received by the screen receiving database, and the ball judgment module compares the preprocessed screen.

7. The automatic optical device for detecting beads according to claim 1, characterized in that, The defect template includes images of beads with cracks, beads with dents, and beads with dirt. The classification signal has three types: a flawless signal, a defective signal, and a dirty signal. When the bead judgment module determines that the beads in the image are flawless, it sends the flawless signal. When the bead judgment module determines that the beads in the image are defective, it sends the defective signal. When the bead judgment module determines that the beads in the image are not defective but have dirt on their surface, it sends the dirty signal.

8. The automatic optical device for detecting beads according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feeding section is a feeding pipe, the discharging section is a discharging pipe, and there are three discharging pipes. The material separating mechanism includes two vent pipes and two air supply sources. One end of the feeding pipe has a feeding hole, and the end of the feeding pipe with the feeding hole is located on one side of the two transmission rods. The discharging pipe has a sorting port and a discharging port. The discharging pipes are defined as a first discharging pipe, a second discharging pipe, and a third discharging pipe. The other end of the feeding pipe with the feeding hole is connected to the first discharging pipe, the second discharging pipe, and the third discharging pipe. The feeding pipe communicates with the sorting ports of the first discharging pipe, the second discharging pipe, and the third discharging pipe. The second discharging pipe is located between the first discharging pipe and the third discharging pipe, and the sorting port of the second discharging pipe faces the feeding pipe. The two vent pipes have opposite air inlets and air outlets. The two vent pipes have an outlet at the outlet end, and the inlet end of the two vent pipes is connected to the air supply source. The two vent pipes are defined as a first vent pipe and a second vent pipe. The outlet end of the first vent pipe is connected to one side of the feed pipe, and the outlet of the first vent pipe faces the sorting port of the third discharge pipe. The two air supply sources are defined as a first air supply source and a second air supply source. The inlet end of the first vent pipe is connected to the first air supply source, and the outlet end of the second vent pipe is connected to the other side of the feed pipe. The outlet of the second vent pipe faces the sorting port of the first discharge pipe, and the inlet end of the second vent pipe is connected to the second air supply source. The control unit is controlled to supply air from the first air supply source, the second air supply source, or neither air supply, according to the sorting signal.

9. The automatic optical device for detecting beads according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second upright plate has a guide channel, one end of which is located on one side of the two transmission rods, and the other end of which is located on one side of the feed section.

10. The automatic optical device for detecting beads according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ball may or may not change its path due to the operation or non-operation of the material distribution mechanism, and falls into one of the discharge sections.

Images