Rail detection device

Abstract

The present application belongs to the technical field of rail detection, and discloses a rail detection device, which comprises a calibration assembly, a detection position for the to-be-detected rail to enter and exit along a first direction, at least two groups of driving mechanisms I for driving the calibration assembly to move along the first direction to make the to-be-detected rail enter and exit the detection position, the at least two groups of driving mechanisms I being arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a detection mechanism for cooperating with the calibration assembly to detect the profile parameters of the to-be-detected rail; wherein the calibration assembly further comprises a mounting member and a calibration member. The present application can effectively reduce or even avoid movement errors, thereby being more conducive to image stitching and detection of the detection mechanism, and the calibration assembly has the detection position for the to-be-detected rail to enter and exit, which is conducive to suspension arrangement and arrangement of a larger calibration area or calibration range, and is more convenient, practical and reasonable in structure design.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of rail inspection technology, and specifically relates to a rail inspection device. Background Technology

[0002] After the rails are manufactured, online finished product inspection is required. Online finished product inspection mainly includes checking the rail type, dimensions, straightness, torsion, and other items.

[0003] In one existing technical solution, after the rail to be tested is transported to the detection position by a conveying mechanism, two sets of calibration plates are each raised from below the rail to a position close to the rail by a lifting mechanism. Then, a detection mechanism capable of detecting items such as dimensions, straightness, and torsion works in conjunction with the calibration plates to perform the detection. However, in this process, since the two sets of calibration plates are driven by separate lifting mechanisms, the driving accuracy can easily differ, leading to a certain deviation or error in their height position when they move to the detection position. Such deviations are detrimental to the detection mechanism's image stitching and detection. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a rail inspection device to solve the problem that the two sets of calibration mechanisms in the existing rail inspection mechanism are prone to movement errors, which makes it difficult for the inspection mechanism to perform image stitching and inspection.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A rail inspection device, comprising: The calibration components include a detection position for the rail to be tested to move in and out along a first direction; At least two sets of drive mechanisms are used to move the calibration component along the first direction to move the rail under test into and out of the detection position; the at least two sets of drive mechanisms are arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and A detection mechanism used in conjunction with the calibration component to detect the profile parameters of the rail under test; The calibration assembly further includes a mounting component and a calibration component. The mounting component has at least two members along the second direction and is driven by one of the driving mechanisms. The calibration component is suspended on each mounting component along the second direction so that the calibration component has a degree of freedom in at least the first direction. The calibration component has the detection position.

[0006] In a possible implementation, the calibration component is a frame structure, the calibration component is provided with an entrance and exit for the rail to be tested to enter and exit the detection position along the first direction, and the calibration component is provided with marking points for the detection mechanism to locate and identify. Alternatively, the calibration component may have a C-shaped cross-section and be provided with marking points for the detection mechanism to locate and identify.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the calibration component is suspended on each mounting component via a flexible connection assembly; The flexible connection assembly includes a suspension connector connected to the mounting component, and a calibration component hinged to the suspension connector via a pivot shaft. The oscillation direction of the calibration component about the pivot shaft is substantially parallel to a first direction.

[0008] In a possible implementation, the suspension connector is connected to the mounting member via an adjustment assembly that adjusts the position of the mounting member in any one or more of the following directions: the height direction of the mounting member, a first direction, and a second direction.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the calibration member is provided with a counterweight assembly that can be adjusted along a second direction, the counterweight assembly being used to center the center of gravity of the calibration member.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the mounting component is provided with an elastic limiting component, which is used to elastically abut against the calibration component; And / or, a limiting structure is provided between the mounting component and the calibration component to restrict the movement of the calibration component within a preset angle range.

[0011] In a possible implementation, the calibration component includes transverse members and longitudinal connectors. The transverse members are provided in a plurality of parallel and spaced apart in the longitudinal direction. The plurality of transverse members are connected and fixed by a plurality of longitudinal connectors distributed in the transverse direction to form a frame structure.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the longitudinal connector is provided with a connecting hole through which the transverse member passes, and the transverse member is provided with locking components on both sides of the mounting member, the locking components fixing the transverse member relative to the longitudinal connector.

[0013] In a possible implementation, a ceiling track is also included, on which a second drive mechanism is movably mounted. The detection mechanism is mounted on the second drive mechanism via a robotic arm, so that the second drive mechanism drives the robotic arm and the detection mechanism to move at least along a second direction.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the robotic arm is a six-axis robot, which is mounted upside down on the drive mechanism two.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: The rail inspection device of the present invention has a calibration component that is suspended and mounted on the mounting component. When there is a movement error in the movement of the calibration component driven by the two sets of driving mechanisms, the calibration component can be corrected by its own gravity, thereby effectively reducing or even avoiding movement error. This makes it easier for the inspection mechanism to stitch images and inspect. Furthermore, the calibration component has a detection position that allows the rail to be tested to enter and exit, which is conducive to suspension and setting up a larger calibration area or range. The inspection is more convenient and practical, and the structural design is more reasonable.

[0016] Moreover, the counterweight component can keep the center of the calibration component in the center, thereby making the calibration component more stable when the drive mechanism moves, further reducing the impact of movement error. In addition, the counterweight component can be adjusted in the second direction to change the center of gravity according to the actual situation or needs, thus improving practicality.

[0017] Meanwhile, the elastic limit component can limit the oscillation of the calibration component during the driving movement, keeping it with a smaller amplitude of oscillation to reduce errors and make its reset faster.

[0018] In addition, by adjusting the six-axis robot to different postures and using the inspection mechanism, the width and height of the rail can be inspected at different angles. The overhead rail drives the six-axis robot to move horizontally to inspect the length of the rail. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a front view of a rail inspection device; Figure 2 This is a side view of a rail inspection device; Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the connection structure between the calibration component and the drive mechanism of a rail inspection device from a first-view perspective. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the calibration component and the drive mechanism of a rail inspection device from a second perspective. Figure 5 for Figure 4 A magnified view of a portion of the image; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the calibration component of a rail inspection device.

[0020] In the diagram: 1-Calibration component; 11-Calibration member; 111-Transverse rod; 112-Longitudinal connector; 12-Mounting member; 13-Flexible connection component; 131-Connecting seat; 132-Suspension connector; 133-Rotating shaft; 134-Bolt assembly one; 14-Locking component; 141-Limiting block; 15-Limiting structure; 2-Drive mechanism one; 3-Detection mechanism; 4-Rail to be tested; 5-Six-axis robot; 6-Ceiling rail; 7-Frame; 8-Elastic limit component; 9-Counterweight component. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0022] Please combine Figure 1-6 As shown, an embodiment of this application provides a rail inspection device, including: a calibration component 1, including a detection position for the rail 4 to be tested to move in and out along a first direction; at least two sets of driving mechanisms 2 for driving the calibration component 1 to move along the first direction to allow the rail 4 to move in and out of the detection position, the at least two sets of driving mechanisms 2 being arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and a detection mechanism 3 for cooperating with the calibration component 1 to detect the contour parameters of the rail 4 to be tested.

[0023] The rail inspection device is mainly used to inspect the dimensions, straightness, and torsion of the rail 4 to be tested. This is achieved through the existing inspection mechanism 3 in conjunction with the calibration component 1. The calibration component 1, working with the inspection mechanism 3, can perform image acquisition and inspection. It is equipped with a detection position for the rail 4 to be tested to move in and out along a first direction, which can be understood as the width direction of the rail 4. This detection position facilitates the movement of the calibration component 1 along the first direction under the drive of the drive mechanism 2 when the rail 4 is transported to the detection position of the rail inspection device, allowing the rail 4 to enter the detection position of the calibration component 1. The detection position of calibration component 1 differs from that of the rail inspection device. The detection position of calibration component 1 is a preset position relative to the calibration component 1, which needs to be moved to the test position to cooperate with calibration component 1 for calibration. This can be understood as an inner position. When the rail 4 to be tested moves into this position or position range, calibration can be performed. Therefore, calibration component 1 has a structure with an inner detection space, unlike traditional inspection plates. This structure allows calibration component 1 to have a larger calibration area or range, thereby increasing the image calibration area or range and facilitating the inspection by inspection mechanism 3. The drive mechanism 2 can be a lead screw and nut pair drive mechanism or a drag chain electric guide rail; there are no restrictions.

[0024] The calibration component 1 is driven by at least two sets of drive mechanisms 2 along a first direction to move the calibration component 1 toward the delivered test rail 4 and into the detection position of the calibration component 1. Preferably, there are two sets of drive mechanisms 2 arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, which can be understood as the length direction of the test rail 4. This allows the calibration component 1, which is long enough to cover the length of the test rail 4, to move more stably. Setting one set of drive mechanisms 2 would cause deformation of the long calibration component 1, therefore multiple sets of drive mechanisms 2 are needed. Although setting two or more sets of drive mechanisms 2 can ensure stable movement of the long calibration component 1 and effectively avoid deformation, the different driving accuracies among multiple sets of drive mechanisms 2 can cause the calibration component 1 to shift after translation, i.e., cause forward and backward movement errors. This will prevent the calibration component 1 from accurately cooperating with the detection mechanism 3 for calibration, resulting in inaccurate image stitching and detection.

[0025] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, in the embodiments of this application, the calibration component 1 further includes a mounting component 12 and a calibration component 11. The mounting component 12 is provided with at least two along the second direction and is driven to move by a driving mechanism 2 respectively. The calibration component 11 is suspended and mounted on each mounting component 12 along the second direction so that the calibration component 11 has a degree of freedom in at least the first direction. The calibration component 11 is provided with the detection position.

[0026] The calibration component 11, as the core component, is mounted on the fixed component using a suspension method. It has at least one degree of freedom in the second direction, specifically the ability to swing to a certain extent in that direction. This allows for position correction using gravity under suspension, effectively reducing or avoiding movement errors in the first direction of the multiple drive mechanisms 2. These movement errors are typically on the order of millimeters or micrometers, and can be effectively resolved through gravity-based correction. The suspension mounting of the calibration component 11 with each mounting component 12 further facilitates balance correction via gravity.

[0027] Through the above technical solution, the calibration component 1 is installed on the mounting component 12 by suspension. When there is a movement error when the two sets of drive mechanisms 1 and 2 drive the calibration component 1 to move, the calibration component 1 can be corrected by its own gravity, thereby effectively reducing or even avoiding movement error. This makes it easier for the detection mechanism 3 to stitch images and detect. In addition, the calibration component 1 has a detection position that allows the rail 4 to be tested to enter and exit, which is conducive to suspension setting and also conducive to arranging a larger calibration area or calibration range. The detection is more convenient and practical, and the structural design is more reasonable.

[0028] In some embodiments, the calibration component 11 may have multiple structural forms, and the following provides examples of the possible structural forms of both.

[0029] In one structural form, combining 2, Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the calibration component 11 is a frame structure. The calibration component 11 has an entrance / exit for the rail 4 to be tested to enter and exit the detection position along the first direction. The calibration component 11 also has markers for the detection mechanism 3 to locate and identify. The frame structure of the calibration component 11 allows for lighter weight and easier free swinging along the first direction for calibration and balance. The frame structure has a certain inner space and is equipped with an entrance / exit for the rail 4 to enter and exit, as well as markers. The markers can be used for reflective identification during image detection and facilitate subsequent image stitching. The shape of the frame structure is not limited to a specific shape; it only needs to be suitable for calibration and detection by the detection mechanism 3.

[0030] In another structural form, the calibration component 11 has a C-shaped cross-section, and the calibration component 11 is provided with marking points for the detection mechanism 3 to locate and identify. The C-shaped calibration component 11 can be a non-frame structure or a frame structure, depending on the actual situation or needs, and it is preferable to be lightweight. Furthermore, the notch in such a structure can serve as an entrance and exit for the rail 4 to be tested to enter and exit.

[0031] In practice, the calibration component 11 can be made of carbon fiber to further reduce weight.

[0032] To achieve the suspension installation of the calibration component 11 on the row of the installation component 12, further, in conjunction with Figure 5 As shown, the calibration component 11 is suspended on each mounting component 12 via a flexible connection assembly 13; the flexible connection assembly 13 includes a suspension connector 132, which is connected to the mounting component 12, and the calibration component 11 is hinged to the suspension connector 132 via a pivot 133, and the swing direction of the calibration component 11 about the pivot 133 is substantially parallel to the first direction.

[0033] The flexible connection component 13 is used to suspend the calibration component 1 on the mounting component 12. The flexible connection component 13 mainly includes a suspension connector 132 that is fixed to the mounting component 12. The suspension connector 132 is hinged to the calibration component 11 through a pivot 133, which allows the calibration component 11 to swing in the first direction. Of course, this swing is actually a rotational action around the pivot 133, which can be understood as being basically parallel to the first direction. Thus, the degree of freedom in the first direction can be used to correct the balance.

[0034] Furthermore, the suspension connector 132 is connected to the mounting member 12 via an installation adjustment assembly, which adjusts the position of the mounting member 12 in any one or more of the following directions: the height direction, the first direction, and the second direction.

[0035] In this way, by installing the adjustment component, it is easy to adjust the calibration component 11 when it is installed on the mounting component 12, so as to ensure the accuracy of the installation of the calibration component 11. The adjustment direction can be the height reversal, or the first direction or the second direction, or one or more of the above directions, without limitation.

[0036] In the specific implementation process, the height direction can be connected to the connecting seat 131 installed on the mounting component 12 via bolt assembly 134. The height can be adjusted via bolt assembly 134, which can be achieved by adding or removing shims. In addition, the rotation direction can also be adjusted by loosening bolt assembly 134 and rotating the suspension connector 132. This allows for adjustment during the installation process, facilitating accurate installation.

[0037] Please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in the embodiments of this application, the calibration component 11 may also be provided with a counterweight component 9 that can be adjusted along the second direction. The counterweight component 9 is used to center the center of gravity of the calibration component 11.

[0038] The counterweight assembly 9 is mounted on the calibration component 11 and is used to center the center of gravity of the calibration component 11, specifically controlling the center of gravity between the two sets of mounting components 12. Centering the center of gravity allows for better use of gravity to maintain balance during calibration, avoiding deformation and offset effects caused by errors in the forward and backward movement of the drive mechanism 12. The counterweight assembly 9 is adjustable in the second direction to suit actual conditions or requirements. In practical implementation, the counterweight assembly 9 mainly includes counterweight blocks that pass through the transverse rods 111 of the calibration component 11.

[0039] Because the calibration component 11 experiences excessive shaking when the device moves or when the drive mechanism 2 has a large driving error, further, combined with Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the mounting component 12 is provided with an elastic limiting component 8, which is used to elastically abut against the calibration component 11.

[0040] The elastic limiting component 8 can limit the calibration component 11 to prevent it from swinging excessively, and its elasticity allows for easy reset.

[0041] In the specific implementation process, the elastic limiting component 8 may include a housing, a limiting rod disposed in the housing, and a spring that allows the limiting rod to be elastically installed in the housing. The housing is fixed on the mounting component 12, and the limiting rod contacts the calibration component 11 through its end protruding outside the housing, thus achieving elastic limiting.

[0042] In addition, combined Figure 5 As shown, a limiting structure 15 for limiting the rotation of the calibration component 11 within a preset range or angle can also be provided between the calibration component 11 and the mounting component 12. For example, a connecting ear is provided at the lower part of the calibration component 11, and multiple oblong holes are provided on the connecting ear. Bolts fixed to the mounting component 12 are provided in the oblong holes. The orientation of the oblong holes is basically consistent with the swing direction of the calibration component 11. This can limit its swing within a preset angle range. With the help of the elastic limiting component 8, the calibration component 11 can be better kept swinging within a small range for correction and balance.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment of the calibration component 11, combined with Figures 3-6 As shown, the calibration component 11 includes transverse rods 111 and longitudinal connectors 112. There are several transverse rods 111 that are spaced parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction. The several transverse rods 111 are connected and fixed by several longitudinal connectors 112 distributed in the transverse direction to form a frame structure.

[0044] Multiple transverse members 111 are parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction and are connected into a whole by several longitudinal connectors 112 to form a calibration component 11 of the frame structure. The calibration component 11 is provided with several evenly distributed reflective points as calibration points. To further reduce weight, carbon fiber material can be used.

[0045] Specifically, the longitudinal connector 112 has a connecting hole for the transverse member 111 to pass through. The transverse member 111 has locking components 14 on both sides of the mounting member 12, which fix the transverse member 111 relative to the longitudinal connector 112. The locking components 14 allow the transverse member 111 passing through the connecting hole to form a limiting relationship with the longitudinal connector 112 in the transverse direction, thereby achieving locking. Specifically, the locking component 14 can be a limiting block 141 provided on the transverse member 111. The limiting block 141 is fixed to the transverse member 111 by bolts and also fixedly connected to the longitudinal connector 112 by bolts, thus achieving the fixation of the transverse member 111 and the longitudinal connector 112.

[0046] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, in the embodiments of this application, a ceiling track 6 may also be included, on which a second driving mechanism (not shown in the figure) is movably mounted. The detection mechanism 3 is mounted on the second driving mechanism via a robotic arm, so as to drive the robotic arm and the detection mechanism 3 to move at least along a second direction via the second driving mechanism.

[0047] The overhead rail 6 is mounted on the top of the frame 7 of the rail inspection device. The robotic arm is slidably connected to the overhead rail 6 through the second drive mechanism. Driven by the second drive mechanism, the robotic arm can move along the second direction. The inspection mechanism 3 is mounted on the execution end of the robotic arm. Therefore, the inspection mechanism 3 can achieve multi-angle and multi-axial movement under the drive of the second drive mechanism and the robotic arm, thus enabling inspections over a wider range and at more angles, making the inspections more comprehensive and accurate.

[0048] Specifically, the robotic arm is a six-axis robot 5, which is mounted upside down on the drive mechanism two. The drive mechanism two can be a lead screw and nut pair drive mechanism or a cable chain electric guide rail, and there are no restrictions.

[0049] In actual use, the drive mechanism 12 drives the calibration component 11 to move horizontally (i.e., in the first direction) to the detection position of the device. The six-axis robot 5 adjusts to different postures and uses the detection mechanism 3 to detect the width and height of the rail 4 under test at different angles. The drive mechanism 2 drives the six-axis robot 5 to move horizontally in the second direction to detect the length of the rail 4 under test, and also detects the contour parameters such as straightness and torsion.

[0050] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that the above preferred embodiments should not be considered as limitations on the present invention, and the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope defined in the claims. For those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A rail inspection device, characterized in that, include: The calibration assembly (1) includes a detection position for the rail (4) to be tested to move in and out along a first direction; At least two sets of drive mechanisms (2) that drive the calibration component (1) to move along the first direction to move the rail under test (4) into and out of the detection position, the at least two sets of drive mechanisms (2) being arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and A detection mechanism (3) for detecting the contour parameters of the rail (4) to be tested in conjunction with the calibration component (1); The calibration component (1) further includes a mounting component (12) and a calibration component (11). The mounting component (12) has at least two members along the second direction and is driven by a driving mechanism (2) respectively. The calibration component (11) is suspended on each mounting component (12) along the second direction so that the calibration component (11) has a degree of freedom in at least the first direction. The calibration component (11) is provided with the detection position.

2. The rail inspection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The calibration component (11) is a frame structure. The calibration component (11) is provided with an entrance and exit for the rail (4) to be tested to enter and exit the detection position along the first direction. The calibration component (11) is provided with marking points for the detection mechanism (3) to locate and identify. Alternatively, the cross-section of the calibration component (11) is C-shaped, and the calibration component (11) is provided with marking points for the detection mechanism (3) to locate and identify.

3. The rail inspection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The calibration component (11) is suspended on each mounting component (12) by a flexible connection assembly (13); The flexible connection assembly (13) includes a suspension connector (132) connected to the mounting member (12), and the calibration member (11) is hinged to the suspension connector (132) via a pivot (133). The swing direction of the calibration member (11) around the pivot (133) is substantially parallel to the first direction.

4. The rail inspection device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The suspension connector (132) is connected to the mounting member (12) by an installation adjustment assembly, which adjusts the position of the mounting member (12) in any one or more of the following directions: the height direction, the first direction, and the second direction.

5. A rail inspection device as described in any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The calibration component (11) is provided with a counterweight assembly (9) that can be adjusted along the second direction. The counterweight assembly (9) is used to center the center of gravity of the calibration component (11).

6. A rail inspection device as described in any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The mounting component (12) is provided with an elastic limiting component (8), which is used to elastically abut against the calibration component (11); And / or, a limiting structure (15) is provided between the mounting member (12) and the calibration member (11) to limit the movement of the calibration member (11) within a preset angle range.

7. The rail inspection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The calibration component (11) includes a transverse member (111) and a longitudinal connector (112). The transverse member (111) is provided in a plurality of parallel members spaced apart in the longitudinal direction. The plurality of transverse members (111) are connected and fixed by a plurality of longitudinal connectors (112) distributed in the transverse direction to form a frame structure.

8. The rail inspection device as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The longitudinal connector (112) is provided with a connecting hole for the transverse member (111) to pass through. The transverse member (111) is provided with locking components (14) on both sides of the mounting member (12). The locking components (14) fix the transverse member (111) and the longitudinal connector (112) relative to each other.

9. A rail inspection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a ceiling track (6), on which a second drive mechanism is movably mounted, and the detection mechanism (3) is mounted on the second drive mechanism via a robotic arm, so as to drive the robotic arm and the detection mechanism (3) to move at least along the second direction via the second drive mechanism.

10. A rail inspection device as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The robotic arm is a six-axis robot (5), which is mounted upside down on the drive mechanism 2.

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