Material blockage detection device

Abstract

The utility model provides a material blockage detection device, and relates to the technical field of intelligent storage and logistics. The material blockage detection device comprises a camera, a bracket and edge computing equipment, wherein the support is fixed to the side edge of the conveying equipment, the camera is fixed to the support and is aligned with a discharging pipeline of the conveying equipment, the camera is in communication connection with the edge computing equipment, and the edge computing equipment conducts material blockage detection on images shot by the camera based on image recognition. Therefore, in the production process, a material blocking event can be found in time based on machine vision, and patrol manpower is saved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of intelligent warehousing and logistics, and in particular to a material blockage detection device. Background Art

[0002] For industrial manufacturing companies, material blockage is a common event during the transportation of various materials in production. The materials are transported into the material delivery pipe through the transmission equipment. The opening space of the material delivery pipe is limited. When a large amount of materials falls into the material delivery pipe, material blockage may occur.

[0003] At present, the main method is to detect and handle material blockages during the inspection process by on-site inspectors. This has a certain lag, and the inspectors may not discover material blockages in time, affecting the production process. If more inspectors are added, more manpower will be required, and the lag problem cannot be completely solved. Utility Model Content

[0004] A technical problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present utility model is: how to timely discover material blockage events during the production process.

[0005] Some embodiments of the utility model propose a material blockage detection device, including: a camera, a bracket, and an edge computing device; wherein the bracket is fixed to the side of the transmission equipment, the camera is fixed on the bracket and aimed at the material drop pipe of the transmission equipment, the camera is communicatively connected with the edge computing device, and the edge computing device performs material blockage detection on the image taken by the camera based on image recognition.

[0006] In some embodiments, the material blockage detection device also includes: an alarm, and a management device; wherein the alarm is fixed on a bracket, the management device is communicated with the edge computing device and the alarm respectively, and the management device triggers the alarm based on the material blockage detection result of the edge computing device.

[0007] In some embodiments, a dust cover is provided on the outside of the alarm.

[0008] In some embodiments, the bracket includes a first supporting structure and a second supporting structure, the first supporting structure is vertically fixed to the second supporting structure, the camera or alarm is fixed on the first supporting structure of the bracket, and the second supporting structure of the bracket is fixed to the side of the transmission device.

[0009] In some embodiments, a plurality of first mounting structures are spaced apart on the first supporting structure, and the camera or alarm is fixed to the first supporting structure of the bracket through the first mounting structures at different positions.

[0010] In some embodiments, a plurality of second mounting structures are spaced apart on the second supporting structure, and the second supporting structure of the bracket is fixed to the side of the transmission device through second mounting structures of different heights.

[0011] In some embodiments, a movable door that can be opened at an angle is provided on one side of the blanking pipe, and a telescopic cylinder is fixed on the other side, and the telescopic cylinder opens or closes the movable door through telescopic operation.

[0012] In some embodiments, along the blanking direction of the blanking pipe, a plurality of telescopic cylinders are fixed at intervals from top to bottom, and the opening angles of the movable door pushed open by the telescopic cylinders at different positions are different.

[0013] In some embodiments, the management device is connected to the alarm through a gateway and an input / output module.

[0014] In some embodiments, the material blockage detection device also includes: a data acquisition server, which is communicated with the edge computing device and the management device respectively, and is used to store images taken by the camera and its material blockage detection results.

[0015] In an embodiment of the utility model, a material blockage detection device is provided, wherein a bracket is fixed on a side of a transmission device, a camera is fixed on the bracket and aimed at a material drop pipe of the transmission device, the camera is communicatively connected with an edge computing device, and the edge computing device performs material blockage detection on an image taken by the camera based on image recognition. Thus, during the production process, material blockage events can be discovered in a timely manner based on machine vision, and patrol manpower can be saved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for use in the embodiments or related technical descriptions. The present invention can be more clearly understood based on the following detailed description with reference to the drawings.

[0017] Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0018] Figure 1 Schematic diagrams showing material blockage detection devices according to some embodiments of the present utility model.

[0019] Figure 2 Schematic diagrams showing the material dropping pipes of some embodiments of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing a material blockage detection device and its communication connection according to some embodiments of the utility model. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] It should be noted that the relative arrangement of components and steps, numerical expressions and numerical values ​​set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0022] Those skilled in the art can understand that the terms "first" and "second" in the embodiments of the present invention are only used to distinguish different steps, devices or modules, etc., and neither represent any specific technical meaning nor indicate the necessary logical order between them.

[0023] It should also be understood that in the embodiments of the present invention, “plurality” may refer to two or more than two, and “at least one” may refer to one, two or more than two.

[0024] It should also be understood that any component, data or structure mentioned in the embodiments of the present invention can generally be understood as one or more, unless explicitly limited or otherwise indicated in the context.

[0025] In addition, the term "and / or" in the present invention is only a description of the association relationship of the associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " in the present invention generally indicates that the associated objects before and after are in an "or" relationship.

[0026] It should also be understood that the description of the various embodiments of the present invention focuses on the differences between the various embodiments, and the same or similar aspects thereof can be referenced to each other, and for the sake of brevity, they will not be described one by one.

[0027] At the same time, it should be understood that for the convenience of description, the sizes of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn according to the actual proportional relationship.

[0028] The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the present invention, its application, or uses.

[0029] Technologies, methods, and equipment known to ordinary technicians in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, the technologies, methods, and equipment should be considered as part of the specification.

[0030] It should be noted that like reference numerals and letters refer to similar items in the following figures, and therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it need not be further discussed in subsequent figures.

[0031] Furthermore, in order to avoid obscuring the present invention due to unnecessary details, only processing steps and / or equipment structures closely related to at least the solution according to the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings, while other details that are not closely related to the present invention are omitted.

[0032] Figure 1 Schematic diagrams showing material blockage detection devices according to some embodiments of the present utility model.

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, the material blockage detection device of this embodiment includes: a camera 1, a bracket 2, and an edge computing device 7; wherein the bracket 2 is fixed to the side of the transmission equipment, the camera 1 is fixed on the bracket 2 and aligned with the material drop pipe 4 of the transmission equipment, the camera 1 is communicatively connected with the edge computing device 7, and the edge computing device 7 performs material blockage detection on the image taken by the camera 1 based on image recognition.

[0034] The working process of the material blockage detection device is, for example: the camera 1 is aimed at the material dropping pipe 4 of the transmission equipment, and the image of the material dropping pipe 4 is captured, and the image is transmitted to the edge computing device 7. The edge computing device 7 performs material blockage detection on the image captured by the camera 1 based on image recognition, so as to timely discover the material blockage event.

[0035] An image recognition algorithm is deployed on the edge computing device 7, and the image recognition algorithm includes, but is not limited to, an algorithm that can realize image recognition function, such as a convolutional neural network using deep learning.

[0036] The convolutional neural network can be trained in advance to obtain the image recognition function of material blockage. For example, the images of material blockage and non-blockage with material blockage annotation information are input into the convolutional neural network, and the convolutional neural network outputs material blockage prediction information. According to the gap information between the material blockage prediction information and the material blockage annotation information, the parameters of the convolutional neural network are updated so that the gap between the material blockage prediction information and the material blockage annotation information is within an acceptable level. The trained convolutional neural network can be used as an image recognition algorithm. Among them, the material blockage prediction information can not only include the prediction information of whether the material is blocked, but also include the prediction information of the degree of blockage. Therefore, the trained image recognition algorithm can not only detect whether the material is blocked, but also detect the degree of blockage.

[0037] The edge computing device 7 can provide cloud services and information technology services to application developers and service providers at the edge of the network, and can provide computing, storage, network and other services close to data input or users.

[0038] Through the provided material blockage detection device, the bracket 2 is fixed on the side of the transmission equipment, the camera 1 is fixed on the bracket 2 and aimed at the blanking pipe 4 of the transmission equipment, the camera 1 is communicated with the edge computing device 7, and the edge computing device 7 performs material blockage detection on the image taken by the camera 1 based on image recognition, so that in the production process, material blockage events can be discovered in time based on machine vision and patrol manpower can be saved.

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, the material blockage detection device of this embodiment also includes: an alarm 3, and a management device 8; wherein the alarm 3 is fixed on the bracket 2, the management device 8 is communicated with the edge computing device 7 and the alarm 3 respectively, and the management device 8 triggers the alarm 3 to alarm based on the material blockage detection result of the edge computing device 7.

[0040] The camera 1 and the alarm 3 share a fixed bracket 2, which is easy to install and disassemble.

[0041] The alarm process is, for example: the management device 8 obtains the material blockage detection result of the edge computing device 7. Based on the material blockage detection result, if a material blockage event occurs, an alarm instruction is sent to the alarm 3. The alarm 3 responds to the instruction and sounds an alarm bell to alert the staff that a material blockage event has occurred here. When the staff hears the alarm bell, they can deal with the material blockage event in time, eliminate the material blockage, and ensure the production process.

[0042] Different alarm tones can be set for the alarm devices 3 in different areas to help the staff quickly locate the fault location, so that the staff can intuitively and quickly locate the location area of ​​the material blockage based on the alarm tones.

[0043] A dust cover is provided outside the alarm 3. Since the working area of ​​the alarm 3 is at the material dropping position and dust is easily generated, a dust cover can be provided.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, the bracket 2 includes a first supporting structure 21 and a second supporting structure 22. The first supporting structure 21 and the second supporting structure 22 are fixed vertically, so that the bracket 2 is in an "L" shape, which is convenient for installation. The camera 1 or the alarm 3 can be fixed on the first supporting structure 21 of the bracket 2, and the second supporting structure 22 of the bracket 2 can be fixed on the side of the transmission device.

[0045] A groove may be provided at a position where the camera 1 or the alarm 3 is fixed on the first supporting structure 21 of the bracket 2 , so that the camera 1 or the alarm 3 is firmly fixed on the first supporting structure 21 of the bracket 2 .

[0046] like Figure 1As shown, a plurality of first mounting structures 21a are arranged at intervals on the first supporting structure 21, and the camera 1 or the alarm 3 is fixed to the first supporting structure 21 of the bracket 2 through the first mounting structures 21a at different positions. Thus, the position of the camera 1 or the alarm 3 along the extending direction of the first supporting structure 21 can be adjusted, so that the camera 1 can be more accurately aligned with the blanking pipe 4, and the image of the blanking can be more clearly captured.

[0047] The first mounting structure 21a is, for example but not limited to, a structure capable of fastening components, such as a mounting hole and a nut. The mounting hole is, for example, a screw hole, and the nut is, for example, a self-locking nut.

[0048] like Figure 1 As shown, a plurality of second mounting structures 22a are arranged at intervals on the second supporting structure 22, and the second supporting structure 22 of the bracket 2 is fixed to the side of the transmission device through the second mounting structures 22a of different heights. Thus, the mounting height of the bracket 2 is adjustable, so that the camera 1 can be more accurately aligned with the material dropping pipe 4, and the image of the material dropping can be more clearly captured.

[0049] The second mounting structure 22a is, for example but not limited to, a structure capable of fastening components, such as a mounting hole and a nut. The mounting hole is, for example, a screw hole, and the nut is, for example, a self-locking nut.

[0050] Figure 2 Schematic diagrams showing the blanking pipe 4 of some embodiments of the utility model.

[0051] like Figure 2 As shown, a movable door 5 with an opening angle is arranged on one side of the blanking pipe 4, and a telescopic cylinder 6 is fixed on the other side, and the telescopic cylinder 6 opens or closes the movable door 5 through telescopic operation. The opening angle of the movable door 5 can be set and adjusted.

[0052] The lower end of the movable door 5 is fixed, and the upper end can be opened at a certain angle, so that the material can enter the blanking pipe 4 from the opened entrance space. When the telescopic cylinder 6 is extended, an external force is applied to the movable door 5, so that the movable door 5 can be pushed open. When the telescopic cylinder 6 is retracted, it is out of contact with the movable door 5, and the movable door 5 is closed.

[0053] In addition, the telescopic cylinder 6 can be provided with an automatic switch and / or a manual switch. Through the control of the automatic switch, the telescopic cylinder 6 can automatically perform a telescopic operation to push open or close the movable door 5. Through the control of the manual switch, the telescopic cylinder 6 can perform a telescopic operation based on manual control to push open or close the movable door 5. When manually clearing the blocked material, it can be controlled by the manual switch.

[0054] like Figure 2As shown, along the material dropping direction of the material dropping pipe 4, a plurality of telescopic cylinders 6 are fixed at intervals from top to bottom, and the opening angles of the movable door 5 pushed up by the telescopic cylinders 6 at different positions are different. When the telescopic ranges of the telescopic cylinders 6 are the same, along the material dropping direction of the material dropping pipe 4, the opening angle of the movable door 5 pushed up by the upper telescopic cylinders 6 is smaller than the opening angle of the movable door 5 pushed up by the lower telescopic cylinders 6. According to the needs of material dropping or the needs of clearing blocked materials, the telescopic cylinders 6 at different positions can be selected to control the opening angle of the movable door 5.

[0055] Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing a material blockage detection device and its communication connection according to some embodiments of the utility model.

[0056] like Figure 3 As shown, the management device 8 is connected to the alarm 3 through the gateway 9 and the input / output module 10. The alarm instruction issued by the management device 8 is transmitted to the alarm 3 through the gateway 9 and the input / output (I / O) module 10, and the alarm 3 responds to the instruction by sounding an alarm.

[0057] The management device 8 is, for example, a computer with management functions. For example, the Thingworx system can be deployed on the management device 8 to implement the management function. The management device 8 can retrieve the image recognition results and the captured blocking images, and transmit them to the computer in the central control room for display, and can also instruct to use different alarm sound effects to prompt the on-site operators.

[0058] A gateway 9 is a "gateway" connecting one network to another network, enabling communication in different protocols, formats or languages.

[0059] The input / output module 10 includes, for example, an input / output interface, which can provide a connection interface for external devices such as an alarm 3, a display, and the like.

[0060] like Figure 3 As shown, the material blockage detection device also includes: a data acquisition server 11, which is connected to the edge computing device 7 and the management device 8 for storing the images taken by the camera 1 and the material blockage detection results thereof. The edge computing device 7 can send the images taken by the camera 1 and the material blockage detection results thereof to the data acquisition server 11 for storage, and the management device 8 can retrieve the images taken by the camera 1 and the material blockage detection results thereof from the data acquisition server 11. The data acquisition server 11 is, for example, a Kepware data acquisition server.

[0061] Different centralized control network segments can be set, and the management device 8 can manage and control the devices within a certain centralized control network segment, such as the alarm 3.

[0062] The material blockage detection and alarm process is, for example: the camera 1 is aimed at the material dropping pipe 4 of the transmission equipment, and takes an image of the material dropping pipe 4, and transmits it to the edge computing device 7; the edge computing device 7 performs material blockage detection on the image taken by the camera 1 based on image recognition, so as to timely discover the material blockage event; the management device 8 obtains the material blockage detection result of the edge computing device 7, and based on the material blockage detection result, if a material blockage event occurs, an alarm instruction is sent to the alarm 3; the alarm 3 responds to the instruction and sends an alarm bell to alert the staff that a material blockage event has occurred here; when the staff hears the alarm bell, they can deal with the material blockage event in time, eliminate the material blockage, and ensure the production process.

[0063] The camera 1 and the edge computing device 7 are used to identify abnormal blockage information at the outlet of the blanking pipe 4, and different alarms are generated according to the identification results to prompt the production workers, effectively helping the on-site workers to quickly lock the blockage location, effectively reducing the difficulty of the workers in clearing and unblocking the blockage when the blanking pipe 4 is blocked, and improving the working efficiency.

[0064] In addition, the alarm 3 has a small structure and size, and is easy to install. It shares a fixed bracket 2 with the camera 1 at the production site, is easy to assemble and disassemble, and the installation position can be customized according to actual use requirements.

[0065] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A material blockage detection device, characterized in that: include: A camera, a bracket, and an edge computing device; wherein the bracket is fixed on the side of the transmission device, the camera is fixed on the bracket and aimed at the material drop pipe of the transmission device, the camera is communicatively connected with the edge computing device, and the edge computing device performs material blockage detection on the image taken by the camera based on image recognition.

2. The material blockage detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: An alarm and a management device; wherein the alarm is fixed on a bracket, the management device is communicated with the edge computing device and the alarm respectively, and the management device triggers the alarm based on the material blockage detection result of the edge computing device.

3. The material blockage detection device according to claim 2, characterized in that: A dust cover is arranged outside the alarm.

4. The material blockage detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The bracket includes a first supporting structure and a second supporting structure, the first supporting structure is vertically fixed to the second supporting structure, the camera or alarm is fixed on the first supporting structure of the bracket, and the second supporting structure of the bracket is fixed to the side of the transmission equipment.

5. The material blockage detection device according to claim 4, characterized in that: A plurality of first mounting structures are arranged at intervals on the first supporting structure, and the camera or the alarm is fixed on the first supporting structure of the bracket through the first mounting structures at different positions.

6. The material blockage detection device according to claim 4, characterized in that: A plurality of second mounting structures are arranged at intervals on the second supporting structure, and the second supporting structure of the bracket is fixed to the side of the transmission device through the second mounting structures of different heights.

7. The material blockage detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: A movable door capable of opening an angle is arranged on one side of the blanking pipe, and a telescopic cylinder is fixed on the other side. The telescopic cylinder opens or closes the movable door through telescopic operation.

8. The material blockage detection device according to claim 7, characterized in that: Along the blanking direction of the blanking pipe, a plurality of telescopic cylinders are fixed at intervals from top to bottom, and the opening angles of the movable door pushed open by the telescopic cylinders at different positions are different.

9. The material blockage detection device according to any one of claims 2-3, characterized in that: The management device is connected to the alarm through a gateway and an input / output module.

10. The material blockage detection device according to any one of claims 2 to 3, characterized in that: Also includes: The data acquisition server is communicated with the edge computing device and the management device respectively, and is used to store the images taken by the camera and the material blockage detection results.

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