A mine car counting device with image acquisition linked to a car lifter

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of mine car counting and discloses a mine car counting lifting device linked to an image acquisition device. The device includes a lower mine car track, an upper mine car track, and a lifting device. The lower mine car track is located below the upper mine car track, and the lifting device is located on one side of the lower mine car track. It also includes a camera mounted on top of the lifting device, a computer mounted on the side of the lifting device opposite to the lower mine car track (connected to the lifting device), an industrial control computer mounted on top of the computer (connected to the lifting device), a detection gate mounted on top of the upper mine car track, and photoelectric switches and ultrasonic level sensors installed on the detection gate. The photoelectric switches and ultrasonic level sensors are connected to the computer. An image acquisition structure mounted on top of the lifting device, through the linkage of the lifting device with image acquisition, photoelectric detection, and level sensors, achieves automated and intelligent mine car counting.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of mine car counting, specifically a mine car counting lifting device linked to an image acquisition device. Background Technology

[0002] In mining operations, counting mine cars is a crucial task, directly related to the mine's assessment of production task completion and the rational organization of production. Currently, the mine shift's car dispatch task is usually completed by signalmen manually counting the cars and then reporting to the mine. This traditional manual counting method seems simple, but it actually has many drawbacks.

[0003] Currently, counting in mining areas mainly relies on manual operation, which is greatly affected by human factors and prone to duplication or omission. This results in a high number of mine cars being dispatched but a low total output, affecting production management. Although some automated mine car counting devices have been developed, most of them use a single photoelectric counting method and fail to deeply integrate with existing equipment such as car lifters, resulting in insufficient reliability. At the same time, these devices lack material level detection functions and cannot determine whether the mine cars are fully loaded, causing unloaded cars to be counted as well, which seriously affects the accuracy of counting and the loading coefficient, causing trouble for mine production organization and management. To address this, we propose a mine car counting device that uses a car lifter linked to an image acquisition system. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this utility model provides a mine car counting device with linked image acquisition mechanism, which solves the aforementioned problems.

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a mine car counting device with a lifting mechanism linked to an image acquisition device, comprising a lower mine car track, an upper mine car track, and a lifting mechanism, wherein the lower mine car track is located below the upper mine car track, and the lifting mechanism is provided on one side of the lower mine car track; and further comprising:

[0006] A camera is installed on top of the car lifter, and the camera is used to capture and record the number of mine cars lifted by the car lifter.

[0007] A computer is installed on the side of the lifting device away from the lower mine car track, and the computer is wired and connected to the lifting device.

[0008] An industrial control computer is installed on the top of the computer and is connected to the lifting device.

[0009] The detection gate is installed on the top surface of the upper mine car track. The detection gate is located on both sides of the upper mine car track. The detection gate is equipped with a photoelectric switch and an ultrasonic level sensor. The photoelectric switch and the ultrasonic level sensor are connected to the computer signal.

[0010] An image acquisition structure is installed on top of the lifting device, and the camera is installed inside the image acquisition structure.

[0011] Preferably, the top surface of the car lifter is connected to an L-shaped plate, one end of which is fixedly connected to the car lifter, and the other end of which is opposite to the computer.

[0012] Preferably, the image acquisition structure includes a motor, a lead screw, and a slider. The motor's output shaft mounting surface is fixedly connected to the side of the L-shaped plate facing away from the top surface of the lifting device. The motor's output shaft passes through the L-shaped plate and is rotatably connected to it. A lead screw is fixedly connected to the motor's output shaft via a coupling. The other end of the lead screw is rotatably connected to the top surface of the lifting device. A threaded hole is provided through one side of the slider, and the threaded hole is threadedly connected to the lead screw.

[0013] Preferably, the L-shaped plate has a through-hole on the side opposite to the threaded surface of the lead screw, and the through-hole corresponds to the lead screw.

[0014] Preferably, a limiting block is fixedly connected to one side of the slider, and the other end of the limiting block passes through the strip hole and is slidably engaged with the strip hole.

[0015] Preferably, the image acquisition structure further includes a dustproof box and a cover plate. One side of the dustproof box is fixedly connected to the end of the limiting block away from the slider. The opening of the dustproof box is away from the lifting device. The opening end of the dustproof box is connected to the cover plate via a hinge.

[0016] Preferably, an air duct is fixedly connected to the top surface of the cover plate. The side of the air duct that is close to the cover plate and away from the L-shaped plate is above the dust box. Half of the side of the air duct that is connected to the cover plate is above the dust box. The open end of the air duct corresponds to the side of the dust box. A fan is snapped into the open end of the air duct. The fan is connected to the computer wiring.

[0017] Preferably, the air duct has multiple equidistantly distributed exhaust holes extending through one side above the dustproof box.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, this utility model provides a mine car counting device with image acquisition linked to a lifting device, which has the following advantages:

[0019] This mine car counting device uses a lifter linked to an image acquisition unit. By linking the lifter with image acquisition, photoelectric detection, and material level sensors, it achieves automated and intelligent mine car counting, avoiding the problems of repetition or omission in manual counting. At the same time, material level detection ensures that only fully loaded mine cars are counted, effectively improving the loading coefficient and counting accuracy. Furthermore, its data storage and management functions provide detailed data support for mine production management, which helps to rationally organize production. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the structure of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the image acquisition structure of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A magnified view of part A in the diagram.

[0024] In the diagram: 1. Lower mine car track; 2. Upper mine car track; 3. Car lifter; 4. Inspection door; 5. Computer; 6. Industrial control computer; 7. L-shaped plate; 8. Motor; 9. Lead screw; 10. Slider; 11. Strip hole; 12. Cover plate; 13. Dustproof box; 14. Air duct; 15. Fan; 16. Camera; 17. Limit block; 18. Exhaust port. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0026] Please see Figure 1-4 A mine car counting device with image acquisition linked to a lifting device includes a lower mine car track 1, an upper mine car track 2, and a lifting device 3. The lower mine car track 1 is located below the upper mine car track 2, and the lifting device 3 is provided on one side of the lower mine car track 1. The device also includes:

[0027] The camera 16, which is installed on the top of the car lifter 3, is used to capture and record the number of mine cars lifted by the car lifter 3.

[0028] The computer 5 is located on the side of the lifting device 3 away from the lower mine car track 1, and the computer 5 is connected to the lifting device 3 by wiring.

[0029] The industrial control computer 6 is located on the top of the computer 5 and is connected to the lifting device 3 via wiring.

[0030] The detection gate 4 is installed on the top surface of the upper mine car track 2. The detection gate 4 is located on both sides of the upper mine car track 2. The detection gate 4 is equipped with photoelectric switches and ultrasonic level sensors. The photoelectric switches and ultrasonic level sensors are connected to the computer 5.

[0031] An image acquisition structure is installed on top of the lifting device 3, and a camera 16 is installed inside the image acquisition structure.

[0032] Furthermore, an L-shaped plate 7 is connected to the top surface of the lifting device 3. One end of the L-shaped plate 7 is fixedly connected to the lifting device 3, and the other end of the L-shaped plate 7 is opposite to the computer 5. The L-shaped plate 7 is used to install the image acquisition structure.

[0033] Furthermore, the image acquisition structure includes a motor 8, a lead screw 9, and a slider 10. The mounting surface of the output shaft of the motor 8 is fixedly connected to the side of the L-shaped plate 7 facing away from the top surface of the lifting device 3. The output shaft of the motor 8 passes through the L-shaped plate 7 and is rotatably connected to the L-shaped plate 7. The lead screw 9 is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the motor 8 through a coupling. The other end of the lead screw 9 is rotatably connected to the top surface of the lifting device 3. A threaded hole is opened through one side of the slider 10, and the threaded hole is threadedly connected to the lead screw 9. The motor 8 is used to drive the lead screw 9 to rotate. The lead screw 9 is threadedly connected to the slider 10. When the lead screw 9 rotates, the slider 10 moves up and down on the lead screw 9.

[0034] Furthermore, a strip-shaped hole 11 is provided through the side of the L-shaped plate 7 opposite to the threaded surface of the lead screw 9, and the strip-shaped hole 11 corresponds to the lead screw 9.

[0035] Furthermore, a limiting block 17 is fixedly connected to one side of the slider 10, and the other end of the limiting block 17 passes through the strip hole 11 and slides and engages with the strip hole 11. The strip hole 11 and the limiting block 17 are used to restrict the slider 10 from rotating with the lead screw 9, and instead allow it to slide on the lead screw 9. The limiting block 17 is used to drive the camera 16 to move up and down.

[0036] Furthermore, the image acquisition structure also includes a dustproof box 13 and a cover plate 12. One side of the dustproof box 13 is fixedly connected to the end of the limiting block 17 away from the slider 10. The opening of the dustproof box 13 is away from the lifting device 3. The opening end of the dustproof box 13 is connected to the cover plate 12 via a hinge. The camera 16 is installed and fixed inside the dustproof box 13. The dustproof box 13 is made of transparent material. The dustproof box 13 is connected to the limiting block 17 and moves up and down with the limiting block 17. When the height of the mine car is different, the height of the camera 16 is adjusted in time. The cover plate 12 is used to seal the dustproof box 13 and protect the camera 16.

[0037] Furthermore, an air duct 14 is fixedly connected to the top surface of the cover plate 12. The side of the air duct 14 facing away from the L-shaped plate 7 is close to the cover plate 12. Half of the side of the air duct 14 connected to the cover plate 12 is above the dust box 13. The open end of the air duct 14 corresponds to the side of the dust box 13. A fan 15 is snapped into the open end of the air duct 14. The fan 15 is wired and connected to the computer 5. The air duct 14 is equipped with the fan 15. The airflow generated by the fan 15 is inside the air duct 14. When dust removal is required in front of the cover plate 12, the computer 5 controls the fan 15 to start and generate airflow.

[0038] Furthermore, the air duct 14 has multiple equidistantly distributed exhaust holes 18 through one side above the dust box 13. The exhaust holes 18 are used to evenly distribute the airflow in the air duct 14 onto the surface of the cover plate 12 to remove dust from the front of the cover plate 12 and ensure the shooting quality of the camera 16.

[0039] Structural Description:

[0040] Lower mine car track 1: It is in the shape of a track and is used for the movement of mine cars. The mine cars travel along it to the position of the lifting device 3, which is located below the upper mine car track 2.

[0041] Upper mine car track 2: It is in the shape of a track and is located above the lower mine car track 1. The mine car travels along it after being unloaded by the lifting device 3. The top surface is equipped with a detection door 4.

[0042] Car lifter 3: Located on one side of the lower mine car track 1, it is used to lift the mine car to the unloading position, so that the mine car can gain potential energy and slide to the original ore bin, and is linked with the counting system;

[0043] Detection gate 4: Located on both sides of the upper mine car track 2, it has a gate-like structure and is equipped with photoelectric switches and ultrasonic level sensors to detect the passage of the mine car and the depth of the material level;

[0044] Computer 5: Located on the side of the lifting device 3 away from the lower mine car track 1, connected to the lifting device 3 by wiring, with a built-in microcomputer to control the operation of the counting system and signal processing;

[0045] Industrial computer 6: placed on top of computer 5, connected to car lifter 3, receives video signal from camera 16 and stores mine car images, with a designed storage capacity of approximately 180,000 images;

[0046] L-shaped plate 7: It is L-shaped, with one end fixed to the top surface of the lifting device 3 and the other end facing the computer 5, and is used to install the image acquisition structure;

[0047] Motor 8: Installed on the side of L-shaped plate 7 away from the top surface of lifter 3, the output shaft passes through L-shaped plate 7 and is connected to lead screw 9, driving lead screw 9 to rotate to adjust the height of camera 16;

[0048] Lead screw 9: It is rod-shaped, with one end connected to the output shaft of motor 8 via a coupling, and the other end rotatably connected to the top surface of lifting device 3. It is threadedly engaged with slider 10, and rotates to drive slider 10 to rise and fall.

[0049] Slider 10: It is block-shaped with a hole on one side for threaded connection with lead screw 9. It is fitted onto lead screw 9 and moves up and down with lead screw 9, driving limit block 17 and camera 16 to move.

[0050] Strip hole 11: It is formed on the side of L-shaped plate 7 opposite to lead screw 9, and is long and strip-shaped. It is used for limit block 17 to pass through and slide, and to limit slider 10 to rotate.

[0051] Cover plate 12: It is plate-shaped and is connected to the opening end of the dust box 13 by a hinge. It is used to seal the dust box 13 and protect the internal camera 16.

[0052] Dustproof box 13: It is box-shaped with the opening facing away from the lifting device 3. It is made of transparent material and is installed on one end of the limiting block 17. The camera 16 is fixed inside and can be raised and lowered with the limiting block 17 to prevent dust from affecting the shooting.

[0053] Duct 14: It is tubular, with one end fixed to the top surface of cover plate 12 and partly located above dust box 13. The open end corresponds to the side of dust box 13. A fan 15 is installed inside to exhaust airflow for dust removal.

[0054] Fan 15: Installed inside the open end of the air duct 14 and connected to the computer 5. After starting, it generates airflow and removes dust from the surface of the cover plate 12 through the air duct 14 and the exhaust hole 18.

[0055] Camera 16: Installed inside the dustproof box 13, it is a high-definition device used to capture images of the mine car being lifted by the lifting device 3, and is connected to the industrial control computer 6 via a video cable;

[0056] Limiting block 17: It is block-shaped, with one end fixedly connected to slider 10, and the other end passing through strip hole 11 and slidingly engaging with L-shaped plate 7 to limit slider 10 from rotating and drive camera 16 to move up and down.

[0057] Exhaust vent 18: It is opened on the side of the air duct 14 above the dust box 13, and is in the form of equally spaced holes. It is used to evenly disperse the airflow to the surface of the cover plate 12 to achieve dust removal.

[0058] Working principle: When the mine car travels along the lower mine car track 1 to the position of the lifting device 3, the operator prepares to start the lifting device 3. At this time, the counting device system enters the working state for self-test, preparing for the subsequent counting process. The operator presses the lifting button, and the microcomputer (located in computer 5) receives the lifting command and sends a signal to the lifting contactor, causing the contactor to engage, energizing the lifting motor, and the lifting device 3 begins to lift the mine car. At the moment the lifting device 3 lifts, the microcomputer simultaneously sends a signal command to capture images of the mine car through video acquisition software. The camera 16 is installed in the image acquisition structure on top of the lifting device 3. The captured images are transmitted to the industrial control computer 6 via video cable and stored on its hard drive. When the mine car height is different, computer 5 controls motor 8. Upon startup, motor 8 drives lead screw 9 to rotate. Since slider 10 is threadedly connected to lead screw 9, and limit block 17 passes through the slot 11 on L-shaped plate 7 and slides against it, slider 10 is restricted from rotating with lead screw 9 and can only move up and down on lead screw 9. The movement of slider 10 causes limit block 17, dustproof box 13, and internal camera 16 to move up and down, achieving automatic height adjustment of camera 16 and ensuring clear imaging of mine cars at different heights. When the lifting device 3 reaches the unloading position, it touches the proximity switch. The proximity switch transmits a signal to the microcomputer, which issues a power-off command to the lifting contactor. The lifting contactor is de-energized, the lifting motor stops working, and the lifting device 3 finishes lifting. At this point, the mine car gains potential energy at the unloading position and slides away from the lifting device by its own weight. The lifting device 3 moves towards the upper mine car track 2. After the mine car leaves the lifting device 3, it enters the detection gate 4 on the top surface of the upper mine car track 2 after 2 seconds. When the photoelectric switch installed on the detection gate 4 detects the passing of the mine car, it transmits a signal to the microcomputer. After receiving the photoelectric switch signal, the microcomputer issues a lowering command. The lowering contactor engages, the motor is energized, and the lifting device 3 begins to fall. When it falls to the designated position, the proximity switch detects it and sends a signal to the microcomputer. The microcomputer issues a stop command, the lowering contactor is de-energized, the lowering ends, and the lifting device 3 returns to its initial position, ready for the next lifting. When the mine car passes through the detection gate 4, the ultrasonic level sensor installed on the detection gate 4 collects the material level depth signal inside the mine car and transmits this signal to the microcomputer. The microcomputer then processes the received material level... The depth signal is compared with preset conditions. If the material level depth meets the preset conditions (i.e., the mine car is fully loaded), the number of cars is displayed on the touch screen (connected to computer 5), completing one valid count. If the material level depth does not meet the preset conditions (i.e., the car is not fully loaded), no count is made, avoiding the situation where an unloaded mine car is counted in the number of cars dispatched. Operators can view the output of each shift and the monthly output through the touch screen. The output of each shift can be saved for 15 days for easy access and to provide data support for mine production management. Operators can also set various parameters through the touch screen, such as the material level depth threshold and the shooting parameters of camera 16, to adapt to different production needs. Camera 16 is installed in a dustproof box 13, which is made of transparent material and its opening is sealed by a cover plate 12.It effectively prevents dust and other debris from entering, protecting the normal operation of the camera 16. When dust accumulates on the surface of the cover plate 12 and affects the shooting quality of the camera 16, the computer 5 controls the fan 15 to start. The airflow generated by the fan 15 flows inside the air duct 14 and is evenly distributed to the surface of the cover plate 12 through multiple exhaust holes 18 on the air duct 14, removing dust from the cover plate 12 and ensuring the clarity of the camera 16's shooting.

[0059] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A car lifter linkage image acquisition device for mine car counting, comprising a lower mine car track (1), an upper mine car track (2) and a car lifter (3), the lower mine car track (1) being below the upper mine car track (2), one side of the lower mine car track (1) being provided with the car lifter (3), characterized in that, Also includes: A camera (16) is installed on top of the lifting device (3). The camera (16) is used to capture and record the number of mine cars lifted by the lifting device (3). A computer (5) is installed on the side of the lifting device (3) away from the lower mine car track (1), and the computer (5) is connected to the lifting device (3) by wiring. The industrial control computer (6) is located on the top surface of the computer (5), and the industrial control computer (6) is connected to the lifting device (3) by wiring. The detection gate (4) is set on the top surface of the upper mine car track (2). The detection gate (4) is on both sides of the upper mine car track (2). The detection gate (4) is equipped with a photoelectric switch and an ultrasonic level sensor. The photoelectric switch and the ultrasonic level sensor are connected to the computer (5) via signal. An image acquisition structure is set on top of the lifting device (3), and the camera (16) is installed inside the image acquisition structure.

2. The lifting car linkage image acquisition device for car counting of a mine car according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top surface of the lifting device (3) is connected to an L-shaped plate (7). One end of the L-shaped plate (7) is fixedly connected to the lifting device (3), and the other end of the L-shaped plate (7) is opposite to the computer (5).

3. The lifting car linkage image acquisition device for car counting of a mine car according to claim 2, characterized in that, The image acquisition structure includes a motor (8), a lead screw (9), and a slider (10). The mounting surface of the output shaft of the motor (8) is fixedly connected to the side of the L-shaped plate (7) away from the top surface of the lifting device (3). The output shaft of the motor (8) passes through the L-shaped plate (7) and is rotatably connected to the L-shaped plate (7). The lead screw (9) is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the motor (8) through a coupling. The other end of the lead screw (9) is rotatably connected to the top surface of the lifting device (3). One side of the slider (10) is provided with a threaded hole, which is threadedly connected to the lead screw (9).

4. The image acquisition device linked to the car lifter for counting mine cars according to claim 3, characterized in that, The L-shaped plate (7) has a through hole (11) on the side opposite to the threaded surface of the lead screw (9), and the through hole (11) corresponds to the lead screw (9).

5. The image acquisition device linked to the car lifter for counting mine cars according to claim 4, characterized in that, One side of the slider (10) is fixedly connected to a limiting block (17), and the other end of the limiting block (17) passes through the strip hole (11) and slides and engages with the strip hole (11).

6. The image acquisition device linked to the car lifter for counting mine cars according to claim 5, characterized in that, The image acquisition structure also includes a dust box (13) and a cover plate (12). One side of the dust box (13) is fixedly connected to the end of the limiting block (17) away from the slider (10). The opening of the dust box (13) is away from the lifting device (3). The opening end of the dust box (13) is connected to the cover plate (12) by a hinge.

7. The image acquisition device linked to the car lifter for counting mine cars according to claim 6, characterized in that, The top surface of the cover plate (12) is fixedly connected to the air duct (14). The side of the air duct (14) facing away from the L-shaped plate (7) is close to the cover plate (12). Half of the side of the air duct (14) connected to the cover plate (12) is above the dust box (13). The open end of the air duct (14) corresponds to the side of the dust box (13). A fan (15) is snapped into the open end of the air duct (14). The fan (15) is wired and connected to the computer (5).

8. The image acquisition device linked to the car lifter for counting mine cars according to claim 7, characterized in that, The air duct (14) has multiple equally spaced exhaust holes (18) through one side above the dust box (13).

Images