A pipeline inspection robot

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of pipeline inspection robot technology, and discloses a pipeline inspection robot, including a waterproof shell. An optical flow meter is installed inside the waterproof shell. A button and an indicator light are located on the upper surface of the waterproof shell. An auxiliary detection component is located on the upper middle part of the upper surface of the waterproof shell. A heat sink is fixedly connected to the upper left side of the waterproof shell, and a charging port is fixedly connected to the upper left side of the waterproof shell. In this utility model, the robot is first started by the button, then the indicator light displays the status. The optical flow meter measures the movement speed and posture. Then, a CMOS camera and a supplementary light are used to photograph the inner wall of the pipeline. The supplementary light provides illumination when there is insufficient light. The CMOS camera's rotation angle can reach approximately 120 degrees, thus achieving omnidirectional visual coverage for the pipeline inspection robot, improving the accuracy and efficiency of pipeline inspection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of pipeline inspection robot technology, and in particular to a pipeline inspection robot. Background Technology

[0002] Pipelines are tubular structures used to transport fluids (such as liquids, gases, or loose solids). They are widely used for long-distance transportation of various fluids such as oil, natural gas, water, and chemical raw materials, or for circulating transmission within industrial equipment and building facilities. However, after long-term use, pipelines inevitably develop some minor damage. If these minor damages are not detected and addressed in time, they can eventually lead to serious accidents such as pipeline leaks or ruptures. Therefore, pipeline inspection and maintenance are particularly important. Pipeline inspection robots, with their high-precision inspection equipment, can detect these minor damages that are difficult to detect with the naked eye, so that timely repair measures can be taken to protect the integrity of the pipeline system.

[0003] A search revealed Chinese Patent Publication No. CN221097926U, which discloses a pipeline inspection robot. The robot includes a frame, a cover, and compartments on both sides of the frame. Walking mechanisms are located on both sides of the frame to drive the robot forward or backward. A first and second mounting cavity are formed on the frame. A first connecting arm and a second connecting arm are also formed on the frame, located at opposite ends of the frame and perpendicular to the robot's direction of movement. Power fans are located on both sides of the first and second connecting arms. Several mounting slots are formed on the cover, and power fans are arranged in a rectangular array within these slots. The power fans are driven by motors. This invention designs a simple pipeline inspection robot that moves using a walking mechanism. Simultaneously, for pipelines containing liquid, the power fans, in conjunction with the walking mechanism, facilitate forward movement, meeting the needs of pipeline inspection in various scenarios.

[0004] In the aforementioned application, the pipeline inspection robot was unable to perform omnidirectional coverage inspection, which greatly reduced the robot's inspection accuracy and efficiency, increasing the risk of pipeline failure. Utility Model Content

[0005] To overcome the above shortcomings, this utility model provides a pipeline inspection robot, which aims to improve the problem that existing pipeline inspection robots cannot perform all-around perspective coverage inspection, resulting in a significant reduction in the robot's inspection accuracy and efficiency.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a pipeline inspection robot, comprising a waterproof shell, an optical flow meter disposed inside the waterproof shell, a button disposed on the upper surface of the waterproof shell, an indicator light disposed on the upper surface of the waterproof shell, auxiliary detection components disposed around the perimeter of the waterproof shell, a heat sink fixedly connected to the upper left side of the waterproof shell, a charging port fixedly connected to the upper left side of the waterproof shell, a bottom shell fixedly connected to the lower surface of the waterproof shell, traction holes being provided on both the left and right sides of the bottom shell, and a sealing structure disposed on the outer wall of the bottom shell.

[0007] The above technical solution provides protection for internal components such as the optical flowmeter, enabling them to operate normally in complex pipe environments. The optical flowmeter measures the robot's movement relative to the pipe wall, while indicator lights provide intuitive feedback on the robot's operating status, allowing operators to quickly understand its progress. The bottom shell is fixedly connected to the waterproof outer shell, enhancing the overall stability of the robot structure. The traction hole allows for the connection of an external traction device to assist the robot's movement, facilitating smoother completion of inspection tasks.

[0008] As a further description of the above technical solution:

[0009] The auxiliary detection component includes a circular hole, which is formed around the perimeter of the waterproof housing, and a supplementary light is provided on the outer wall of the waterproof housing.

[0010] The above technical solution involves four round holes on the waterproof casing, with a flat-angle lens installed at each hole. This allows for clear imaging of the pipe's inner wall. Combined with a supplementary light on the outer wall, the image clarity is ensured even in dimly lit pipe environments, thereby improving the accuracy of the inspection.

[0011] As a further description of the above technical solution:

[0012] The sealing structure includes a screw locking structure, the outer wall of which is located inside the bottom shell, and a waterproof rubber ring is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the bottom shell.

[0013] The above technical solution allows the screw locking structure in the sealing structure to firmly fix the waterproof rubber ring to the outer wall of the bottom shell, effectively preventing liquid in the pipe from entering the robot's interior and protecting the internal electronic components.

[0014] As a further description of the above technical solution:

[0015] The inner wall of the waterproof rubber ring is set on the outer wall of the waterproof outer shell.

[0016] The above technical solution ensures that the waterproof rubber ring fits tightly against the waterproof outer shell, greatly reducing the gaps where liquid can seep into the robot's interior.

[0017] As a further description of the above technical solution:

[0018] A PCB board is fixedly connected inside the waterproof housing, and a battery is fixedly connected to the lower surface of the PCB board.

[0019] Through the above technical solution, the PCB board serves as the core of the robot's circuit control, connecting and controlling various electronic components such as the optical flow meter, circular holes, supplementary lights, and batteries, enabling them to work together.

[0020] As a further description of the above technical solution:

[0021] The counterweight adjustment range of the bottom shell is 5 to 30g.

[0022] The above technical solution allows for the optimization of the robot's center of gravity by adjusting the counterweight, based on different pipeline inspection environments and requirements.

[0023] As a further description of the above technical solution:

[0024] The lower surface of the optical flow meter is fixedly connected to the upper right surface of the PCB board.

[0025] The above technical solution ensures a stable connection between the optical flow meter and the PCB board by fixing the optical flow meter to the upper right side surface, enabling the data collected by the optical flow meter to be transmitted to the PCB board for processing quickly and accurately.

[0026] As a further description of the above technical solution:

[0027] The outer wall of the battery is fixedly connected to the inside of the bottom shell.

[0028] The above technical solution ensures the stability of the battery during robot operation by fixing its outer wall inside the bottom shell, preventing it from shaking and affecting the normal operation of the robot.

[0029] This utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0030] 1. In this utility model, the robot is first started by a button, then the indicator light shows the status, the moving speed and posture are measured by an optical flow meter, and then a CMOS camera and a supplementary light are responsible for taking pictures of the inner wall of the pipe. The supplementary light provides illumination when the light is insufficient. The rotation angle of the CMOS camera can reach about 120 degrees, and the heat sink handles the heat problem. Thus, the pipe inspection robot can achieve all-round field of view coverage, which improves the accuracy and efficiency of pipe inspection.

[0031] 2. In this utility model, the traction hole is used to connect external cables to assist movement, and the sealing structure prevents liquid from entering and protects the internal circuitry, thereby improving the robot's waterproof performance and stability. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a pipeline inspection robot proposed in this utility model;

[0033] Figure 2 This is a partial structural diagram of the supplementary lighting for a pipeline inspection robot proposed in this utility model;

[0034] Figure 3 This is a partial structural diagram of the bottom shell of a pipeline inspection robot proposed in this utility model;

[0035] Figure 4 This is a partial structural diagram of the waterproof rubber ring of a pipeline inspection robot proposed in this utility model.

[0036] Legend:

[0037] 1. Waterproof housing; 2. Optical flow meter; 3. Button; 4. Indicator light; 5. Auxiliary detection components; 501. Round hole; 502. Supplemental light; 6. Heat sink; 7. Charging port; 8. Traction hole; 9. Bottom shell; 10. Sealing structure; 101. Screw locking structure; 102. Waterproof rubber ring; 11. PCB board; 12. Battery. Detailed Implementation

[0038] 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.

[0039] Reference Figures 1-3 An embodiment of this utility model provides a pipeline inspection robot, including a waterproof shell 1, an optical flow meter 2 installed inside the waterproof shell 1, a button 3 installed on the upper surface of the waterproof shell 1, an indicator light 4 installed on the upper surface of the waterproof shell 1, auxiliary detection components 5 installed around the waterproof shell 1, a heat sink 6 fixedly connected to the upper left side of the waterproof shell 1, a charging port 7 fixedly connected to the upper left side of the waterproof shell 1, a bottom shell 9 fixedly connected to the lower surface of the waterproof shell 1, traction holes 8 opened on both the left and right sides of the bottom shell 9, and a sealing structure 10 installed on the outer wall of the bottom shell 9.

[0040] Specifically, the waterproof housing 1 is used to protect the internal components, enabling them to work normally in complex pipe environments and providing protection for the robot; the optical flow meter 2 is used to measure the robot's movement relative to the pipe wall; the button 3 is used to start, stop, and operate the robot; the indicator light 4 is used to provide intuitive feedback on the robot's working status; the heat sink 6 is used to dissipate the heat generated during the robot's operation; the charging port 7 is used to charge the robot; and the traction hole 8 is used to connect an external traction device.

[0041] Reference Figures 2-4 The auxiliary detection component 5 includes a circular hole 501, which is formed around the waterproof housing 1. A supplementary light 502 is provided on the outer wall of the waterproof housing 1.

[0042] Specifically, the waterproof housing 1 has four circular holes 501 inside. A CMOS camera with a flat-angle lens is installed in the circular hole 501. Each lens has a field of view of 120°, achieving all-round coverage. This is used to clearly capture the condition of the pipe's inner wall from all directions and obtain images of the pipe's interior. A supplementary light 502 is used to cooperate with the CMOS camera to ensure the clarity of the captured image. This enables the pipe inspection robot to achieve all-round field of view coverage, improving the accuracy and efficiency of pipe inspection.

[0043] Reference Figures 2-4 The sealing structure 10 includes a screw locking structure 101. The outer wall of the screw locking structure 101 is located inside the bottom shell 9. A waterproof rubber ring 102 is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the bottom shell 9. The inner wall of the waterproof rubber ring 102 is located on the outer wall of the waterproof outer shell 1. A PCB board 11 is fixedly connected inside the waterproof outer shell 1. A battery 12 is fixedly connected to the lower surface of the PCB board 11. The counterweight adjustment range of the bottom shell 9 is 5-30g. The lower surface of the optical flow meter 2 is fixedly connected to the upper right surface of the PCB board 11. The outer wall of the battery 12 is fixedly connected to the inside of the bottom shell 9.

[0044] Specifically, the bottom shell 9 is fixedly connected to the waterproof outer shell 1, and its counterweight is adjustable to optimize the robot's center of gravity. The screw locking structure 101 is used to firmly fix the waterproof rubber ring 102 to the outer wall of the bottom shell 9 and the waterproof outer shell 1. The waterproof rubber ring 102 is used to enhance the robot's waterproof performance and protect the internal electronic components. The PCB board 11 is used to connect and control the various electronic components so that they work together. The battery 12 provides power to the entire robot, thereby achieving the effect of improving the robot's waterproof performance and stability.

[0045] Working principle: When the pipe inspection robot is needed, it is first started by pressing button 3. Then, indicator light 4 displays the status. Optical flow meter 2 measures the moving speed and attitude to aid navigation. Then, the CMOS camera captures images of the inner wall of the pipe with the assistance of circular aperture 501 and supplementary light 502. Supplementary light 502 provides illumination when the light is insufficient. The rotation angle of the CMOS camera can reach about 120 degrees. Heat sink 6 handles heat dissipation. This allows the pipe inspection robot to achieve all-round field of view coverage, improving the accuracy and efficiency of pipe inspection. All-round field of view coverage ensures that the robot can capture every angle inside the pipe, avoid blind spots, and provide more complete and detailed inspection data, which helps to comprehensively evaluate the condition of the pipe.

[0046] The traction hole 8 is used to connect an external traction device to assist movement. The waterproof rubber ring 102 and the screw locking structure 10 of the sealing structure 10 work together to prevent liquid from entering and protect the internal circuit. This can improve the robot's waterproof performance and stability. The waterproof design can effectively prevent water from entering the internal circuit, avoid short circuits, corrosion or damage to electrical components, and extend the robot's service life. In humid or underwater environments, protecting the circuit from moisture can reduce the failure rate and ensure that the robot can operate stably and complete the testing task.

[0047] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Although the present utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A pipeline inspection robot, comprising a waterproof shell (1), characterized in that: An optical flow meter (2) is installed inside the waterproof housing (1). A button (3) is installed on the upper surface of the waterproof housing (1). An indicator light (4) is installed on the upper surface of the waterproof housing (1). An auxiliary detection component (5) is installed around the waterproof housing (1). A heat sink (6) is fixedly connected to the upper left side of the waterproof housing (1). A charging port (7) is fixedly connected to the upper left side of the waterproof housing (1). A bottom shell (9) is fixedly connected to the lower surface of the waterproof housing (1). Traction holes (8) are opened on both the left and right sides of the bottom shell (9). A sealing structure (10) is provided on the outer wall of the bottom shell (9).

2. The pipeline inspection robot according to claim 1, characterized in that: The auxiliary detection component (5) includes a circular hole (501) which is opened around the waterproof housing (1). A supplementary light (502) is provided on the outer wall of the waterproof housing (1).

3. The pipeline inspection robot according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sealing structure (10) includes a screw locking structure (101), the outer wall of which is disposed inside the bottom shell (9), and a waterproof rubber ring (102) is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the bottom shell (9).

4. A pipeline inspection robot according to claim 3, characterized in that: The inner wall of the waterproof rubber ring (102) is set on the outer wall of the waterproof outer shell (1).

5. A pipeline inspection robot according to claim 3, characterized in that: A PCB board (11) is fixedly connected inside the waterproof housing (1), and a battery (12) is fixedly connected to the lower surface of the PCB board (11).

6. A pipeline inspection robot according to claim 3, characterized in that: The counterweight adjustment range of the bottom shell (9) is 5 to 30g.

7. A pipeline inspection robot according to claim 5, characterized in that: The lower surface of the optical flow meter (2) is fixedly connected to the upper right surface of the PCB board (11).

8. A pipeline inspection robot according to claim 5, characterized in that: The outer wall of the battery (12) is fixedly connected to the inside of the bottom shell (9).

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