Railway foreign object monitoring device and unpacking system
By installing a foreign object monitoring device on the shuttle car track in the cigarette manufacturing workshop, the problem of inner lining paper falling off and getting stuck on the shuttle car was solved, thus improving the stability and safety of production.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CHINA TOBACCO GUANGXI IND
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-04
AI Technical Summary
During the cigarette leaf manufacturing process, the inner lining paper fell off and got stuck on the shuttle car track, causing the shuttle car to malfunction and affecting the production schedule.
The track foreign object monitoring device includes a control module, a visible light image acquisition module, an audible and visual alarm module, a ranging module, and a drive module, which detects foreign objects on the track in real time and issues warning signals.
It improves the production stability and safety of the cigarette manufacturing workshop, prevents foreign objects such as inner lining paper from getting stuck in the shuttle car, and ensures smooth production.
Smart Images
Figure CN224594494U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of tobacco processing equipment technology, and in particular to a track foreign object monitoring device and unpacking system. Background Technology
[0002] Currently, cigarette factories in my country generally use fully automated unpacking systems in the tobacco leaf processing stage to unpack cigarette blocks. Unpacking involves removing the outer packaging, inner lining paper, and plastic bags. During unpacking, vision equipment is installed above the shuttle cars (including the infeed and outfeed cars) and is only used to detect whether the robotic arm has successfully removed the inner lining paper and packaging bags. However, because the robotic arm uses a barbed columnar structure for gripping, the inner lining paper may partially detach under the influence of gravity. If the detached inner lining paper falls onto the shuttle car track, it can easily get stuck on the proximity switch as the shuttle car continues to move, causing the shuttle car to malfunction and thus affecting the overall production schedule. Utility Model Content
[0003] In view of this, the purpose of this utility model is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a track foreign object monitoring device and unpacking system.
[0004] This utility model provides the following technical solution: In a first aspect, this application provides a track foreign object monitoring device, comprising: a control module, a visible light image acquisition module, an audible and visual alarm module, a ranging module, and a drive module; The control module is connected to the ranging module, the visible light image acquisition module and the drive module respectively; The audible and visual alarm module and the drive module are connected; The ranging module is used to detect the distance between the track and the vehicle in real time, and outputs a trigger signal when the detected distance is greater than a preset threshold. The visible light image acquisition module is used to acquire image data of the track after receiving a trigger signal; The control module is used to detect foreign objects in the image data and to issue a drive signal when a foreign object is detected. The drive module is used to drive the audible and visual alarm module to work when it receives the drive signal from the control module.
[0005] In one embodiment, the control module includes a storage unit and a peripheral interface.
[0006] In one embodiment, the storage unit is used to store a foreign object detection algorithm.
[0007] In one embodiment, the peripheral interface includes one or more combinations of a USB interface, a GPIO interface, an I2C interface, a UART interface, and an Ethernet interface.
[0008] In one embodiment, the visible light image acquisition module includes a camera module; The resolution of the camera module is no less than 640×480 pixels, and the image capture frame rate is no less than 30FPS.
[0009] In one embodiment, the camera module is a USB camera module or a CSI camera module.
[0010] In one embodiment, the audible and visual alarm module includes a buzzer, a speaker, and an LED indicator light.
[0011] In one embodiment, the ranging module is an ultrasonic ranging module or a laser ranging module.
[0012] In one embodiment, a power module is further included, which is connected to both the control module and the drive module.
[0013] Secondly, this application also provides an unpacking system, including: a shuttle track, a shuttle, and the aforementioned track foreign object monitoring device; wherein the track foreign object monitoring device is used to detect anomalies when the shuttle is traveling in the shuttle track.
[0014] The embodiments of this utility model have the following advantages: This application provides a track foreign object monitoring device, including: a control module, a visible light image acquisition module, an audible and visual alarm module, a ranging module, and a drive module. The control module is connected to the ranging module, the visible light image acquisition module, and the drive module. The audible and visual alarm module is connected to the drive module. The control module executes a detection algorithm; the visible light image acquisition module acquires visual data; the audible and visual alarm module performs alarm processing based on the detection results; the drive module controls the audible and visual alarm module to operate according to the instructions of the control module; and the ranging module detects the distance between the track and the vehicle. This track foreign object monitoring device can detect foreign objects on the shuttle track in the opening process of a cigarette manufacturing workshop in real time, improving the stability and safety of the factory environment.
[0015] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description
[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0017] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the principle of the track foreign object monitoring device of this utility model is shown; Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing the installation location of this utility model in the unpacking system is illustrated.
[0018] Explanation of key component symbols: Control module-100, visible light image acquisition module-200, audible and visual alarm module-300, ranging module-400, drive module-500, shuttle car guardrail-1, track foreign object monitoring device-2, shuttle car track-3, shuttle car-4. Detailed Implementation
[0019] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.
[0020] It should be noted that when an element is said to be "fixed" to another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is said to be "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. Conversely, when an element is said to be "directly" on another element, there is no intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this document are for illustrative purposes only.
[0021] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.
[0022] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.
[0023] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein in the template description is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
[0024] Currently, the vision device is installed above the shuttle car and is only used to detect whether the robotic arm has successfully removed the inner lining paper and packaging bag. If the detached inner lining paper falls onto the shuttle car track, it can easily get stuck on the proximity switch as the shuttle car continues to move, causing the shuttle car to malfunction and affecting the entire production schedule. Therefore, this application provides a track foreign object monitoring device, which achieves the technical effect of track foreign object detection and alarm by setting up a control module, a visible light image acquisition module, an audible and visual alarm module, a ranging module, and a drive module.
[0025] Example 1 First, the track foreign object monitoring device of this embodiment is applied to a tobacco block unpacking system in a tobacco processing workshop. This unpacking system includes a bag-cutting system, a box-grabbing system, and a bag-grabbing system. The bag-grabbing system grasps the inner lining paper and the packaging bag. The bag-grabbing system mainly includes a robotic arm, a feeding trolley, a turning machine, and a discharging trolley. In the bag-cutting system, the packaging bag is divided into upper and lower parts by the tobacco block. The feeding trolley transports the tobacco block along the track to the robotic arm's grasping position. After grasping, the turning machine turns the tobacco block over, and the discharging trolley transports the tobacco block to the robotic arm's grasping position to grasp the inner lining paper and packaging bag on the other side of the tobacco block.
[0026] The track foreign object detection device in this embodiment is designed to detect foreign objects on the shuttle track within the system, ensuring the shuttle can safely perform its tasks. Specifically, the track foreign object detection device can be installed along the shuttle track's running direction, near the area grasped by the robotic arm. This can be achieved by installing shuttle track guardrails to mount the track foreign object detection device, allowing it to capture images of as much of the track area as possible.
[0027] like Figure 1As shown, the track foreign object monitoring device in this embodiment includes: a control module 100, a visible light image acquisition module 200, an audible and visual alarm module 300, a ranging module 400, and a drive module 500.
[0028] The control module 100 is connected to the ranging module 400, the visible light image acquisition module 200, and the driving module 500, respectively.
[0029] The audible and visual alarm module 300 is connected to the drive module 500; the drive module 500 is used to control the audible and visual alarm module 300 to work according to the instructions of the control module 100.
[0030] The ranging module 400 is used to detect the distance between the track foreign object monitoring device and the vehicle in real time, and outputs a trigger signal when the detected distance is greater than a preset threshold.
[0031] The visible light image acquisition module 200 is used to acquire image data of the track after receiving a trigger signal; The control module 100 is used to detect foreign objects in the image data and to send a drive signal when a foreign object is detected. The drive module 500 is used to drive the audible and visual alarm module 300 to work when it receives the drive signal from the control module.
[0032] The control module includes a storage unit and peripheral interfaces. The storage unit has sufficient storage capacity and can install Linux or other embedded systems. It can deploy deep learning algorithms with target detection features or target detection algorithms based on foreign object features such as color, edge features, and frequency domain features of foreign object images. The image detection capability is no less than 5 FPS. It provides interfaces including, but not limited to, USB, GPIO output interfaces, I2C, UART, and Ethernet for data transmission and peripherals. The control module is mainly used to execute target detection algorithms based on deep learning or foreign object feature analysis to identify foreign objects on the track.
[0033] The target detection algorithm for foreign object feature analysis used in this embodiment can be a recognition model trained using the YOLOv3 model. Image recognition is then performed using this trained recognition model to achieve the technical effect of target detection in foreign object feature analysis. Specifically, the algorithm can be the target detection algorithm described in patent application number CN202411861322.5, or the target detection algorithm described in patent application number CN202510905288.5.
[0034] The visible light image acquisition module includes a camera module with a resolution of no less than 640×480 pixels and an image acquisition frame rate of no less than 30 FPS. This includes, but is not limited to, USB and CSI camera modules. The image acquisition module is used to capture track images during shuttle operation and provide the visual data required for detection.
[0035] Audible and visual alarm modules, including but not limited to alarm modules containing buzzers, speakers, and LED indicators, can be controlled via GPIO interfaces or serial protocols.
[0036] The drive module triggers the audible and visual alarm module according to the instructions of the control module, and issues a warning signal when a foreign object is detected.
[0037] The ranging module may include, but is not limited to, ultrasonic ranging, laser ranging, infrared ranging, and other related ranging devices. The ranging module is used to detect the distance between the shuttle and the foreign object detection device on the track and to determine whether the image acquisition conditions are met. For example, a preset threshold L can be set as the judgment standard. If the detected distance between the track foreign object detection device and the shuttle is greater than L, it is determined that the shuttle may have reached the position where the robotic arm grabs the inner lining paper and packaging bag. At this point, the inner lining may fall onto the track, thus meeting the image acquisition conditions and detection can begin. If the distance is less than L, it means that the shuttle has not yet reached the predetermined position, and detection is not required.
[0038] The track foreign object monitoring device in this embodiment may also include a power module, which is electrically connected to a control module and a drive module to provide power to the track foreign object monitoring device.
[0039] Example 2 like Figure 2 The diagram shown is a schematic of the installation position of this utility model in the unpacking system.
[0040] The unpacking system includes a shuttle track 3, a shuttle 4, and the track foreign object monitoring device 2 of this invention. The track foreign object monitoring device 2 can be installed on the guardrail 1 of the shuttle, so that the track foreign object monitoring device 2 can... Figure 2 As shown, photograph the entire scene along the railway track to ensure that a complete scene image can be captured.
[0041] Combination Figure 2Throughout the detection process, the ranging module continuously monitors the distance between the detection alarm device and the shuttle. When the detected distance exceeds a preset threshold L, it is determined that the shuttle has reached the position where the robotic arm grasps the inner lining paper and packaging bag, and the robotic arm begins its work. Simultaneously, the control module of this device acquires image information via a USB / CSI camera and uses an algorithm with target detection functionality to perform target detection on the acquired images. If a foreign object is detected, the control module sends a message to the drive module, which then drives the audible and visual alarm module to issue an audible and visual alarm. The control module can also transmit the alarm information to the unpacking system via serial communication or Ethernet connection. It should be noted that... Figure 2 The installation position shown is for illustrative purposes only; the actual installation position should be adjusted according to the specific circumstances, such as installing it behind the shuttle vehicle. Figure 2 (opposite position).
[0042] Its workflow is as follows: When the shuttle reaches the position where the robotic arm performs the unpacking operation, the image acquisition module captures images of the track and the operating environment. To improve detection accuracy, during the model training phase, potentially obstructed objects can be placed on the track to expand the dataset, thereby enhancing the algorithm's recognition capabilities.
[0043] The acquired image data undergoes preprocessing on a workstation (or server), including but not limited to data augmentation operations such as image rotation, scaling, and contrast adjustment, and is labeled with foreign object information to form a dataset suitable for target recognition algorithms. This dataset is used on a training module (such as a server or workstation) to train the target recognition algorithm, which can be based on deep learning techniques or rely on foreign object features (such as color, edges, frequency domain features, etc.) for detection.
[0044] After training, the target recognition algorithm is deployed to the control module, which runs a fully configured detection environment and interacts with various functional modules. During the shuttle's operation, the ranging module monitors its distance from the track in real time. If the measured distance exceeds a preset threshold L, the image acquisition module is triggered to acquire an image, and the target recognition module performs foreign object detection.
[0045] The detection results are stored in the storage unit. If a foreign object is detected on the track, the control module will send a signal to the drive module to trigger the audible and visual alarm module, which will issue an audible and visual warning signal to remind the operator to deal with the foreign object in time and ensure the safety and stability of the production process.
[0046] In all examples shown and described herein, any specific values should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations; therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values.
[0047] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.
[0048] The embodiments described above are merely examples of several implementations of this utility model, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this utility model. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this utility model, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the protection scope of this utility model.
Claims
1. A rail foreign object detection device, characterized by, include: The system includes a control module, a visible light image acquisition module, an audible and visual alarm module, a ranging module, and a drive module. The control module is connected to the ranging module, the visible light image acquisition module and the drive module respectively; The audible and visual alarm module and the drive module are connected; The ranging module is used to detect the distance between the track foreign object monitoring device and the vehicle in real time, and outputs a trigger signal when the detected distance is greater than a preset threshold. The visible light image acquisition module is used to acquire image data of the track after receiving a trigger signal; The control module is used to detect foreign objects in the image data and to issue a drive signal when a foreign object is detected. The drive module is used to drive the audible and visual alarm module to work when it receives the drive signal from the control module.
2. The rail foreign object detection apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The control module includes a storage unit and a peripheral interface.
3. The rail foreign object detection apparatus of claim 2, wherein, The storage unit is used to store foreign object detection algorithms.
4. The rail foreign object detection apparatus of claim 2, wherein, The peripheral interface includes one or more combinations of USB interface, GPIO interface, I2C interface, UART interface and Ethernet interface.
5. The rail foreign object detection apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The visible light image acquisition module includes a camera module; The resolution of the camera module is no less than 640×480 pixels, and the image capture frame rate is no less than 30FPS.
6. The rail foreign object detection apparatus of claim 5, wherein, The camera module is either a USB camera module or a CSI camera module.
7. The rail foreign object detection apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The audible and visual alarm module includes a buzzer, a speaker, and an LED indicator light.
8. The track foreign object monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ranging module is either an ultrasonic ranging module or a laser ranging module.
9. The rail foreign object detection apparatus of claim 1, wherein, It also includes a power module, which is connected to both the control module and the drive module.
10. A de-bagging system characterized by, include: A shuttle track, a shuttle, and a track foreign object monitoring device as described in any one of claims 1-9; wherein the track foreign object monitoring device is used to detect anomalies when the shuttle is traveling in the shuttle track.