Non-contact detection device for detecting cracks in carbon slide plates of pantographs
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202521906596.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-05
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-15
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-09-05
AI Technical Summary
但超声波检测需要与碳滑板表面接触,可能会对碳滑板造成一定的损伤,通常无法带电作业,而且检测结果受检测人员经验和操作技巧的影响较大
[0014]In summary, this invention employs a non-contact detection method, avoiding damage to the pantograph's carbon contactor while improving detection efficiency and safety. By illuminating the carbon contactor surface with a light source at a specific angle, a clear color difference is created between the crack and the contactor surface in the image, thereby improving the accuracy of crack detection. It features real-time monitoring and alarm functions, enabling real-time monitoring of crack conditions on the pantograph's carbon contactor during train operation, timely detection of cracks, and alarm issuance, thus improving train operation safety. Image processing via a data processing module accurately detects even minute cracks, improving detection precision and reliability. By appropriately setting the flash angle and camera shooting parameters, and employing image preprocessing technology, it effectively resists interference from environmental factors such as light and rain, ensuring the accuracy and stability of the detection results.
Smart Images

Figure CN224758392U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to a carbon sliding plate detection device, and more particularly to a non-contact detection device that can accurately detect cracks in the carbon sliding plate of a pantograph. Background Technology
[0002] In the field of rail transit, the pantograph carbon contactor is a key component for trains to obtain electrical energy. When the train is running, the pantograph carbon contactor frequently rubs against the overhead contact wire, and may also be subject to accidental impacts, material stress deformation, and other effects, which can lead to cracks.
[0003] Traditional methods for detecting carbon contactor cracks in pantographs primarily rely on periodic manual inspections, such as bi-weekly, monthly, or quarterly checks. This approach has significant limitations. It is not only costly in terms of manpower, resources, and time, but also prone to errors due to the inspection cycle, where cracks that develop between inspections may not be detected in time, posing a threat to train safety. Furthermore, it depends on the experience and condition of maintenance personnel, introducing subjectivity and uncertainty, making it difficult to guarantee accuracy and consistency. Additionally, this method is only suitable for static inspections; for long-distance trains such as high-speed railways, carbon contactor cracks that may appear en route are difficult to detect and address promptly, increasing safety risks.
[0004] In addition, some existing non-contact inspection devices, such as laser scanning inspection, can use laser scanning technology to obtain surface contour information of the carbon pantograph slider and detect cracks by analyzing changes in the surface contour. However, laser scanning equipment is expensive, and minute cracks cannot be clearly detected. Ultrasonic testing is a commonly used non-destructive testing method that can be used to detect internal defects and cracks in pantograph carbon sliders. However, ultrasonic testing requires contact with the carbon slider surface, which may cause some damage to the carbon slider. It is usually not possible to operate under live conditions, and the test results are greatly affected by the experience and operating skills of the inspectors. Utility Model Content
[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a non-contact detection device for detecting cracks in the carbon sliding plate of the pantograph, addressing the shortcomings of existing technologies.
[0006] A non-contact detection device for detecting cracks in a pantograph carbon sliding plate includes a triggering device, a camera, a flash, and a main control device. The triggering device is signal-connected to the camera, and the camera is connected to the main control device. Both the camera and the flash are positioned above and facing the carbon sliding plate. The triggering device senses the carbon sliding plate and activates the camera to take a picture of it. Using the position next to the track facing the center of the track as a reference, when the camera and flash are positioned above the carbon sliding plate on opposite sides, the surface of the carbon sliding plate appears light-colored, and the crack image appears dark-colored. When the camera and flash are positioned above the same side of the carbon sliding plate, the surface of the carbon sliding plate appears dark-colored, and the crack image appears light-colored.
[0007] Furthermore, taking the position next to the track facing the center of the track as a reference, the flash and the camera are positioned on the opposite side of the carbon slide plate, that is, when the camera is in the first quadrant, the flash is in the second quadrant; when the camera is in the second quadrant, the flash is in the first quadrant. The flash, camera and triggering device are combined to form the first detection component.
[0008] Furthermore, taking the position next to the track facing the center of the track as a reference, the flash and camera are positioned on the same side of the carbon slide plate, both located in the first or second quadrant; the flash, camera, and triggering device are combined to form the second detection component.
[0009] Furthermore, the flash is located inside the camera, and the angle between it and the vertical line is smaller than the angle between the camera and the vertical line of the carbon skateboard.
[0010] Furthermore, the main control device includes a data analysis device, which receives and analyzes photos taken by the camera.
[0011] Furthermore, it also includes an alarm device connected to the main control device.
[0012] Furthermore, the first or second detection component is provided in two or more sets along the train's direction of travel, with the flashlight of one set of detection components on the left and the flashlight of the other set on the right.
[0013] Furthermore, it includes a first detection component and a second detection component, which are arranged along the direction of train travel. The second detection component is positioned with its position next to the track facing the center of the track. The flash and camera are on the same side and located in the first or second quadrant.
[0014] In summary, this invention employs a non-contact detection method, avoiding damage to the pantograph's carbon contactor while improving detection efficiency and safety. By illuminating the carbon contactor surface with a light source at a specific angle, a clear color difference is created between the crack and the contactor surface in the image, thereby improving the accuracy of crack detection. It features real-time monitoring and alarm functions, enabling real-time monitoring of crack conditions on the pantograph's carbon contactor during train operation, timely detection of cracks, and alarm issuance, thus improving train operation safety. Image processing via a data processing module accurately detects even minute cracks, improving detection precision and reliability. By appropriately setting the flash angle and camera shooting parameters, and employing image preprocessing technology, it effectively resists interference from environmental factors such as light and rain, ensuring the accuracy and stability of the detection results.
[0015] This utility model is highly practical and has significant potential for widespread application. Attached Figure Description
[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the non-contact detection device for detecting cracks in the carbon sliding plate of a pantograph according to this utility model.
[0017] Figure 2 for Figure 1 One of the schematic diagrams showing the camera and flash angle layout in the image;
[0018] Figure 3 for Figure 2 One of the images taken by the camera;
[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the layout structure of the detection components on both sides of the pantograph;
[0020] Figure 5 This is one of the schematic diagrams showing the camera and flash angle layout in the second embodiment of this utility model;
[0021] Figure 6 for Figure 5 One of the images taken by the camera. Detailed Implementation
[0022] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain this utility model and are not intended to limit this utility model.
[0023] like Figures 1 to 2As shown, this is a first embodiment of a non-contact detection device for detecting cracks in the carbon contactor of a pantograph, provided by this utility model. The non-contact detection device for detecting cracks in the carbon contactor of the pantograph 100 includes a camera 10, a flash lamp 20, a triggering device 30, a main control device (not shown), and an alarm device (not shown). The triggering device 30 is signal-connected to the camera 10 and the flash lamp 20. The camera 10 and the alarm device are both connected to the main control device. The main control device includes a data processing module that analyzes and processes the photographs. In this embodiment, the data processing module is existing conventional technology and not an innovation of this technology.
[0024] In this embodiment, the triggering device 30 is an infrared sensor. It is understood that in other embodiments, the triggering device 30 may also be a magnet, a distance sensor, etc. The triggering device 30 includes an infrared transmitter and a receiver arranged opposite each other. When a train approaches, the carbon sliding plate of the pantograph 100 blocks the infrared beam emitted by the infrared transmitter, triggering the camera to take a picture. Simultaneously, the flash 20 works in conjunction with the camera 10 to capture a picture of the carbon sliding plate surface in an instant. The captured picture is transmitted to the data processing module, which performs image processing and analysis to determine if there are cracks in the carbon sliding plate. If a crack is detected, an alarm device sounds, alerting staff to handle the situation promptly.
[0025] The camera 10 is positioned above the carbon skateboard, enabling it to clearly capture images of the skateboard's surface. A flash 20 is mounted on the left or right side of the carbon skateboard to provide sufficient illumination during shooting. The camera 10, flash 20, and triggering device 30 form a detection assembly. The flash 20 and camera 10 are positioned on different sides of the carbon skateboard. If the flash 20 is mounted on the left side of the carbon skateboard, the camera 10 is positioned above the skateboard on the right side. If the flash 20 is positioned on the right side, the camera 10 is located on the left side of the carbon skateboard. More specifically, with the position next to the track facing the center of the track as a reference, the flash 20 and camera 10 appear on opposite sides. Using a Cartesian coordinate system as a reference, if the camera 10 is in the first quadrant, the flash 20 should be in the second quadrant; conversely, if the camera 10 is in the second quadrant, the flash 20 should be in the first quadrant.
[0026] In this embodiment, the structural layout of the flash 20 and camera 10 makes the crack appear black, creating a large contrast with the off-white carbon slide plate 101, thus resulting in a noticeable color difference in the image. Specifically, as... Figure 2As shown, because the crack has a certain depth, the flash, when tilted, illuminates the surface of the carbon skateboard 101 and the upper left side of the crack, while the right side of the crack is obscured, creating a shadow. Therefore, when the camera shoots from left to right, the surface of the carbon skateboard 101 appears white, but the crack appears black. The resulting image shows a high contrast between the deep crack appearing black and the white (or gray) surface of the carbon skateboard 101. Figure 3 (As shown).
[0027] like Figure 4 As shown, detection components are provided on both sides of the pantograph 100 for detection. Understandably, in other embodiments, two or more sets of detection components are arranged along the extension direction on each side, with the two sets of detection components facing different directions. For example, one set of flashlights 20 is located on the left side of the carbon slide plate 101, and the other set is located on the right side. The two sets detect and verify each other, thereby further improving the accuracy of the detection.
[0028] During operation, when a train approaches, sensor 30 triggers camera 10 to take a picture. Flash 20 works in conjunction with camera 10 to capture images of the carbon slide plate 101 surface. The data processing module compares the grayscale values of different areas in the captured images, identifies areas with significant grayscale differences, and determines whether these areas are cracks. It also identifies and locates detected cracks, determining their position, length, width, and other parameters. When a crack is detected, the alarm device sounds an alarm to alert staff to handle the situation promptly.
[0029] like Figure 5 As shown, this is the second embodiment of the present invention. The difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment lies in the different positional layout of the flash lamp 20a and the camera 10a. In this embodiment, the flash lamp 20a and the camera 10a are located on the same side of the carbon slide plate 101. Specifically, with the position next to the track facing the center of the track as a reference, the flash lamp 20a and the camera 10a are on the same side. If the Cartesian coordinate system is used as a reference, when the camera 10a is in the first quadrant, the flash lamp 20a is also in the first quadrant; when the camera 10a is in the second quadrant, the flash lamp 20a is also in the second quadrant, and the angles between the camera 10a and the flash lamp 20a and the carbon slide plate 101 in the perpendicular direction are both greater than 10 degrees and less than 90 degrees.
[0030] Furthermore, the angle between the flash 20a and the vertical direction is smaller than the angle between the camera 10a and the vertical direction, so that the flash 20a can capture the surface of the carbon slide plate 101 and ( Figure 5(To the left of the center line) The crack is illuminated; however, the light from the smooth carbon skateboard surface refracts along the direction of refraction and does not return to the camera. Therefore, the camera captures the carbon skateboard surface as gray or dark, while the crack appears white, creating a contrast. The image shows a crack of a certain depth appearing white, creating a high contrast with the gray or dark carbon skateboard surface (e.g., Figure 5 (As shown).
[0031] Understandably, in other embodiments, two or more sets of detection components can be arranged on the same side of the track, with the two sets of detection components facing different directions. For example, if one set of flashlights 20a is in the first quadrant, then the other set is located in the second quadrant. The two sets detect and verify each other, thereby further improving the accuracy of detection.
[0032] This utility model also has a third embodiment, which includes a first detection component and a second detection component, arranged along the train's direction of travel. The first and second detection components are respectively the detection components in the first and second embodiments. The first and second detection components respectively detect the pantograph and then mutually verify the detection structures, thereby further improving the accuracy of the detection.
[0033] In summary, this invention employs a non-contact detection method, avoiding damage to the pantograph carbon contactor while improving detection efficiency and safety. By illuminating the carbon contactor surface with a light source at a specific angle, a clear color difference is created between the crack and the contactor surface in the image, thereby improving the accuracy of crack detection. It features real-time monitoring and alarm functions, enabling real-time monitoring of crack conditions on the pantograph carbon contactor during train operation, timely detection of cracks, and alarm issuance, thus improving train operation safety. Image processing through a data processing module accurately detects even minute cracks, improving detection precision and reliability. By appropriately setting the flash angle and camera shooting parameters, and employing image preprocessing technology, it effectively resists interference from environmental factors such as light and rain, ensuring the accuracy and stability of the detection results.
[0034] This utility model is highly practical and has significant potential for widespread application.
[0035] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of this utility model, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this utility model patent. 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 all fall within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model patent should be determined by the appended claims.
Claims
1. A non-contact detection device for detecting cracks in the carbon sliding plate of a pantograph, characterized in that: It includes a triggering device, a camera, a flash, and a main control device. The triggering device is connected to the camera, and the camera is connected to the main control device. The camera and flash are both located above the carbon skateboard and facing the carbon skateboard. The triggering device senses the carbon skateboard and activates the camera to take a picture of the carbon skateboard. With the position next to the track facing the center of the track as a reference, the camera and flash are respectively located above the two sides of the carbon skateboard or the camera and flash are located above the same side of the carbon skateboard.
2. The non-contact detection device for detecting cracks in the carbon sliding plate of the pantograph as described in claim 1, characterized in that: With the position next to the track facing the center of the track as a reference, the flash and camera are positioned on the opposite side of the carbon slide plate. That is, when the camera is in the first quadrant, the flash is in the second quadrant; when the camera is in the second quadrant, the flash is in the first quadrant. The flash, camera, and triggering device are combined to form the first detection component.
3. The non-contact detection device for detecting cracks in the carbon sliding plate of the pantograph as described in claim 1, characterized in that: With the position next to the track facing the center of the track as a reference, the flash and camera are on the same side and located in the first or second quadrant; the flash, camera and triggering device are combined to form the second detection component.
4. The non-contact detection device for detecting cracks in the carbon sliding plate of the pantograph as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The flash is located inside the camera, and the angle between it and the vertical line is smaller than the angle between the camera and the vertical line of the carbon skateboard.
5. The non-contact detection device for detecting cracks in the carbon sliding plate of the pantograph as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The main control device includes a data analysis device, which receives and analyzes photos taken by the camera.
6. The non-contact detection device for detecting cracks in the carbon sliding plate of the pantograph as described in claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes an alarm device, which is connected to the main control device.
7. The non-contact detection device for detecting cracks in the carbon sliding plate of the pantograph as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The first detection component has two or more sets along the direction of train travel, with the flashlight of one set of detection components on the left and the flashlight of the other set on the right.
8. The non-contact detection device for detecting cracks in the carbon sliding plate of the pantograph as described in claim 2, characterized in that: It includes a first detection component and a second detection component, which are arranged along the direction of train travel; With the position next to the track facing the center of the track as a reference, the flash and camera are on the same side of the carbon slide plate and are located in the first or second quadrant; the flash, camera and triggering device are combined to form the second detection component.
9. The non-contact detection device for detecting cracks in the carbon sliding plate of the pantograph as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The second detection component has two or more sets along the direction of train travel, with the flashlight of one set of detection components on the left and the flashlight of the other set on the right.