An automated pipeline inspection device

Abstract

The utility model provides an automatic pipeline inspection device. The inspection device comprises a unmanned plane main body and a camera fixedly installed at the bottom of the unmanned plane main body, a cleaning mechanism is arranged in front of the lens of the camera; the cleaning mechanism comprises a first electric push rod fixed on the camera and a mounting frame fixed at the output end of the first electric push rod, the mounting frame extends to the front of the lens side of the camera, the first electric push rod controls the mounting frame to move to the front of the lens, or to be higher or lower than the lens; a plurality of electric heating rods are fixedly connected to the inner wall of the side of the mounting frame close to the lens, each electric heating rod is provided with a rubber sleeve, and a plurality of water absorbing filaments are fixedly connected to the arc surface of the rubber sleeve. The utility model sets up the cleaning mechanism, wipes and adsorbs water droplets on the surface of the lens when the pipeline is inspected in rainy and snowy weather, prevents the picture shot by the unmanned plane from being interfered by rain and snow, facilitates the staff to distinguish the condition of the pipeline, and improves the practicality of the unmanned plane.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of inspection device technology, specifically an automated pipeline inspection device. Background Technology

[0002] Pipelines typically refer to pipeline systems or pipeline systems used to transport liquids, gases, or other substances. When using pipelines for long-distance transportation operations, the pipelines are laid over long distances and often pass through remote and inaccessible areas. Therefore, it is inefficient to inspect pipelines manually. As a result, drones are often used for pipeline inspection.

[0003] Existing technologies, such as patent document CN219120358U, disclose a pipeline inspection drone, including a drone body equipped with a GPS positioning module, a rotatable camera, a gas detection device, a marking device, and a controller installed inside the drone body. This patent uses the rotatable camera to allow operators to inspect gas pipelines by manipulating the drone. When the drone detects gas near the pipeline during inspection, the GPS positioning module sends the location information to the operator, enabling the operator to quickly reach the approximate leak location. Simultaneously, the marking device activates to mark the surface of the pipeline where gas was detected. This patented technology replaces manual inspection, saving time spent manually inspecting gas pipelines, improving work efficiency, and avoiding safety hazards associated with patrol personnel venturing into mountainous areas, thus ensuring personal safety.

[0004] The aforementioned and existing related technologies often have the following drawbacks: In practical applications, when inspecting pipelines in rainy or snowy weather, rain and snow easily adhere to the drone's lens, interfering with the footage captured by the drone and making it difficult for operators to identify the condition of the pipelines, thus reducing the drone's practicality; moreover, existing drones have a rigid metal shell, which is easily damaged when the drone lands directly on the ground. Therefore, we propose an automated pipeline inspection device. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an automated pipeline inspection device. This device uses a cleaning mechanism to wipe the surface of the inspection lens from rain and snow, thereby preventing rain and snow from interfering with the footage captured by the drone and improving the practicality of the inspection equipment.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides an automated pipeline inspection device, comprising a drone body equipped with a GPS positioning module, a camera fixedly mounted on the bottom of the drone body, a cleaning mechanism provided in front of the camera lens, and a bracket provided on the lower surface of the drone body; the cleaning mechanism includes a first electric push rod, which is fixedly connected to the camera, and a mounting frame is fixedly connected to the output end of the first electric push rod, the mounting frame extending to the front of the camera lens side, and moving to directly in front of the lens under the action of the first electric push rod, either higher or lower than the lens; multiple heating rods are fixedly connected to the inner wall of the mounting frame near the lens side, each heating rod is covered with a rubber sleeve, and multiple water-absorbing wires are fixedly connected to the arc surface of the rubber sleeve, and when the mounting frame moves to directly in front of the lens, the multiple water-absorbing wires contact the surface of the lens.

[0007] A further technical solution of this utility model: the drone body is equipped with a controller and a gas detection device installed on the drone body, and the gas detection device, camera and GPS positioning module in the drone body are electrically connected to the controller.

[0008] The preferred technical solution of this utility model is as follows: the bottom of the drone body is provided with multiple brackets, which are distributed around the camera, and each bracket is provided with a buffer mechanism at its bottom.

[0009] The preferred technical solution of this utility model is as follows: The first electric push rod is fixed to the top of the camera, and its mounting frame moves upward under the action of the first electric push rod to a position higher than the camera or directly in front of the camera lens; the cleaning mechanism also includes a collection box, a fixing block is fixedly connected to the top surface of the camera near the lens, a sliding rod is slidably connected inside the fixing block, and the collection box is fixedly connected to the end of the sliding rod near the lens; when the mounting frame moves to a position higher than the camera, the collection box is located directly below the mounting frame, and a downwardly inclined slope is provided on the surface of the collection box near the sliding rod; pressure rods are fixedly connected to both sides of the mounting frame, and the pressure rods are slidably connected to the inclined surface of the collection box.

[0010] The preferred technical solution of this utility model is as follows: the main body of the drone includes a square shell, and propellers are respectively provided at the four corners of the shell. Each propeller is controlled by a motor, and the controller inside the main body of the drone controls the four motors to work synchronously.

[0011] The preferred technical solution of this utility model is as follows: the buffer mechanism includes a second electric push rod, which is fixedly connected to the bracket. A rack is fixedly connected to the output end of the second electric push rod. A gear is rotatably connected inside the bracket. The rack meshes with the gear. An elastic plate is fixedly connected to the arc surface of the gear.

[0012] The preferred technical solution of this utility model is as follows: a leaf spring is fixedly connected to the surface of the fixing block, and one end of the leaf spring is fixedly connected to the pressure rod.

[0013] The preferred technical solution of this utility model is that multiple sponge blocks are fixedly connected to the inner wall of the collection box.

[0014] The preferred technical solution of this utility model is as follows: a connecting plate is fixedly connected to the surface of the bracket, a clamping plate is fixedly connected to the surface of the connecting plate, and the clamping plate is slidably connected to the rack.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0016] (1) By setting up a cleaning mechanism, which includes a rubber sleeve and a water-absorbing wire, the surface of the lens is wiped and water droplets are absorbed by the rubber sleeve and water-absorbing wire when the pipeline is inspected in rainy or snowy weather, thereby preventing rain and snow from interfering with the image captured by the drone and making it easier for staff to distinguish the condition of the pipeline, thus improving the practicality of the drone.

[0017] (2) By setting a buffer mechanism, when the UAV lands, the elastic plate can reduce the impact force between the support and the ground after touching the ground, preventing damage to the shell and thus extending the service life of the UAV. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the camera in this utility model;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of the camera of this utility model from another angle;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first electric actuator of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the bracket of this utility model.

[0023] In the diagram: 1. Drone body; 2. Motor; 3. Propeller; 4. Camera; 5. Lens; 6. Bracket; 7. Cleaning mechanism; 701. First electric push rod; 702. Mounting frame; 703. Heating rod; 704. Rubber sleeve; 705. Water-absorbing wire; 706. Fixing block; 707. Slide rod; 708. Collection box; 709. Pressure rod; 710. Leaf spring; 711. Sponge block; 8. Buffer mechanism; 81. Second electric push rod; 82. Rack; 83. Gear; 84. Elastic plate; 85. Connecting plate; 86. Clamping plate. Detailed Implementation

[0024] 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.

[0025] An automated pipeline inspection device is provided in the embodiment, such as Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the device includes a drone body 1 equipped with a GPS positioning module. A camera 4 is fixedly mounted on the bottom of the drone body 1. The drone body 1 contains a controller and a gas detection device mounted on the drone body. The gas detection device, camera 4, and GPS positioning module inside the drone body 1 are electrically connected to the controller. The drone body 1 includes a square shell, with propellers 3 located at the four corners of the shell. Each propeller 3 is controlled by a motor 2, and the controller inside the drone body 1 controls the four motors 2 to work synchronously. This drone body 1 is prior art and requires no further detailed explanation. The automated pipeline inspection device in this embodiment, such as... Figure 1 As shown, a cleaning mechanism 7 is provided in front of the lens 5 of the camera 4, and four supports 6 are provided on the lower surface of the drone body 1. The four supports 6 are distributed at the four corners of the drone body 1 shell, and a buffer mechanism 8 is provided at the bottom of each support 6.

[0026] In the embodiments, such as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the cleaning mechanism 7 includes a first electric push rod 701, which is fixedly connected to the camera 4. The first electric push rod 701 is vertically fixed to the top of the camera 4, and its output shaft is connected to a mounting frame 702 through a connecting plate. The mounting frame 702 is located in front of the camera lens and can be moved to the front of the lens 5 or above the camera 4 under the action of the first electric push rod 701. Multiple heating rods 703 are fixedly connected to the inner wall of the mounting frame 702 near the lens 5. Each heating rod 703 is covered with a rubber sleeve 704. Multiple water-absorbing wires 705 are fixedly connected to the arc surface of the rubber sleeve 704. When the mounting frame 702 moves to the front of the lens 5, the multiple water-absorbing wires 705 contact the surface of the lens 5. The first electric push rod 701 controls the mounting frame 702 to move up and down, and the water-absorbing wires 705 clean the water stains on the surface of the lens 5.

[0027] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown in the embodiment, the cleaning mechanism 7 further includes a collection box 708. A fixing block 706 is fixedly connected to the top surface of the camera 4 near the lens 5. A sliding rod 707 is slidably connected inside the fixing block 706. The collection box 708 is fixedly connected to one end of the sliding rod 707 near the lens 5. When the mounting frame 702 moves to a position higher than the camera 4, the collection box 708 is located directly below the mounting frame 702. A downwardly inclined slope is provided on the surface of the collection box 708 near the sliding rod 707. Pressure rods 709 are fixedly connected to both sides of the mounting frame 702. The pressure rods 709 are slidably connected to the inclined slope of the collection box 708. After the collection box 708 slides under the water-absorbing wire 705, it can collect the water droplets dripping from the surface of the water-absorbing wire 705, preventing the water droplets from falling back onto the surface of the lens 5. When the pressure rods 709 on both sides of the mounting frame 702 disengage from the collection box 708, the leaf spring 710 begins to extend. The slide rod 707 will use the tension of the leaf spring 710 to make the inclined surface of the collection box 708 contact the pressure rod 709 again, and make the collection box 708 return to its original position and slide under the water-absorbing wire 705. Multiple sponge blocks 711 are fixedly connected to the inner wall of the collection box 708. The sponge blocks 711 will absorb the water droplets again, preventing the water droplets from flowing out of the collection box 708.

[0028] like Figure 5 As shown, the buffer mechanism 8 in the embodiment includes a second electric actuator 81, which is fixedly connected to the bracket 6. A rack 82 is fixedly connected to the output end of the second electric actuator 81. A gear 83 is rotatably connected inside the bracket 6. The rack 82 meshes with the gear 83. An elastic plate 84 is fixedly connected to the arc surface of the gear 83. A connecting plate 85 is fixedly connected to the surface of the bracket 6. A clamping plate 86 is fixedly connected to the surface of the connecting plate 85. The clamping plate 86 is slidably connected to the rack 82. When the rack 82 slides along the surface of the clamping plate 86, the clamping plate 86 restricts the sliding path of the rack 82, allowing the rack 82 to make close contact with the gear 83.

[0029] The working process of this utility model is as follows: During pipeline inspection, the propeller 3 is rotated by the motor 2, which in turn causes the outer casing 1 to carry the camera 4 in flight. Then, the camera 4 can be used for automated inspection. During the inspection, when the lens 5 is covered by rain or snow, the output end of the first electric actuator 701 retracts. The output end of the first electric actuator 701 moves the mounting frame 702 downwards. The mounting frame 702 moves the pressure rod 709, which in turn presses the inclined surface of the collection box 708. The collection box 708 slides away from the fixed block 706. The sliding rod 707, aided by the sliding of the collection box 708, presses the leaf spring 710, putting it in a compressed state. The movement of the mounting frame 702 moves the heating rod 703, which in turn moves the rubber sleeve 704. The movement of the rubber sleeve 704 moves the water-absorbing wire 705. Then, the rubber sleeve 704 and the water-absorbing wire 705 come into contact with the lens 5. 4. The absorbent wire 705 wipes and absorbs water droplets from the surface of the lens 5. After cleaning, the output end of the first electric push rod 701 extends, and the mounting frame 702 slides upward. When the absorbent wire 705 disengages from the lens 5, the pressure rod 709 disengages from the collection box 708, and the leaf spring 710 extends. The sliding rod 707, with the help of the tension of the leaf spring 710, makes the inclined surface of the collection box 708 re-engage with the pressure rod 709, and the collection box 708... The device slides back to the bottom of the absorbent wire 705 to collect water droplets dripping from its surface, preventing them from falling back onto the lens 5. Simultaneously, the sponge block 711 absorbs the water droplets again, preventing them from flowing out of the collection box 708. Then, the heating rod 703 is activated, heating the rubber sleeve 704 and the absorbent wire 705 to quickly evaporate the moisture inside the absorbent wire 705, making it easier to clean the lens 5 with the absorbent wire 705 next time.

[0030] During the inspection process, the output end of the second electric actuator 81 is extended, and the retraction of the output end of the second electric actuator 81 causes the rack 82 to slide along the surface of the clamp 86. The clamp 86 restricts the sliding path of the rack 82, allowing the rack 82 to make close contact with the gear 83. The sliding of the rack 82 causes the gear 83 to rotate, and the rotation of the gear 83 causes the elastic plate 84 to rotate, thereby rotating the elastic plate 84 upward and retracting it, preventing the elastic plate 84 from hitting the pipe during the inspection, allowing the camera 4 to take pictures at a closer position to the pipe. When the drone lands, the output end of the second electric actuator 81 is retracted, at which time the elastic plate 84 will unfold. After the elastic plate 84 touches the ground, it can reduce the impact force between the bracket 6 and the ground, preventing damage to the outer shell 1.

[0031] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0032] 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. An automated pipeline inspection device, comprising a drone body (1) equipped with a GPS positioning module, and a camera (4) fixedly installed at the bottom of the drone body (1), characterized in that: A cleaning mechanism (7) is provided in front of the lens (5) of the camera (4), and a bracket (6) is provided on the lower surface of the drone body (1). The cleaning mechanism (7) includes a first electric push rod (701), which is fixedly connected to the camera (4). The output end of the first electric push rod (701) is fixedly connected to a mounting frame (702). The mounting frame (702) extends to the front of the camera lens. Under the action of the first electric push rod (701), the mounting frame (702) moves to the front of the lens (5), or higher or lower than the lens (5). Multiple heating rods (703) are fixedly connected to the inner wall of the mounting frame (702) near the lens (5). Each heating rod (703) is covered with a rubber sleeve (704). Multiple water-absorbing wires (705) are fixedly connected to the arc surface of the rubber sleeve (704). When the mounting frame (702) moves to the front of the lens (5), the multiple water-absorbing wires (705) contact the surface of the lens (5).

2. The automated pipeline inspection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drone body (1) is equipped with a controller and a gas detection device installed on the drone body. The gas detection device, the camera (4) and the GPS positioning module in the drone body (1) are electrically connected to the controller.

3. An automated pipeline inspection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The drone body (1) has multiple brackets (6) at the bottom, and the multiple brackets (6) are distributed around the camera (4). Each bracket (6) has a buffer mechanism (8) at the bottom.

4. An automated pipeline inspection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first electric push rod (701) is fixed to the top of the camera (4), and its mounting frame (702) moves upward under the action of the first electric push rod (701) to a position higher than the camera (4) or directly in front of the camera lens (5); the cleaning mechanism (7) also includes a collection box (708), and a fixing block (706) is fixedly connected to the top surface of the camera (4) near the lens (5), and a sliding rod (707) is slidably connected inside the fixing block (706). (708) is fixedly connected to one end of the slide bar (707) near the lens (5); when the mounting frame (702) moves to a position higher than the camera (4), the collection box (708) is located directly below the mounting frame (702), and a downwardly inclined slope is provided on the side surface of the collection box (708) near the slide bar (707). Pressure rods (709) are fixedly connected to both sides of the mounting frame (702), and the pressure rods (709) are slidably connected to the inclined surface of the collection box (708).

5. An automated pipeline inspection device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The main body (1) of the drone includes a square shell, with propellers (3) at the four corners of the shell. Each propeller (3) is controlled by a motor (2), and the controller inside the main body (1) controls the four motors (2) to work synchronously.

6. An automated pipeline inspection device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The buffer mechanism (8) includes a second electric push rod (81), which is fixedly connected to the bracket (6). A rack (82) is fixedly connected to the output end of the second electric push rod (81). A gear (83) is rotatably connected inside the bracket (6). The rack (82) meshes with the gear (83). An elastic plate (84) is fixedly connected to the arc surface of the gear (83).

7. An automated pipeline inspection device according to claim 4, characterized in that: A leaf spring (710) is fixedly connected to the surface of the fixing block (706), and one end of the leaf spring (710) is fixedly connected to the pressure rod (709).

8. An automated pipeline inspection device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The inner wall of the collection box (708) is fixedly connected with multiple sponge blocks (711).

9. An automated pipeline inspection device according to claim 6, characterized in that: A connecting plate (85) is fixedly connected to the surface of the bracket (6), and a clamping plate (86) is fixedly connected to the surface of the connecting plate (85). The clamping plate (86) is slidably connected to the rack (82).

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