Object position detection apparatus

Abstract

The object position detection device according to the present invention comprises: a horizontal support member positioned horizontally with respect to the ground when detecting the position of an object; a vertical support member connected to the horizontal support member, positioned vertically with respect to the horizontal support member when detecting the position of the object, and suspended at a specific point located above the horizontal support member; and a position sensor member mounted on the horizontal support member, which transmits a signal toward an object located below the horizontal support member and receives a signal reflected by the object to detect the position of the object. According to the present invention, even if the object receiving container is made of an opaque material so that the inside of the object receiving container cannot be seen, the distribution state of the object existing inside the object receiving container can be easily and accurately determined.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for detecting the position of an object located below while suspended at a specific point. Background Technology

[0002] Farms raising many animals use large feed bins to supply feed to their animals. Large feed bins offer convenience because they can store large quantities of feed; once a large amount is filled, there is no need to refill the bin for a long time. However, since large feed bins are typically made of opaque materials such as stainless steel, it is difficult to determine from the outside how much feed remains inside.

[0003] When there is little feed remaining inside a large feed bin, feed must be ordered to refill it in order to supply animals on time. However, if feed is ordered even though there is plenty of feed remaining inside the bin, the unused feed may rot, resulting in a loss for the farm. Accordingly, a method needs to be devised to detect the location of the feed inside the large feed bin in order to determine how much feed remains.

[0004] Meanwhile, the following patent document 1 discloses an ultrasonic measuring device that detects the distance between an object and a transmitter using ultrasonic waves oscillated from a transmitter of a vibrator. Prior art literature

[0005] Registered Patent Publication No. 10-1356323 (January 21, 2014) The problem to be solved

[0006] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a device for detecting the position of an object located below while suspended at a specific point.

[0007] However, the technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned technical problems will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description of the invention below. means of solving the problem

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, a position detection device (1000) of an object according to one embodiment of the present invention may include: a horizontal support member (100) positioned horizontally with respect to the ground when detecting the position of an object (20); a vertical support member (200) which is connected to the horizontal support member (100), positioned vertically with respect to the horizontal support member (100) when detecting the position of the object (20), and suspended at a specific point located above the horizontal support member (100); and a position sensor member (300) which is mounted on the horizontal support member (100), transmits a signal toward an object (20) located below the horizontal support member (100), and receives a signal reflected by the object (20) to detect the position of the object (20).

[0009] The above position sensor unit (300) may include a central position sensor (300-1) mounted in the central part of the horizontal support unit (100); and at least one peripheral position sensor (300-2) mounted on the horizontal support unit (100) and mounted at a point spaced a certain distance from the central part of the horizontal support unit (100).

[0010] The above position sensor unit (300) may include two or more peripheral position sensors (300-2) mounted on the horizontal support unit (100) and mounted at a point spaced a certain distance from the center of the horizontal support unit (100).

[0011] The above horizontal support member (100) comprises a first horizontal support member (100-1) positioned horizontally with respect to the ground when the position of the object (20) is detected; When detecting the position of an object (20), a second horizontal support member (100-2) may be included that is positioned horizontally with respect to the ground and is positioned in a manner that intersects the first horizontal support member (100-1). The central part of the first horizontal support member (100-1) and the central part of the second horizontal support member (100-2) are common to each other. The central part position sensor (300-1) is mounted at the central part of the first horizontal support member (100-1) and the central part of the second horizontal support member (100-2). The peripheral part position sensor (300-2) may be mounted at two points of the first horizontal support member (100-1) that are spaced a certain distance apart from both sides of the central part of the first horizontal support member (100-1), and at two points of the second horizontal support member (100-2) that are spaced a certain distance apart from both sides of the central part of the second horizontal support member (100-2).

[0012] The horizontal support member (100) may include a fixed member (110) fixedly positioned horizontally with respect to the ground; a hinge connecting member (120) connected to the fixed member (110); and a rotating member (130) connected to the hinge connecting member (120) and hinge-connected to the fixed member (110) by the hinge connecting member (120). By the hinge connecting member (120), the rotating member (130) may be positioned horizontally with respect to the ground when the position of the object (20) is detected, and may be rotated by a certain angle relative to the fixed member (110) when the position of the object (20) is not detected.

[0013] A position detection device (1000) of an object according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured such that the length of the horizontal support member (100) can be extended or shortened while the horizontal support member (100) is positioned horizontally with respect to the ground.

[0014] The rotating part (130) may be provided with a plurality of rotating part through holes (135) to which the hinge connecting part (120) can be connected, and depending on the position of the rotating part through hole among the plurality of rotating part through holes (135) to which the hinge connecting part (120) is connected, the length of the rotating part (130) may be extended or shortened while the rotating part (130) is positioned horizontally with respect to the ground.

[0015] The fixed part (110) may be provided with a plurality of fixed part through holes (115) to which the hinge connecting part (120) can be fastened, and depending on the position of the fixed part through hole among the plurality of fixed part through holes (115) to which the hinge connecting part (120) is fastened, the length of the rotating part (130) may be extended or shortened while the rotating part (130) is positioned horizontally with respect to the ground.

[0016] A position detection device (1000) of an object according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured such that, when the vertical support member (200) is positioned vertically relative to the horizontal support member (100), the height of the vertical support member (200) can be extended or reduced.

[0017] The vertical support member (200) may include a hanger member (210) that is suspended at a specific point located above the horizontal support member (100); and a connecting member (220) that is connected to the hanger member (210) and the horizontal support member (100), respectively, and the hanger member (210) is provided with a plurality of hanger member through holes (215) to which the connecting member (220) can be connected, and the height of the vertical support member (200) may be extended or reduced depending on the position of the hanger member through hole among the plurality of hanger member through holes (215) to which the connecting member (220) is connected.

[0018] The vertical support member (200) may include a hanger member (210) that is suspended at a specific point located above the horizontal support member (100); and a connecting member (220) that is respectively connected to the hanger member (210) and the horizontal support member (100) and connects the hanger member (210) and the horizontal support member (100), and the connecting member (220) is configured to be self-adjustable in length, and the height of the vertical support member (200) may be extended or shortened according to the adjusted length of the connecting member (220).

[0019] The vertical support member (200) may include a hanger member (210) that is suspended at a specific point located above the horizontal support member (100); and a connecting member (220) that is connected to the hanger member (210) and the horizontal support member (100), respectively, and the connecting member (220) may be connected to the horizontal support member (100) so as to be slidably connected to the horizontal support member (100), so that the vertical support member (200) can be configured to move to one side or the other side on the horizontal support member (100).

[0020] The vertical support member (200) may include a connecting member (220) that is suspended at a specific point located above the horizontal support member (100) and connects the specific point and the horizontal support member (100), and the connecting member (220) is configured to be adjustable in length, and the height of the vertical support member (200) may be extended or shortened according to the adjusted length of the connecting member (220).

[0021] The vertical support member (200) may include a connecting member (220) that is suspended at a specific point located above the horizontal support member (100) and connects the specific point and the horizontal support member (100), and the connecting member (220) may be slidably connected to the horizontal support member (100) so that the vertical support member (200) can be configured to move to one side or the other side on the horizontal support member (100). Effects of the invention

[0022] In the present invention, since the vertical support is suspended at a specific point and the horizontal support is positioned horizontally with respect to the ground, and the position sensor unit mounted on the horizontal support is configured to detect the position of the object, even if the object receiving container is made of an opaque material and the inside of the object receiving container cannot be seen, the distribution state of the object present inside the object receiving container can be easily and accurately determined.

[0023] However, the effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description below. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0024] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a position detection device according to the present invention, and a drawing showing the appearance when the rotating part has a 90-degree arrangement relationship with respect to the fixed part. FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a position detection device according to the present invention, and a drawing showing the appearance when the rotating part has a 0-degree arrangement relationship with respect to the fixed part. FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a position detection device according to the present invention installed in a container for receiving an object. FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a position detection device according to the present invention installed in an object receiving container with an opening size larger than that of FIG. 3. Figure 5 is a modified example of Figure 4, showing a fixing part having a plurality of fixing part through holes provided therein. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the feature of the connecting part being able to adjust its length independently. Figure 7 is a drawing illustrating the feature in which the connecting part is slidably connected to the horizontal support part. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0025] Hereinafter, an object position detection device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The attached drawings are provided merely as examples to ensure that the technical concept of the present invention is sufficiently conveyed to a person skilled in the art, and the present invention is not limited to the drawings presented below and can be embodied in various other forms.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a position detection device for an object according to the present invention (hereinafter referred to as the "position detection device"), and a drawing showing the appearance when the rotating part (130) has a 90-degree arrangement relationship with respect to the fixed part (110). FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a position detection device (1000) according to the present invention, and a drawing showing the appearance when the rotating part (130) has a 0-degree arrangement relationship with respect to the fixed part (110). FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the position detection device (1000) according to the present invention installed in an object receiving container (10).

[0027] The position detection device (1000) according to the present invention can be used to detect the position of an object (20) located on the lower side while suspended at a specific point (e.g., the entrance (11) of the object receiving container (10)) to determine the amount of an object (20) present inside, for example, an object receiving container (10). When the position detection device (1000) detects the position of an object (20) in this manner, the object receiving container (10) may be a feed bin, the place where the position detection device (1000) is suspended may be the entrance (11) of the feed bin, and the object (20) to be positioned by the position detection device (1000) may be feed.

[0028] As can be seen in FIG. 3, when the rotating part (130) has a 0-degree arrangement relationship with respect to the fixed part (110) (i.e., a relationship in which they are placed in a straight line with each other), the total width of the position detection device (1000) (i.e., the distance from one end of the position detection device (1000) to the other end on the opposite side) may be larger than the width of the entrance (11) of the object receiving container (10).

[0029] Accordingly, the user is required to position the position detection device (1000) inside the object receiving container (10) with the rotating part (130) having a 90-degree arrangement relationship with respect to the fixed part (110) as shown in FIG. 1. At this time, the user can attach an elongated rod (not shown) to the protruding opening (50) provided in the position detection device (1000), and then position the position detection device (1000) suspended from the elongated rod inside the object receiving container (10).

[0030] Afterward, the user can hang the hook (211) provided on the hanger part (210) on the entrance (11) of the object receiving container (10) to hang the vertical support part (200) from the object receiving container (10).

[0031] Afterward, the user can uncouple the elongated rod from the protruding opening (50) and, by using the elongated rod to tap the rotating part (130) which has a 90-degree positional relationship with respect to the fixed part (110), cause the rotating part (130) to rotate 90 degrees along the trajectory TR of FIG. 1. In this case, the rotating part (130) has a 0-degree positional relationship with respect to the fixed part (110), and the position detection device (1000) can be positioned inside the object receiving container (10) in the form shown in FIG. 3.

[0032] In the manner described above, the user can install the position detection device (1000) in the object receiving container (10). By adjusting the length of the horizontal support member (100) or the height of the vertical support member (200) before or during the installation process, or by adjusting the point where the vertical support member (200) is placed on the horizontal support member (100), the position detection device (1000) can accurately detect the position of the object (20) in a stable position.

[0033] The components of the position detection device (1000) will be described in more detail below. The position detection device (1000) according to the present invention may include a horizontal support member (100), a vertical support member (200), and a position sensor member (300).

[0034] The horizontal support member (100) is positioned horizontally relative to the ground when the position of the object (20) is detected (see FIG. 3). The horizontal support member (100) may have a cross shape overall, but may also be made in any other shape.

[0035] The vertical support member (200) is connected to the horizontal support member (100). Additionally, when the position of the object (20) is detected, the vertical support member (200) can be positioned vertically relative to the horizontal support member (100) and suspended at a specific point located above the horizontal support member (100) (e.g., the entrance (11) of the object receiving container (10)).

[0036] The position sensor unit (300) is mounted on the horizontal support unit (100) and transmits a signal toward an object (20) located on the lower side of the horizontal support unit (100), and receives a signal reflected by the object (20) to detect the position of the object (20). The position of the object (20) can be detected through the difference between the time when the position sensor unit (300) transmits a signal toward the object (20) and the time when it receives a signal reflected by the object (20).

[0037] The position sensor unit (300) may be configured to include a position sensor such as an ultrasonic sensor or a lidar sensor. If the position sensor is a lidar sensor, the optical signal transmitted from the lidar sensor is relatively likely to be reflected inside the object receiving container (10), which can reduce the accuracy of position detection of the object (20). Accordingly, it may be more advantageous for the position sensor to be an ultrasonic sensor. The ultrasonic sensor transmits an ultrasonic signal toward the object (20), and since this ultrasonic signal is less likely to be reflected inside the object receiving container (10) compared to an optical signal, it can contribute to improving the accuracy of position detection of the object (20).

[0038] The position sensor unit (300) may include only one position sensor. For example, the position sensor may be mounted in the central part of the horizontal support unit (100) (the part where the protruding opening (50) is provided in FIG. 1, etc.). The position sensor mounted in the central part of the horizontal support unit (100) detects the position of the object (20) located in the internal central part of the object receiving container (10).

[0039] However, when the object (20) is in a solid state such as feed, the object (20) is not always distributed evenly throughout the entire interior of the object receiving container (10). That is, the object (20) may exist in different distributions in the interior center of the object receiving container (10) and in other parts (i.e., the interior periphery). For example, there may be more object (20) in the interior periphery than in the interior center of the object receiving container (10). Or, there may be fewer object (20) in the interior periphery than in the interior center of the object receiving container (10). Or, there may be more object (20) on the right side than on the left side relative to the interior center of the object receiving container (10).

[0040] The time at which the object (20) must be filled into the object receiving container (10) can be determined according to the amount of object (20) present inside the object receiving container (10), and for this to happen, it must first be done to accurately determine the distribution state of the object (20) present inside the object receiving container (10).

[0041] In order to accurately determine the distribution state of the object (20) present inside the object receiving container (10), the position sensor unit (300) may include a central position sensor (300-1) and at least one peripheral position sensor (300-2).

[0042] The central position sensor (300-1) refers to a position sensor mounted in the central part of the horizontal support (100). The central position sensor (300-1) primarily serves to detect the position of an object (20) located in the internal central part of the object receiving container (10).

[0043] Each of at least one peripheral position sensor (300-2) is mounted on a horizontal support member (100), but may be mounted at a point spaced a certain distance from the center of the horizontal support member (100). Each of at least one peripheral position sensor (300-2) serves to detect the location of an object (20) that is located in a part other than the internal center of the object receiving container (10) (i.e., the internal peripheral area).

[0044] When the position sensor unit (300) includes a central position sensor (300-1) and at least one peripheral position sensor (300-2), compared to the case where the position sensor unit (300) simply includes only one position sensor, the user can easily determine how the object (20) exists in the internal central part and internal peripheral part of the object receiving container (10), and thereby can determine the amount of the object (20) existing inside the object receiving container (10) more accurately.

[0045] In a different embodiment, the position sensor unit (300) may include two or more peripheral position sensors (300-2) excluding the central position sensor (300-1).

[0046] Each of the two or more peripheral position sensors (300-2) is mounted on the horizontal support member (100), but is mounted at a point spaced a certain distance from the center of the horizontal support member (100). Each of the two or more peripheral position sensors (300-2) primarily serves to detect the location of an object (20) located in a part other than the internal center of the object receiving container (10) (i.e., the internal peripheral area).

[0047] If there are two peripheral position sensors (300-2), the two peripheral position sensors (300-2) may be arranged at a specific angle, such as at an angle of 90 degrees to each other or at an angle of 180 degrees. If there are three peripheral position sensors (300-2), the three peripheral position sensors (300-2) may be arranged at an angle of 120 degrees to each other, and if there are four peripheral position sensors (300-2), the four peripheral position sensors (300-2) may be arranged at an angle of 90 degrees to each other.

[0048] When the position sensor unit (300) includes two or more peripheral position sensors (300-2), compared to the case where the position sensor unit (300) simply includes only one position sensor, the user can easily determine how the object (20) exists in the internal peripheral area of ​​the object receiving container (10), and thereby can determine the amount of the object (20) existing inside the object receiving container (10) more accurately.

[0049] Furthermore, in order to more accurately determine the distribution state of the object (20) inside the object receiving container (10), it is desirable to detect the location of the object (20) located in the internal center of the object receiving container (10) and the location of the object (20) located around the 360-degree circumference relative to the internal center of the object receiving container (10). To this end, the horizontal support member (100) may include a first horizontal support member (100-1) and a second horizontal support member (100-2).

[0050] The first horizontal support member (100-1) is positioned horizontally with respect to the ground when the position of the object (20) is detected. The first horizontal support member (100-1) corresponds to a horizontal support member extended along the +x-axis direction and a horizontal support member extended along the -x-axis direction with respect to the central position sensor (300-1) in FIG. 2.

[0051] The second horizontal support member (100-2) is positioned horizontally with respect to the ground when detecting the position of the object (20), and is positioned in a manner that intersects the first horizontal support member (100-1). The second horizontal support member (100-2) corresponds to the horizontal support member extended along the +y-axis direction and the horizontal support member extended along the -y-axis direction based on the central position sensor (300-1) in FIG. 2.

[0052] The angle formed by the first horizontal support member (100-1) and the second horizontal support member (100-1) may be 90 degrees, but other angles may be formed as long as the second horizontal support member (100-2) is arranged in a manner that intersects the first horizontal support member (100-1). The central part of the first horizontal support member (100-1) and the central part of the second horizontal support member (100-2) may be common to each other.

[0053] In this manner, when the horizontal support member (100) includes a first horizontal support member (100-1) and a second horizontal support member (100-2), the central position sensor (300-1) is mounted at the central part of the first horizontal support member (100-1) and the central part of the second horizontal support member (100-2), and serves to detect the position of an object (20) located mainly in the internal central part of the object receiving container (10).

[0054] And when the horizontal support member (100) includes a first horizontal support member (100-1) and a second horizontal support member (100-2), the peripheral position sensor (300-2) can be mounted at two points of the first horizontal support member (100-1) that are spaced apart from the center of the first horizontal support member (100-1) by a certain distance on both sides (i.e., in the +x-axis direction and the -x-axis direction), and can be mounted at two points of the second horizontal support member (100-2) that are spaced apart from the center of the second horizontal support member (100-2) by a certain distance on both sides (i.e., in the +y-axis direction and the -y-axis direction). Each peripheral position sensor (300-2) primarily serves to detect the position of an object (20) located in a part other than the internal center of the object receiving container (10) (i.e., the internal peripheral area).

[0055] Referring to FIG. 2, the horizontal support member (100: 100-1, 100-2) is equipped with one central position sensor (300-1) and four peripheral position sensors (300-2). That is, the four peripheral position sensors (300-2) are mounted on both ends of the first horizontal support member (100-1) and both ends of the second horizontal support member (100-2), and are located at points spaced apart by the same distance in the +x-axis direction, -x-axis direction, +y-axis direction, and -y-axis direction, respectively, with respect to the central position sensor (300-1).

[0056] Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 together, one central position sensor (300-1) can detect the position of an object (20) located in the inner central part of the object receiving container (10). And four peripheral position sensors (300-2) can detect the position of an object (20) located at an inner point of the object receiving container (10) and at a point spaced a certain distance in the +x-axis direction, -x-axis direction, +y-axis direction, and -y-axis direction relative to the central position sensor (300-1) (i.e., an object located 360 degrees around the inner central part of the object receiving container (10)). In this way, when one central position sensor (300-1) and four peripheral position sensors (300-2) are mounted on the horizontal support member (100: 100-1, 100-2), the user can accurately and closely determine the distribution state of the object (20) present inside the object receiving container (10).

[0057] In one embodiment, when L is the distance from the inner center of the object receiving container (10) to the inner side wall of the object receiving container (10), four peripheral position sensors (300-2) can be positioned to detect the location of an object (20) located at points separated by L / 2 in the +x-axis direction, -x-axis direction, +y-axis direction, and -y-axis direction, respectively, relative to the central position sensor (300-1). When the positions of the four peripheral position sensors (300-2) are determined in this way, the distribution state of the object (20) located inside the object receiving container (10) can be detected more accurately and closely.

[0058] An elastic cover (400) made of rubber material may be provided on both ends of the horizontal support member (100: 100-1, 100-2) and on the upper side of the four peripheral position sensors (300-2). As described later, in order to fill the object (20) into the object receiving container (10) without affecting the posture of the position detection device (1000), it is necessary to fix the position detection device (1000) by bringing both ends of the horizontal support member (100) into contact with the inner side wall of the object receiving container (10). At this time, the elastic cover (400) serves to prevent damage to both ends of the horizontal support member (100) and four peripheral position sensors (300-2) caused by the inner side wall of the object receiving container (10), and to improve the frictional force between the horizontal support member (100) and the inner side wall of the object receiving container (10) so that the position detection device (1000) is more firmly fixed to the inner side wall of the object receiving container (10).

[0059] Meanwhile, the horizontal support member (100: 100-1, 100-2) may include a fixed member (110), a hinge joint member (120), and a rotating member (130).

[0060] The fixed part (110) is a part that is fixedly positioned horizontally with respect to the ground, and may correspond to a part that extends a certain distance in the +x-axis direction, -x-axis direction, +y-axis direction, and -y-axis direction with respect to the center of the horizontal support part (100: 100-1, 100-2). Unlike the rotating part (130), the fixed part (110) is always fixedly positioned horizontally with respect to the ground regardless of whether the position of the object (20) is detected or not.

[0061] One side (e.g., lower side) of the fixed part (110) may be open, and the other side (e.g., upper side) of the fixed part (110) may be closed.

[0062] One side of the fixed part (110) is open so that when the rotating part (130) has a 90-degree arrangement relative to the fixed part (110) (see FIG. 1) and then rotates to a 0-degree arrangement (see FIG. 2), at least a part of the rotating part (130) can be inserted into the fixed part (110) through the open side of the fixed part (110).

[0063] The other side of the fixed part (110) is blocked so that when the rotating part (130) has a 90-degree positional relationship with respect to the fixed part (110) (see FIG. 1) and then rotates by a certain angle to have a 0-degree positional relationship (see FIG. 2), at least a part of the rotating part (130) is blocked by the blocked other side of the fixed part (110) to prevent it from rotating beyond the other side of the fixed part (110). Because the other side of the fixed part (110) is blocked in this way, the rotating part (130) can have a 0-degree positional relationship with respect to the fixed part (110) when the position of the object (20) is detected.

[0064] The hinge joint (120) is fastened to the fixed part (110) and simultaneously fastened to the rotating part (130). The hinge joint (120) may be formed by a combination of a bolt and a screw. The fixed part (110) may be provided with one or more fixed part through holes (115) to which the hinge joint (120) is fastened, and the rotating part (130) may also be provided with one or more rotating part through holes (135) to which the hinge joint (120) can be fastened.

[0065] As the hinge connecting part (120) is connected to the fixed part (110) and simultaneously connected to the rotating part (130), the rotating part (130) is hinge-connected to the fixed part (110) by the hinge connecting part (120). By means of the hinge connecting part (120), the rotating part (130) can be positioned horizontally with respect to the ground as shown in FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3 when detecting the position of the object (20), and when not detecting the position of the object (20) (for example, when the position detection device (1000) is moved from the outside to the inside of the object receiving container (10), or when the position detection device (1000) is taken out from the inside to the outside of the object receiving container (10), it can be rotated by a certain angle (for example, 90 degrees) with respect to the fixed part (110) as shown in FIG. 1.

[0066] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a position detection device (1000) according to the present invention installed in an object receiving container (10) having an inlet size larger than that of the object receiving container (10) of FIG. 3.

[0067] In order to install the position detection device (1000) shown in FIG. 3 in an object receiving container (10) with a larger opening size as in FIG. 4, the length of the horizontal support member (100) must be extended so that the vertical support member (200) can be suspended from the opening of the object receiving container (10). Conversely, in order to install the position detection device (1000) shown in FIG. 3 in an object receiving container (10) with a smaller opening size, the length of the horizontal support member (100) must be shortened so that the vertical support member (200) can be suspended from the opening of the object receiving container (10).

[0068] In addition, when the position detection device (1000) is installed in the object receiving container (10), in order to fill the object (20) into the object receiving container (10) without affecting the position of the position detection device (1000), it is necessary to fix the position detection device (1000) by bringing the end of the horizontal support member (100) into contact with the inner side wall of the object receiving container (10). However, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, since the internal size of the object receiving container (10) may differ depending on the type of object receiving container (10), the length of the horizontal support member (100) must be freely extendable in order to easily bring the horizontal support member (100) into contact with the inner side wall of the object receiving container (10).

[0069] To this end, it is preferable that the position detection device (1000) be configured such that the length of the horizontal support member (100) can be extended or shortened while the horizontal support member (100) is positioned horizontally with respect to the ground.

[0070] As one of the methods for extending the length of the horizontal support member (100), there is a method of providing a plurality of rotating member through holes (135) in which a hinge connecting member (120) can be attached to the rotating member (130). In this case, the hinge connecting member (120) can be attached to the fixed member (110) and at the same time, can be attached to one of the plurality of rotating member through holes (135), and depending on the position of the rotating member through hole in which the hinge connecting member (120) is attached among the plurality of rotating member through holes (135), the length of the rotating member (130) can be extended or shortened while the rotating member (130) is positioned horizontally with respect to the ground.

[0071] For example, in FIG. 4, when the hinge joint (120) is connected to the fixed part through hole (S1) of the fixed part (110), if the hinge joint (120) is connected to through hole a among a plurality of rotating part through holes (135) a, b, and c, the length of the rotating part (130) located at the +x axis is reduced compared to when it is connected to through holes b and c, and if it is connected to through hole c, the length of the rotating part (130) located at the +x axis can be extended compared to when it is connected to through holes a and b.

[0072] In addition, when the hinge joint (120) in FIG. 4 is connected to the fixed part through hole (S2) of the fixed part (110), if it is connected to the f through hole among the multiple rotating part through holes (135) d, e, and f, the length of the rotating part (130) located at the -x axis is reduced compared to when it is connected to the d and e through holes, and if it is connected to the d through hole, the length of the rotating part (130) located at the -x axis can be extended compared to when it is connected to the e and f through holes.

[0073] As another method for extending the length of the horizontal support member (100), there is a method of providing a plurality of fixed member through holes (115) in the fixed member (110) to which a hinge connecting member (120) can be attached. In this case, the hinge connecting member (120) can be attached to the rotating member (130) and at the same time, can be attached to any one of the plurality of fixed member through holes (115), and depending on the position of the fixed member through hole among the plurality of fixed member through holes (115) to which the hinge connecting member (120) is attached, the length of the rotating member (130) can be extended or shortened while the rotating member (130) is positioned horizontally with respect to the ground.

[0074] FIG. 5 is a modified example of FIG. 4, showing a fixed part (110) having a plurality of fixed part through holes (115). For reference, while a plurality of fixed part through holes (115) capable of connecting a hinge connecting part (120) are provided in the fixed part (110), a plurality of rotating part through holes (135) capable of connecting a hinge connecting part (120) may also be provided in the rotating part (130).

[0075] For example, in FIG. 5, when the hinge joint (120) is connected to the rotating part through hole (R1) of the rotating part (130), if the hinge joint (120) is connected to the a' through hole among the multiple fixed part through holes (115) a', b', and c', the length of the rotating part (130) located on the +x axis is extended compared to when it is connected to the b' and c' through holes, and if it is connected to the c' through hole, the length of the rotating part (130) located on the +x axis is reduced compared to when it is connected to the a' and b' through holes.

[0076] In addition, when the hinge joint (120) in FIG. 5 is connected to the rotating part through hole (R2) of the rotating part (130), if the hinge joint (120) is connected to the f' through hole among the multiple rotating part through holes (135) d', e', and f', the length of the rotating part (130) located at the -x axis is extended compared to when it is connected to the d' and e' through holes, and if it is connected to the d' through hole, the length of the rotating part (130) located at the -x axis can be reduced compared to when it is connected to the e' and f' through holes.

[0077] In this way, when the length of the horizontal support member (100) can be freely extended, there is no need to separately manufacture a position detection device (1000) with a different length of the horizontal support member (100) depending on the various opening (11) sizes of the object receiving container (10) or the various internal sizes of the object receiving container (10), thus increasing compatibility and providing cost-effective advantages.

[0078] Meanwhile, even though a large number of objects (20) exist inside the object receiving container (10), if the position sensor unit (300) is positioned at a point too low inside the object receiving container (10), it becomes difficult to accurately detect the position of the objects (20). That is, in order to improve the accuracy of detecting the position of the objects (20), the length of the vertical support unit (200) must be able to be freely extended or retracted.

[0079] In addition, as described above, in order to fill the object (20) into the object receiving container (10) without affecting the position of the position detection device (1000), the position detection device (1000) must be fixed by bringing the end of the horizontal support member (100) into contact with the inner side wall of the object receiving container (10). To perform this fixing operation more easily, the length of the vertical support member (200) must be able to be freely extended or retracted.

[0080] To this end, it is preferable that the position detection device (1000) be configured such that the height of the vertical support member (100) can be extended or shortened while the vertical support member (200) is positioned vertically relative to the horizontal support member (100).

[0081] The vertical support member (200) may comprise a hanger member (210) and a connecting member (200). The hanger member (210) may be provided with a hook (211) that can be hung at a specific point located above the horizontal support member (100). One end of the connecting member (220) is connected to the hanger member (210) and the other end is connected to the horizontal support member (100), thereby serving to connect the hanger member (210) and the horizontal support member (100).

[0082] As one of the methods for extending or decreasing the height of the vertical support member (200), there is a method of providing a plurality of hanger member through holes (215) in the hanger member (210) to which a connecting member (220) can be attached. In this case, the other end of the connecting member (220) is attached to the horizontal support member (100), and at the same time, one end of the connecting member (220) can be attached to any one of the plurality of hanger member through holes (215), and the height of the vertical support member (200) can be extended or reduced depending on the position of the hanger member through hole among the plurality of hanger member through holes (215) to which the one end of the connecting member (220) is attached.

[0083] For example, in FIG. 2, when one end of the connecting part (220) is connected to the A hole among the multiple hanger part through holes (215) A, B, and C, the height of the vertical support part (200) is reduced compared to when it is connected to the B and C holes, and when it is connected to the C hole, the height of the vertical support part (200) can be increased compared to when it is connected to the A and B holes.

[0084] As another method for extending the height of the vertical support member (200), there is a method of adjusting the length of the connecting member (220) itself.

[0085] FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating the feature that the connecting part (220) can adjust its length independently. The connecting part (220) shown in FIG. 6 includes a turnbuckle, but the connecting part (220) can be configured with means other than a turnbuckle as long as it is a means that can adjust its length independently.

[0086] When at least one of the upper screw (221) and lower screw (222) of the turnbuckle is rotated in one direction, the total length of the connecting part (220) increases (see FIG. 6b), and when at least one of the upper screw (221) and lower screw (222) of the turnbuckle is rotated in the other direction (i.e., opposite to the one direction), the total length of the connecting part (220) decreases (see FIG. 6a).

[0087] As such, since the connecting part (220) can adjust its length independently, the height of the vertical support part (200) is extended or reduced according to the adjusted length of the connecting part (220). That is, if at least one of the upper screw (221) and lower screw (222) of the turnbuckle is rotated in one direction to increase the total length of the connecting part (220), the height of the vertical support part (200) is extended, and if at least one of the upper screw (221) and lower screw (222) of the turnbuckle is rotated in the other direction to decrease the total length of the connecting part (220), the height of the vertical support part (200) is reduced.

[0088] In this way, when the length of the vertical support member (100) can be freely extended, the position of the position sensor member (300) can be easily adjusted, which contributes to improving the accuracy of detecting the position of the object (20), and it becomes easier to bring the end of the horizontal support member (100) into contact with the inner side wall of the object receiving container (10), thereby making it easier to fix the position detection device (1000).

[0089] As described above, one end of the connecting part (220) is connected to the hanger part (210), and the other end of the connecting part (220) is connected to the horizontal support part (100). At this time, the other end of the connecting part (220) is connected to the horizontal support part (100) so as to be slidably connected, so that the vertical support part (200) can be configured to move to one side or the other side on the horizontal support part (100).

[0090] FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating the feature in which the connecting part (220) is slidably connected to the horizontal support part (100).

[0091] For example, the other end of the connecting part (220) may be manufactured to wrap around the perimeter of the horizontal support part (100), and accordingly, the connecting part (220) may be slidably connected to the horizontal support part (100) overall. FIG. 7 shows the other end of the connecting part (220) manufactured to wrap around the perimeter of the rotating part (130) of the horizontal support part (100), but the other end of the connecting part (220) may also be manufactured to wrap around the perimeter of the fixed part (110) of the horizontal support part (100), or to wrap around the perimeter of both the fixed part (110) and the rotating part (130) of the horizontal support part (100).

[0092] Since the connecting part (220) is slidably connected to the horizontal support part (100), if you grab the vertical support part (200) located on the left side of FIG. 7a and pull it in the +x axis direction, the vertical support part (200) located on the left side of FIG. 7a moves in the +x axis direction and is positioned at the point shown in FIG. 7b. Also, if you grab the vertical support part (200) located on the right side of FIG. 7a and pull it in the -x axis direction, the vertical support part (200) located on the right side of FIG. 7a moves in the -x axis direction and is positioned at the point shown in FIG. 7b.

[0093] Likewise, since the connecting part (220) is slidably connected to the horizontal support part (100), if you grab the vertical support part (200) located on the left side of FIG. 7b and pull it in the -x axis direction, the vertical support part (200) located on the left side of FIG. 7b moves in the -x axis direction and is positioned at the point shown in FIG. 7a. Then, if you grab the vertical support part (200) located on the right side of FIG. 7b and pull it in the +x axis direction, the vertical support part (200) located on the right side of FIG. 7b moves in the +x axis direction and is positioned at the point shown in FIG. 7a.

[0094] According to the present invention, there is no need to separately manufacture a position detection device (1000) with a different mounting position of the horizontal support member (100) depending on the size of the various openings (11) of the object receiving container (10). Instead, the vertical support member (200) can simply be moved to one side or the other on the horizontal support member (100) to fit the size of the various openings (11) of the object receiving container (10), thus increasing the compatibility of the position detection device (1000) and providing cost-effective advantages.

[0095] Although the vertical support member (200) was described above as including a hanger member (210) and a connecting member (200), the vertical support member (200) may be configured without the hanger member (210).

[0096] In this case, one end of the connecting part (200) may be provided with a hook-shaped loop (refer to the shape of reference numeral 221) that can be hung from a specific point located on the upper side of the horizontal support part (100) (e.g., the entrance (11) of the object receiving container (10)). In this embodiment, one end of the connecting part (220) is connected to the specific point and the other end is connected to the horizontal support part (100), thereby serving to connect the specific point and the horizontal support part (100).

[0097] In addition, in this embodiment, the height of the vertical support member (200) can be extended by configuring the connecting member (200) to be self-adjustable in length.

[0098] More specifically, the connecting part (220) may include a means capable of self-adjusting its length, such as a turnbuckle. As a result, if at least one of the upper screw (221) and the lower screw (222) of the turnbuckle is rotated in one direction, the total length of the connecting part (220) increases (see FIG. 6b), and if at least one of the upper screw (221) and the lower screw (222) of the turnbuckle is rotated in the other direction (opposite to the said one direction), the total length of the connecting part (220) decreases (see FIG. 6a).

[0099] Since the connecting part (220) can be adjusted in length on its own, the height of the vertical support part (200) is extended or shortened according to the adjusted length of the connecting part (220). That is, if at least one of the upper screw (221) and lower screw (222) of the turnbuckle is rotated in one direction to increase the total length of the connecting part (220), the height of the vertical support part (200) is extended, and if at least one of the upper screw (221) and lower screw (222) of the turnbuckle is rotated in the other direction to decrease the total length of the connecting part (220), the height of the vertical support part (200) is shortened.

[0100] Furthermore, the other end of the connecting part (220) may be slidably connected to the horizontal support part (100) so that the vertical support part (200) can be configured to move to one side or the other side on the horizontal support part (100).

[0101] As described above, the other end of the connecting part (220) can be manufactured to wrap around the perimeter of the horizontal support part (100), and accordingly, the connecting part (220) can be slidably connected to the horizontal support part (100).

[0102] In this way, since the connecting part (220) is slidably connected to the horizontal support part (100), there is no need to separately manufacture a position detection device (1000) with a different mounting position of the horizontal support part (100) depending on the size of the various openings (11) of the object receiving container (10), and as a result, the compatibility of the position detection device (1000) is increased and cost-effective advantages are provided.

[0103] Although the present invention has been described by limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible from this description by those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the technical concept of the present invention should be understood only by the claims, and all equivalent or analogous variations thereof shall be considered to fall within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0104] 10: Container for receiving objects 20: Object 100: Horizontal support 110: Fixed part 115: Fixed part through hole 120: Hinge joint 130: Rotating part 135: Rotating part through hole 200: Vertical support 210: Hanger part 215: Hanger part through hole 220: Connection 300: Position sensor unit 400: Elastic cover

Claims

Claim 1 A device for detecting the position of an object, comprising: a horizontal support member positioned horizontally relative to the ground when detecting the position of an object; a vertical support member connected to the horizontal support member, positioned vertically relative to the horizontal support member when detecting the position of the object, and suspended at a specific point located above the horizontal support member; and a position sensor member mounted on the horizontal support member, transmitting a signal toward an object located below the horizontal support member and receiving a signal reflected by the object to detect the position of the object. Claim 2 A position detection device for an object according to claim 1, wherein the position sensor unit comprises: a central position sensor mounted at the center of the horizontal support member; and at least one peripheral position sensor mounted on the horizontal support member, but mounted at a point spaced a certain distance from the center of the horizontal support member. Claim 3 A position detection device for an object according to claim 1, wherein the position sensor unit is mounted on the horizontal support and includes two or more peripheral position sensors mounted at a point spaced a certain distance from the center of the horizontal support. Claim 4 A device for detecting the position of an object according to claim 1, wherein the horizontal support member comprises: a first horizontal support member positioned horizontally with respect to the ground when detecting the position of an object; and a second horizontal support member positioned horizontally with respect to the ground when detecting the position of an object, wherein the central part of the first horizontal support member and the central part of the second horizontal support member are common to each other, the central part position sensor is mounted at the central part of the first horizontal support member and the central part of the second horizontal support member, and the peripheral part position sensor is mounted at two points of the first horizontal support member spaced a certain distance to both sides from the central part of the first horizontal support member, and at two points of the second horizontal support member spaced a certain distance to both sides from the central part of the second horizontal support member, respectively. Claim 5 A device for detecting the position of an object according to claim 1, wherein the horizontal support member comprises: a fixed member fixedly positioned in a horizontal direction relative to the ground; a hinge coupling member fastened to the fixed member; and a rotating member to which the hinge coupling member is fastened and which is hinge-coupled to the fixed member by the hinge coupling member, wherein the rotating member can be positioned in a horizontal direction relative to the ground when detecting the position of the object, and can rotate by a certain angle relative to the fixed member when not detecting the position of the object. Claim 6 A position detection device for an object according to claim 1, characterized in that, while the horizontal support member is positioned horizontally with respect to the ground, the length of the horizontal support member is configured to be extendable or retractable. Claim 7 A position detection device for an object according to claim 5, wherein the rotating part is provided with a plurality of rotating part through holes to which the hinge coupling part can be fastened, and the length of the rotating part is extended or shortened while the rotating part is positioned horizontally with respect to the ground, depending on the position of the rotating part through hole among the plurality of rotating part through holes to which the hinge coupling part is fastened. Claim 8 A position detection device for an object according to claim 5, wherein the fixed part is provided with a plurality of fixed part through holes to which the hinge coupling part can be fastened, and the length of the rotating part is extended or shortened while the rotating part is positioned horizontally with respect to the ground, depending on the position of the fixed part through hole among the plurality of fixed part through holes to which the hinge coupling part is fastened. Claim 9 A position detection device for an object according to claim 1, characterized in that the vertical support member is positioned vertically relative to the horizontal support member, and the height of the vertical support member is configured to be extendable or retractable. Claim 10 A position detection device for an object according to claim 1, wherein the vertical support member comprises: a hanger member suspended at a specific point located above the horizontal support member; and a connecting member connected to the hanger member and the horizontal support member, respectively, and the hanger member is provided with a plurality of hanger member through holes to which the connecting member can be connected, and the height of the vertical support member is extended or reduced depending on the position of the hanger member through hole among the plurality of hanger member through holes to which the connecting member is connected. Claim 11 A position detection device for an object according to claim 1, wherein the vertical support member comprises: a hanger member suspended at a specific point located above the horizontal support member; and a connecting member connected to the hanger member and the horizontal support member, respectively, and connecting the hanger member and the horizontal support member, wherein the connecting member is configured to be self-adjustable in length, and the height of the vertical support member is extended or shortened according to the adjusted length of the connecting member. Claim 12 A position detection device for an object according to claim 1, wherein the vertical support member comprises: a hanger member suspended at a specific point located above the horizontal support member; and a connecting member connected to the hanger member and the horizontal support member, respectively, and connecting the hanger member and the horizontal support member, wherein the connecting member is connected to the horizontal support member so as to be slidably connected, so as to allow the vertical support member to move to one side or the other side on the horizontal support member. Claim 13 A device for detecting the position of an object according to claim 1, wherein the vertical support member is suspended from a specific point located above the horizontal support member and includes a connecting member connecting the specific point and the horizontal support member, wherein the connecting member is configured to be self-adjustable in length and the height of the vertical support member is extended or reduced according to the adjusted length of the connecting member. Claim 14 A position detection device for an object according to claim 1, wherein the vertical support member is suspended from a specific point located above the horizontal support member and includes a connecting member connecting the specific point and the horizontal support member, and the connecting member is slidably connected to the horizontal support member so as to allow the vertical support member to move to one side or the other side on the horizontal support member.

Images