CN111915838A

CN111915838A - Machine tool warning system

Info

Publication number: CN111915838A
Application number: CN201910387769.6A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 黄暐皓
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-05-10
Filing date: 2019-05-10
Publication date: 2020-11-10

Abstract

The invention provides a machine warning system which comprises a starting detection module, a signal receiving module, a processing unit and a warning device. The starting detection module is used for detecting the use state of the machine tool, and when the use state indicates that the machine tool is started, a first signal is generated. The signal receiving module is used for receiving the object position signal. The processing unit is used for receiving the first signal and judging the relative distance of the object according to the object position signal, wherein when the processing unit obtains the first signal and the relative distance of the object is smaller than the default distance, the processing unit generates an alarm signal. The alarm is used for receiving the alarm signal and generating alarm information according to the alarm signal.

Description

Machine tool warning system

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a machine warning system, and more particularly, to a warning system for determining whether an object enters a working range of a machine.

Background

With the increase of the safety and health awareness of workers, the safety of construction sites has been more and more emphasized in recent years. In particular, there are many types of implements at a worksite, and in order to improve worksite safety and avoid personal injury, the implements must be strictly managed during operation. For example, a construction site may have heavy equipment such as a crane and an excavator, and the operation of the heavy equipment requires a corresponding license in addition to driving, and another group of people for field control is required to ensure that all people within the working radius of the heavy equipment are alert due to the fact that the heavy equipment has a lot of view dead corners.

However, in the conventional construction site, since the heavy implement is too noisy when operating, even if the controller finds the person is mistakenly entering in time, the shouting is not easy to be heard by the driver, which may cause an accident. Furthermore, the ability to stand by control personnel around heavy implements to make commands or warnings is also a highly dangerous event for control personnel. When the construction site range is large or a plurality of heavy machines and tools are operated simultaneously, the situation that people cannot be prevented from entering the construction site by mistake in time or the situation that the manpower of control personnel is insufficient can occur. Therefore, there is a need for a new warning system to actively check the position of the personnel around the tool after the tool is started, so as to reduce the manpower requirement of the controller. In addition, when the emergence personnel mistake, warning system also can in time inform the driving, avoids personnel to be injured.

Disclosure of Invention

In view of this, the present invention provides a machine warning system, which can detect whether there is an object worn or carried by a person around a machine when the machine is started, and generate a warning signal when the object is too close to the machine, so as to reduce the chance of injury of the person.

The invention provides a machine warning system, which comprises a starting detection module, a signal receiving module, a processing unit and a warning device. The starting detection module is used for detecting the use state of the machine tool, and when the use state indicates that the machine tool is started, a first signal is generated. The signal receiving module is used for receiving the object position signal. The processing unit is used for receiving the first signal and judging the relative distance of the object according to the object position signal, wherein when the processing unit obtains the first signal and the relative distance of the object is smaller than the default distance, the processing unit generates an alarm signal. The alarm is used for receiving the alarm signal and generating alarm information according to the alarm signal.

In some embodiments, the processing unit may calculate the relative object distance according to the power attenuation degree of the object position signal. Here, the start detection module may be mounted to the implement, and the preset distance may be associated with a working range of the implement. In addition, the warning indicator can be installed on the machine tool, and the warning information can include characters, patterns, light or sound. In addition, the warning message is further used for driving the tool to stop working or limiting the function of the tool.

In some embodiments, the signal receiving module may be configured to receive the object location signal output by a transmitter, wherein the transmitter is installed in the wearable equipment. In addition, the signal receiving module may be configured to receive an object location signal output by the mobile device. In addition, the implement warning system further comprises a warning signal sending unit, and the processing unit further indicates the warning signal sending unit to broadcast the warning signal.

The invention provides another machine tool warning system which comprises an object detection module, a starting detection module, a processing unit and a warning device. The object detection module is used for judging whether the object enters a default area or not so as to selectively generate an object position signal. The starting detection module is used for detecting the use state of the machine tool, and when the use state indicates that the machine tool is started, a first signal is generated. The processing unit is used for receiving the first signal and the object position signal, and when the processing unit obtains the first signal and the object position signal, the processing unit generates an alarm signal. The alarm is used for receiving the alarm signal and generating alarm information according to the alarm signal.

In some embodiments, the object detection module may include a camera for capturing a first image associated with the default region and determining whether an object is present in the first image, thereby selectively generating an object position signal. In addition, the object detection module may at least include an optical detector disposed in the default region or at an edge of the default region to determine whether an object is sensed, and to selectively generate an object position signal.

In summary, the implement warning system provided by the invention can detect whether an object worn or carried by a person exists around the implement when the implement is started. When the object enters a controlled area or the object is too close to the machine, the warning device can generate warning information, and the probability of injury of personnel is reduced. In addition, the machine tool warning system provided by the invention can also broadcast warning signals to the mobile device within a certain range, so that the safety of a construction site is further improved.

Other effects and embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings needed to be used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly described below, it is obvious that the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments described in the present application, and other drawings can be obtained by those skilled in the art without creative efforts.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an implement warning system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of an implement warning system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of an implement warning system according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of an implement warning system according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Description of the symbols

1 machine tool warning system 10 start detection module

12 signal receiving module 14 processing unit

16 warning indicator 2 machines

30 communicator 32 mobile device

34 mobile device 36 management platform

4 machine tool warning system 40 starting detection module

42 signal receiving module 44 processing unit

46 alarm 48 alarm signal transmitting unit

5. Starting detection module for 6-machine warning system 50, 60

52. 62

object detection module

54, 64 processing unit

56. 66 alarm a object

B virtual wall

Detailed Description

The foregoing and other technical matters, features and effects of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings. Directional terms as referred to in the following examples, for example: up, down, left, right, front or rear, etc., are simply directions with reference to the drawings. Accordingly, the directional terminology is used for purposes of illustration and is in no way limiting.

Referring to fig. 1, fig. 1 is a functional block diagram of a tool warning system according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown in fig. 1, the implement warning system 1 may include a start detection module 10, a signal receiving module 12, a processing unit 14, and a warning indicator 16. The activation detection module 10 is used to detect the use status of the implement 2, where the implement 2 may be a crane, an elevator, an excavator, a bulldozer, a roller press, a truck, or a large vehicle that needs to be driven, or the implement 2 may be a heavy machine that is held by a hand, which is not limited herein. In one example, the use state of the implement 2 can be roughly classified into an operating state or a non-operating state, wherein the operating state can be a state in which an engine (or an electric switch) is started or started, and the non-operating state can be a state in which the engine (or the electric switch) is not started or started. Here, if the engine (or switch) of the implement 2 is activated, the activation detection module 10 generates a first signal indicating that the implement 2 is ready to operate or ready to perform.

Taking the implement 2 to be driven as an example, the implement warning system 1 of the present embodiment needs to particularly determine the use state of the implement 2 because the activated implement 2 is highly dangerous, for example, to prepare for driving or hanging heavy objects at any time. On the contrary, the tool 2 that is not activated is less dangerous, for example, the tool 2 has been stopped to a safe position or no personnel may be working on the day, so the tool warning system 1 of the embodiment does not need to particularly judge the use state of the tool 2. In one example, the start detection module 10 may determine whether the implement 2 is ready to work or in a state capable of performing work at any time by detecting whether the power supply of the power switch is turned on, whether the key is inserted, whether the power switch is unlocked, whether the power supply is consumed, whether a person is seated, or the like. In other words, the start detection module 10 may have a corresponding circuit structure for detecting the voltage and current values of the battery in the implement 2, the parameters of the driving computer, or the weight sensing, and the like, which is not limited in this embodiment. As long as the start detection module 10 determines that the implement 2 is ready to work or in a state where it can perform work at any time, the start detection module 10 correspondingly provides a first signal.

In addition, the implement warning system 1 may further check the surrounding safety of the implement 2 through the signal receiving module 12, and the signal receiving module 12 may be installed on the implement 2 and configured to receive the object position signal. In this embodiment, the timing of the signal receiving module 12 receiving the object position signal is not limited, and in one example, the signal receiving module 12 will start receiving the object position signal only when the tool 2 is started. That is, the power source of signal receiving module 12 may be connected to the system power source of implement 2, such that when implement 2 is powered on and activated, signal receiving module 12 may be activated in a sequential manner, such that excessive power consumption by signal receiving module 12 may be reduced. Of course, it is also possible for the signal receiving module 12 to have a battery rather than being connected to the system power supply of the implement 2, so that the object position signal can be received periodically and at any time.

In response to the above, the object position signal received by the signal receiving module 12 may be from the transmitter 30, and the transmitter 30 may be installed in equipment that a person needs to wear. For example, a person entering the construction site must generally wear a reflective vest or a helmet, and the transmitter 30 may be previously fixed in the reflective vest or the helmet so that the transmitter 30 moves along with the person. Of course, the transmitter 30 may be not bulky and may be installed in the identification card, the rubber shoe or the waist pack, which is not limited in this embodiment. In other words, as long as the manager does specify that the person is to wear the equipment provided with the transmitter 30, the position of the transmitter 30 is related to the position of the person, and the object position signal emitted by the transmitter 30 can also be used to indicate the position of the person. The transmitter 30 transmits the target location signal by wireless transmission, for example, the transmitter 30 may transmit the target location signal by bluetooth, WiFi or zigbee, and the present embodiment does not limit the type of wireless technology used by the transmitter 30.

Of course, the object position signal may also come from the mobile device 32 in addition to the transmitter 30 described above. In one example, the administrator may specify that the person must carry with them a mobile device 32 that has a particular application installed, which may be used to drive the mobile device 32 to transmit the object location signal. For example, upon entering the construction site, the specific application may be automatically activated by a person to drive the mobile device 32 to transmit the object location signal. Alternatively, the specific application may be automatically turned on in the background to drive the mobile device 32 to transmit the object location signal after the person enters the construction site with the mobile device 32 through the existing positioning function of the mobile device 32, such as GPS. Alternatively, the specific application may have a timing function, and when the time reaches the working time of the predetermined working day, the specific application will automatically start in the background to drive the mobile device 32 to transmit the object position signal. The present embodiment does not limit how to control the mobile device 32, as long as the mobile device 32 can output the object location signal, which belongs to the scope of the object location signal in the present embodiment. Similarly, the mobile device 32 may also transmit the object location signal using bluetooth, WiFi or zigbee, which is not limited by the embodiment.

When the signal receiving module 12 is mounted on the implement 2, the transmitter 30 or the mobile device 32 is worn or carried by a person, so that the relative position of the implement 2 and the person can be calculated by using the object position signal received by the signal receiving module 12. In other words, the processing unit 14 can receive the first signal and the object position signal, and determine the distance between the tool 2 and the person (the object relative distance) according to the object position signal. In a practical example, when the subject position signal is transmitted using bluetooth technology, the processing unit 14 may analyze the known transmitted power of the subject position signal and the power received by the signal receiving module 12, calculate the degree of power attenuation (e.g., rssi parameter) of the subject position signal, and thereby calculate the subject relative distance, i.e., the distance from the communicator 30 or mobile device 32 worn or carried by the person to the signal receiving module 12 on the implement 2. At this time, if the relative distance of the object is smaller than a default distance (e.g., a regulated safety distance), the processing unit 14 generates an alarm signal. The installation position of the processing unit 14 is not limited in this embodiment, the processing unit 14 may be installed on the tool 2, for example, and the activation detection module 10, the signal receiving module 12 and the processing unit 14 may be integrated into a chip or installed at the same place.

In practice, if the communicator 30 or the mobile device 32 worn or carried by the person is too close to the signal receiving module 12 on the implement 2 and is less than the regulated safety distance, the processing unit 14 may deduce that the person is within the working range of the implement 2 and needs to generate the warning signal. It is worth mentioning that the working range of the implement 2 may vary with the type of implement 2, for example, the working range of the crane may be larger than the working range of the forklift, and the size of the working range is not limited in this embodiment. In addition, the processing unit 14 generates an alarm signal to the alarm 16, and when the alarm 16 receives the alarm signal, generates an alarm message (e.g. alarm) according to the alarm signal. In one example, the alert message may be a text message, such as "people are near! "or" pay attention to the surroundings! For example, the warning information may be a pattern, such as a symbol like a blinking exclamation mark or a triangle, or the warning information may be a blinking light or a sound effect generated by a buzzer, which is not limited herein. For example, the warning device 16 may be mounted near the operator's seat of the implement 2, and when the warning message appears, the operator may be aware of the operation of the implement 2 in time, to take the operator's attention to the safety of surrounding personnel, or to stop further operations.

Of course, in addition to the warning indicator 16 being mounted beside the operator's seat of the implement 2, the warning indicator 16 may also be mounted where the appearance of the implement 2 is visible, allowing people around the implement 2 to quickly know that the implement 2 is performing work, and to generate a warning and evade themselves. Alternatively, the warning indicator 16 may not be provided on the implement 2 but may be installed at a high place of the construction site, at a conspicuous place or on a traffic cone adjacent to the implement 2, and the warning indicator 16 may wirelessly receive the warning signal. When the alarm 16 receives the warning signal, the warning information can be generated according to the warning signal. In addition, the number of the warning devices 16 is not limited in this embodiment, for example, the warning devices 16 may be respectively installed at a plurality of places, and the warning devices 16 may simultaneously or sequentially generate warning information.

However, the warning signal is not necessarily received only by the warning device 16. Referring to fig. 2, fig. 2 is a functional block diagram of an implement warning system according to another embodiment of the invention. As shown in fig. 2, similar to fig. 1, the implement warning system 4 may also include an activation detection module 40, a signal receiving module 42, a processing unit 44, and a warning indicator 46. The activation detection module 40 can also detect the use status of the implement 2 to generate a first signal. The signal receiving module 42 may also receive object location signals from the communicator 30 or the mobile device 32. The processing unit 44 may also receive the first signal and the object position signal, and determine the relative distance of the object according to the object position signal. The processing unit 44 also generates an alert signal when the relative distance of the object is less than a default distance (e.g., a regulated safety distance).

Unlike fig. 1, the processing unit 44 may be electrically connected to the warning signal sending unit 48, and the warning signal sending unit 48 may send the warning signal to the mobile device 34 in a push manner. In one example, mobile device 34 and mobile device 32 may be the same device, such as a cell phone of a person. That is, when the person carries the mobile phone and mistakenly enters the working range of the implement 2, if the implement 2 is working, the mobile phone of the person will vibrate, make a sound, and display warning words or patterns under the control of the warning signal. In a practical example, assuming that the person is paying attention to the mobile phone and does not notice that he has entered the working range of implement 2, processing unit 44 may not only transmit a warning signal to warning indicator 46. Besides the warning is sent by the warning device 46 to remind the driver, the mobile phone of the person can also be directly sent out to warn the person.

In one example, the mobile device 34 and the mobile device 32 may be different devices. For example, when the implement 2 is working and a person carries the mobile device 32 and mistakenly enters the working range of the implement 2, the mobile device 34 of the field controller may receive the warning signal, and the mobile device 34 may vibrate, sound, display warning words or patterns under the control of the warning signal. In other words, as long as the mobile device in the broadcast range of the warning signal sending unit 48 has the corresponding application installed or running, the warning signal sent by the warning signal sending unit 48 can be synchronously received. For example, mobile device 32 and mobile device 34 may receive the alert signal synchronously and generate the alert information. Of course, the present embodiment is not limited to who the holder of mobile device 34 is, and mobile device 34 may be held by a field controller, by another nearby person, or by the driver of implement 2, for example.

Alternatively, the warning signal sending unit 48 may transmit the warning signal to the management platform 36 by wire or wirelessly. In one example, management platform 36 may then forward the alert signal to alert 46 or mobile device 34. In addition, the management platform 36 is not necessarily installed on the construction site, and may be, for example, a remote server or a cloud-based operation system, and the management platform 36 may be configured to record various information, such as the working condition of the implement 2, the moving condition of each mobile device, the attendance or attendance condition of the personnel, or the construction progress, which is not limited herein.

In addition, the machine tool warning system does not need to pass through the signal receiving module, and whether personnel mistakenly enter the working range of the machine tool can be judged. Referring to fig. 3, fig. 3 is a functional block diagram of an implement warning system according to another embodiment of the invention. As shown in fig. 3, similar to fig. 1, implement warning system 5 may also include an activation detection module 50, a processing unit 54, and an alarm 56. The activation detection module 50 can also detect the use status of the implement 2 to generate a first signal. The processing unit 54 may also receive the first signal and the object position signal, and generate an alarm signal according to the first signal and the object position signal. The alarm 56 may also generate an alarm (e.g., an alarm) based on the alert signal when the alert signal is received.

Unlike fig. 1, the implement warning system 5 does not use the signal receiving module to receive the object position signal from the transmitter or the mobile device, but further uses the object detecting module 52 to actively determine whether the object a enters the default area a, so as to selectively generate the object position signal. For practical purposes, in the example shown in fig. 2, the personnel need to wear a safety helmet or reflective vest with a transmitter or carry a mobile device with a specific application program, and the implement warning system can detect the position of the personnel. However, the personnel do not necessarily wear the equipment such as the safety helmet or the reflective vest, or install the specific application in the mobile device, and the object detection module 52 actively detects all the objects in the default area a in order to ensure the safety of the personnel.

For example, the default area a may be an area that needs to be controlled when the implement 2 is operated, and the object detection module 52 may be a camera, for example. The object detection module 52 can capture an image (first image) covering the default area a and analyze whether there is a person or an unexpected obstacle (object a) intruding into the default area a. When the object detection module 52 determines from the image that the object a enters the default area a, an object position signal is generated. At this time, the processing unit 54 assumes that the first signal and the object position signal are received, which means that the implement 2 is working or ready to start working, and the object a invades the default area a to be regulated. The processing unit 54 then generates an alarm signal, and the alarm 56 generates an alarm message according to the alarm signal.

The object detection module 52 is not limited to a camera in this embodiment, for example, the object detection module 52 may also be an optical detector disposed in the default area a or at the edge of the default area a for determining whether the object a is sensed, so as to selectively generate the object position signal. For example, the object detecting module 52 may be disposed in the default area a, and monitor the default area a by using infrared sensing technology. When the infrared ray detected by the object detecting module 52 is interfered, the object detecting module 52 can determine that the object a is sensed, thereby generating an object position signal. Similarly, the processing unit 54 assumes that the first signal and the object position signal are received, meaning that the implement 2 is working or ready to start working, and that there is an intrusion of the object a into the default area a that needs to be regulated. The processing unit 54 then generates an alarm signal, and the alarm 56 generates an alarm message according to the alarm signal. Of course, the present embodiment is not limited to the technology that the object detection module 52 can only sense infrared light, and as long as the object detection module 52 uses an optical detection technology suitable for long-distance monitoring, the scope of the object detection module 52 should be met.

To more specifically demonstrate the usage of the object detection module, please refer to fig. 4, and fig. 4 is a functional block diagram of an implement warning system according to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in fig. 4, similar to fig. 3, the implement warning system 6 may also include a start detection module 60, a processing unit 64, and an alarm 66. The activation detection module 60 can also detect the use status of the implement 2 to generate a first signal. The processing unit 64 can also receive the first signal and the object position signal, and generate an alarm signal according to the first signal and the object position signal. The alarm 66 may also generate an alarm (e.g., an alarm) based on the alert signal when the alert signal is received.

Unlike fig. 3, the implement warning system 6 further includes a plurality of object detection modules 62, and the object detection modules 62 can together construct a virtual wall B. In the example shown in FIG. 4, an object detection module 62 may be installed in a traffic cone common to a construction site. In practice, a plurality of traffic cones are often arranged in a row for marking a control area. However, when the controlled area is too large, it is not easy to monitor whether a person passes through the traffic cone marked area without permission. In the present embodiment, the plurality of object detection modules 62 are utilized to form the virtual wall B together, and in one example, the virtual wall B may be defined as a common detection area of the plurality of object detection modules 62, and may also be regarded as an application example of the default area a shown in fig. 3. In operation, taking the above-mentioned technology of using infrared sensing by the object detection modules 62 as an example, when the infrared rays detected by the adjacent object detection modules 62 are interfered, the adjacent object detection modules 62 can both determine that the object a is sensed, so as to generate the object position signals respectively. Of course, the processing unit 64 may only need one object position signal to determine that there is an object intruding into the virtual wall B, which is not limited herein.

In other words, implement warning system 6 may issue an alert whenever implement 2 is operating with a person unauthorized to traverse virtual wall B, regardless of whether the person is wearing equipment such as a hard hat or a reflective vest as prescribed, and regardless of whether the person is installing the particular application in the mobile device. In this way, the implement warning system 6 of the present embodiment further increases the flexibility of use, and can further ensure the safety of personnel at the construction site. Of course, in the embodiment shown in fig. 3 or fig. 4, the processing unit may be electrically connected to the warning signal sending unit 48 shown in fig. 2, and the warning signal sending unit 48 may send the warning signal to other mobile devices in a push manner, which is not limited herein.

The above-described embodiments and/or implementations are only for illustrating the preferred embodiments and/or implementations of the present technology, and are not intended to limit the implementations of the present technology in any way, and those skilled in the art can make many modifications or changes without departing from the scope of the technology disclosed in the present disclosure, but should be construed as technology or implementations that are substantially the same as the present technology.

Claims

1. An implement alert system, comprising:

the starting detection module is used for detecting a using state of a machine tool and generating a first signal when the using state indicates that the machine tool is started;

a signal receiving module for receiving an object position signal;

a processing unit for receiving the first signal and determining an object relative distance according to the object position signal, wherein when the processing unit obtains the first signal and the object relative distance is less than a preset distance, the processing unit generates an alarm signal; and

and the warning device is used for receiving the warning signal and generating warning information according to the warning signal.

2. The implement warning system of claim 1, wherein the processing unit calculates the relative object distance based on a power attenuation level of the object position signal.

3. The implement warning system of claim 2, wherein the activation detection module is mounted to the implement, and the predetermined distance is associated with a working range of the implement.

4. The implement warning system of claim 3, wherein the warning indicator is mounted to the implement and the warning message comprises text, graphics, light, or sound.

5. The implement warning system of claim 4, wherein the warning message is further configured to activate the implement to stop operating or limit a function of the implement.

6. The implement warning system of claim 1, wherein the signal receiving module is configured to receive the object location signal from a transmitter, the transmitter being disposed in a wearable device.

7. The implement warning system of claim 1, wherein the signal receiving module is configured to receive the object position signal output by a mobile device.

8. The implement warning system of claim 1, further comprising a warning signal sending unit, wherein the processing unit further instructs the warning signal sending unit to broadcast the warning signal.

9. An implement alert system, comprising:

the object detection module is used for judging whether an object enters a default area or not so as to selectively generate an object position signal;

a processing unit for receiving the first signal and the object position signal, wherein the processing unit generates an alarm signal when the processing unit obtains the first signal and the object position signal; and

10. The implement warning system of claim 9, wherein the object detection module comprises a camera for capturing a first image associated with the default area and determining whether the object is present in the first image to selectively generate the object position signal.

11. The implement warning system of claim 9, wherein the object detection module comprises an optical detector disposed in the default area or at an edge of the default area for determining whether the object is sensed to selectively generate the object position signal.

12. The implement warning system of claim 9, wherein the warning indicator is mounted to the implement and the warning message comprises text, graphics, light, or sound.

13. The implement warning system of claim 12, wherein the warning message is further configured to activate the implement to stop operating or limit a function of the implement.

14. The implement warning system of claim 9, wherein the processing unit further instructs a warning signal transmitting unit to broadcast the warning signal.