JP2020200164A - Mesh belt inspection apparatus and mesh belt inspection method - Google Patents

Abstract

To install a mesh belt inspection apparatus without having a structural influence on production equipment using a mesh belt.SOLUTION: A mesh belt inspection apparatus 21 is an apparatus for inspecting a mesh belt 4 fitted to execute circulation movement in an endless state during movement of the mesh belt 4, and includes: a camera 22 installed on one face side of the mesh belt 4 and imaging the mesh belt 4; a light source device 24 for inspection installed on the other face side or one face side of the mesh belt 4 and emitting light toward the mesh belt 4; an image processing section 26 processing image of image data 25 of the mesh belt 4 imaged by the camera 22; and a breakage detection section 28 detecting a breakage state of the mesh belt 4 using image processing data 27 of the mesh belt 4 image-processed by the image processing section 26.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a mesh belt inspection apparatus and a mesh belt inspection method.

Some production facilities installed in factories and the like automatically transport workpieces using a transport means such as a belt conveyor.

For example, in a production facility such as a continuous firing facility in which a work is passed through a firing furnace to be fired, heat can be efficiently transferred to the work in the firing furnace to the belt of a belt conveyor that carries the work into the firing furnace. A mesh belt is used for (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this case, a mesh belt for heat treatment transfer is used so as to withstand the firing temperature of the firing furnace.

JP-A-2018-30723

Since the mesh belt for heat treatment transfer is heated to a high temperature by passing through the inside of the firing furnace, for example, it is liable to be deformed or damaged such as elongation. Deformation and damage such as elongation can also occur in general mesh belts other than those for heat treatment transfer.
The worker decides when to replace the mesh belt by looking at the deformation and damage of the mesh belt, but the judgment varies from person to person, and the worker may not be able to grasp all the damaged parts. In some cases, the mesh belt broke during the operation of the production equipment.

Therefore, in Patent Document 1, a tension roller or the like is provided in the passage path of the mesh belt, and tension is applied to the mesh belt by the tension roller, so that the elongation of the mesh belt is detected by using mechanical means. I have to.

However, in order to provide a means for detecting mechanical elongation such as a tension roller, the structure of the production equipment and the passage path of the mesh belt in the belt conveyor must be changed at least partially, which is a major repair. Construction is required.

Therefore, the main object of the present invention is to contribute to the improvement of the above-mentioned problems.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention
A mesh belt inspection device that inspects a mesh belt that has an endless shape and is installed so that it can move around, while the mesh belt is moving.
A camera installed on one side of the mesh belt to shoot the mesh belt,
An image processing unit that processes image data of the mesh belt taken by the camera, and an image processing unit.
It is characterized in that it includes a damage detection unit that detects a breakage state of the mesh belt by using the image processing data of the mesh belt image-processed by the image processing unit.

According to the present invention, the above configuration makes it possible to install a mesh belt inspection device without structurally affecting the production equipment in which the mesh belt is used.

(A) is a side view of the mesh belt inspection device according to the embodiment, and (b) is a perspective view of (a). It is a top view of the mesh belt of FIG. It is a block diagram of the mesh belt inspection apparatus. (A) is a side view of the mesh belt inspection device according to another embodiment, and (b) is a perspective view of (a). It is a perspective view which shows the arrangement of a camera and a light source device for inspection with respect to a mesh belt, (a) is the case of transmitted illumination, and (b) is the case of epi-illumination. It is a block diagram of an image processing part. It is a block diagram of the damage detection part. It is a figure which shows the position index, (a) is the figure which shows the attachment state of the position index to a mesh belt, (b) is the figure which shows the clip as a position index. It is a figure which shows the detection of the internal tear of a mesh belt, (a) is a plan view of a mesh belt, (b) is a figure which shows the method of determining the internal break. It is a figure which shows the detection of the edge breakage of a mesh belt, (a) is a plan view which shows the state of the end part of a mesh belt, (b) is the figure which shows the method of determining the edge breakage. It is a figure which shows the meandering detection of a mesh belt, (a) is a plan view which shows the state without meandering, (b) is the figure which shows the state with meandering. It is a block diagram of the elongation detection part. It is a block diagram of the internal tear detection part. It is a block diagram of the edge tear detection part. It is a block diagram of the meandering detection part. It is a perspective view which shows the mesh belt inspection apparatus which has a moving body. It is a block diagram of the mesh belt management part. It is a graph which shows an example of the method of predicting the life of a mesh belt. It is a graph which shows another example of how to predict the life of a mesh belt.

Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
1 to 19 are for explaining this embodiment.

<Structure> The configuration of this embodiment will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 1, a transport means such as a belt conveyor 2 is provided in a production facility 1 installed in a factory or the like so that the work is automatically transported by the belt conveyor 2.

For example, the production facility 1 may be a continuous firing facility for firing a work through a firing furnace 3. In the continuous firing facility, a mesh belt 4 is used for the belt (conveyor belt) of the belt conveyor 2 that carries the work into the firing furnace 3 so that heat can be efficiently transferred to the work. The mesh belt 4 is for heat treatment transfer. The mesh belt 4 for heat treatment transfer is formed of a heat-resistant material or the like. The production equipment 1 may be other than the continuous firing equipment, and the mesh belt 4 may be used for general purposes.

Here, the conveyor belt is an endless strip-shaped body for transporting a work. As shown in FIG. 2, the mesh belt 4 is a conveyor belt made of a mesh (wire mesh) and has a large number of meshes 5. The mesh belt 4 is formed, for example, by entwining a plurality of spiral wire rods 6 and connecting them with a force aggregate 7. However, the structure of the mesh belt 4 is not limited to the above. The spiral wire rod 6 and the force aggregate 7 are assumed to extend in the width direction 8 of the mesh belt 4 and are connected in the longitudinal direction 9 of the mesh belt 4.

As shown in FIG. 1, the mesh belt 4 is, for example, bridged between a plurality of (at least two) rollers 11 to 15 or sprockets installed at intervals and substantially parallel to each other. Then, at least one of the plurality of rollers 11 to 15 or the sprocket (for example, the roller 12) is used as the driving side (driving wheel), and the rest is used as the driven side (driving wheel). By rotationally driving, the mesh belt 4 can be moved around. Many of the mesh belts 4 used in the production equipment 1 are long, and depending on the production equipment 1, it takes, for example, several hours to ten hours for the mesh belt 4 to go around. There are also things.

In the mesh belt 4, the portion that moves in the direction of transporting the work (conveyance direction 16) is the transport portion 17, and the portion that moves in the direction opposite to the transport direction 16 (return direction 18) is the return portion 19. Normally, the transport portion 17 is located on the upper side (ascending portion), and the return portion 19 is located on the lower side (descending portion). At least a portion of the transport unit 17 that actually transports the work has a surface (upper surface) on which the work can be placed. The work is placed on the upper surface (transport surface) of the transport unit 17 directly or via a tray or the like, and is transported.

The transport portion 17 of the mesh belt 4 can be extended in a state where the transport direction 16 is substantially horizontal (horizontal arrangement), or can be extended in a state where the transport direction 16 is slightly inclined with respect to the horizontal (inclined arrangement). .. In the case of the continuous firing facility, the firing furnace 3 is provided in a size that covers most of the transport direction 16 of the transport unit 17. The firing furnace 3 is provided, for example, over a range of about 70% of the transport unit 17. The configuration of the production facility 1 is not limited to the above.

In contrast to the above basic configuration, in this embodiment, the following configuration can be provided.

(1) As shown in FIG. 3, a mesh belt inspection device 21 is provided to inspect the mesh belt 4 which has an endless shape and is installed so as to be rotatable around the mesh belt 4 while the mesh belt 4 is moving.
This mesh belt inspection device 21
A camera 22 installed on one side of the mesh belt 4 to shoot the mesh belt 4 and
An image processing unit 26 that performs image processing on the image data 25 of the mesh belt 4 taken by the camera 22 and
Using the image processing data 27 of the mesh belt 4 image-processed by the image processing unit 26, the damage detection unit 28 (or the mesh belt diagnosis unit) that detects the damage status of the mesh belt 4 (or diagnoses the mesh belt 4) To be equipped with.

It is preferable to install an inspection light source device 24 that emits light toward the mesh belt 4 on the other surface side or the one surface side of the mesh belt 4.

Here, the mesh belt inspection device 21 is in real time (in-line) in the line without stopping the movement of the mesh belt 4 when the mesh belt 4 is moving (when the production equipment 1 is operating). It is a device that enables inspection. The timing of inspection of the mesh belt 4 by the mesh belt inspection device 21 can be arbitrary. For example, the mesh belt inspection device 21 may continuously perform inspections while the mesh belt 4 is moving, and may, for example, perform daily, weekly, monthly, or other inspection cycles. It is also possible to decide and have the inspection performed regularly. Alternatively, the inspection may be performed irregularly (or at any time) while observing the operating state of the production equipment 1.

The one side and the other side of the mesh belt 4 are relative to each other, and either the front surface or the back surface (or the upper surface and the lower surface) of the mesh belt 4 is the one surface side, and the opposite side is the other surface side. Just do it. For example, one side may be the upper surface side (of the transport portion 17 or the return portion 19) and the other side may be the lower surface side (of the transport portion 17 or the return portion 19).

The installation position of the mesh belt inspection device 21 with respect to the production facility 1 or the belt conveyor 2 may be any place as long as the mesh belt inspection device 21 can be installed on the mesh belt 4 without any trouble, and the transport portion 17 of the mesh belt 4 or the transport portion 17 or Either of the return portions 19 may be used.

For example, in the case of the mesh belt 4 for heat treatment transfer, it can be installed at the position of the return portion 19 where the temperature is relatively low and the installation space can be easily secured. In FIG. 1, the mesh belt inspection device 21 is installed at a position within the range 31 from the roller 14 to the roller 15 located on the upstream side and the downstream side of the return portion 19. Further, in the case of another embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the installation position of the mesh belt inspection device 21 is set to the position on the upstream side of the transport unit 17 (on the right side in the figure, for example, around the roller 11) or the transport unit. Either of the positions on the downstream side of 17 (on the left side in the figure, for example, around the roller 12). The mesh belt inspection device 21 is preferably installed on either the transport unit 17 or the return unit 19 so that both the transport unit 17 and the return unit 19 do not straddle at the same time.

The camera 22 is an imaging device (or imaging unit) for photographing the mesh belt 4. It is preferable to use a camera 22 having sensitivity to the wavelength of light of the inspection light source device 24 described above. The camera 22 is installed on the mesh belt 4 so that the position where the light source device 24 for inspection irradiates the mesh belt 4 or the periphery thereof can be photographed.

It is preferable to install one or more cameras 22 so as to obtain a shooting range over the entire width direction 8 of the mesh belt 4. The camera 22 and the inspection light source device 24 may be installed so as to face each other at substantially the same positions with respect to the longitudinal direction 9 of the mesh belt 4 (FIG. 1), or within a range in which the light irradiation position can be photographed. The mesh belt 4 may be arranged at a position slightly displaced in the longitudinal direction 9 (FIG. 4).

The camera 22 may be any camera such as a film camera or a digital camera as long as it can shoot the mesh belt 4, but it is preferable to use a digital camera so that the image data 25 can be used almost at the same time as the shooting. .. The digital camera can be, for example, an image sensor such as a CCD or CMOS, a lens, a signal processing circuit, or the like. The camera 22 can be a color camera, a black-and-white camera, or the like, but basically a black-and-white camera is sufficient.

The camera 22 may capture a part of the width direction 8 of the mesh belt 4, or may capture the entire width of the mesh belt 4 or the entire width direction 8, but the mesh belt 4 may be captured. It is most preferable to be able to photograph the entire width direction 8 of the mesh belt 4 in order to diagnose the entire width direction 8 of the mesh belt 4 and improve the reliability of the inspection. The entire width direction 8 of the mesh belt 4 is the total width (total width range) along the width direction 8, and the entire width of the mesh belt 4 includes meshes other than those along the width direction 8. The full width of the belt 4.

Therefore, the arrangement and the number of cameras 22 are set according to the width dimension of the mesh belt 4. In this case, the camera 22 takes a state in which the optical axis of the lens is oriented substantially in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the mesh belt 4, and the interval substantially matches the shooting range of the camera 22 (interval or shooting in which the shooting ranges are continuous without overlapping). The required number of units are arranged side by side in the width direction 8 of the mesh belt 4 with an interval (interval where the ranges slightly overlap) (2 units are shown in the figure, but 1 unit or 3 or more units may be used). .. As a result, it becomes possible to take a continuous image with the camera 22 over the entire width direction 8 of the mesh belt 4 (further, inspect the entire width direction).

As will be described later, when the inspection light source device 24 is arranged in a direction other than the width direction 8 of the mesh belt 4, the camera 22 is also installed substantially along the extension direction of the inspection light source device 24. Is preferable. Further, when the mesh belt 4 cannot secure a space for inspecting the entire width at one time, the inspection light source device 24 and the camera 22 are divided into parts of the mesh belt 4 in the width direction 8 and different in the longitudinal direction 9. It is also structurally possible to provide it at a position.

When the mesh belt 4 is for heat treatment transfer, it is preferable that the camera 22 and the inspection light source device 24 are installed away from the surface of the mesh belt 4 by a distance not affected by heat from the mesh belt 4.
The camera 22 may be provided with heat-resistant means (or heat-shielding means), if necessary.

Here, the heat-resistant means is for protecting the camera 22, which is relatively sensitive to heat, from the heat generated by the firing furnace 3, the mesh belt 4, and the like. The heat-resistant means is not particularly necessary when the mesh belt 4 is for general use, but is more necessary when the mesh belt 4 for heat treatment transfer is used. In the case of the mesh belt 4 for heat treatment transfer, as described above, it is most preferable to install the camera 22 at a distance not affected by heat from the mesh belt 4, but it is necessary to prevent the influence of heat. When it is not possible to secure a sufficient distance due to the distance becoming too large, when the camera 22 is to be installed as close to the mesh belt 4 as possible in relation to the shooting range of the camera 22, or when the protection of the camera 22 is prioritized. In any of these cases, it is preferable to provide heat-resistant means as needed.

The heat-resistant means can be, for example, an air cooling device, a water cooling device (or a liquid cooling device), a heat insulating container, or the like.

The inspection light source device 24 may also be provided with heat-resistant means similar to that of the camera 22.

The image (image data 25) captured by the camera 22 can be one or both of a moving image and a still image. In the case of making a still image, for example, it is preferable to take pictures intermittently (time-lapse) every time the mesh belt 4 moves by the shooting range of the camera 22 so that continuous data can be obtained. The still image may be taken so that some data are duplicated. The time-lapse image is taken for at least one round of the mesh belt 4 or more. As a result, it is possible to obtain a continuous image of the entire circumference (whole circumference) of the mesh belt 4 (further, inspect the entire width).

Further, when shooting a moving image, the mesh belt 4 is continuously shot for at least one round or more. All or part of the image data 25 such as a moving image or a still image can be recorded in the image processing unit 26, the damage detection unit 28, or other storage device, if necessary. In this embodiment, at least one round of a still image is recorded so that it can be referred to at any time. The image processing unit 26, the damage detection unit 28, and the like are provided with a storage unit 32 (FIG. 6 and the like) for storing the image data 25 and the like as needed.

The inspection light source device 24 is supposed to emit light toward at least a part of the mesh belt 4. As shown in FIG. 5A, the inspection light source device 24 may be installed on the side opposite to the camera 22 with the mesh belt 4 interposed therebetween (transmitted illumination), or shown in FIG. 5B. As described above, the mesh belt 4 may be installed on the same side as the camera 22 (epi-illumination). This makes it possible to easily inspect at least a part (the part exposed to light) of the mesh belt 4.

If the mesh belt 4 is sufficiently bright in the production facility 1, or if the camera 22, the image processing unit 26, the damage detection unit 28, etc. of the mesh belt inspection device 21 have high performance, the inspection is performed. Although it is structurally possible to eliminate the need for the light source device 24 for inspection, the light source device 24 for inspection is provided in order to perform shooting with the camera 22, image processing, damage detection, etc. more accurately without any trouble. , It is preferable to stabilize and stabilize the amount of shooting light.

Preferably, the inspection light source device 24 has a light emitting unit (or a light source) capable of illuminating the entire width of the mesh belt 4 or the entire width direction 8 at a time.

In the inspection light source device 24, it is preferable that the light emitting portion extends linearly in the width direction 8 of the mesh belt 4. The reason why it is preferable to extend the inspection light source device 24 linearly in the width direction 8 of the mesh belt 4 is that the inspection light source device 24 is made simpler and smaller, and the inspection light source device 24 is installed on the mesh belt 4. This is because it is advantageous for making the space smaller. Further, it becomes easy to evenly illuminate the mesh belt 4 along the direction of the mesh 5.

Then, it is preferable that the light source device 24 for inspection is installed so that the light emitting portion is slightly longer than the width dimension of the mesh belt 4 and protrudes from the width end portion 4a of the mesh belt 4. The reason why it is good to make the light emitting portion of the inspection light source device 24 slightly longer than the width dimension of the mesh belt 4 to make it stick out is the part that sticks out from the mesh belt 4 when inspecting the damage of the mesh belt 4. This is because can be used as a standard for inspection. The installation direction and length of the inspection light source device 24 are not limited to the above.

The inspection light source device 24 preferably has a light emitting unit that generates uniform light (for example, light in the visible range) with no unevenness in brightness. For the inspection light source device 24, for example, a linear illuminant such as a fluorescent lamp or a fluorescent lamp type LED, a planar illuminant such as an inorganic EL sheet or an organic EL panel, or another illuminant may be used. it can. A plurality of linear light emitters such as a fluorescent lamp and a fluorescent lamp type LED may be installed in parallel to secure a light emitting area similar to that of the planar light emitter.

The type of the inspection light source device 24 is not limited to the above. For example, a point light source such as an LED may be arranged linearly or planarly. Further, the inspection light source device 24 may be configured so that one long device covers the entire width of the mesh belt 4, or a plurality of short devices may be connected to cover the entire width of the mesh belt 4. It may be configured as.

Further, a diffuser plate 33 (FIG. 5) for diffusing and homogenizing the light from the inspection light source device 24 may be installed on the mesh belt 4 side of the inspection light source device 24. By interposing the diffuser plate 33 between the inspection light source device 24 and the mesh belt 4, a heat shielding effect on the inspection light source device 24 can be expected.

The image processing unit 26 captures an image (image data 25) of the mesh belt 4 taken by the camera 22 and performs image processing.

Therefore, for example, in the image processing unit 26, as shown in FIG. 6, the image acquisition unit 26a captures the image data 25 of the mesh belt 4 taken by the camera 22 (image capture processing) and binarizes the data. The image data 25 is converted into black and white binary image processing data 27 by image processing using a required threshold value (binarization processing), and the data output unit 26c converts the image processing data 27 into a damage detection unit. It may be configured to output to 28 (output processing).

In the black-and-white binary image processing data 27, in the case of transmitted illumination, the black portion represents the spiral wire rod 6 and the force aggregate 7 of the mesh belt 4, and the white portion represents the mesh 5 of the mesh belt 4. Become. In the case of epi-illumination, the relationship between white and black is reversed. As the threshold value, a required black-and-white conversion threshold value is used. The image processing may be performed by a method other than the above.

An information processing device such as a computer on which image recognition software is installed can be used for the image processing unit 26. As the image recognition software, one equipped with AI (artificial intelligence) technology can be used. The AI is equipped with an AI engine that has been trained with optimal teacher data. The image processing unit 26 may perform image processing by AI. The image recognition software can be provided to the outside via a storage medium such as a memory or a disk, a storage device such as an HDD or an SSD, or a network. The image data 25 can be input to the image processing unit 26 by wire or wirelessly.

The damage detection unit 28 uses, for example, a (white or black) portion representing the mesh 5 of the mesh belt 4 or a (black or white) portion representing the mesh belt 4 in the black-and-white binary image processing data 27. The damage state of the mesh belt 4 is detected. An information processing device such as a computer on which image analysis software is installed can be used for the damage detection unit 28. As the image analysis software, one equipped with AI (artificial intelligence) technology can be used. The AI is equipped with an AI engine that has been trained with optimal teacher data. The damage detection may be performed by AI. The image analysis software can be provided to the outside via a storage medium such as a memory or a disk, a storage device such as an HDD or an SSD, or a network. The image processing data 27 can be input to the damage detection unit 28 by wire or wirelessly.

The image processing unit 26 and the damage detection unit 28 can be configured by the same information processing device (one computer) or can be configured by different information processing devices (a plurality of computers). .. In this embodiment, the image processing unit 26 and the damage detection unit 28 are provided separately, and the image processing and the damage detection processing are performed separately, thereby reducing the processing load, improving the processing efficiency, and speeding up the processing. I try to do things like that. Each information processing device may be provided with a display device 34 (display), an input device 35 (keyboard, mouse, etc.), a storage device, and the like, as needed, in addition to an information processing unit such as a CPU and an MPU. (Fig. 3).

(2) As shown in FIG. 7, the damage detection unit 28 is
An elongation detection unit 42 that detects the elongation 41 (FIG. 8) of the mesh belt 4 and
An internal tear detection unit 44 that detects a tear 43 (or an internal tear 43, FIG. 9) of the inner portion (or central portion, etc.) of the mesh belt 4 and
An edge tear detection unit 46 that detects a tear 45 (or end tear 45, FIG. 10) of the width end portion 4a of the mesh belt 4 and
It may be provided with at least one with a meandering detection unit 48 for detecting the meandering 47 (FIG. 11) of the mesh belt 4. Most preferably, these include all, but at least one may be included. When two or more are combined, the combination can be arbitrary.

Here, in addition to the above, the damage detection unit 28 may include an input unit 28a for inputting image processing data 27 from the image processing unit 26, an output unit 28b for outputting the result of damage detection, and the like. .. In the breakage detection unit 28, the elongation detection unit 42 detects the elongation 41 of the mesh belt 4, the internal tear detection unit 44 detects the internal tear 43 of the mesh belt 4, and the end tear detection unit 46 detects the end break of the mesh belt 4. The detection of the 45 and the detection of the meandering 47 of the mesh belt 4 by the meandering detecting unit 48 are performed by appropriately deciding the order among the provided ones. Further, when a plurality of cameras 22 are provided, for example, each of the above detections is performed in order for each camera 22. It is preferable to set a reference image in advance for each of the above-mentioned inspections so that the photographed image can be compared with the reference image.

As shown in FIG. 8, the elongation 41 of the mesh belt 4 means that the mesh belt 4 extends in the longitudinal direction 9 or the peripheral length of the mesh belt 4 becomes longer. When the mesh belt 4 is stretched, pulsation and meandering 47 occur in the mesh belt 4, which is not preferable for the production facility 1. If the mesh belt 4 is stretched 41, the mesh belt 4 is appropriately trimmed or repaired. The elongation detection unit 42 will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 9, the inner portion of the mesh belt 4 is an inner portion (inner surface portion) of the mesh belt 4 in the width direction 8 excluding the width end portion 4a. It is preferable to inspect the entire inner portion of the mesh belt 4, but if it is difficult due to the situation of the production equipment 1, only a part of the inner portion may be inspected. The internal tear detection unit 44 will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 10, the width end portion 4a of the mesh belt 4 is the end portion of the mesh belt 4 in the width direction 8 or the side edge portion of the mesh belt 4. The width end portion 4a may be either one end portion or both end portions. The edge breakage detection unit 46 will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 11, the meandering 47 of the mesh belt 4 means that the mesh belt 4 does not advance straight in the longitudinal direction 9, but advances in a winding or undulating state. If the mesh belt 4 meanders 47, for example, the mesh belt 4 interferes with the components of the production equipment 1 and damages each other, which is not preferable. The components of the production facility 1 in which the mesh belt 4 interferes include, for example, a guide rail provided for guiding the movement of the mesh belt 4 to a transport means such as a belt conveyor 2, and firing in the case of a continuous firing facility. There are a furnace 3 and a heating device provided in the firing furnace 3.

The meandering 47 is also generated by the elongation 41 of the mesh belt 4, but is also generated by, for example, uneven wear of the rollers 11 to 15 and the sprocket. Since the mesh belt 4 has a long overall length, slight elongation of the mesh belt 4 and deviation due to slight uneven wear of the rollers 11 to 15 and the sprocket are likely to increase, which leads to a large meandering 47. That is, the meandering 47 is a phenomenon that is difficult for the mesh belt 4 to completely eliminate. The meandering detection unit 48 will be described later.

In addition to the above-mentioned inspection function for the damage state of the mesh belt 4, the mesh belt inspection device 21 can be provided with a weight detection function for the mesh belt 4 and other functions.

Among the above-mentioned breakages of the mesh belt 4, for example, the deformation of the mesh belt 4 such as the elongation 41 is caused by the elongation or deformation of the spiral wire 6 or the like. Further, for example, a tear (inner tear 43, end tear 45) such as a hole in the mesh belt 4 is caused by a disconnection of the spiral wire 6 or the like. Deformation of the mesh belt 4 such as elongation 41 and tearing such as holes are preferably repaired by cutting off the mesh belt 4 as soon as it is found (by the mesh belt inspection device 21 or visual inspection) (small-scale maintenance). .. This type of repair is a relatively simple task.

Then, if necessary, the damage detection unit 28 is provided with an alarm device for the extension 41 of the mesh belt 4, holes, or other damage, and the alarm device is used to issue an alarm to notify the user. good. The alarm can be given in multiple stages, for example, no abnormality, caution, warning, and the like. For example, when the mesh belt 4 has no stretch 41 or holes, it is set as "no abnormality", and when a small stretch 41 or holes (to the extent that there is no problem) is found, it is set as "caution", and the stretch 41 or holes are set. When it becomes large (to the extent that it causes trouble), it is called a "warning". Then, for example, "warning" is treated as the timing of repair. The alarm can be given by at least one of light and sound. For the alarm by light, for example, the display screen of the display device 34 of the information processing device (computer) used for the image processing unit 26, the damage detection unit 28, or other purposes, the patrol light (registered trademark), or the like is used as the alarm device. It can be done by using. As the patrol light, a dedicated one may be provided in the mesh belt inspection device 21, or one provided in the production facility 1 may be used.

At this time, by color-coding the alarm by light according to the stage, it is possible to sensuously notify (notify) the degree of hole hole, the degree of elongation, the time of repair, and the like of the mesh belt 4. For example, the color coding can be made easier to understand by setting "no abnormality" to blue, "caution" to yellow, and "warning" to red, as in the case of traffic lights. As a result, it is possible to prepare for repair when the "caution" alarm is issued, and to actually perform the repair when the "warning" alarm is issued.

The sound alarm can be, for example, a buzzer sound, a beep sound, a siren, or the like as an alarm sound, and should be sounded at least in the "warning" state. Of course, even in the "attention" state, a soft alarm sound corresponding to the alarm sound may be sounded.

However, the alarm device is not indispensable, and even if an alarm device is provided, the mesh belt inspection device 21 can be used with the alarm (alarm) turned off by enabling the on / off setting. become.

In addition, when the mesh belt 4 is completely stretched and a large hole is formed in a state where it is no longer possible to repair damage such as the stretch 41 or a hole due to truncation or the like, the mesh belt It will be the final life of 4. Then, when the mesh belt 4 has reached the end of its useful life, it is time to completely replace the mesh belt 4. For example, the mesh belt 4 for heat treatment transfer has a life of about half a year to one year. All replacement of the mesh belt 4 is a relatively large-scale and difficult task (large-scale maintenance).

(3) The elongation detecting unit 42 recognizes the position index 51 (FIG. 8) in the circumferential direction provided on the mesh belt 4, and the mesh belt 4 is the passing time from the position index 51 to the passage of the next position index 51. The elongation 41 of the above may be determined.

Here, the position index 51 in the circumferential direction is not provided on the normal mesh belt 4. In this embodiment, the position index 51 is provided for the mesh belt 4 for the stretch detection unit 42 of the mesh belt inspection device 21. The position index 51 in the circumferential direction may be provided at one or a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction.

When the position index 51 in the circumferential direction is provided at only one place in the circumferential direction, the mesh belt 4 makes one round when the next position index 51 passes through. This makes it possible to detect the elongation 41 of the peripheral length of the mesh belt 4.

Further, when a plurality of position indexes 51 in the circumferential direction are provided in the circumferential direction, the next position index can be provided by regularly providing them at predetermined fixed intervals (set intervals) (for example, every 1 m). When the 51 passes, the mesh belt 4 is advanced by the interval. This makes it possible to finely detect the state of the elongation 41 of each part at regular intervals of the mesh belt 4.

If the image processing unit 26, the damage detection unit 28 (elongation detection unit 42), and the like are made to store the intervals between the position indexes 51 in advance, the position indexes 51 at a plurality of locations are provided at different intervals. Even so, it is possible to determine the elongation 41 according to the interval.

It is preferable that the position index 51 in the circumferential direction can be easily provided on the existing mesh belt 4 or the new mesh belt 4, is difficult to remove, and does not affect the production of the product. The position index 51 can be provided, for example, by attaching a small piece such as a clip 51a, a plate 51b, or a wedge as a mark to the mesh belt 4 (FIG. 8). The clip 51a can be, for example, a U-shaped clip having barbs at both ends. These marks are preferably made of metal or the like so as to withstand heat.

Further, the position index 51 in the circumferential direction can be provided, for example, by partially coloring the mesh belt 4 (colored portion). For example, in the case of a continuous firing facility, the color of the mesh belt 4 gradually turns black due to repeated heating, so by directly applying a heat-resistant paint or the like that is easily distinguishable from black or the like to the mesh belt 4. A colored portion (heat-resistant light-colored portion) can be formed. For the paint having such heat resistance, for example, a colored ultra-high temperature mold release agent such as white can be used.

When the position index 51 in the circumferential direction is used as the colored portion, the color can be identified by a black-and-white camera, a color sensor or the like for directly detecting the color of the colored portion is separately provided, or the position. The camera 22 that captures the index 51 may be changed to a color camera so that the position index 51 can be identified by color.

Further, the marks by small pieces such as the clip 51a, the plate 51b, and the wedge, which serve as the position index 51, or the colored portion can be correctly recognized by the image processing unit 26 or the damage detecting unit 28 (elongation detecting unit 42). The shape, color, and the like may be registered and stored in advance.

The mesh belt 4 is generally moved by a production facility 1 (or a control device that controls the production facility 1) at a substantially constant moving speed determined according to a production amount or the like during operation. .. For example, when the production amount is large, the moving speed of the mesh belt 4 is set high, and when the production amount is small, the moving speed of the mesh belt 4 is set slow. Therefore, the moving speed can be used as a known value by making it possible to take in necessary production information such as speed information from the production equipment 1 or the control device.

Therefore, by measuring the passing time from the position index 51 to the next position index 51, the current length of the portion of the mesh belt 4 can be determined by using the passing time of the position index 51 and the moving speed of the mesh belt 4. Can be calculated. Then, the elongation 41 of the mesh belt 4 can be easily obtained by comparing the current length of the mesh belt 4 with the reference length (the initial length of the mesh belt 4 and the set interval between the position indexes 51). Can be done.

Then, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, in the elongation detection unit 42, the index detection unit 42a detects the passage of the position index 51 (index detection processing), and the speed acquisition unit 42b determines the moving speed of the mesh belt 4. Acquired from the outside (production equipment 1 etc.) (speed acquisition processing), the passing time measuring unit 42c measures the passing time of the position index 51 (passing time measuring processing), and the length calculation unit 42d performs the position index 51. The current length of the mesh belt 4 is obtained from the passing time of the mesh belt 4 and the moving speed of the mesh belt 4 (length calculation processing), and the comparison unit 42e determines the mesh belt from the current length of the mesh belt 4 and the reference length. The elongation amount of 4 is obtained (comparison processing), and if the elongation amount of the mesh belt 4 is within the allowable range, the elongation determination unit 42f determines that there is no elongation, and the elongation amount of the mesh belt 4 exceeds the allowable range. If so, it can be configured to determine "with elongation" (elongation determination processing). When the above-mentioned alarm device is provided, for example, when the amount of elongation 41 is smaller than the set value set for alarm, "Caution" is given, and when the amount of elongation 41 becomes larger than the set value set for alarm. Can be made to be a "warning". However, the method of detecting the elongation 41 of the mesh belt 4 is not limited to the above. The permissible range is appropriately determined depending on the structure of the mesh belt 4 and the conditions of the production equipment 1.

(4) The internal tear detection unit 44 recognizes the mesh 5 of the mesh belt 4, and the shape or area of the recognized mesh 5 is different from the shape or area of one mesh 5 as shown in FIG. In the case (including a large one or a small one), it may be determined that the mesh belt 4 has an internal tear 43.

Here, in the case of transmitted illumination, it is preferable that the internal tear detecting unit 44 recognizes the mesh 5 of the mesh belt 4 by the light from the inspection light source device 24 that has passed through the mesh 5 of the mesh belt 4. Further, in the case of epi-illumination, it is preferable that the mesh 5 of the mesh belt 4 is recognized by the light from the inspection light source device 24 reflected by the mesh belt 4.

There are various types of mesh belts 4 in which the shape of the mesh 5 and the area of the mesh 5 differ depending on the type of work to be conveyed and the like. The shape of the mesh 5 of the mesh belt 4 and the area of the mesh 5 are determined by the shape of the spiral wire 6 and the like. In the internal tear detection unit 44, in order to be able to identify any mesh 5 of the mesh belt 4, the shape or area of the mesh 5 as a reference of the mesh belt 4 is preliminarily determined by the image processing unit. It may be registered and stored in the storage unit 32 of 26 or the damage detection unit 28 (internal tear detection unit 44). Alternatively, the shape or area of the mesh 5 as a reference may be directly extracted from the image processing data 27 of the mesh belt 4. In addition, there are cases where a plurality of types of meshes 5 having different sizes and shapes exist in one mesh belt 4, and in this case, all of these types of meshes 5 can be identified. However, only one or more main types of mesh 5 may be identified and used for processing.

The internal tear is formed by the disconnection of the spiral wire rod 6 as described above. In the portion where the spiral wire 6 is broken, the shape or area of the mesh 5 is larger than that of the reference mesh 5 (enlarged mesh 5L), so that a hole in the mesh belt 4 (occurrence of tear 43 on the inner surface) is created. Can be detected directly. In addition, fragments 6a such as a broken spiral wire 6 can enter the inside of a normal mesh 5 in the vicinity, and the shape or area of the mesh 5 in the vicinity can be made smaller than the reference mesh 5 (reduced mesh 5S). , The hole in the mesh belt 4 (occurrence of tear 43 on the inner surface) can be indirectly detected.

The light from the inspection light source device 24 is used to illuminate the mesh belt 4 when the place where the mesh belt inspection device 21 is installed is dark. Further, the light from the inspection light source device 24 can make the light passing through the mesh 5 or illuminating the mesh belt 4 uniform, or clarify the boundary between the spiral wire 6 portion of the mesh belt 4 and the mesh belt 5. Used for such as.

The shape of the mesh 5 can be obtained by recognizing the shape using, for example, shape recognition software. Further, the area of the mesh 5 can be obtained, for example, by counting the number of pixels of the pixel (of the camera 22) in the black-and-white binary image processing data 27.

Then, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, the internal tear detection unit 44 passes through a white area (through the mesh 5) in the black-and-white binary image processing data 27 image-analyzed by the area recognition unit 44a by the image processing unit 26. Numbering is assigned to each area (area recognition processing), the position detection unit 44b calculates the position coordinates of each area in numerical order (position detection processing), and the shape determination unit 44c assigns the position coordinates. Either the shape of the region belonging to is obtained (shape determination processing) or the area calculation unit 44d calculates the area of the region (area calculation processing), and the comparison unit 44e determines the shape or area of the region. Compared with the shape and area of the reference mesh 5 (comparison processing), the internal tear determination unit 44f determines that there is no internal tear when the shape and area are the same, and when the shape and area are different, In addition to determining "with internal tear" (internal tear determination process), the internal tear progress determination unit 44g determines the internal tear progress from the shape and area of the internal tear (internal tear progress), if necessary. Condition determination processing) can be configured. A required threshold value for determining internal breakage can be used for determining internal breakage. When the above-mentioned alarm device is provided, for example, the judgment of "with internal tear" by the internal break determination process is "Caution", and the internal break 43 has progressed beyond the set value set for the alarm by the internal break progress determination process. It is possible to give a "warning" when it is determined that. However, the method of detecting the internal tear is not limited to the above. The above is the case of transmitted illumination, and in the case of epi-illumination, white should be read as black.

(5) As shown in FIG. 10, the edge tear detecting unit 46 recognizes the step portion 52 formed on the width end portion 4a of the mesh belt 4, and recognizes the step portion 53 or the step portion of the recognized step portion 52. When the area 54 of the 52 becomes larger than the initial value, it may be determined that the mesh belt 4 has an edge tear 45.

Here, the spiral wire rods 6 are adjacent to the width end portion 4a of the mesh belt 4 by being connected to each other by shifting the positions of the ends in the longitudinal direction (width direction 8 of the mesh belt 4) by a predetermined amount. A stepped portion 52 (or uneven portion) is formed between the spiral wire rods 6 to be formed. The step portion 52 is structural for the mesh belt 4 and is always present.

Then, the change of the step amount 53 of the step portion 52 can be known by recognizing the shape using, for example, shape recognition software. Further, for example, the step amount 53 and the area 54 of the step portion 52 can be obtained by counting the number of pixels of the pixels of the camera 22 in the black-and-white binary image.

The initial values are the step amount 53 (initial step amount) and the area 54 (initial area) of the step portion 52 formed on the width end portion 4a of the mesh belt 4 in the initial state. The initial value may be measured in advance and registered in the image processing unit 26 or the damage detection unit 28 (edge tear detection unit 46), or may be directly extracted from the image processing data 27 of the mesh belt 4. You may do so.

Then, for example, as shown in FIG. 14, in the edge tear detection unit 46, the width end recognition unit 46a is located at the outermost position of the black area of the black-and-white binary image processing data 27 image-analyzed by the image processing unit 26. Is used as the width end portion 4a of the mesh belt 4, the step shape (step portion 52) of the width end portion 4a is recognized (width end recognition processing), and the step amount calculation unit 46b calculates the step amount 53 of the step portion 52 (step portion 52). The step amount calculation process) or the area calculation unit 46c calculates the area 54 of the step portion 52 (area calculation process), and the comparison unit 46d performs the step amount 53 or the area 54 of the step portion 52. Is compared with the step amount 53 (initial value) and area 54 (initial value) of the reference step portion 52 (comparison processing), and when the edge tear determination unit 46e has the same step amount 53 and area 54. Determines that there is no edge tear, and if the step amount 53 and the area 54 are different, it is determined that there is edge tear (edge tear determination process), and further, if necessary, the edge tear progress determination unit. The 46f can be configured to determine the progress of the edge breakage from the step amount 53 of the edge breakage and the area 54 (edge breakage progress determination process). A required threshold value for determining edge breakage or the like can be used for determining edge breakage. When the above-mentioned alarm device is provided, for example, the judgment of "with edge tear" by the edge tear determination process is "Caution", and the edge tear 45 has progressed beyond the set value set for the alarm by the edge tear progress determination process. It is possible to give a "warning" when it is determined that. However, the method of detecting edge breakage is not limited to the above. The above is the case of transmitted illumination, and in the case of epi-illumination, black should be read as white.

(6) As shown in FIG. 11, the meandering detection unit 48 recognizes the width end portion 4a of the mesh belt 4 and between the recognized position 55 of the width end portion 4a and the preset width end reference 56. If the distance 57 (or the distance 58) is different from the initial value, or if the distances 57 and 58 are different on both sides, it may be determined that the mesh belt 4 has meandering 47.

Here, the width end reference 56 may be provided anywhere, but may be, for example, the end portion of the inspection light source device 24. In this way, by setting the end of the inspection light source device 24 (light emitting portion) as the width end reference 56, the boundary between light and dark of the light emitted by the inspection light source device 24 (light emitting portion) becomes the width end reference 56. Therefore, it is possible to easily obtain the distances 57 and 58 for the meandering detection unit 48. In this case, as described above, the inspection light source device 24 (light emitting portion) is formed longer than the width dimension of the mesh belt 4, and the end portion of the inspection light source device 24 (light emitting portion) is a mesh belt. By arranging the arrangement so as to protrude outward from the width end portion 4a of 4, the end portion of the inspection light source device 24 (light emitting portion) can be used as the width end reference 56 described above. .. The width end reference 56 may be newly provided, for example, in addition to the end portion of the inspection light source device 24 (light emitting portion), or the mesh belt may be provided with respect to the belt conveyor 2 of the production facility 1. The existing configuration such as a guide rail provided for guiding the movement of 4 may be used as it is.

As the width end portion 4a, for example, either the convex portion or the concave portion of the step portion 52 can be used. In this embodiment, the convex portion of the step portion 52 is used.

The distances 57 and 58 are preferably measured on one side or both sides (width end portion 4a) of the mesh belt 4. Changes in the distance 57 and the distance 58 can be known, for example, by recognizing the shape of the width end portion 4a of the mesh belt 4 using shape recognition software and comparing it with the position of the width end reference 56. Further, the changes in the distance 57 and the distance 58 can be obtained, for example, by counting the number of pixels of the pixels of the camera 22 in the monochrome binary image.

For the initial value (or initial distance), the distances 57 and 58 between the width end reference 56 and the width end 4a of the mesh belt 4 when the mesh belt inspection device 21 is installed on the mesh belt 4 can be used. it can. The initial value may be measured in advance and registered in the storage unit 32 of the image processing unit 26 or the damage detection unit 28 (meander detection unit 48). Alternatively, it may be extracted directly from the image processing data 27 of the mesh belt 4.

Further, by measuring the distances 57 and 58 from the width end reference 56 for both width end portions 4a of the mesh belt 4 and comparing the differences between the two distances 57 and 58, the meandering 47 is determined by the equality and unevenness. It may be configured to do so. A required meandering determination threshold value or the like can be used for determining the meandering 47.

Then, for example, in the meandering detection unit 48, as shown in FIG. 15, the width end recognition unit 48a recognizes the width end portion 4a of the mesh belt 4 (width end recognition processing), and the distance calculation unit 48b recognizes the mesh belt. The distance 57,58 between the width end portion 4a of 4 and the width end reference 56 is calculated (distance calculation processing), and the comparison unit 48c compares the calculated distance 57,58 with the initial value, or on both sides. Comparing the distances 57 and 58 (comparison processing), the meandering determination unit 48d finds that the calculated distances 57 and 58 and the initial values are the same or within the allowable range, or the distances 57 and 58 on both sides are the same. Or if it is within the permissible range, it is judged as "no meandering", and if the calculated distance 57,58 and the initial value are different or out of the permissible range, or if the distances 57, 58 on both sides are different or the permissible range. When it is outside, it may be configured to determine "with meandering" (meandering determination processing). The permissible range is appropriately determined depending on the conditions of the production equipment 1 and the like. However, the method of detecting the meandering 47 of the mesh belt 4 is not limited to the above.

(7) As shown in FIG. 16, the mesh belt inspection device 21 is
A moving body 73 including a camera support portion 71 that supports the camera 22 and a light source support portion 72 that supports the inspection light source device 24 that emits light toward the mesh belt 4 is provided.
In the moving body 73, the camera 22 and the camera support portion 71 are arranged on one side of the mesh belt 4, and the inspection light source device 24 and the light source support portion 72 are arranged on the other side or one side of the mesh belt 4. , May be detachable from the mesh belt 4.

Here, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the mesh belt inspection device 21 may have both the camera 22 and the inspection light source device 24 installed in a fixed state with respect to the production facility 1 (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4). Fixed mesh belt inspection device). On the other hand, one of the camera 22 and the inspection light source device 24 is installed in the production facility 1 in a fixed state, and the other is detachably installed in the production facility 1 (semi-fixed mesh belt inspection device). Alternatively, both the camera 22 and the inspection light source device 24 can be detachably installed on the production facility 1 (mobile mesh belt inspection device).

When both the camera 22 and the inspection light source device 24 are detachable from the production facility 1, the camera 22 and the inspection light source device 24 are attached to separate moving bodies 73 so as to be detachable separately. They may be attached to each (individually movable mesh belt inspection device), but in this embodiment, both the camera 22 and the inspection light source device 24 can be attached to and detached from the production facility 1 at the same time. It is attached to the moving body 73 (simultaneous moving mesh belt inspection device).

The camera support portion 71 may be a mounting arm, a mounting plate, or the like that is substantially parallel to the surface of the mesh belt 4. The mounting arm and the mounting plate are preferably installed so as to extend in the width direction 8 of the mesh belt 4. The camera support portion 71 is provided with one or more camera mounting portions 74 for mounting the camera 22 toward the mesh belt 4. The camera 22 is separated from the surface of the mesh belt 4 by a required distance L1 (which is not affected by heat from the mesh belt 4 or is optimal for photographing the mesh belt 4) by using the camera mounting portion 74. It is preferably attached to the camera support 71. The camera mounting portion 74 may be fixed to the camera support portion 71, but may be movably mounted (in the width direction 8 of the mesh belt 4 or in other directions, etc.) so that the mounting position of the camera 22 with respect to the mesh belt 4 can be determined. , The installation interval between the cameras 22 may be adjusted.

The light source support portion 72 may be attached with one or more inspection light source devices 24 so that the light emitting portion of the inspection light source device 24 is substantially parallel to the surface of the mesh belt 4. The light source support portion 72 can be a mounting arm, a mounting plate, or the like similar to the camera support portion 71. The light source device 24 for inspection is preferably attached to the light source support portion 72 toward the mesh belt 4 in a state of being separated from the surface of the mesh belt 4 by a required distance L2 (not affected by heat from the mesh belt 4). ..

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the camera support portion 71 and the light source support portion 72 are also provided for the fixed mesh belt inspection device and the like. When the camera 22 and the light source device 24 for inspection are installed on the same side of the mesh belt 4, at least a part of the camera support portion 71 and the light source support portion 72 can be shared. On the other hand, when the camera 22 and the inspection light source device 24 are installed on the opposite sides of the mesh belt 4, the camera support portion 71 and the light source support portion 72 are separately provided and the mesh belt is provided. It is installed so as to sandwich both sides of 4.

The moving body 73 may have a support body 75 for attaching the camera support portion 71 and the light source support portion 72. The support 75 is assumed to extend substantially in the vertical direction, and one end side portions of the camera support portion 71 and the light source support portion 72 are attached to the support body 75. The light source support portion 72 and the camera support portion 71 may be mounted in a fixed position in the vertical direction with respect to the support 75, or may be mounted in the vertical direction so that the height can be adjusted according to the height of the mesh belt 4. The positions of the above may be adjusted individually or simultaneously. In this case, a vertical slide mechanism or the like may be interposed between the support 75 and the light source support 72 and the camera support 71.

The moving body 73 may have a moving means 76 (or rolling means) such as a roller or a caster wheel attached to the lower portion so that the moving body 73 can move on the floor surface of the production facility 1. The moving means 76 such as the moving body 73, the roller, and the caster wheel shall be provided with a position holding means such as a brake or a stopping means for holding the position so that the position where the mesh belt inspection device 21 is set is not easily displaced. Can be done.

The moving body 73 may be, for example, a hand-push type or a self-propelled type capable of self-propelling by a traveling drive device such as an electric motor. A traveling drive device such as an electric motor may be used as an assist mechanism when pushing by hand.

In this embodiment, the moving means 76 such as a roller or a caster wheel is directly attached to the lower surface of the light source support portion 72 located on the lower side. As a result, the moving body 73 can be attached to the mesh belt 4 from one end side of the mesh belt 4 by moving the floor surface of the production facility 1 and the like, and can be removed to the one end side.

More specifically, in this embodiment, the support 75 is formed of a vertical plate-shaped member, the camera support portion 71 and the light source support portion 72 are formed of a horizontal plate-shaped member, and one end of the horizontal plate-shaped member is formed. It is attached to the vertical plate-shaped member in a cantilevered manner. Then, in the case of transmitting illumination, two horizontal plate-shaped members are provided to form a camera support portion 71 and a light source support portion 72, respectively, and these are arranged horizontally and in parallel with a required interval in the vertical direction. A camera 22 and an inspection light source device 24 are attached to the facing surfaces of the two horizontal plate-shaped members, respectively, so that the mesh belt 4 can be inserted between the two horizontal plate-shaped members.

Further, when performing epi-illumination, the horizontal plate-shaped member is made into one piece, and one horizontal plate-shaped member is shared as the camera support portion 71 and the light source support portion 72, and the mesh belt 4 side of the horizontal plate-shaped member is used. The camera 22 and the inspection light source device 24 are attached to the surfaces to be the same. The shapes of the light source support portion 72 and the camera support portion 71 are not limited to the above.

Further, if necessary, the moving body 73 may be provided with an image processing unit holding unit that holds the image processing unit 26.

Here, the image processing unit holding unit may be any one as long as it can hold the image processing unit 26 (computer), and has a shape and size suitable for the image processing unit 26, for example, a shelf shape or a container shape. The storage space or the fixed portion to which the image processing unit 26 can be directly fixed can be used.

Further, when the image processing unit 26 and the damage detection unit 28 are separate bodies, the moving body 73 can hold the damage detection unit 28 (computer) in addition to the image processing unit holding unit. A holding portion may be provided. The damage detection unit holding unit can be provided so as to have substantially the same structure as the image processing unit holding unit. For example, a shelf-shaped or container-shaped storage space, a fixing unit to which the damage detection unit 28 can be directly fixed, or the like. Can be.

In the case of FIG. 16, for example, a shelf-shaped accommodating space serving as an image processing unit holding portion and a damage detecting portion holding portion is provided with respect to a surface of the support 75 constituting the moving body 73 opposite to the mesh belt 4. Should be installed. By integrally providing the image processing unit holding unit and the damage detecting unit holding unit in this way, the mesh belt inspection device 21 has all the configurations mounted on the moving body 73, and the mesh belt inspection device 21 is compactly integrated. It is possible to improve convenience.

(8) As shown in FIG. 3, the mesh belt inspection device 21 is
The inspection data 81 of the breakage status of the mesh belt 4 detected by the breakage detection unit 28 is input, the progress of the breakage of the mesh belt 4 is monitored based on the change of the inspection data 81, and the maintenance time of the mesh belt 4 is predicted. The mesh belt management unit 82 may be provided.

Here, the inspection data 81 of the breakage state of the mesh belt 4 detected by the breakage detection unit 28 includes the inspection data 81 of the elongation 41 by the elongation detection unit 42, the inspection data 81 of the internal tear 43 by the internal tear detection unit 44, and The inspection data 81 of the edge break 45 by the edge break detection unit 46, the inspection data 81 of the meander 47 by the meander detection unit 48, and the like. The mesh belt management unit 82 uses all of these inspection data 81, or at least one or more, to monitor the progress of damage to the mesh belt 4 and predict the maintenance time and life of the mesh belt 4. ..

The mesh belt management unit 82 is a device for comprehensively managing and analyzing the state of the mesh belt 4. An information processing device such as a computer on which the mesh belt management software is installed can be used for the mesh belt management unit 82. As the mesh belt management software, one equipped with AI (artificial intelligence) technology can be used. The AI is equipped with an AI engine that has been trained with optimal teacher data. The mesh belt management software can be provided to the outside via a storage medium such as a memory or a disk, a storage device such as an HDD or an SSD, or a network.

The mesh belt management unit 82 can use the same information processing device (computer) as the image processing unit 26, the damage detection unit 28, and the like, or can use an information processing device (computer) different from these. In this embodiment, another information processing device is used.

The mesh belt management unit 82 may be provided at a place where the mesh belt 4 is installed like the image processing unit 26 and the damage detection unit 28, but it may be installed at a place away from the mesh belt 4 and the network 83 or the like. The image processing unit 26, the damage detection unit 28, and the like may be connected to the image processing unit 26 and the like. The inspection data 81 can be input to the mesh belt management unit 82 by wire or wirelessly.

In this way, many image processing units 26 and damage detection units 28 installed on many mesh belts 4 can be connected to the mesh belt management unit 82 at the same time via the network 83 or the like. Therefore, one mesh belt management unit 82 collectively collects a large number of mesh belts 4 distributed nationwide or worldwide (or installed in a plurality of production facilities 1 of a plurality of factories) at a remote location. You will be able to centrally manage it.

The maintenance time of the mesh belt 4 is predicted, for example, by comparing the average breakage progress state of the mesh belt 4 with the inspection data 81 indicating the actual breakage progress state of the mesh belt 4. Can be done.

Further, the mesh belt management unit 82 has sufficiently learned, for example, inspection data 81 showing the actual progress of damage of the mesh belt 4 and inspection data 81 when the mesh belt 4 is repaired or replaced as teacher data. It can be done by the AI engine. This makes it possible to more accurately predict the maintenance time of the mesh belt 4.

In the mesh belt management unit 82, for example, as shown in FIG. 17, the inspection data input unit 82a inputs the inspection data 81 of the damage status of the mesh belt 4 from the damage detection unit 28 (inspection data input process), and the damage status. The monitoring unit 82b monitors the progress state of the breakage of the mesh belt 4 based on the change of the inspection data 81 (damage status monitoring process), and the comparison unit 82c monitors the progress state of the breakage of the mesh belt 4 by averaging the mesh belt 4. The life prediction unit 82d (or the maintenance time prediction unit 82d) graphs the damage progress state of the mesh belt 4 and compares it with the progress state of the actual damage of the mesh belt 4 (comparison processing). It is configured to predict the maintenance time and life of the mesh belt 4 (life prediction processing or maintenance time prediction processing) by extending it with the inclination of the state or the inclination of the average damage progress state of the mesh belt 4. Is also good.

However, the method of predicting the life and maintenance time by the mesh belt management unit 82 is not limited to the above. In addition to the above, the mesh belt management unit 82 includes an output unit 82e that outputs a prediction result such as a life, a prediction result such as a life, and other data (inspection data 81 for each input damage detection unit 28). A storage unit 32 or the like for storing the above) can be provided.

Hereinafter, an example of a specific method of predicting the life will be described. In this embodiment, the mesh belt 4 is inspected by the mesh belt inspection device 21 once a month. Then, the inspection data 81 of the inner tear 43 (mesh break) of the mesh belt 4 is used to predict the life and maintenance time of the mesh belt 4. However, the inspection data 81 used for predicting the inspection time for the mesh belt 4 and the life and maintenance time is not limited to this.

First, when the production equipment 1 is used in a constant operating state, the breakage (graph) of the mesh belt 4 basically progresses at a substantially constant rate (having a constant inclination). It is thought to go. Therefore, a graph of the inspection data 81 is created, and the final inspection is performed on the graph based on the slope of the average damage progress state in the operating state of the production equipment 1 at that time and the slope of the current damage progress state. By extending the value of the data 81, the life of the mesh belt 4 can be predicted with some accuracy.

For example, it is assumed that the inspection data 81 showing the actual progress state of the breakage of the mesh belt 4 is shown in the graph of FIG. In the case of this graph, the actual progress of breakage of the mesh belt 4 is generally along the average inclination, but for the period from 3 months to 5 months after the start of use. Exceptionally, the progress of damage is temporarily slowed down.

In this case, when 3 months have passed, the life is predicted to be time A by extending as shown by line a. In addition, when 4 months have passed, the life is predicted to be time B by extending as shown by line b. Then, when 8 months have passed, the life is predicted to be period C by extending the line c.

When the slope of the progress state of damage in the actual inspection data 81 is smaller than the above-mentioned average slope (for example, after 4 months have passed), it is preferable to adopt the average slope. It is also possible to adopt a small tilt when it is considered that the small tilt continues several times and is stable. The life prediction is updated every time the inspection is performed. In addition, the history of forecast updates can be taken into account.

Also, for example, FIG. 19 shows another inspection data 81 showing the actual progress of breakage of the mesh belt 4. This graph shows the operating status of production equipment 1 in the middle so that the production volume of the mesh belt 4 is increased in the first half of use (until 3 months have passed) and the production volume is reduced in the latter half of use (after 3 months have passed). It is an example when it is changed.

Therefore, the damage progresses rapidly in the first half of use, and the progress of damage slows down in the latter half of use. Even in such a case, the life can be predicted in the same manner as described above.

When the slope of the progress state of damage in the actual inspection data 81 is larger than the above-mentioned average slope, it is preferable to adopt the larger slope.

Therefore, at the stage where 3 months have passed, the life is predicted to be the time D by extending the slope with the larger slope as shown by the line d. In addition, when 5 months have passed, the life is predicted to be time E by extending with an average slope like the line e. Then, when 9 months have passed, the life is predicted to be time F by extending with an average slope like the line f.

From the above, the forecast of the early period of use with a large amount of production shows that the life is shorter than the average one, while the forecast of the latter period of use with a reduced production amount results in a longer life. Will be corrected, and the life prediction result will be gradually extended with each update. Then, the accuracy of the life prediction result becomes higher. The method of life prediction is not limited to the above.

(9) Hereinafter, a mesh belt inspection method using the mesh belt inspection apparatus will be described.

The mesh belt inspection method is
The mesh belt 4 that circulates in an endless shape is inspected while the mesh belt 4 is moving.
A process of photographing the mesh belt 4 by a camera 22 installed on one side of the mesh belt 4 (photographing process) and
A step of image processing the image data 25 of the mesh belt 4 taken by the camera 22 by the image processing unit 26 (image processing step) and
Further, based on the image processing data 27 of the mesh belt 4 image-processed by the image processing unit 26, the damage detecting unit 28 performs a step of detecting the damage state of the mesh belt 4 (damage status detection step).

Here, a step of emitting light from the inspection light source device 24 installed on the other surface side or one surface side of the mesh belt 4 toward the mesh belt 4 (exit step) may also be performed. It is preferable that the emission step, the photographing step, the image processing step, and the damage status detection step are performed almost at the same time.

The mesh belt inspection method can further be a method using each of the above configurations.

That is, the damage detection unit 28
The elongation detection unit 42 may detect the elongation 41 of the mesh belt 4 (elongation detection step).
The inner tear detection unit 44 may detect the tear 43 in the inner portion of the mesh belt 4 (inner tear detection step).
The edge tear detection unit 46 may detect the tear 45 of the width end portion 4a of the mesh belt 4 (edge tear detection step).
The meandering detection unit 48 may detect the meandering 47 of the mesh belt 4 (meandering detection step).
It is most preferable that all of these steps are performed, but at least one of these steps may be performed. When combining two or more steps, the combination can be arbitrary. Then, when there are a plurality of steps to be performed, these steps are performed in an appropriate order among the steps.

Then, the elongation detection unit 42 recognizes the position index 51 in the circumferential direction provided on the mesh belt 4, and determines the elongation 41 of the mesh belt 4 by the passing time from the position index 51 to the passage of the next position index 51. You may try to do it.

The internal tear detection unit 44 recognizes the mesh 5 of the mesh belt 4, and when the shape or area of the recognized mesh 5 is different from the shape or area of one mesh 5, the internal tear 43 is formed in the mesh belt 4. It may be determined that there is.

The edge tear detection unit 46 recognizes the step portion 52 formed on the width end portion 4a of the mesh belt 4, and the step amount 53 of the recognized step portion 52 or the area 54 of the step portion 52 is larger than the initial value. If this happens, it may be determined that the mesh belt 4 has an edge tear 45.

The meandering detection unit 48 recognizes the width end portion 4a of the mesh belt 4, and the distances 57 and 58 between the recognized position 55 of the width end portion 4a and the preset width end reference 56 are set as initial values. If they are different, or if the distances 57 and 58 are different on both sides, it may be determined that the mesh belt 4 has meandering 47.

In the mesh belt inspection method, the inspection data 81 of the damage status of the mesh belt 4 detected by the breakage detection unit 28 is input to the mesh belt management unit 82, and the mesh belt 4 is based on the change of the inspection data 81 by the mesh belt management unit 82. It is also possible to monitor the progress of the damage of the mesh belt 4 and predict the maintenance time of the mesh belt 4.

<Action> The action of this example will be described below.

The mesh belt 4 used for the belt conveyor 2 (particularly, the mesh belt 4 for heat treatment transfer) is deformed immediately after being attached to the production equipment 1 or immediately after the production equipment 1 is operated, and the deformation gradually progresses.

It usually takes weeks to months before workers and managers can clearly recognize damage such as tears 43, 45 and breakage due to deformation of the mesh belt 4 and meandering 47. There is. During this period, it is virtually impossible for the operator or the manager to constantly check the deformation or change of the mesh belt 4 which is gradually generated and continues to grow by sticking to the mesh belt 4. In addition, it is difficult for the operator or the manager to visually grasp all the damaged parts.

Then, due to the deformation of the mesh belt 4, the area where the work can be conveyed is reduced and the productivity is lowered, and in the worst case, the mesh belt 4 is greatly damaged or broken during the operation of the production equipment 1, resulting in a manufacturing accident. May lead to.

In order to prevent such an unexpected situation, when the damaged part is removed from the deformed mesh belt 4 or the total length is extended 41 due to deterioration, the mesh belt 4 is trimmed or completely replaced. This prevents the occurrence of the above-mentioned unforeseen circumstances.

However, it is extremely difficult to grasp the timing of such construction, skill is required for judgment, and differences in judgment are likely to occur between people. Then, if the need for repair work or replacement work suddenly arises during production, the production plan will be out of order.

Further, if the repair work or the replacement work of the mesh belt 4 is performed earlier than the necessary time, the stability of the operation of the production equipment is improved, but the productivity is lowered and the cost is raised.

Therefore, in this embodiment, a mesh belt inspection device 21 for inspecting damage or deformation of the mesh belt 4 is provided so that the optimum construction timing can be easily and clearly grasped.

First, in the inspection of the mesh belt 4 by the mesh belt inspection device 21, the mesh belt 4 is photographed by the camera 22 installed on one side of the mesh belt 4. It is preferable that one or a plurality of cameras 22 are provided to take a picture over the entire width of the mesh belt 4.

At this time, it is preferable to install the inspection light source device 24 on the other side or one side of the mesh belt 4 as necessary, and emit light from the inspection light source device 24 toward the mesh belt 4. It is preferable that the light is emitted over the entire width of the mesh belt 4.

When the inspection light source device 24 is installed on the other surface side of the mesh belt 4, the light emitted from the inspection light source device 24 passes through the mesh 5 of the mesh belt 4 (particularly, the mesh belt 4 for heat treatment transfer). To do. Then, the camera 22 photographs the light transmitted through the mesh belt 4 or the mesh 5 of the mesh belt 4 on one surface side of the mesh belt 4.

On the contrary, when the inspection light source device 24 is installed on one side of the mesh belt 4, the light emitted from the inspection light source device 24 is reflected by the mesh belt 4 (particularly, the mesh belt 4 for heat treatment transfer). Ru. Then, the camera 22 photographs the light reflected by the mesh belt 4 or the mesh belt 4 on one side of the mesh belt 4.

Then, the image data 25 of the mesh belt 4 taken by the camera 22 is image-processed by the image processing unit 26. Further, based on the image processing data 27 of the mesh belt 4 image-processed by the image processing unit 26, the damage detecting unit 28 detects the damage state of the mesh belt 4. The inspection of the mesh belt 4 is continuously performed for at least one round of the mesh belt 4 or more. As a result, as will be described later, it becomes possible to quantitatively grasp the state of deformation and breakage of the entire mesh belt 4 by using image processing technology, and it is possible to accurately grasp the timing of construction. become.

<Effect> According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

(Effect 1) The mesh belt inspection device 21 uses image processing technology to inspect the mesh belt 4, and thus includes a camera 22, an image processing unit 26, a damage detection unit 28, and a light source device for inspection if necessary. A small mesh belt inspection device 21 can be realized with a small number of 24. Moreover, by using the image processing technique, the inspection of the mesh belt 4 can be easily and surely performed. As a result, the mesh belt inspection device 21 can be installed in the production facility 1 provided with the mesh belt 4 almost as it is, without performing a large-scale repair such as providing a mechanical detection means such as a tension roller. It can be installed (note that the mesh belt inspection device 21 of this embodiment can also be used for a production facility 1 having a mechanical detection means such as a tension roller).

Further, the mesh belt inspection device 21 can be easily installed later on the existing production facility 1. Moreover, the mesh belt inspection device 21 having a small number of configurations can be easily installed or attached to the operating mesh belt 4 without stopping the production facility 1 so that it can be operated freely. Further, by using the image processing technique, it becomes possible to effectively utilize the obtained large amount of image processing data 27 and inspection data 81 in various fields such as development and maintenance of the mesh belt 4.

Then, since the mesh belt inspection device 21 includes the breakage detection unit 28, it is possible to automatically inspect the breakage state of the mesh belt 4 in real time by using the image processing technique while the mesh belt 4 is moving. Further, the damaged state of the mesh belt 4 can be quantified and evaluated as an objective value. As a result, instead of deciding the repair time and replacement time of the mesh belt 4 based on the experience and intuition of workers and managers as in the past, it is clear to anyone based on objective inspection results. It will be possible to decide the repair time and replacement time (accurately and surely without variation).

That is, since the breakage detecting unit 28 can automatically and continuously detect the broken state of the entire surface of the mesh belt 4, the worker or the manager sticks to the mesh belt 4 and visually observes the mesh belt 4. It is not necessary to continuously monitor the state of the entire surface, labor saving can be achieved, and the breakage detection unit 28 can accurately detect the breakage state of the mesh belt 4 without omission. Since it takes several hours to ten hours for the mesh belt 4 to go around, it is difficult for workers and managers to keep looking at the mesh belt 4 while they are on the side of the mesh belt 4 (substantially). Impossible). It is also difficult for workers and managers to visually inspect the damage status without mistakes. On the other hand, if the mesh belt inspection device 21 of this embodiment is used, the inspection can be mechanically executed by the breakage detection unit 28, so that these problems can be almost solved and the damage status of the mesh belt 4 can be easily and surely checked. Can be managed.

In addition, by accurately knowing the damage status of the mesh belt 4, the optimum time for repair or replacement of the mesh belt 4 can be accurately grasped, and the mesh belt 4 can be used to the limit. The cost and labor required for repair and replacement can be reduced. Then, by accurately grasping the optimum time for repair or replacement of the mesh belt 4, it can be useful for planning and executing the production plan of the product.

In addition, since the damage status of the mesh belt 4 can be continuously inspected during movement, the progress of damage between the time when the mesh belt 4 is deteriorated or damaged and the time when the mesh belt 4 is repaired or replaced. The condition can be observed in detail. Then, by analyzing the observation results, it becomes possible to develop a mesh belt 4 having higher durability.

The camera 22 (or the inspection light source device 24) used in the mesh belt inspection device 21 may be provided with heat-resistant means (or heat-shielding means), if necessary. The heat-resistant means can effectively protect the camera 22 and the like from heat. Therefore, even at a high temperature, the camera 22 or the like can be installed at the optimum position or distance with respect to the mesh belt 4 to more accurately and reliably inspect the mesh belt 4.

(Effect 2) The breakage detecting unit 28 can accurately detect the elongation 41 of the mesh belt 4 by including the elongation detecting unit 42. By providing the internal tear detecting unit 44, the internal tear 43 of the mesh belt 4 can be accurately detected without omission. By providing the edge breakage detecting unit 46, the edge breakage 45 of the mesh belt 4 can be accurately detected without omission. By providing the meandering detection unit 48, the meandering 47 of the mesh belt 4 can be accurately detected.

Then, when the breakage detecting unit 28 includes at least one of these, the broken state of the mesh belt 4 can be inspected in detail by using the image processing technique. It is most preferable that the elongation detection unit 42, the internal tear detection unit 44, the edge break detection unit 46, and the meandering detection unit 48 are all provided, but one or a plurality of them can be freely provided. It can be provided in combination.

(Effect 3) By providing the position index 51 in the circumferential direction on the mesh belt 4, it is possible to accurately determine the position in the circumferential direction of the mesh belt 4 which is necessary for detecting the damage state of the mesh belt 4. it can. Further, by providing the position index 51 in the circumferential direction on the mesh belt 4, it is possible to detect the orbit of the mesh belt 4 and the movement of the required distance of the mesh belt 4, which are necessary for detecting the elongation 41 of the mesh belt 4. ..

The position index 51 may be provided at one or a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction of the mesh belt 4. When the position index 51 is provided at one position in the circumferential direction of the mesh belt 4, the mesh belt 4 makes one round when the next position index 51 passes. When a plurality of position indexes 51 are provided in the circumferential direction of the mesh belt 4, the mesh belt 4 has moved by a required distance when the next position index 51 passes. When a plurality of position indexes 51 are provided in the circumferential direction of the mesh belt 4, it is preferable that the plurality of position indexes 51 are provided at equal intervals.

The elongation detection unit 42 can accurately determine the elongation 41 of the mesh belt 4 and the progress of deformation based on the change in the passing time from the position index 51 to the passage of the next position index 51.

(Effect 4) The internal tear detecting unit 44 has at least one portion (large or small) in which the shape or area of the mesh 5 of the recognized mesh belt 4 is different (large or small) from the shape or area of one mesh 5. In a certain case, by determining that the mesh belt 4 has "internal tear", the internal tear 43 can be accurately detected. Then, since it is possible to know how many internal tears 43 have occurred from the shape or area of the mesh 5 of the recognized mesh belt 4, it is possible to know the progress of the internal tears 43.

The internal tear detection unit 44 may detect a partial tear 43 such as the central portion of the mesh belt 4 in the width direction 8 or the inner portion of the mesh belt 4 over the entire width of the mesh belt 4. It can be used to detect a tear 43 or the like.

(Effect 5) The edge breakage detecting unit 46 attaches to the mesh belt 4 when there is at least one portion where the recognized step amount 53 of the step portion 52 and the area 54 of the step portion 52 are larger than the initial values. By determining that "there is a broken edge", the broken edge 45 can be accurately detected. Then, since it is possible to know how many edge breaks 45 have occurred from the recognized step amount 53 of the step portion 52 and the like, it is possible to know the progress of the edge breaks 45. Since the step portion 52 is structurally always formed on the width end portion 4a of the mesh belt 4, in order to inspect the end tear 45 of the mesh belt 4, the step amount 53 of the step portion 52 or the like is used. Most suitable to detect.

(Effect 6) The meandering detection unit 48 finds that the distances 57 and 58 (distance measurement values) between the recognized position 55 of the width end portion 4a and the preset width end reference 56 are different from the initial values, or When the distances 57 and 58 are different on both sides, it is possible to accurately detect the deformation of the mesh belt 4 such as the meander 47 by determining that the mesh belt 4 has "meandering". Then, since the meandering amount (the size of the meandering 47) is known from the recognized position 55 of the width end portion 4a, the meandering state of the entire mesh belt 4 can be grasped.

(Effect 7) The mesh belt inspection device 21 is configured to provide a moving body 73 having a camera support portion 71 and a light source support portion 72 that emits light toward the mesh belt 4 so as to be detachably attached to the mesh belt 4. You may. A camera 22 and an inspection light source device 24 are attached to the camera support portion 71 and the light source support portion 72, respectively. By attaching the moving body 73 to the mesh belt 4, the camera 22 and the inspection light source device 24 Is arranged on the mesh belt 4. As a result, the camera 22 and the inspection light source device 24 can be simultaneously installed and removed from the mesh belt 4 simply by attaching and detaching the moving body 73 to and from the mesh belt 4. Therefore, the mesh belt 4 can be easily inspected at any time, and the mesh belt inspection device 21 can be easily removed from the mesh belt 4 when the mesh belt 4 is not inspected. ..

Further, by installing the camera 22 and the inspection light source device 24 in advance on the mesh belt inspection device 21 having the moving body 73, it is possible to perform troublesome setting work of the camera 22 and the inspection light source device 24. Instead, the camera 22 and the inspection light source device 24 can be easily set on the mesh belt 4 and the inspection of the mesh belt 4 can be started immediately. Moreover, if there is one mesh belt inspection device 21 having the moving body 73, for example, the mesh belt inspection device 21 can be sequentially attached to the plurality of mesh belts 4 of the plurality of production facilities 1 installed in the factory. Therefore, it becomes possible to inspect the mesh belt 4 of each production facility 1 in order. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a fixed mesh belt inspection device for each production facility 1, and the cost can be reduced by reusing the mesh belt inspection device 21. If the camera support portion 71 and the light source support portion 72 are attached to the moving body 73 so as to be adjustable in height, the height of the mesh belt 4 may be different in each production facility 1. can do.

Then, if necessary, the moving body 73 may include an image processing unit holding unit. As a result, the camera 22, the inspection light source device 24, and the image processing unit 26 can be collectively installed on one moving body 73, and the mesh belt inspection device 21 can be compactly configured. Then, at the position of the mesh belt inspection device 21 installed on the mesh belt 4, it is possible to confirm the state of image processing by the image processing unit 26 in real time.

When the image processing unit 26 and the damage detection unit 28 are separate bodies, the moving body 73 is provided with a damage detection unit holding unit capable of holding the damage detection unit 28 in addition to the image processing unit holding unit. Is also good. As a result, the damage detection unit 28, the image processing unit 26, the camera 22, and the inspection light source device 24 can be installed together on one moving body 73, and the mesh belt inspection device 21 can be configured more compactly. Then, at the position of the mesh belt inspection device 21 installed on the mesh belt 4, it is possible to confirm the damage detection result by the damage detection unit 28 in real time.

(Effect 8) The mesh belt inspection device 21 may include a mesh belt management unit 82. By providing the mesh belt management unit 82, the mesh belt management unit 82 can continuously monitor (manage and analyze) the progress state of the breakage of the mesh belt 4 inspected by the mesh belt inspection device 21. In addition, the mesh belt management unit 82 can predict the maintenance time and life of the mesh belt 4 in advance.

Then, the mesh belt management unit 82 monitors the progress of damage to the mesh belt 4 and predicts the maintenance time, so that an accurate repair plan and maintenance plan can be made. Therefore, a product production plan is made. Can be facilitated and productivity can be improved. In addition, the mesh belt management unit 82 monitors the progress of the breakage of the mesh belt 4 and predicts the maintenance time to prevent the production plan from being changed due to the unexpected sudden breakage of the mesh belt 4 and suddenly. Risks associated with typical maintenance work can be reduced.

Further, by using the mesh belt management unit 82, it becomes possible to collectively manage the progress state of damage of the plurality of mesh belts 4 from a remote location or the like.

(Effect 9) According to the mesh belt inspection method, the same action and effect as the mesh belt inspection device 21 described above can be obtained.

4 Mesh belt 4a Width end 5 Mesh 8 Width direction 21 Mesh belt inspection device 22 Camera 24 Inspection light source device 25 Image data 26 Image processing unit 27 Image processing data 28 Damage detection unit 41 Stretch 42 Stretch detection unit 43 Inner tear 44 Break detection part 45 Edge breakage 46 Edge breakage detection part 47 Serpentine 48 Serpentine detection part 51 Position index 52 Step part 53 Step amount 54 Area 56 Width end reference 57 Distance 58 Distance 72 Light source support part 71 Camera support part 73 Moving body 81 Inspection data 82 Mesh belt management department

Claims (9)

A mesh belt inspection device that inspects a mesh belt that has an endless shape and is installed so that it can move around, while the mesh belt is moving.
A camera installed on one side of the mesh belt to shoot the mesh belt,
An image processing unit that processes image data of the mesh belt taken by the camera, and an image processing unit.
A mesh belt inspection apparatus comprising: a breakage detection unit for detecting a breakage state of the mesh belt using image processing data of the mesh belt image-processed by the image processing unit. The mesh belt inspection apparatus according to claim 1.
The damage detection unit
An elongation detection unit that detects the elongation of the mesh belt and
An internal tear detection unit that detects tears in the inner portion of the mesh belt,
An edge tear detection unit that detects a tear at the width end of the mesh belt,
A mesh belt inspection apparatus including at least one with a meandering detection unit that detects meandering of the mesh belt. The mesh belt inspection apparatus according to claim 2.
The elongation detecting unit is characterized in that it recognizes a position index in the circumferential direction provided on the mesh belt and determines the elongation of the mesh belt based on the passing time from the position index to the passage of the next position index. Mesh belt inspection device. The mesh belt inspection apparatus according to claim 2 or 3.
The internal tear detection unit recognizes the mesh of the mesh belt, and when the recognized shape or area of the mesh is different from the shape or area of one mesh, the mesh belt is said to have internal tear. A mesh belt inspection device characterized by determining. The mesh belt inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4.
When the edge breakage detecting unit recognizes a step portion formed at the width end portion of the mesh belt and the amount of the recognized step portion or the area of the step portion becomes larger than the initial value. In addition, a mesh belt inspection device for determining that the mesh belt has a broken edge. The mesh belt inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 5.
The meandering detection unit recognizes the width end portion of the mesh belt, and when the distance between the recognized position of the width end portion and the preset width end reference is different from the initial value, or both sides. A mesh belt inspection device for determining that the mesh belt has meandering when the distances are different. The mesh belt inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
A moving body including a camera support portion that supports the camera and a light source support portion that supports an inspection light source device that emits light toward the mesh belt is provided.
In the moving body, the camera and the camera support portion are arranged on one side of the mesh belt, and the inspection light source device and the light source support portion are arranged on the other side or one side of the mesh belt. , A mesh belt inspection device characterized in that it is removable from the mesh belt. The mesh belt inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
The inspection data of the breakage state of the mesh belt detected by the breakage detection unit is input, the progress state of the breakage of the mesh belt is monitored based on the change of the inspection data, and the maintenance time of the mesh belt is predicted. A mesh belt inspection device characterized by having a mesh belt management unit. A mesh belt inspection method for inspecting a mesh belt that circulates in an endless shape while the mesh belt is moving.
The process of photographing the mesh belt with a camera installed on one side of the mesh belt, and
A process of image processing the image data of the mesh belt taken by the camera in the image processing unit, and
A mesh belt inspection method characterized in that a step of detecting a breakage state of the mesh belt is performed by a breakage detecting unit based on the image processing data of the mesh belt image-processed by the image processing unit.