Lifting device and lifting system

Abstract

To provide a small, portable lifting device capable of raising and lowering columnar objects such as lightning rods. [Solution] The lifting device 1 comprises a lifting unit 11 for raising and lowering a columnar object, and a first camera unit 12 mounted above the lifting unit 11 and having a first camera 81 for photographing the lightning rod 6. The lifting unit 11 comprises a first wheel block 31 having two rows of wheels 51, 52 on the upper level and two rows of wheels 53, 54 on the lower level, a second wheel block 32 having two rows of wheels 55, 56 on the upper level and two rows of wheels 57, 58 on the lower level, a first motor 61 for rotating the wheels 53, 54, and a second motor 62 for rotating the wheels 57, 58. The lightning rod 6 is raised and lowered while being sandwiched between the wheels 51, 52 and the wheels 55, 56, and also sandwiched between the wheels 53, 54 and the wheels 57, 58.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lifting device and a lifting system for lifting columnar objects such as lightning rods.

Background Art

[0002] A lightning rod that is struck by lightning is an important member of a lightning protection system. However, if the tip needle, which is the lightning receiving part at the tip of the lightning rod, is damaged by lightning, the lightning protection system may not function effectively thereafter. Therefore, although lightning rods are subject to statutory inspections, due to their small diameter, it is dangerous for inspectors to climb them, and it also requires a great deal of time and cost. At present, in many cases, inspections are visually carried out from the fixed positions of lightning rods on roofs and the like. In contrast, as described in Patent Document 1, the applicant of this application has developed an inspection device for climbing a lightning rod and photographing the lightning receiving part. With this inspection device, inspectors can easily and safely carry out the inspection work of lightning rods, and by maintaining a state where the lightning protection system functions reliably against lightning strikes, the information society is provided with peace of mind and the continuity of business.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the inspection device described in Patent Document 1 is large in size for carrying. When the lightning rod is installed on the roof of a building, it is relatively easy to carry the inspection device. However, for example, when the lightning rod is installed on the top of a steel tower, the inspection device cannot be easily carried. Therefore, in order to reduce the burden on workers, a lift-type inspection device with excellent portability and reduced size is required. Furthermore, in recent years, lightning rods with lightning suppression capabilities have appeared on the market. Unlike conventional lightning rods that concentrate electric charge, these lightning rods concentrate the same electric charge as that of a thundercloud on the top of a dome-shaped lightning sphere located at the tip, thereby preventing lightning strikes. In lightning rods with lightning suppression capabilities, the insulation resistance value between the top and bottom of the dome is specified as a specification, but inspection work such as measuring the insulation resistance value after installation is not easy and involves danger to workers, so inspections are not currently being carried out. Therefore, the problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a small, portable lifting device that can raise and lower a columnar object such as a lightning rod. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve at least some of the aforementioned problems and can be realized in the following embodiments or applications.

[0006] [Application Example 1] The lifting device according to this application example comprises a lifting unit for lifting a columnar object, and a first camera unit mounted above the lifting unit and having a first camera for photographing the object. The lifting unit comprises a first wheel block having first and second wheels arranged in two rows on the upper level and third and fourth wheels arranged in two rows on the lower level, a second wheel block having fifth and sixth wheels arranged in two rows on the upper level and seventh and eighth wheels arranged in two rows on the lower level, a first motor for rotating the third and fourth wheels, and a second motor for rotating the seventh and eighth wheels, and the first and second wheels and the fifth and sixth wheels are used to rotate the object. The device is characterized by clamping the object and raising and lowering the object while it is clamped between the third wheel, the fourth wheel, the seventh wheel, and the eighth wheel. In the lifting device according to this application example, each of the two opposing wheel blocks in the lifting unit has two wheels arranged in two rows, each in two upper and lower tiers. As a result, the object is lifted and lowered while being gripped from both sides by the four wheels in the upper tier and the four wheels in the lower tier. In other words, with the lifting device according to this application example, by arranging four wheels in two rows and two tiers on each of the two opposing wheel blocks in the lifting unit, the object can be gripped from both sides in two upper and lower tiers by eight wheels, so lateral sway is reduced and lifting and lowering can be performed stably. Therefore, since it is not necessary to arrange wheels in four directions offset by 90 degrees to grip the object, the size and weight of the lifting device can be reduced. Accordingly, according to this application example, it is possible to realize a small, easily portable lifting device that can lift and lower columnar objects such as lightning rods. Furthermore, according to the lifting device in this application example, the first camera of the first camera unit mounted on the upper side of the lifting unit photographs the object, so the user can view the image from the first camera and check the state of the upper end of the object.

[0007] [Application Example 2] In the lifting device according to the above example, the first camera may transmit in real time the video footage captured by the lifting unit while the object is being raised or lowered to an information terminal. According to this application example, the user can view the image from the first camera to confirm whether or not the lifting device has risen to the top of the object.

[0008] [Application Example 3] The lifting device according to the above application example includes a second camera unit mounted above the lifting unit and having a second camera for photographing the object, and the second camera unit may be positioned opposite the first camera unit with the object in between. According to this application example, the first and second cameras can capture images of an object from both sides, allowing the user to accurately determine the state of the upper edge of the object by viewing the images.

[0009] [Application Example 4] The lifting device according to this application example comprises a lifting unit for lifting a columnar object, and an insulation resistance measuring unit mounted above the lifting unit and having a first measuring terminal and a second measuring terminal connected to an insulation resistance meter for measuring the insulation resistance of the object, wherein the lifting unit comprises a first wheel block having first and second wheels arranged in two rows on the upper level, and third and fourth wheels arranged in two rows on the lower level, and a fifth and sixth wheel arranged in two rows on the upper level, and a seventh wheel arranged in two rows on the lower level The lifting unit comprises a second wheel block having a wheel and an eighth wheel, a first motor for rotating the third wheel and the fourth wheel, and a second motor for rotating the seventh wheel and the eighth wheel, wherein the lifting unit raises and lowers the object while the object is sandwiched between the first wheel and the second wheel and the fifth wheel and the sixth wheel, and the object is sandwiched between the third wheel and the fourth wheel and the seventh wheel and the eighth wheel. In the lifting device according to this application example, in the lifting unit, each of the two opposing wheel blocks has two wheels arranged in two rows, each in two upper and lower tiers. Therefore, the object is lifted while being gripped from both sides by the four wheels in the upper tier and the four wheels in the lower tier. In other words, according to the lifting device according to this application example, in the lifting unit, by arranging four wheels in two rows and two tiers in each of the two opposing wheel blocks, the object is gripped from both sides in two upper and lower tiers by eight wheels. This reduces lateral movement, allowing for stable ascent and descent. Therefore, since there is no need to place wheels in four directions offset by 90 degrees to grip the object, the size and weight of the lifting device can be reduced. Consequently, this application demonstrates the ability to lift and descent columnar objects such as lightning rods, and to realize a compact, easily portable lifting device. Furthermore, with the lifting device according to this application example, the insulation resistance can be measured using an insulation resistance meter while the first and second measurement terminals of the insulation resistance measuring unit mounted on the upper side of the lifting unit are in contact with the object. Therefore, the user can check the condition of the object by looking at the measurement value of the insulation resistance meter.

[0010] [Application Example 5] In the lifting device according to the above application example, the insulation resistance measuring unit includes a third motor for rotating the first measuring terminal and a limit switch. When the lifting unit raises the object and the second measuring terminal is in contact with the second part of the object, the limit switch is pressed. The pressing of the limit switch stops the lifting unit, the third motor rotates the first measuring terminal to make contact with the first part of the object, and the insulation resistance between the first part and the second part is measured by the insulation resistance meter. According to the lifting device in this application example, the lifting unit stops with the second measuring terminal in contact with the second part of the object, and the first measuring terminal rotates to come into contact with the first part of the object, so that the insulation resistance between the first part and the second part can be measured.

[0011] [Application Example 6] The lifting device according to the above application example includes a camera unit mounted above the lifting unit and having a camera for photographing the object, and the camera may transmit the video footage taken by the lifting unit while the object is being raised or lowered to an information terminal in real time. According to the lifting device in this application example, the user can view the camera image, confirm that the first and second measurement terminals are in contact with an object, and then measure the insulation resistance.

[0012] [Application Example 7] In the lifting device according to the above application example, the object is cylindrical, and the distances between the first wheel and the second wheel, the third wheel and the fourth wheel, the fifth wheel and the sixth wheel, and the seventh wheel and the eighth wheel may each be greater than 1 / 5 of the diameter of the cross-section of the object and less than 1 / 3 of the diameter. According to the lifting device of this application example, since the distances between the two wheels arranged in two rows respectively are within an appropriate range with respect to the diameter of the cross-section of the object, the straight-ahead performance of the lifting unit is improved.

[0013] [Application Example 8] In the lifting device according to the above application example, the object may be a lightning rod. According to the lifting device of this application example, the user can safely inspect the lightning rod.

[0014] [Application Example 9] In the lifting device according to the above application example, the object has a lightning protection conductor, and the lifting unit may have a roller that uses the lightning protection conductor as a guide. According to the lifting device of this application example, since the roller uses the lightning protection conductor as a guide, the straight-ahead performance of the lifting unit is improved.

[0015] [Application Example 10] The lifting system according to this application example includes the lifting device according to the above application example and an operating machine that transmits a control signal for controlling the lifting of the lifting unit to the lifting device. It is characterized by this. According to the lifting system of this application example, the user can operate the operating machine to lift and lower the lifting device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1] It is a diagram for explaining the outline of the lifting system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] (A) is a top view of the lifting device, (B) is a front view of the lifting device, and (C) is a right side view of the lifting device. [Figure 3] It is an exploded perspective view of the lifting device. [Figure 4] There is a diagram showing the positional relationship between each wheel and the columnar part of the lightning rod. [Figure 5] It is a diagram for explaining the operation of the lifting device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing the first camera unit in a state where the support column is not bent. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing the first camera unit in a state where the support column is bent. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the lifting system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a flowchart diagram showing an example of the operation procedure of the lifting device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a diagram for explaining the outline of the lifting system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] (A) is a top view of the lifting device, (B) is a front view of the lifting device, and (C) is a right side view of the lifting device. [Figure 12] It is a diagram for explaining the operation of the lifting device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the lifting system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] It is a flowchart diagram showing an example of the operation procedure of the lifting device according to the second embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The drawings used in this description are for convenience of explanation. Note that the embodiments described below do not unduly limit the content of the present invention described in the claims. Also, not all of the configurations described below are essential constituent elements of the present invention. The lifting device according to the present embodiment lifts a vertically standing columnar object. Hereinafter, a lifting device that lifts a lightning rod as a columnar object will be described as an example.

[0018] 1. First Embodiment 1-1. Overview of the Lifting System Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the outline of the lifting system according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the lightning rod 6 is an upright columnar object and is composed of a columnar portion 6a, a spike 6b, and a lightning conductor 6c (not shown in Figure 1, see Figure 4) extending from the spike 6b in the direction of the long axis of the columnar portion 6a. The lightning rod 6 may also be cylindrical, for example. As shown in Figure 1, the lifting system 200 comprises a lifting device 1 and an operating device 2. The lifting system 200 may further include an information terminal 3. The lifting device 1 comprises a lifting unit 11 for raising and lowering the lightning rod 6, and a first camera unit 12 and a second camera unit 13 mounted above the lifting unit 11.

[0019] The lifting unit 11 raises and lowers the lightning rod 6 by rotating multiple wheels pressed against the lightning rod 6. The user of the lifting device 1 can control the operation of the lifting unit 11 using the operator 2. The lifting unit 11 raises and lowers the lightning rod 6 according to the control signals transmitted from the operator 2. The first camera unit 12 has a first camera 81 positioned to photograph the lightning rod 6. The second camera unit 13 has a second camera 82 positioned to photograph the lightning rod 6. The second camera unit 13 is located opposite the first camera unit 12 with the lightning rod 6 in between, and cameras 81 and 82 photograph the lightning rod 6 from both sides. The lifting device 1 rises to near the upper end of the lightning rod 6 while photographing the lightning rod 6 from both sides, and then descends to near the lower end of the lightning rod 6. That is, cameras 81 and 82 transmit the images taken by the lifting unit 11 while the lightning rod 6 is being raised and lowered in real time to the information terminal 3. The images taken by cameras 81 and 82 are then displayed in real time on the information terminal 3 carried by the user. The user can safely and easily inspect the lightning rod 6 by checking whether the lifting and lowering of the lifting device 1 and the orientation of cameras 81 and 82 are normal while viewing the images displayed on the information terminal 3, and by checking the image of the tip of the lightning rod 6b displayed on the information terminal 3.

[0020] 1-2. Structure of the lifting device Figure 2 shows the structure of the lifting device 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 2(A) is a top view of the lifting device 1, Figure 2(B) is a front view of the lifting device 1, and Figure 2(C) is a right side view of the lifting device 1. As shown in Figure 2, the lifting device 1 according to the first embodiment comprises a lifting unit 11 and a first camera unit 12 and a second camera unit 13 mounted on the upper side of the lifting unit 11. The lifting unit 11 comprises a first wheel block 31, a second wheel block 32, rollers 65, a control unit 100, a battery 110, and a housing 20 that houses these components. The housing 20 has a configuration in which two side plates 21 and 22, which form a U-shape when viewed from above the lifting device 1, are connected. The side plates 21 and 22 can be opened and closed by hinges 24, and can be closed as shown in Figure 2 or open as shown in Figure 3. The lightning rod 6 is housed inside the space formed when the side plates 21 and 22 are opened, and with the lightning rod 6 sandwiched between the first wheel block 31 and the second wheel block 32, the locking members 23 (safety locks) at the ends of the side plates 21 and 22 are locked to connect the side plates 21 and 22, thus forming the housing 20.

[0021] The first wheel block 31 has first wheels 51 and second wheels 52 arranged in two rows on the upper level, third wheels 53 and fourth wheels 54 arranged in two rows on the lower level, and a chassis 41 to which the wheels 51-54 are attached. The chassis 41 is mounted inside the side plate 21. A motor 61 is attached to one side of the chassis 41, and a power transmission belt 63 is attached to the other side of the chassis 41 to transmit the rotation of the motor 61 to the axle to which the wheels 53 and 54 are attached. In other words, the motor 61 is a motor that rotates the wheels 53 and 54 arranged on the lower level in the first wheel block 31. The second wheel block 32 has a fifth wheel 55 and a sixth wheel 56 arranged in two rows on the upper level, a seventh wheel 57 and an eighth wheel 58 arranged in two rows on the lower level, and a chassis 42 to which the wheels 55-58 are attached. The chassis 42 is mounted inside the side plate 22. A motor 62 is attached to one side of the chassis 42, and a power transmission belt 64 is attached to the other side of the chassis 42 to transmit the rotation of the motor 62 to the axle to which the wheels 57 and 58 are attached. In other words, the motor 62 is a motor that rotates the wheels 57 and 58 arranged on the lower level in the second wheel block 32. Wheels 51-58 are fitted with rubber tires, and the lifting unit 11 moves up and down as each tire rotates in the same direction while pressed against the lightning rod 6.

[0022] Figure 4 shows the positional relationship between the wheels 51-58 and the columnar portion 6a of the lightning rod 6. Figure 4(A) is a schematic view of the wheel blocks 31, 32 and the columnar portion 6a from above, and Figure 4(B) is a schematic view of the wheel blocks 31, 32 and the columnar portion 6a from the side. In Figure 4, for ease of drawing, the symbols of wheels and other components hidden in the background are enclosed in parentheses. As shown in Figure 4, in the first wheel block 31, the two upper wheels 51 and 52 are 1 The wheels 51 and 52 are mounted on one axle, and each tire of the wheels 51 and 52 is biased by a spring (not shown) and pressed against the columnar portion 6a of the lightning rod 6. Similarly, in the second wheel block 32, the two upper wheels 55 and 56 are mounted on one axle, and each tire of the wheels 55 and 56 is biased by a spring (not shown) and pressed against the columnar portion 6a of the lightning rod 6. The wheels 51 and 52 and the wheels 55 and 56 face each other with the columnar portion 6a in between, and the columnar portion 6a is sandwiched between them from both sides.

[0023] Furthermore, in the first wheel block 31, the two lower wheels 53 and 54 are mounted on a single axle, and each tire of the wheels 53 and 54 is biased by springs 45 and 46 attached to the side plate 21 and pressed against the columnar portion 6a of the lightning rod 6. Similarly, in the second wheel block 32, the two lower wheels 57 and 58 are mounted on a single axle, and each tire of the wheels 57 and 58 is biased by springs 47 and 48 attached to the side plate 22 and pressed against the columnar portion 6a of the lightning rod 6. The wheels 53 and 54 and the wheels 57 and 58 face each other with the columnar portion 6a in between, and the columnar portion 6a is sandwiched between them from both sides. In this manner, the lifting unit 11 holds the lightning rod 6 between wheels 51, 52 and wheels 55, 56, and also holds the lightning rod 6 between wheels 53, 54 and wheels 57, 58. Motors 61, 62 rotate the four lower wheels 53, 54, 57, 58, and consequently the four upper wheels 51, 52, 55, 56 also rotate, thereby raising and lowering the lightning rod 6.

[0024] As shown in Figure 4(A), for example, the distance L between wheel 51 and wheel 52 is 15 mm, and the width W of wheels 51 and 52 is 15 mm. Also, the distance D from the end of wheel 51 to the end of wheel 52 is 2W + L = 45 mm, and the distance D1 between the contact point P1 between wheel 51 and the columnar part 6a of the lightning rod 6 and the contact point P2 between wheel 52 and the columnar part 6a of the lightning rod 6 is approximately 30 mm. The distances between wheel 53 and wheel 54, wheel 55 and wheel 56, and wheel 57 and wheel 58 are the same as the distance L between wheel 51 and wheel 52, and the widths of wheels 53 to 58 are the same as the width W of wheels 51 and 52. On the other hand, the diameter R of the cross-section of the columnar portion 6a of the lightning rod 6 to be inspected is, for example, 48 mm to 60 mm. Therefore, the spacing L is greater than 1 / 5 of the diameter R and less than 1 / 3 of the diameter R. When this condition is met, the distance D1 becomes less than 2 / 3 of the diameter R, and depending on the width W, the distance D becomes less than the diameter R. As a result, the lightning rod 6 can be stably gripped at 8 points by the wheels 51 to 58, improving the straight-line movement of the lifting unit 11 and enabling stable lifting and lowering. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the roller 65 is mounted on the outside of the side plate 21 and is biased by a spring (not shown) and pressed against the columnar portion 6a of the lightning rod 6. As the lifting unit 11 moves up and down, the roller 65 rotates using the lightning conductor 6c as a guide, as shown in Figure 4. This roller 65 improves the straight-line movement of the wheel blocks 31 and 32 and improves the stability of the lifting unit 11 when it moves up and down. Even if the lightning rod 6 does not have a lightning conductor 6c, the roller 65 will not adversely affect the lifting and lowering of the lifting unit 11.

[0025] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the control unit 100 is mounted on the outside of the side plate 22 and controls the rotation of the side plate motors 61 and 62 and communicates with the operating device 2. The battery 110 functions as a power source for the motors 61 and 62 and the control unit 100, and is mounted on the inside of the side plate 22, as shown in Figure 3. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first camera unit 12 comprises a support column 71, a base 72, a support member 73, and a first camera 81. The support column 71 is erected on the outside of the side plate 21, and the base 72 is attached to the upper end of the support column 71. The first camera 81, which photographs the lightning rod 6, is fixed to the base 72. Similarly, the second camera unit 13 comprises a support column 74, a base 75, and a second camera 82. The support column 74 is erected on the outside of the side plate 22, and the base 75 is attached to the upper end of the support column 74. It is attached. A second camera 82 for photographing the lightning rod 6 is fixed to the base 75.

[0026] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, in the first camera unit 12, a support member 73 is attached to the base 72, and a top sensor 90 that detects the top of the lightning rod 6 (the tip of the spike 6b) is attached to the support member 73. The top sensor 90 is, for example, a reflective sensor that detects reflected light when light is shone onto the lightning rod 6. When the lifting unit 11 rises and the top sensor 90 passes the tip of the spike 6b, as shown in Figure 5, it can no longer detect reflected light. Based on the detection signal from the top sensor 90, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the top sensor 90 has reached the tip of the spike 6b, and when the top sensor 90 reaches the tip of the spike 6b, it stops the lifting unit 11 from rising. As a result, the cameras 81 and 82 stop in a position where they can photograph the spike 6b. If the shooting position is off, the user can operate the operator 2 to raise or lower the lifting unit 11 to make fine adjustments to the shooting position. Furthermore, the top sensor 90 forces the lifting unit 11 to stop, reducing the risk of the lifting device 1 detaching from the lightning rod 6. However, while the lifting unit 11 is rising, strong winds or other factors may cause the top sensor 90 to shift position, preventing it from detecting the lightning rod 6, and causing the lifting unit 11 to stop midway. In such cases, the user can operate the control unit 2 to raise the lifting unit 11 again. The lifting unit 11 has dimensions of, for example, 515 mm in width, 265 mm in depth, and 725 mm in height, and weighs approximately 5 kg. The side panels 21 and 22 can be separated at the hinge 24. Therefore, the user can carry the lifting unit 11 in a large backpack.

[0027] Furthermore, in the first camera unit 12, the support member 73 and the first camera 81 are removable from the base 72, and the support column 71 can be bent. Figures 6 and 7 show the first camera unit 12 with the support member 73 and the first camera 81 removed. Figure 6 shows the first camera unit 12 with the support column 71 not bent, and Figure 7 shows the first camera unit 12 with the support column 71 bent. Figures 6(A) and 7(A) are top views of the first camera unit 12, Figures 6(B) and 7(B) are front views of the first camera unit 12, and Figures 6(C) and 7(C) are right side views of the first camera unit 12. As shown in Figure 7, with the support member 73 and the first camera 81 removed and the support column 71 bent, the first camera unit 12 becomes compact and can be stored in a backpack or the like. The structure of the second camera unit 13 is the same as that of the first camera unit 12. Therefore, similar to the first camera unit 12, the second camera 82 in the second camera unit 13 can be removed from the base 75, and the support column 74 can be bent. With the second camera 82 removed and the support column 74 bent, the second camera unit 13 becomes compact and can be stored in a backpack or the like.

[0028] 1-3. Functional configuration of the lifting system Figure 8 shows the functional configuration of the lifting system 200 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 8, the lifting system 200 comprises a lifting device 1 and an operating device 2, and may further include an information terminal 3. The operator 2 transmits control signals to the lifting device 1 in response to user operations. The user can raise or lower the lifting device 1 by operating the operator 2. In other words, the operator 2 transmits control signals to the lifting device 1 to control the raising and lowering of the lifting unit 11. Data communication between the operator 2 and the lifting device 1 may be wired, but wireless communication is preferred.

[0029] Information terminal 3 transmits control signals to the first camera 81 and the second camera 82 in response to user operations. The user operates information terminal 3 to control the first camera 81 and the second camera 82 The camera can start and stop recording. The information terminal 3 also displays images of the lightning rod 6 captured by the first camera 81 and the second camera 82. The information terminal 3 may also display images captured by the first camera 81 and the second camera 82 in real time while the lifting device 1 is being raised or lowered. The information terminal 3 may be, for example, a tablet or a smartphone. Data communication between the information terminal 3 and the first camera 81 and the second camera 82 may be wired communication, but wireless communication is preferred. Furthermore, the information terminal 3 may also have the functions of the operating device 2. In this case, the operating device 2 is unnecessary, and the information terminal 3 functions as the operating device.

[0030] As described above, the lifting device 1 comprises a control unit 100, a first motor 61, a second motor 62, a first camera 81, a second camera 82, a top sensor 90, and a battery 110. The lifting device 1 may also include a power supply circuit 111. The power supply circuit 111 converts the voltage supplied from the battery 110 to a predetermined voltage and supplies it to each part of the control unit 100. The power supply circuit 111 may be mounted on the housing 20, for example, like the control unit 100. Alternatively, the power supply circuit 111 may be included in the control unit 100.

[0031] The control unit 100 includes a control microcontroller 101, a transceiver 102, and a motor drive circuit 103. The transceiver 102 receives control signals transmitted from the operator 2 and outputs them to the control microcontroller 101. The motor drive circuit 103 drives the first motor 61 and the second motor 62. The control microcontroller 101 controls the operation of motors 61 and 62 by controlling the motor drive circuit 103 based on control signals output from the transceiver 102. In other words, the control microcontroller 101 controls the rotational movement of wheels 53, 54, 57, and 58. For example, when the control microcontroller 101 receives a control signal from the operator 2 instructing the start of inspection, it rotates motors 61 and 62 in the forward direction to raise the lifting unit 11. The control microcontroller 101 also stops the rotational movement of motors 61 and 62 in response to a detection signal from the top sensor 90. Furthermore, the control microcontroller 101 rotates motors 61 and 62 in the reverse direction to lower the lifting unit 11.

[0032] 1-4. Operation Procedure of the Lifting Device Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation procedure of the lifting device 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 9, first, the user installs the lifting unit 11 on the lightning rod 6 (step S1). Next, the user operates the information terminal 3 to start taking pictures of the lightning rod 6 with cameras 81 and 82 (step S2). Next, the user operates the control unit 2 to raise the lifting unit 11 (step S3). The lifting unit 11 then rises until the top sensor 90 detects the top of the lightning rod 6 (step S3), and when the top sensor 90 detects the top of the lightning rod 6 (Y in step S4), the lifting unit 11 automatically stops (step S5). Next, the user checks the video footage captured by cameras 81 and 82 on the information terminal 3. If the top of the spike 6b is not visible in the video (N in step S6), the user operates the control unit 2 to adjust the position of the lifting unit 11 until the top of the spike 6b becomes visible (step S7). Once the user confirms that the top of the spike 6b is visible in the video (Y in step S6), the user operates the control unit 2 to lower the lifting unit 11 (step S8). Then, when the lifting unit 11 has descended to near the lower end of the lightning rod 6, the user operates the control unit 2 to stop the lifting unit 11 (step S9). Finally, the user operates the information terminal 3 to end the photography of the lightning rod 6 by cameras 81 and 82 (step S10).

[0033] 1-5. Effects As described above, in the lifting device 1 according to the first embodiment, the wheel blocks 31 and 32 face each other in the lifting unit 11. Wheel block 31 has wheels 51 and 52 arranged in two rows on the upper level and wheels 53 and 54 on the lower level, while wheel block 32 has wheels 55 and 56 arranged in two rows on the upper level and wheels 57 and 58 on the lower level. Therefore, the lifting unit 11 moves up and down with the lightning rod 6 sandwiched from both sides by the four upper wheels 51, 52, 55, and 56, and with the lightning rod 6 sandwiched from both sides by the four lower wheels 53, 54, 57, and 58. In other words, according to the lifting device 1 of the first embodiment, in the wheel block 31, the four wheels 51 to 54 are arranged in two rows and in two tiers, and in the wheel block 32, the four wheels 55 to 58 are arranged in two rows and in two tiers. As a result, the lightning rod 6 can be sandwiched between the eight wheels 51 to 58 from both sides in two tiers, upper and lower, which reduces lateral sway and allows for stable lifting and lowering. In particular, by setting the spacing L between each of the wheels 51,51, wheels 53,54, wheels 55,56, and wheels 57,58 to be greater than 1 / 5 of the diameter R of the cross-section of the columnar portion 6a of the lightning rod 6, and less than 1 / 3 of the diameter R, the straight-line movement of the lifting unit 11 is improved. Furthermore, if the lightning rod 6 has a lightning conductor 6c, the rollers 65 of the lifting unit 11 use the lightning conductor 6c as a guide, further improving the straight-line movement of the lifting unit 11. As a result, there is no need to arrange wheels in four directions offset by 90 degrees to sandwich the lightning rod 6, so the size and weight of the lifting device 1 can be reduced. Accordingly, according to the first embodiment, a small lifting device 1 that can raise and lower the lightning rod 6 and is easy to carry can be realized. Furthermore, in the lifting device 1 according to the first embodiment, camera units 12 and 13 mounted on the upper side of the lifting unit 11 are positioned opposite each other, with the lightning rod 6 in between. As a result, cameras 81 and 82 photograph the lightning rod 6 from both sides and transmit the captured images to the information terminal 3 in real time. This allows the user to view the images from cameras 81 and 82 to confirm whether the lifting device 1 has risen to the top of the lightning rod 6 and to understand the condition of the lightning rod's spike 6b (whether or not it is damaged). Therefore, the user can safely inspect the lightning rod 6 by operating the control unit 2 to raise and lower the lifting device 1.

[0034] 2. Second Embodiment Hereinafter, with respect to the lifting system 200 according to the second embodiment, the same reference numerals will be used for components similar to those in the first embodiment, descriptions similar to those in the first embodiment will be omitted or simplified, and the main differences from the first embodiment will be described. 2-1. Overview of the Lifting System Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the overview of the lifting system 200 according to the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 10, the lightning rod 6 is an upright columnar object and is composed of a columnar part 6a and a spherical spike 6b. The columnar part 6a may be cylindrical, for example. The lightning rod 6 is a lightning rod that suppresses lightning strikes, and the upper part 6d and lower part 6e of the spike 6b are insulated.

[0035] As shown in Figure 10, the lifting system 200 comprises a lifting device 1 and an operating device 2. The lifting system 200 may further include an information terminal 3. The lifting device 1 comprises a lifting unit 11 for raising and lowering the lightning rod 6, and an insulation resistance measuring unit 14 and a camera unit 13 mounted above the lifting unit 11. The lifting device 1 according to the second embodiment differs from the lifting device 1 according to the first embodiment in that it includes an insulation resistance measuring unit 14 instead of a camera unit 12, and an insulation resistance meter 92 is attached to the lifting unit 11.

[0036] Similar to the first embodiment, the lifting unit 11 rotates multiple wheels pressed against the lightning rod 6. The lightning rod 6 is raised and lowered. The user of the lifting device 1 can control the operation of the lifting unit 11 using the operator 2. The lifting unit 11 raises and lowers the lightning rod 6 according to the control signals transmitted from the operator 2. An insulation resistance meter 92 is attached to the lifting unit 11. The insulation resistance meter 92 may also be attached to the insulation resistance measurement unit 14. The insulation resistance measuring unit 14 has a first measuring terminal 83 and a second measuring terminal 84 that are connected to the insulation resistance meter 92. For example, the first measuring terminal 83 is connected to the positive terminal of the insulation resistance meter 92, and the second measuring terminal 84 is connected to the negative terminal of the insulation resistance meter 92. The camera unit 13 has a camera 82 positioned to photograph the lightning rod 6, and the camera unit 13 photographs the lightning rod 6. The camera unit 13 is positioned opposite the insulation resistance measurement unit 14 with the lightning rod 6 in between, and the camera 82 can also photograph the insulation resistance measurement unit 14. The lifting device 1 rises to near the upper end of the lightning rod 6 while photographing the lightning rod 6, and with the first measurement terminal 83 in contact with the upper part 6d of the spike 6b (an example of the "first part") and the second measurement terminal 84 in contact with the lower part 6e of the spike 6b (an example of the "second part"), the insulation resistance between the upper part 6d and the lower part 6e of the spike 6b is measured by the insulation resistance meter 92. After that, the lifting device 1 descends to near the lower end of the lightning rod 6. That is, the camera 82 transmits the video footage taken by the lifting unit 11 while the lightning rod 6 is being raised and lowered in real time to the information terminal 3. The video captured by camera 82 is then displayed in real time on the information terminal 3 carried by the user. The user can safely and easily inspect the lightning rod 6 by checking the raising and lowering of the lifting device 1 and the positions of the measurement terminals 83 and 84 while viewing the video displayed on the information terminal 3, and by checking the insulation resistance value measured by the insulation resistance meter 92.

[0037] 2-2. Structure of the lifting device Figure 11 shows the structure of the lifting device 1 according to the second embodiment. Figure 11(A) is a top view of the lifting device 1, Figure 11(B) is a front view of the lifting device 1, and Figure 11(C) is a right side view of the lifting device 1. As shown in Figure 11, the lifting device 1 according to the second embodiment comprises a lifting unit 11, and an insulation resistance measuring unit 14 and a camera unit 13 mounted on the upper side of the lifting unit 11. The structure of the lifting unit 11 is the same as in Figures 2 to 4, except that an insulation resistance meter 92 is mounted on the outside of the side plate 21, so its explanation is omitted. Also, the structure of the camera unit 13 is the same as in Figures 2, 3, 6, and 7, so its explanation is omitted.

[0038] The insulation resistance measurement unit 14 comprises a support column 77, a base 78, a first measurement terminal 83, a second measurement terminal 84, and a limit switch 85. The support column 77 is erected on the outside of the side plate 21, and the base 78 is attached to the upper end of the support column 77. The first measurement terminal 83 is attached to the base 78, and the second measurement terminal 84 and the limit switch 85 are attached to the support column 77. The first measuring terminal 83 is rotatable horizontally by a third motor 66 (see Figure 13), which is not shown, and the second measuring terminal 84 is rotatable vertically by an external force. The second measuring terminal 84 may also be rotatable vertically by a fourth motor 67 (see Figure 13). The measuring terminals 83 and 84 are each connected to an insulation resistance meter 92 by wiring (not shown). As shown in Figure 12, when the lifting unit 11 rises above the columnar portion 6a of the lightning rod 6 and the second measuring terminal 84 comes into contact with the lower part 6e of the thorn 6b, the external force generated by the contact causes the second measuring terminal 84 to rotate. As the second measuring terminal 84 rotates, the limit switch 85 is pressed down while the second measuring terminal 84 is in contact with the lower part 6e of the thorn 6b. When the limit switch 85 is pressed, the lifting unit 11 stops, and the first measuring terminal 83 rotates due to the third motor 66 and comes into contact with the upper part 6d of the thorn 6b. With the measuring terminals 83 and 84 in contact with the upper part 6d and lower part 6e of the thorn 6b, respectively, the insulation resistance between the upper part 6d and lower part 6e of the thorn 6b is measured by the insulation resistance meter 92.

[0039] 2-3. Functional configuration of the lifting system Figure 13 shows the functional configuration of the lifting system 200 according to the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 13, the lifting system 200 comprises a lifting device 1 and an operating device 2, and may further include an information terminal 3. The operator 2 transmits control signals to the lifting device 1 in response to user operations. The user can raise or lower the lifting device 1 by operating the operator 2. In other words, the operator 2 transmits control signals to the lifting device 1 to control the raising and lowering of the lifting unit 11. Data communication between the operator 2 and the lifting device 1 may be wired, but wireless communication is preferred.

[0040] The information terminal 3 transmits control signals to the lifting device 1 in response to user operations. The user can operate the information terminal 3 to start or stop the camera 82 from taking pictures. The information terminal 3 also displays the image of the lightning rod 6 captured by the camera 82. The information terminal 3 may also display the image captured by the camera 82 in real time while the lifting device 1 is being raised or lowered. Furthermore, the information terminal 3 transmits control signals to the insulation resistance meter 92 in response to user operations. The user can operate the information terminal 3 to start or stop the insulation resistance meter 92 from measuring. The information terminal 3 also displays the insulation resistance value measured by the insulation resistance meter 92. The information terminal 3 may be, for example, a tablet or a smartphone. Data communication between the information terminal 3 and the camera 82 may be wired, but wireless communication is preferred. Similarly, data communication between the information terminal 3 and the insulation resistance meter 92 may be wired, but wireless communication is preferred. Note that the information terminal communicating with the insulation resistance meter 92 may be a different terminal from the information terminal 3 communicating with the camera 82. Also, the information terminal 3 may have the functions of the control unit 2. In this case, the control unit 2 is unnecessary, and the information terminal 3 functions as the control unit.

[0041] The lifting device 1 comprises a control unit 100, a first motor 61, a second motor 62, a third motor 66, a camera 82, a limit switch 85, an insulation resistance meter 92, and a battery 110. The lifting device 1 may also include a fourth motor 67. Furthermore, the lifting device 1 may also include a power supply circuit 111. The power supply circuit 111 converts the voltage supplied from the battery 110 into a predetermined voltage and supplies it to each part of the control unit 100. The power supply circuit 111 may be mounted on the housing 20, for example, similar to the control unit 100. Alternatively, the power supply circuit 111 may be included in the control unit 100.

[0042] The control unit 100 includes a control microcontroller 101, a transceiver 102, and a motor drive circuit 103. The transceiver 102 receives control signals transmitted from the operator 2 and outputs them to the control microcontroller 101. The motor drive circuit 103 drives the first motor 61, the second motor 62, the third motor 66, and the fourth motor 67. The control microcontroller 101 controls the operation of motors 61 and 62 by controlling the motor drive circuit 103 based on control signals output from the transceiver 102. In other words, the control microcontroller 101 controls the rotational movement of wheels 53, 54, 57, and 58. For example, when the control microcontroller 101 receives a control signal from the operator 2 instructing the start of inspection, it rotates motors 61 and 62 in the forward direction to raise the lifting unit 11. The control microcontroller 101 also stops the rotational movement of motors 61 and 62 in response to a detection signal from the limit switch 85. Furthermore, it rotates motors 61 and 62 in the reverse direction to lower the lifting unit 11. Furthermore, the control microcontroller 101 controls the operation of motors 66 and 67 by controlling the motor drive circuit 103 based on the control signals output from the transceiver 102. In other words, the control microcontroller 101 controls the rotational movement of measurement terminals 83 and 84.

[0043] 2-4. Operation Procedure of the Lifting Device Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation procedure of the lifting device 1 according to the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 14, first, the user installs the lifting unit 11 onto the lightning rod 6 (step S21). Next, the user operates the information terminal 3 to start taking pictures of the lightning rod 6 with the camera 82 (step S22). Next, the user operates the control unit 2 to raise the lifting unit 11 (step S23). The lifting unit 11 then rises until the limit switch 85 is pressed (step S23), and when the limit switch 85 is pressed (Y in step S24), the lifting unit 11 automatically stops (step S25).

[0044] Next, the user checks the video captured by camera 82 on information terminal 3. If the upper part 6d of the needle 6b is not visible in the video (N in step S26), the user operates the control unit 2 to adjust the position of the lifting unit 11 until the upper part 6d of the needle 6b becomes visible (step S27). Once the user confirms that the upper part 6d of the needle 6b is visible in the video (Y in step S26), the user operates the control unit 2 to rotate the first measuring terminal 83 so that it makes contact with the upper part 6d of the needle 6b (step S28). Next, the user operates the information terminal 3 to have the insulation resistance meter 92 measure the insulation resistance between the upper part 6d and the lower part 6e of the needle 6b (step S29). Then, the user confirms the insulation resistance value and operates the operating device 2 to rotate the first measuring terminal 83 away from the upper part 6d of the needle 6b (step S30), and further operates the operating device 2 to lower the lifting unit 11 (step S31). Then, when the lifting unit 11 has descended to near the lower end of the lightning rod 6, the user operates the control unit 2 to stop the lifting unit 11 (step S32). Finally, the user operates the information terminal 3 to end the photography of the lightning rod 6 by the camera 82 (step S33).

[0045] 2-5. Effects In the lifting device 1 according to the second embodiment described above, the wheel blocks 31 and 32 face each other in the lifting unit 11. Wheel block 31 has wheels 51 and 52 arranged in two rows on the upper level and wheels 53 and 54 on the lower level, while wheel block 32 has wheels 55 and 56 arranged in two rows on the upper level and wheels 57 and 58 on the lower level. Therefore, the lifting unit 11 moves up and down with the lightning rod 6 sandwiched from both sides by the four upper wheels 51, 52, 55, and 56, and with the lightning rod 6 sandwiched from both sides by the four lower wheels 53, 54, 57, and 58. In other words, according to the lifting device 1 of the second embodiment, in the wheel block 31, the four wheels 51 to 54 are arranged in two rows and in two tiers, and in the wheel block 32, the four wheels 55 to 58 are arranged in two rows and in two tiers. As a result, the lightning rod 6 can be sandwiched between the eight wheels 51 to 58 from both sides in two tiers, so that lateral sway is reduced and the device can be lifted and lowered stably. In particular, by setting the spacing L between wheels 51,51, wheels 53,54, wheels 55,56, and wheels 57,58 to be greater than 1 / 5 of the diameter R of the cross-section of the columnar portion 6a of the lightning rod 6, and less than 1 / 3 of the diameter R, the straight-line movement of the lifting unit 11 is improved. Furthermore, if the lightning rod 6 has a lightning conductor 6c, the rollers 65 of the lifting unit 11 use the lightning conductor 6c as a guide, further improving the straight-line movement of the lifting unit 11. Therefore, since it is not necessary to arrange wheels in four directions offset by 90 degrees to sandwich the lightning rod 6, the size and weight of the lifting device 1 can be reduced. Accordingly, the second embodiment realizes a small lifting device 1 that can raise and lower the lightning rod 6 and is easy to carry. It is possible. Furthermore, in the lifting device 1 according to the second embodiment, the lifting unit 11 raises the lightning rod 6, and when the limit switch 85 is pressed while the measurement terminal 84 of the insulation resistance measurement unit 14 mounted on the upper side of the lifting unit 11 is in contact with the lower part 6e of the lightning rod 6b, the lifting unit 11 stops, and the measurement terminal 83 rotates to come into contact with the upper part 6d of the lightning rod 6b. In addition, the camera 82 of the camera unit 13 mounted on the upper side of the lifting unit 11 photographs the lightning rod 6, and the captured image is transmitted to the information terminal 3 in real time, so the user can view the image from the camera 82 and confirm that the measurement terminals 83 and 84 are in contact with the upper part 6d and lower part 6e of the lightning rod 6b, respectively. Therefore, with the measuring terminals 83 and 84 in contact with the upper 6d and lower 6e of the spike 6b, respectively, the insulation resistance between the upper 6d and lower 6e of the spike 6b can be measured using the insulation resistance meter 92. As a result, the user can understand the condition of the spike 6b of the lightning rod 6 by looking at the measurement value of the insulation resistance meter 92. Consequently, the user can safely inspect the lightning rod 6 by operating the operating device 2 to raise and lower the lifting device 1.

[0046] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various further modifications are possible. For example, the present invention includes configurations that are substantially identical to the configurations described in the embodiments (for example, configurations with the same function, method, and result, or configurations with the same purpose and effect). The present invention also includes configurations in which non-essential parts of the configurations described in the embodiments are replaced. The present invention also includes configurations that produce the same effects or achieve the same purpose as the configurations described in the embodiments. Furthermore, the present invention includes configurations that add known technology to the configurations described in the embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] 1... Lifting device, 2... Operating device, 3... Information terminal, 6... Lightning rod, 6a... Columnar part, 6b... Pointed pin, 6c... Lightning conductor, 6d... Upper part of pointed pin, 6d... Lower part of pointed pin, 11... Lifting unit, 12,13... Camera unit, 14... Insulation resistance measurement unit, 20... Housing, 21,22... Side plate, 23... Locking member, 24... Hinge, 31... First wheel block, 32... Second wheel block, 41,42... Chassis, 51... First wheel, 52... Second wheel, 53... Third wheel, 54... Fourth wheel, 55... Fifth wheel, 56... Sixth wheel, 57... Seventh wheel, 58... Eighth wheel, 61 ...1st motor, 62...2nd motor, 63...power transmission belt, 64...power transmission belt, 65...roller, 66...3rd motor, 67...4th motor, 71...support column, 72...base, 73...support member, 74...support column, 75...base, 77...support column, 78...base, 81...1st camera, 82...2nd camera, 83...1st measurement terminal, 84...2nd measurement terminal, 85...limit switch, 90...top sensor, 100...control unit, 101...control microcontroller, 102...transceiver, 103...motor drive circuit, 110...battery, 111...power supply circuit, 200...lifting system

Claims

1. A lifting unit for raising and lowering a columnar object, The lifting unit is mounted above the first camera unit, which has a first camera for photographing the object, and the unit comprises: The aforementioned lifting unit is A first wheel block having a first wheel and a second wheel arranged in two rows on the upper level, and a third wheel and a fourth wheel arranged in two rows on the lower level, A second wheel block having a fifth and sixth wheel arranged in two rows on the upper level, and a seventh and eighth wheel arranged in two rows on the lower level, A first motor that rotates the third wheel and the fourth wheel, It has a second motor that rotates the seventh wheel and the eighth wheel, The aforementioned lifting unit is The object is held between the first wheel, the second wheel, the fifth wheel, and the sixth wheel, and the object is held between the third wheel, the fourth wheel, the seventh wheel, and the eighth wheel, and the object is raised and lowered. A lifting device characterized by the following features.

2. In the lifting device according to claim 1, The first camera transmits in real time to an information terminal the video footage captured by the lifting unit while the object is being raised or lowered. A lifting device characterized by the following features.

3. In the lifting device according to claim 1, A second camera unit is mounted above the aforementioned lifting unit and has a second camera for photographing the object, The second camera unit is positioned opposite the first camera unit with the object in between. A lifting device characterized by the following features.

4. A lifting unit for raising and lowering a columnar object, The unit comprises an insulation resistance measuring unit mounted above the lifting unit and having a first measuring terminal and a second measuring terminal connected to an insulation resistance meter for measuring the insulation resistance of the object, The aforementioned lifting unit is A first wheel block having a first wheel and a second wheel arranged in two rows on the upper level, and a third wheel and a fourth wheel arranged in two rows on the lower level, A second wheel block having a fifth and sixth wheel arranged in two rows on the upper level, and a seventh and eighth wheel arranged in two rows on the lower level, A first motor that rotates the third wheel and the fourth wheel, It has a second motor that rotates the seventh wheel and the eighth wheel, The aforementioned lifting unit is The object is held between the first wheel, the second wheel, the fifth wheel, and the sixth wheel, and the object is held between the third wheel, the fourth wheel, the seventh wheel, and the eighth wheel, and the object is raised and lowered. A lifting device characterized by the following features.

5. In the lifting device according to claim 4, The aforementioned insulation resistance measurement unit is A third motor that rotates the first measuring terminal, It has a limit switch, When the lifting unit raises the object and the second measuring terminal is in contact with the second part of the object, the limit switch is pressed. When the limit switch is pressed, the lifting unit stops, the third motor rotates the first measuring terminal and brings it into contact with the first part of the object, and the insulation resistance between the first part and the second part is measured by the insulation resistance meter. A lifting device characterized by the following features.

6. In the lifting device according to claim 4, The camera unit is mounted above the lifting unit and has a camera for photographing the object, The camera transmits in real time to an information terminal the video footage captured by the lifting unit while the object is being raised or lowered. A lifting device characterized by the following features.

7. In the lifting device according to claim 1 or 4, The aforementioned object is cylindrical, The distance between the first wheel and the second wheel, the distance between the third wheel and the fourth wheel, the distance between the fifth wheel and the sixth wheel, and the distance between the seventh wheel and the eighth wheel are, in each case, greater than 1 / 5 of the diameter of the cross-section of the object and less than 1 / 3 of the diameter. A lifting device characterized by the following features.

8. In the lifting device according to claim 1 or 4, The aforementioned object is a lightning rod. A lifting device characterized by the following features.

9. In the lifting device according to claim 8, The aforementioned object has a lightning conductor, The aforementioned lifting unit is Having a roller that uses the aforementioned lightning conductor as a guide, A lifting device characterized by the following features.

10. A lifting device according to claim 1 or 4, The lifting device includes an operating device that transmits a control signal to control the lifting and lowering of the lifting unit. A lifting system characterized by the following features.

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