Method and apparatus for monitoring integrity of a steel wire rope installation

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (100) and an apparatus (1) for monitoring the integrity of a steel wire rope (2) in a steel wire rope installation (10) and a steel wire rope installation (10) having the apparatus (1). The steel wire rope (2) is moved (S1) past a sensor device (2), a sensor signal (S2) is generated by means of the sensor device (2), which signal characterizes the magnetic interaction between the sensor device (3) and the steel wire rope (2) moved past the sensor device (3). And from the generated sensor signal, a measure of the integrity of the steel wire rope (2) is determined (S3). According to the invention, the movement of the steel wire rope (2) is generated during normal operation of the steel wire rope installation (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a method and apparatus for monitoring the integrity of wire ropes in wire rope equipment, and wire rope equipment having such apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Wire ropes are typically used to support or bind large, heavy objects. They consist of a large number of steel wires, which are usually twisted together into strands or wire ropes. These are typically wrapped around an insert, known as the core. In some cases, such as when used in suspension bridges, the wires can also be arranged parallel to each other without twisting. In this case, rope clamps are usually used to hold the wires together.

[0003] Over time, stress can compromise the integrity of wire ropes. For example, individual wires may break or tear. This can happen, for instance, when the wire rope is frequently bent, such as when it is bent on a pulley. Corrosion or other chemical processes can also cause damage to individual wires. The problem here is that the integrity of the wire sections inside the wire rope cannot be visually inspected. Therefore, non-invasive methods based on magnetic interactions have been developed for the periodic maintenance of wire ropes. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One object of the present invention is to further improve the integrity detection of wire ropes, particularly to increase the operational reliability of wire rope equipment with wire ropes and / or minimize downtime.

[0005] This objective is achieved by a method and apparatus for monitoring the integrity of wire ropes in a wire rope device according to one aspect of the invention, and by a wire rope device having an apparatus according to a further aspect of the invention.

[0006] In a method for monitoring the integrity of a wire rope in a wire rope apparatus according to a first aspect of the invention, (i) the wire rope is moved past a sensor device, (ii) the sensor device generates a sensor signal characterizing the magnetic interaction between the sensor device and the wire rope moving through the sensor device, and (iii) based on the generated sensor signal, a measure of the integrity of the wire rope is determined, hereinafter sometimes referred to as an integrity measurement. According to the invention, the movement of the wire rope is generated during normal operation of the wire rope apparatus.

[0007] According to one aspect of the invention, a method using magnet-based detection is employed to generate or provide information about the condition of the wire rope in a wire rope device; more precisely, this operation is preferably carried out during normal or conditioning operation of the wire rope device. In other words, the process of measuring at least one variable can be performed (furthermore) without damage to the wire rope device (e.g., a cable car system or a lifting system such as a crane), particularly without interrupting operation, based on which the integrity of the wire rope can be assessed. For this purpose, the wire rope is preferably moved past a preferably stationary sensor device, for example, passing through or along the sensor device in segments, such that the sensor device generates a sensor signal. This allows for substantially continuous monitoring of the wire rope. In particular, this enables a high level of operational reliability. Furthermore, the wire rope device can be operated particularly economically because no downtime is required for maintenance purposes.

[0008] To enable detection during normal operation of wire rope equipment, the sensor device can be integrated into, for example, a component of the wire rope equipment. Specifically, the sensor device can be designed as a component of the wire rope equipment. In the case of, for example, a crane's lifting system, the sensor device can be integrated into, for example, a pulley or drum, or designed as a pulley or drum. As a result, regardless of the operating state of the wire rope equipment, the wire rope can be easily moved past the sensor device to generate a sensor signal.

[0009] The sensor signal preferably characterizes the magnetic interaction between the sensor device and the moving wire rope, particularly its strength. The strength of the interaction, or the corresponding sensor signal, can serve as a starting point or at least a reference point for the integrity of the wire rope, such as its mass, especially the integrity of the invisible internal parts inside the sheath of the wire rope. In particular, the signal can be used to assess whether the wires of the wire rope are broken or at least damaged.

[0010] For example, this magnetic interaction can be detected using an inductive sensor, which generates a corresponding sensor signal. The inductive sensor is conveniently configured to measure the inductance of the wire rope, for example, through a magnetic field, also known as a "test field," acting on the wire rope. Alternatively, the magnetic interaction can also be detected using a magnetic sensor, such as a Hall effect sensor. This magnetic sensor is then conveniently configured to measure the magnetic field strength of the magnetic field generated or influenced by the wire rope.

[0011] The integrity of a wire rope, or a measure thereof, can also be determined magnetically using a sensor device. In other words, the sensor device can perform magnetic induction measurements on the wire rope. Preferably, this involves generating saturation magnetization of the wire rope and determining the magnetic flux through its cross-section. For this purpose, the sensor device can have a stray field coil or Hall effect device (Hall sensor) for detecting stray fields, from which the magnetic flux can be derived. Accordingly, the sensor signal can be a magnetic signal characterizing the magnetic flux through the cross-section of the wire rope.

[0012] However, other measurement methods are also feasible. For example, by means of a probe coil (also called a probe), changes in the magnetic field caused by the movement of a wire rope relative to a sensor device exposed to or at least partially exposed to the wire rope can be detected and output as a voltage signal. For this purpose, the probe coil is preferably wound with a permanent magnet for generating the magnetic field. The sensor signal can therefore be an inductive signal characterizing the intensity of the detected change.

[0013] Preferred embodiments of the invention and their developments are described below, wherein, without explicit exclusion, the embodiments may be combined with each other and with aspects of the invention described below as needed.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the wire rope bends past the sensor device. In other words, the wire rope is located within the area of ​​the sensor device, i.e., a section of the wire rope is adjacent to the sensor device. For example, the wire rope may be guided on a pulley within the sensor device area. In this case, the wire rope may be bent at least partially around the sensor device, for example, when the sensor device is integrated into or forms a pulley. The curvature of the wire rope can determine information related to the integrity of the wire rope under a specific stress state, i.e., information related to the integrity of a specific point with a specific load. Since it can be assumed that the integrity of the wire rope is most susceptible to damage at such a heavy load point, the risk of the overall condition of the wire rope being misjudged (especially overestimated) can at least be reduced.

[0015] In a further preferred embodiment, the position of the wire rope relative to the sensor device is detected and used as the basis for determining a measure of the wire rope's integrity. In this case, the position of the wire rope relative to the sensor device is preferably defined by its current location within the sensor device's area or by the portion moving towards the sensor device. That is, the position of the wire rope relative to the sensor device can change as the wire rope moves past the sensor device. Combining the detected position of the wire rope with the sensor signal based on magnetic interaction allows for a particularly detailed assessment of the wire rope's condition.

[0016] For example, the detected position of the wire rope relative to the sensor device can be used to determine the frequency at which a section of the wire rope currently detected by the sensor device has passed through a wire rope reservoir, such as a pulley, and has been bent and thus subjected to particular pressure. Conclusions about the condition of the wire rope can be drawn from the corresponding number of changes in curvature or bending and the magnetic interaction between the sensor device and the wire rope. With this information, for example by combining the determined changes in curvature or bending with the intensity of the magnetic interaction characterized by the sensor signal, the integrity of the wire rope can be assessed more comprehensively.

[0017] Alternatively or additionally, the determined measure of integrity can be assigned to a segment of the wire rope by detecting its position. As a result, changes in magnetic interaction over time can be detected, and the determination of the measure of integrity can be used as a basis.

[0018] For example, in order to predict the service life of a wire rope, the above allocation can also be used to determine the measure of integrity over time.

[0019] The position of the wire rope relative to the sensor device can be detected by means of, for example, a position encoder for the wire rope bearing, particularly the wire rope pulley. Such a position encoder can detect, for example, the acceleration, (rotational) speed, and / or orientation or position of the wire rope bearing. The number of revolutions of the wire rope bearing detected in this way can then be converted into the position of the wire rope relative to the sensor device.

[0020] It is particularly advantageous if the sensor device is designed as a wire rope bearing. In this case, acceleration, the (rotational) speed and / or direction or position of the sensor device can be recorded, and the determination of the measure of wire rope integrity can be used as a basis.

[0021] In another preferred embodiment, the generated sensor signal, particularly the determined measure of wire rope integrity, is assigned to the detection position of the wire rope relative to the sensor device. Specifically, the segment of wire rope currently moving past the sensor device can be assigned to the generated sensor signal. For example, this allows it to determine the frequency at which the wire rope or that segment moves past the sensor device, i.e., the frequency at which a measure of integrity has been determined for that segment. In particular, the measure of integrity can therefore be associated with one or more service cycles. This enables a particularly accurate assessment of the condition of the wire rope.

[0022] This process can also be performed to determine the measure of the integrity of a segment. If necessary, the measures of integrity determined for different segments can be compared with each other. This allows for timely identification, for example, that one segment wears faster or more than others. In this way, the overall condition of the wire rope can be assessed in a particularly differentiated manner, and defects in the rope, especially their development, can be identified at an early stage.

[0023] If necessary, the integrity of the wire rope can be measured based on the distribution of sensor signals and the position of the wire rope relative to the sensor device. The number of bends in the wire rope bearing area can be conveniently determined based on the wire rope's position, and the determination of the integrity measurement is used as a basis in addition to the sensor signal. In this way, mechanical wear and tear of the wire rope can be taken into account, even if it has little or no impact on the sensor signal.

[0024] In a further preferred embodiment, the development of wire rope integrity is predicted based on a determined measure of wire rope integrity. For example, it can be estimated how many more working cycles the wire rope can still be used without hesitation, where "without hesitation" means, for example, that its integrity does not yet meet a given replacement criterion. Based on the determined degree of integrity, the number of still acceptable bending cycles of the wire rope, such as those occurring when guided on pulleys, can be predicted. This not only further improves the operational reliability of the wire rope equipment but also enables predictable operation. In particular, this allows for advance ordering of spare parts and / or scheduling of maintenance work.

[0025] It is useful to record the measures of the identified wire rope integrity, that is, to record the history or process of the integrity measurement. Based on this record or history, specific distinctions and accurate predictions can be made.

[0026] In another preferred embodiment, the determined measure of the wire rope's integrity is checked (especially automatically) to see if it meets the replacement criteria. Preferably, a replacement signal is output based on the test results. In this case, it is advantageous to check whether the determined measure of integrity reaches or falls below a predetermined integrity threshold. If so, an output signal such as an audible and / or visual warning signal can be output. This allows for timely and particularly reliable shutdown of the wire rope equipment, for example, before the wire rope completely breaks.

[0027] The replacement signal, particularly an audible and / or visual warning signal, can be output to users, such as operators or maintenance personnel of the wire rope equipment. Alternatively or additionally, the replacement signal, particularly a digital or control signal, can be output to a control device configured to control the wire rope equipment. This allows for the automatic shutdown of the wire rope equipment when necessary.

[0028] In another preferred embodiment, the measure of the wire rope's integrity is determined using artificial intelligence. This AI, such as a neural network, is trained, or preferably trained, to compare generated sensor signals, particularly changes in sensor signals, with predetermined sensor signals and to draw conclusions about the wire rope's integrity from these comparisons. This AI can or will be trained using machine learning, for example. This allows for the identification of patterns, particularly in the sensor signals, such as patterns that occur over time, and the determination of the integrity measure can be used as a basis. In this way, the information contained in the sensor signals, especially information over their time course, can be utilized particularly effectively and comprehensively. This also enables the enhancement of the informational value of the integrity measure.

[0029] In a further preferred embodiment, the determined measure of wire rope integrity is provided in a network via an interface of a sensor device. For example, the integrity measure can be communicated via the Internet of Things (IoT) or invoked by devices connected to the network. This allows these devices to, for example, influence the operation of the wire rope equipment and / or further process the provided information and initiate processes based on that information. For example, forecasting wire rope demand and / or maintenance plans can be considered in this manner. This enables the extensive and effective use of wire rope-related information.

[0030] In a further preferred embodiment, the wire rope device operates, particularly automatically, based on a determined measure of wire rope integrity. Specifically, the wire rope device can be controlled based on this determined integrity measure. For example, when the determined integrity measure meets a predetermined replacement criterion, the operation of the wire rope device can be stopped or at least interrupted. For this purpose, the determined integrity can be processed by a control device used to control the wire rope actuator and used as the basis for such control. This enables extensive automation, thereby achieving particularly safe operation of the wire rope device.

[0031] In another preferred embodiment, when magnetic interaction occurs between the wire rope and the sensor device, at least one sensor unit of the sensor device, configured to generate a sensor signal, moves relative to a stationary component of the wire rope equipment. For example, the at least one sensor unit may rotate relative to a wire rope bearing, particularly a pulley. When the sensor unit is designed as a pulley, the at least one sensor unit can rotate relative to the sensor device. By moving at least one sensor unit relative to a stationary component, it is ensured that the magnetic interaction between the sensor device and the wire rope is sufficiently large, thereby enabling the reliable generation of a sensor signal, particularly one with low noise.

[0032] For example, a sensor device designed as a pulley may have multiple sensor units arranged along the circumference of the pulley, each sensor unit being rotatably mounted relative to the pulley about a rotation axis. Preferably, each sensor unit includes means for generating a magnetic field and thus a magnetic interaction between the sensor device and the wire rope, and an inductive or magnetic field sensor for detecting this interaction and generating a sensor signal. The sensor units may rotate actively or passively, for example by gravity through eccentric mounting about the rotation axis or by a corresponding actuator, such as a gear for converting the rotational motion of the pulley to each sensor unit.

[0033] According to a second aspect of the invention, an apparatus for monitoring the integrity of a wire rope in a wire rope device has a sensor device configured to generate a sensor signal characterizing the magnetic interaction between the sensor device and the wire rope moving through the sensor device. According to the invention, the wire rope device also has a stationary component in which the sensor device is integrated. Advantageously, the sensor device is designed as an integral part of the wire rope device.

[0034] A stationary component in the sense of this invention is particularly a stationary component that does not move in a translational manner during normal operation of a wire rope device. However, this does not preclude the component from performing at least partially another movement, such as rotation.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the device has a control unit configured to determine a measure of the integrity of the wire rope based on the generated sensor signals.

[0036] In a further preferred embodiment, the stationary component is a wire rope bearing. In other words, this component is preferably configured to support the wire rope at least in sections. Specifically, this component can be configured to support or carry the wire rope at least in sections. This allows the wire rope to be guided through a sensor device for generating sensor signals based on magnetic interactions during normal operation of the wire rope equipment. Furthermore, this ensures that the determined measure of integrity corresponds to the section of the wire rope with particularly high load, especially the largest load.

[0037] The wire rope bearing is preferably designed as a wire rope pulley or drum. In the case of a pulley or drum, the wire rope can move at least partially along one cheek plate of the pulley or drum under load. The strength of the magnetic interaction, characterized by sensor signals, can be determined, for example, the magnetic flux through the cross-section of the wire rope.

[0038] In another preferred embodiment, the sensor device has multiple sensor units arranged circumferentially along the wire rope bearing for generating sensor signals. Preferably, each sensor unit has a means for generating a magnetic field, particularly for generating saturation magnetization in the wire rope, and / or a stray field coil for detecting the magnetic flux passing through the cross-section of the wire rope. The sensor unit can generate a corresponding sensor signal by repeatedly rotating close to the wire rope, for example, to saturate the wire rope at least segmentally, and by detecting the magnetic flux of the resulting stray field passing through the cross-section of the wire rope.

[0039] The sensor unit, particularly the device for generating a magnetic field, can be arranged in at least one cheek of the wire rope pulley, especially in the region of a recess in the sensor device designed as a wire rope bearing, the recess being designed to guide the wire rope. This device for generating the magnetic field can be, for example, a permanent magnet, particularly a bar magnet, which can be readily accommodated in the cheek of the wire rope bearing, for example, in a corresponding recess.

[0040] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. For convenience, elements having the same function are given the same reference numerals. The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, nor even to the functional features. The preceding and following description of the drawings includes many features, some of which are reproduced in various combinations in the dependent claims. However, those skilled in the art will also consider these features individually, as well as all other features disclosed above and described in the following drawings, and combine them together to form meaningful further combinations. In particular, all the mentioned features can be combined individually and in any suitable combination with the method according to the first aspect of the invention, the apparatus according to the second aspect of the invention, and the wire rope device according to the third aspect of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0041] Figure 1 A first example of a wire rope device with a means for monitoring the integrity of the wire rope is shown;

[0042] Figure 2 A second example of a wire rope device with a means for monitoring the integrity of the wire rope is shown;

[0043] Figure 3 An example of a sensor device designed as a wire rope pulley is shown from a first-person perspective;

[0044] Figure 4 Shown from a second perspective Figure 3 Sensor devices;

[0045] Figure 5An example of a sensor device is shown, which is designed to have a wire rope pulley with a rotatably mounted sensor unit.

[0046] Figure 6 An example of a method for monitoring the integrity of wire ropes is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0047] Figure 1 A first example of a wire rope device 10, having a wire rope 2 and equipment 1 for monitoring the integrity of the wire rope 2, is shown in a side view. Equipment 1 includes a sensor device 3 for generating a sensor signal and a control device 4 for determining a measure of the integrity of the wire rope 2 based on the sensor signal, which is generated based on the magnetic interaction between the sensor device 3 and the wire rope 2 moving through the sensor device 3. In addition to equipment 1, the wire rope device 10 also includes a wire rope actuator 5 for moving the wire rope 2 during normal operation of the device and several (three in the illustrated example) wire rope bearings 6a, 6b, and 6c. The wire rope 2 is stretched between the wire rope actuator 5 and the first wire rope bearing 6a and guided through the second and third wire rope bearings 6b and 6c.

[0048] In this example, the wire rope device 10 is designed as a cable car system with a cabin-shaped load 11, the cabin being carried and connected to the wire rope 2. Therefore, in normal operation, the car can move together with the wire rope 2 via the wire rope drive 5.

[0049] In this example, wire rope bearings 6a, 6b, and 6c are designed as pulleys through which the wire rope 2, at least partially, runs during normal operation of the wire rope device 10. The first wire rope bearing 6a is rotated approximately 90° relative to the second and third wire rope bearings 6b and 6c, such that its axis of rotation extends as shown in the example. The wire rope 2 is a loop rope that extends from the wire rope actuator 5 to the first wire rope bearing 6a and back. For this purpose, the wire rope actuator 5 may have another motor-driven wire rope bearing (not shown) by which the wire rope 2 is guided. The return portion of the wire rope 2 extends substantially parallel to the exit portion. Figure 1 The return section is not shown for clarity.

[0050] The wire rope bearings 6a, 6b, and 6c are preferably stationary components of the wire rope equipment 10, and they do not undergo substantial translational movement during normal operation of the wire rope equipment 10. In other words, the wire rope bearings 6a, 6b, and 6c are rotatably mounted, but are essentially fixed or mounted.

[0051] like Figure 1As shown, the sensor device 3 is preferably integrated into the third wire rope bearing 6c. Specifically, the sensor device 3 is formed in the form of a wire rope bearing, so that it can be used as the third wire rope bearing 6c. Since the wire rope 2 thus passes through the sensor device 3 during normal operation, the integrity of the wire rope 2 can also be monitored during the normal operation of the wire rope equipment 10. No additional external testing equipment is required, nor is it necessary to stop the operation of the wire rope equipment 10 for maintenance purposes.

[0052] In addition to determining the integrity metric, control device 4 is also configured to control wire rope actuator 5, thereby controlling the movement of wire rope 2 or load 11 in the form of a compartment. To improve reliability, control device 4 can be arranged to check whether the determined integrity metric meets predetermined replacement criteria. This is the case where, if the determined integrity metric reaches or falls below a predetermined integrity threshold, control device 4 can adjust the operation of wire rope equipment 10 until wire rope 2 is replaced or undergoes at least one repair and / or at least one maintenance.

[0053] Figure 2 A side view of a second example of a wire rope device 10 is shown, wherein the wire rope device 10 has a wire rope 2 and equipment 1 for monitoring the integrity of the wire rope 2. Here, the wire rope device 10 is configured as a lifting system arranged for lifting a load 11 connected to the wire rope 2.

[0054] Similar to Figure 1 In the example shown, the equipment 1 has a sensor device 3 and a control device 4. The sensor device 3 generates a sensor signal based on the magnetic interaction between the sensor device 3 and the wire rope 2 of the wire rope device 10 passing through the sensor device 3. The control device 4 determines a measure of the integrity of the wire rope 2 based on the sensor signal. In addition to the equipment 1, the wire rope device 10 also has a wire rope actuator 5 for moving the wire rope 2 during normal operation of the wire rope device 10.

[0055] The sensor device 3 is integrated into the wire rope bearing 6 of the wire rope device 10. As a result, the wire rope 2 can pass over the sensor device 3 during normal operation of the wire rope device 10.

[0056] For example, Figure 2 The lifting system shown can be a crane. The wire rope bearing 6 with sensor device 3 can also be part of a bearing system, such as a pulley.

[0057] Similarly, the control device 4 can control the rope actuator 5 according to the determined measure of integrity.

[0058] Figure 3The sensor device 3, designed as a pulley 6, is shown from a first-person perspective for monitoring the wire rope 2 of a wire rope device. The side surface of the pulley 6 extends in the plane of the figure.

[0059] The sensor device 3 is configured to guide the wire rope 2 at least partially along its circumference. For this purpose, the sensor device 3 has a groove extending along its circumference for at least partially receiving the wire rope 2. The bottom of this groove is... Figure 3 The middle part is represented by a dashed line.

[0060] At least some sections of the wire rope 2 are guided by the sensor device 3 via the groove 7, and the wire rope 2 passes over the sensor device 3 during normal operation of the wire rope equipment. The sections of the wire rope 2 that contact the sensor device 3 are bent.

[0061] The sensor device 3 is adapted to generate a sensor signal based on the magnetic interaction between the sensor device 3 and the wire rope 2 passing through the sensor device 3, based on which a measure of the integrity of the wire rope 2 can be determined. For this purpose, the sensor device 3 may include a plurality of sensor units 8 arranged along its circumference, by means of which the sensor device 3 can perform magnetic induction measurements on the wire rope 2.

[0062] In the example shown, each sensor unit 8 has a device 8a for generating a magnetic field, for example, in the form of a permanent magnet, and a stray coil 8b. Using the device 8a for generating the magnetic field, saturation magnetization of the wire rope 2 can be achieved in the region of each device 8a. The stray coil 8b is advantageously arranged to detect the magnetic flux through the cross-section of the wire rope 2. If the individual wires wound into the wire rope 2 are damaged or even broken, the magnetic flux through this cross-section decreases. Therefore, the electrical signal generated by the stray coil 8b when detecting the magnetic flux can be used as a measure of the integrity of the wire rope 2.

[0063] Optionally, the sensor unit 8 may also be part of the position encoder of the pulley 6 or sensor device 3, arranged to detect the position of the pulley 6 or sensor device 3. For example, the sensor unit 8 may have, for example, an acceleration and / or velocity sensor (not shown), by which the acceleration or velocity of the pulley 6 or sensor device 3 can be determined. From the detected acceleration or velocity, the orientation or position of the pulley 6 or sensor device 3 can be derived. For example, the number of revolutions performed by the pulley 6 or sensor device 3 can be counted. This information corresponds to the position of the wire rope 2, especially a portion of the wire rope 2, relative to the sensor device 3. This allows a determined measure of integrity, especially the change and development process of the integrity of that segment, to be assigned to that portion of the wire rope 2. Optionally, this information may also be taken into account in the determination of the measure of integrity (e.g., by including the number of bending cycles caused by the pulley 6 in the calculation of the measure of integrity).

[0064] Figure 4 The sensor device 3, designed as a pulley 6, is shown from a second perspective, 90° different from the first perspective. The side surface of the pulley 6 extends perpendicular to the plane of the figure. The wire rope is not shown in this figure.

[0065] exist Figure 4 It is easy to see that the sensor unit 8 is arranged in the region of the groove 7 of the sensor device 3, that is, in the radially outer region of the sensor device 3. In this case, the sensor unit 8 is embedded on the opposite side of the groove 7 of the pulley 6 of the sensor device 3, and the generated magnetic field passes through the cross section of the groove 7.

[0066] Figure 5 An example of a sensor device 3 with a pulley 6 having a sensor unit 8 designed to be rotatable is shown. Similar to... Figure 3 In the example shown, the sensor device 3 is arranged to guide the wire rope 2 at least partially along its circumference. In this case, the wire rope passes over the sensor device 3 during normal operation of the corresponding wire rope equipment and bends in the portion in contact with the sensor device 3. The sensor device 3 is adapted to generate a sensor signal based on the magnetic interaction between the sensor device 3 and the wire rope 2, based on which a measure of the integrity of the wire rope 2 can be determined.

[0067] Several sensor units 8 arranged along the circumference of sensor device 3 each have a device 8a for generating a magnetic field and a stray field coil 8b for detecting the magnetic flux generated by device 8a through the cross section of wire rope 2.

[0068] and Figure 3 Unlike the example shown, each of the sensor units 8 is mounted in a manner rotatable about the rotation axis R. For example, the device 8a and the stray field coil 8b can be mounted on a suitable rotatable support. This allows the sensor unit 8, particularly the device 8a for generating the magnetic field, to move relative to the wire rope 2, especially when the wire rope pulley 6 is stationary. As a result, the magnetic interactions (e.g., inductance) characterizing the integrity of the wire rope 2 due to the changing magnetic field can be detected not only when the pulley is stationary but also advantageously when the pulley 6 rotates slowly. In particular, due to the relative rotation of the device 8a for generating the magnetic field about the rotation axis R, it can be ensured that the change in magnetic flux in the wire rope 2 is sufficiently large, so that a corresponding usable sensor signal can be generated by the stray field coil 8b.

[0069] The sensor unit 8 can be designed to rotate actively or passively relative to the sensor device 3 or the pulley 6. For example, the sensor unit 8 can be mounted in a freely rotatable manner, so that when the sensor device 3 rotates, the sensor unit 8 automatically rotates around the rotation axis R due to gravity. Alternatively, the sensor unit 8 can be mounted to rotate eccentrically around the rotation axis R. The advantage of passive rotation is that it can be achieved almost effortlessly and in an energy-efficient manner.

[0070] Alternatively, sensor unit 8 can be actively rotated around the rotation axis R by means of a corresponding actuator. Compared with passive rotation, this has the following advantages: the rotational speed of sensor unit 8 can be controlled, thereby controlling the change in magnetic flux generated, for example, by means of device 8a in wire rope 2. In this way, the magnetic interaction between sensor devices 3, especially sensor units 8, can be strengthened in a way that generates noise-free signals.

[0071] Figure 6 An example of a method 100 for monitoring wire rope equipment is shown.

[0072] In this case, in method step S1, the wire rope is moved past the sensor device, particularly during normal operation of the wire rope equipment. For this purpose, the sensor device can be integrated into a stationary component of the wire rope equipment, which is preferably configured to carry or guide the wire rope, or even the sensor device may form part of that stationary component.

[0073] In the second step S2 of the method, the sensor device generates a sensor signal characterizing the magnetic interaction between the sensor device and the steel wire rope moving through the sensor device. For example, the magnetic flux through the cross-section of the steel wire rope in the region of the sensor device can be detected, and a corresponding signal, also known as a magnetic induction signal, can be generated. Alternatively, for example, changes in the magnetic field through which the steel wire rope passes can be detected, and a corresponding signal, also known as an induction signal, can be generated.

[0074] In a further step S3 of the method, for example by means of a control device, a measure of the wire rope integrity is determined based on the generated sensor signals. For example, this measure of integrity can be used as a basis for controlling the wire rope equipment. Alternatively or additionally, the development or history of the measure of integrity, particularly preferably a specially recorded measure of integrity, can also be used to plan maintenance or repair work on the wire rope equipment, especially the wire rope itself.

[0075] Figure label:

[0076] 1 Equipment

[0077] 2. Steel wire rope

[0078] 3. Sensor Device

[0079] 4. Control device

[0080] 5 Wire Rope Driver

[0081] 6. 6a-c wire rope bearings

[0082] 7 Grooves

[0083] 8 sensor units

[0084] 8a Device for generating a magnetic field

[0085] 8b Stray Field Coil

[0086] 9. Cheeks

[0087] 10. Wire Rope Equipment

[0088] 11 Load

[0089] 100 methods

[0090] Steps S1-S3

[0091] R Rotation axis

Claims

1. A method for monitoring the integrity of a wire rope (2) in a wire rope device (10), comprising: - To move the wire rope (2) past the sensor device (3) (S1), - Using sensor device (3), a sensor signal (S2) is generated that characterizes the magnetic interaction between sensor device (3) and the steel wire rope (2) moving through sensor device (3), and -Based on the generated sensor signals, determine a measure (S3) of the integrity of the wire rope (2). in: The movement of the wire rope (2) occurs during the normal operation of the wire rope equipment (10). Its features are: - The wire rope (2) bends through the sensor device (3), which is formed as a wire rope bearing (6; 6c) or a drum, or integrated into the wire rope bearing (6; 6c) or the drum; The position of the wire rope (2) relative to the sensor device (3) is detected by a position encoder of the wire rope bearing (6; 6c) or the drum, and is used to determine a measure of the integrity of the wire rope (2); and The sensor unit (8) of the sensor device (3) is located in the wire rope bearing (6; 6c) or drum of the sensor device (3) and is used to generate sensor signals. It is rotatable relative to the wire rope bearing (6; 6c) or drum when magnetic interaction is generated between the wire rope (2) and the sensor device (3).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The generated sensor signal is assigned to the position of the detected wire rope (2) relative to the sensor device (3), and a measure of the integrity of the wire rope (2) is determined based on this assignment.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that: Based on the determined measure of wire rope (2) integrity, the development of wire rope (2) integrity is predicted.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: Check whether the integrity of the identified wire rope (2) meets a replacement criterion, and output a replacement signal based on the result of the check.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: The integrity of the wire rope (2) was measured using artificial intelligence.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: The measure of the integrity of the determined wire rope (2) is provided in a network through an interface of the sensor device (3).

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: The wire rope equipment (10) operates according to the determined measure of the integrity of the wire rope (2).

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: When a magnetic interaction occurs between the wire rope (2) and the sensor device (3), at least one of the sensor devices (3) is configured to move relative to a stationary part of the wire rope device (10) to generate a sensor signal.

9. A device (1) for monitoring the integrity of a wire rope (2) in a wire rope device (10), comprising a sensor device (3) configured to generate a sensor signal based on the magnetic interaction between the sensor device (3) and the wire rope (2) passing through the sensor device (3). in: The sensor device (3) is located in a stationary component of the wire rope equipment (10), and the sensor device (3) is integrated into the stationary component. Its features are: The sensor device (3) is designed or integrated as a wire rope bearing (6; 6c) or drum, and is designed to guide the wire rope (2) to bend at least partially along its circumference. A position encoder is provided for the wire rope bearing or drum to detect the position of the wire rope (2) relative to the sensor device (3). A control device is provided, which is configured to determine a measure of the integrity of the wire rope (2) based on the position of the wire rope (2) relative to the sensor device (3) detected by the position encoder. The sensor unit (8) of the sensor device (3) is used to generate sensor signals. The sensor unit (8) is located on the wire rope bearing (6; 6c) or the drum and is rotatably arranged relative to the wire rope bearing (6; 6c) or the drum.

10. The device (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that: The sensor device (3) has multiple sensor units (8) for generating sensor signals, which are arranged around the circumference of the wire rope bearing (6; 6c).

11. A wire rope device (10) having the device (1) according to claim 9 or 10.

12. The wire rope device (10) according to claim 11, wherein the wire rope device (10) is a hoisting system.

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