Wireline inspection system and positioning method for a wireline inspection system

Abstract

This invention provides a wire rope inspection system and a positioning method for the wire rope inspection system. The wire rope inspection system includes: an excitation unit that applies magnetic flux to the wire rope to be inspected; a detection unit that detects the magnetic flux of the wire rope to which the excitation unit applies magnetic flux; a loading / unloading unit that is equipped with at least the detection unit and is detachably mounted to a fixing unit near a wire rope; and a positioning unit that positions the loading / unloading unit relative to the fixing unit, such that the detection unit is positioned at a predetermined position relative to the wire rope.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a wire rope inspection system and a positioning method for the wire rope inspection system. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, a magnetic inspection device for inspecting wire ropes (magnetic materials) was known. Such a device is disclosed, for example, in International Publication No. 2019 / 171667.

[0003] International Publication No. 2019 / 171667 discloses a wire rope inspection device (magnetic body inspection device) that includes an excitation unit for the wire rope and a detection coil for detecting the magnetic flux (magnetic field) of the wire rope. In the wire rope inspection device described in International Publication No. 2019 / 171667, the detection coil is configured to detect changes in the magnetic flux of the wire rope caused by the magnetic flux applied by the excitation unit.

[0004] While not described in Patent Document 1, to perform high-precision inspection of wire ropes using a detection coil, it is necessary to accurately position the detection coil to minimize the gap between the wire rope and the detection coil. In this case, if the wire rope inspection device is designed as a portable type that is only installed for the wire rope during inspection and removed afterward, rather than being permanently installed for the wire rope, the detection coil needs to be accurately positioned relative to the wire rope each time an inspection is performed. Therefore, accurately positioning the detection coil each time an inspection is performed becomes a burden for the inspection operator. Therefore, it is desirable to reduce the burden of accurately positioning the detection coil (detection unit) of a portable type for inspecting wire ropes relative to the wire rope. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention was made to solve the problems described above. One object of the present invention is to provide a wire rope inspection system and a positioning method for the wire rope inspection system that can reduce the burden of the operation of accurately positioning a portable detection unit for inspecting wire ropes relative to the wire rope.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the wire rope inspection system of the first aspect of the present invention comprises: an excitation unit that applies magnetic flux to the wire rope to be inspected; a detection unit that detects the magnetic flux of the wire rope to which the excitation unit applies magnetic flux; a loading and unloading unit that is equipped with at least the detection unit and is mounted to a fixing unit near the wire rope in a detachable manner; and a positioning unit that positions the loading and unloading unit relative to the fixing unit such that the detection unit is positioned at a predetermined position based on the wire rope.

[0007] The positioning method of the wire rope inspection system of the second aspect of the present invention includes the following steps: installing a positioning fixture for adjusting the relative position of the fixing part with respect to the wire rope, which is fixed near the fixing part, such that a detection part for detecting the magnetic flux of the wire rope is arranged at a predetermined position based on the wire rope; setting a positioning part for positioning the position of the loading / unloading part with respect to the fixing part by adjusting the position of the fixing part along the wire rope, wherein the loading / unloading part is equipped with at least the detection part and is installed on the fixing part in a detachable manner; positioning the position of the loading / unloading part with respect to the fixing part by installing the loading / unloading part on the fixing part using the positioning part that has been set; and detecting the magnetic flux of the wire rope using the detection part.

[0008] In both the wire rope inspection system of the first aspect and the positioning method of the wire rope inspection system of the second aspect described above, a positioning part is included to position the loading / unloading part relative to the fixing part, thereby positioning the detection part at a predetermined position based on the wire rope. Therefore, by positioning the portable loading / unloading part relative to the fixing part using the positioning part, it is easy to position the portable detection part located on the loading / unloading part at a predetermined position based on the wire rope. Consequently, it is easy to position the portable detection part at an accurate position for inspecting the wire rope. As a result, the workload of accurately positioning the portable detection part for inspecting the wire rope relative to the wire rope is reduced. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a front view showing the overall structure of a wire rope inspection system according to one embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a side view showing the overall structure of a wire rope inspection system according to one embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating the overall structure of a wire rope inspection system according to one embodiment.

[0012] Figure 4 This diagram illustrates the inspection performed using the full flux method.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a diagram used to illustrate the structure of the detection coil in the detection unit.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the structure of a wire rope inspection device according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the structure of the loading and unloading parts and the fixing parts during normal operation.

[0016] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the structure of the loading and unloading parts and the fixing parts during inspection.

[0017] Figure 9 This is a diagram used to illustrate the movement of the retaining part in the fixed part.

[0018] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing the positioning part of one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 11 This is a diagram used to illustrate the structure of the positioning fixture.

[0020] Figure 12 This diagram shows multiple fixed parts and a loading / unloading part in multiple elevators.

[0021] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method for a wire rope inspection system according to one embodiment.

[0022] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for positioning the loading / unloading part relative to the fixing part in a wire rope inspection system according to one embodiment, with the positioning part configured as set. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The embodiments embodied in the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] Reference Figures 1-12 The structure of a wire rope inspection system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Furthermore, in the following description, "orthogonal" means intersecting at an angle of 90 degrees or approximately 90 degrees. Additionally, "parallel" includes both parallel and substantially parallel.

[0025] (Structure of a wire rope inspection system)

[0026] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the wire rope inspection system 100 includes a wire rope inspection device 101 and a processing device 102. The wire rope inspection system 100 inspects the wire rope W installed in the elevator 103. Specifically, the wire rope inspection system 100 is a system used to inspect for abnormalities (such as wire breakage) in the wire rope W of the elevator 103, which is the object of inspection.

[0027] Furthermore, the wire rope inspection system 100 is a system capable of identifying anomalies in the wire rope W that are difficult to visually detect using the total flux method, which measures the internal magnetic flux of the wire rope W. When the wire rope W contains abnormal portions (wire breakage, thinning, rust, etc.), the magnetic flux at the abnormal portions differs from that at the normal portions. The total flux method differs from methods that measure leakage magnetic flux from abnormal portions on the surface of the wire rope W; it can also measure abnormal portions within the wire rope W. Additionally, the wire rope inspection system 100 is configured to initiate the inspection of the wire rope W based on input operations performed by the inspection operator on the processing device 102.

[0028] (Elevator structure)

[0029] like Figures 1-3 As shown, elevator 103 includes a car compartment 103a, a winch 103b, a control device 103c, and a wire rope W. The car compartment 103a carries people and goods. The winch 103b moves the wire rope W to raise and lower the car compartment 103a. For example, the winch 103b winds the wire rope W suspending the car compartment 103a by driving a motor (not shown). Furthermore, the winch 103b is an example of the "drive unit" of this disclosure.

[0030] Specifically, the winch 103b includes a sheave 103d, a sheave 103e, and a frame 103f. Wire rope W is wound on the sheaves 103d and 103e. In the winch 103b, a motor (not shown) is connected to the sheave 103d. Furthermore, by rotating the sheave 103d using the motor (not shown), the wire rope W is moved in the vertical direction (Z direction). The frame 103f is the main body (housing) for housing the winch 103b. Moreover, the frame 103f is an example of the "main body" of this disclosure.

[0031] Elevator 103 is, for example, a rope elevator with a double wrap (full wrap) method. The double wrap method refers to the following construction: the wire rope W, which is guided from the rope pulley 103d of the winch 103b to the rope pulley 103e, which serves as a deflection pulley, returns to the rope pulley 103d, thereby winding the wire rope W twice on the rope pulley 103d.

[0032] The control device 103c includes a control panel that controls the operation of various parts of the elevator 103. Furthermore, the control device 103c includes a wireless communication module and is configured to communicate with the wire rope inspection device 101 and the processing device 102. Moreover, the control device 103c is configured to change the travel speed (operating speed) of the elevator car 103a during normal operation and inspection operation based on input operations to the processing device 102. Normal operation is the operation performed with passengers and goods on board, while inspection operation is the operation for inspecting the wire rope W. For example, during normal operation, the operating speed (traveling speed of the wire rope W) is approximately 100 m / min to 500 m / min, and during inspection operation, the operating speed is approximately 10 m / min to 40 m / min. Additionally, the vibration of the wire rope W increases as the operating speed of the elevator 103 increases.

[0033] The wire rope W is formed by braiding magnetic wire material (e.g., stranded braid), and is a magnetic body made of long strips of material. To prevent the wire rope W from cutting due to deterioration, the condition of the wire rope W (whether damaged, etc.) is inspected using a wire rope inspection device 101. Wire ropes W judged to have deteriorated beyond a predetermined standard based on measurements of their magnetic flux are replaced by the inspection operator. Furthermore, in... Figure 1 In the example shown, only one wire rope W is illustrated for simplicity, but elevator 103 has multiple wire ropes W. For example, elevator 103 has five wire ropes W (see reference). Figure 2 ).

[0034] (Structure of the processing device)

[0035] like Figure 3 As shown, the processing device 102 includes a communication unit 102a, a control unit 102b, a storage unit 102c, and a display unit 102d. The processing device 102 displays the measurement results of the magnetic flux of the wire rope W by the wire rope inspection device 101, and analyzes the measurement results of the magnetic flux of the wire rope W by the wire rope inspection device 101. Specifically, the processing device 102 is configured to acquire the detection signal (measurement result) from the detection coil 21 of the detection unit 20 (described later), and determine whether there is an abnormality in the wire rope W based on the acquired detection signal. The processing device 102 is, for example, a personal computer used by an inspection operator performing the inspection of the wire rope W.

[0036] The communication unit 102a is configured to communicate with the wire rope inspection device 101 and the control device 103c of the elevator 103. The communication unit 102a is a communication interface. Specifically, the communication unit 102a includes a wireless communication module capable of wireless communication via wireless LAN and Bluetooth (registered trademark). The processing device 102 receives the measurement results (magnetic flux signal) of the wire rope W from the wire rope inspection device 101 via the communication unit 102a. Furthermore, the processing device 102 is configured to obtain information about the operating mode of the elevator 103 (operating mode switching information) from the elevator 103 (the control device 103c of the elevator 103).

[0037] The control unit 102b controls each part of the control processing device 102. The control unit 102b includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory. Based on the measurement results (detection signals) of the wire rope W received via the communication unit 102a, the control unit 102b analyzes damage (abnormalities) of the wire rope W, such as wire breakage (wire disconnection).

[0038] The storage unit 102c is, for example, a storage medium including flash memory, used to store (save) information such as the measurement results of the wire rope W from the detection coil 21 and the analysis results of the measurement results of the wire rope W by the control unit 102b.

[0039] The display unit 102d is, for example, an LCD monitor, used to display information such as the measurement results of the wire rope W and the analysis results of the measurement results of the wire rope W by the control unit 102b.

[0040] (Structure of the wire rope inspection device)

[0041] Next, the structure of the wire rope inspection device 101 in this embodiment will be described.

[0042] like Figure 3 As shown, the wire rope inspection device 101 includes an excitation unit 10, a detection unit 20, a control board 30, and a magnetic field application unit 40, which serve as a structure for measuring the magnetic flux (magnetic field) of the wire rope W.

[0043] In this embodiment, the excitation unit 10 is configured to apply a magnetic field (magnetic flux) to the wire rope W. Specifically, the excitation unit 10 includes an excitation coil 11 that excites (makes the wire rope W vibrate) the magnetized state of the wire rope W. The detection unit 20 includes a detection coil 21. In this embodiment, the detection coil 21 detects the magnetic flux of the wire rope W to which the magnetic field is applied by the excitation unit 10. Furthermore, the detection coil 21 outputs a magnetic flux signal as a detection signal by detecting the internal magnetic flux of the wire rope W using the total magnetic flux method. Details of the excitation unit 10 and the detection unit 20 will be described later.

[0044] The control board 30 includes a processing unit 31, a magnetic flux signal acquisition unit 32, and a communication unit 33. The control board 30 controls the operation of the excitation unit 10 (excitation coil 11) based on control signals from the processing unit 31. Furthermore, the control board 30 controls each component of the wire rope inspection device 101 through the control processing performed by the processing unit 31. The processing unit 31 includes a processor such as a CPU, a memory, and an AD converter.

[0045] The magnetic flux signal acquisition unit 32 acquires (receives) the magnetic flux signal from the detection unit 20 (detection coil 21). The magnetic flux signal acquisition unit 32 includes an amplifier. Furthermore, the magnetic flux signal acquisition unit 32 amplifies the acquired magnetic flux signal and outputs (transmits) it to the processing unit 31.

[0046] The communication unit 33 is configured to communicate with the processing unit 102 and the control device 103c of the elevator 103. The communication unit 33 includes a wireless communication module capable of wireless communication via wireless LAN and Bluetooth (registered trademark). The communication unit 33 outputs (transmits) the acquired magnetic flux signal to the processing unit 102. Furthermore, the connection between the wire rope inspection device 101 and the processing unit 102 and the control device 103c of the elevator 103 via the communication unit 33 can also be a wired connection.

[0047] Furthermore, the magnetic field applying unit 40 adjusts the direction of magnetization of the wire rope W by pre-applying a magnetic field to the wire rope W. The magnetic field applying unit 40 is, for example, a permanent magnet. Details of the magnetic field applying unit 40 will be described later.

[0048] Anomaly Detection Using the Full Flux Method

[0049] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, during inspection operation, in the wire rope inspection system 100 of this embodiment, the wire rope W is guided relative to the wire rope inspection device 101 disposed between the wire rope sheave 103d and the car chamber 103a in the Z1 direction (vertical upward direction) by the rotation of the sheave 103d. The wire rope W guided to the wire rope inspection device 101 is first pre-adjusted in the magnetic field by the magnetic field application unit 40. Then, the excitation coil 11 of the excitation unit 10 excites the magnetic field (magnetic flux) of the wire rope W, which has been pre-adjusted (magnetized). Then, the detection coil 21 of the detection unit 20 detects the magnetic flux of the wire rope W in the state after being excited following the magnetization. That is, in this embodiment, the detection coil 21 is configured to detect the magnetic flux of the wire rope W after the magnetic field has been pre-applied by the magnetic field application unit 40 (after magnetization).

[0050] The magnetic field applying part 40 includes a pair of magnetic field applying parts 40a and 40b arranged in a direction orthogonal to the extension direction of the wire rope W (X direction). The pair of magnetic field applying parts 40a and 40b are arranged on both sides of the short side direction (the direction orthogonal to the extension direction of the wire rope W, the X direction) of the wire rope W, sandwiching the wire rope W in the middle. Specifically, the magnetic field applying part 40a is arranged on the X1 direction side of the wire rope W. Furthermore, the magnetic field applying part 40b is arranged on the X2 direction side of the wire rope W. Moreover, the N pole (with a diagonal line) of the magnetic field applying part 40a facing the X2 direction and the N pole (with a diagonal line) of the magnetic field applying part 40b facing the X1 direction are separated by the wire rope W. The magnetic field applying parts 40a and 40b are configured to apply a strong magnetic field so that the magnetization direction of the wire rope W is adjusted to be approximately the same.

[0051] Furthermore, the excitation coil 11 is configured to wind all five steel wire ropes W together along the direction of extension of the steel wire rope W (Z direction). Moreover, the excitation coil 11 is configured to be wound relative to the outer side of the detection coil 21. The excitation coil 11 generates a magnetic flux (magnetic field) along the direction of extension of the steel wire rope W (Z direction) inside the coil (inner side of the coil's coil) by flowing an excitation alternating current. Then, the excitation coil 11 applies the generated magnetic flux (magnetic field) to the steel wire rope W. Specifically, an alternating current (excitation current) of fixed magnitude and fixed frequency is flowed through the excitation unit 10 (excitation coil 11) under the control of the processing unit 31, thereby applying a magnetic field in a manner that vibrates in the direction of extension of the steel wire rope W (Z direction). That is, the excitation unit 10 causes the magnetic field (magnetic flux) pre-adjusted by the magnetic field application unit 40 in the steel wire rope W to vibrate periodically in a magnetic field in the Z1 direction and a magnetic field in the Z2 direction.

[0052] <Magnetic flux detection performed by a probe coil>

[0053] The detection coil 21 includes a first detection coil 21a and a second detection coil 21b. The first detection coil 21a is positioned in a direction orthogonal to the extension direction of the wire rope W (X1 direction side). The second detection coil 21b is positioned on the side opposite to the side where the first detection coil 21a is located (X2 direction side) relative to the wire rope W, surrounding the wire rope W together with the first detection coil 21a. Furthermore, the detection coil 21 is configured to clamp one wire rope W in the middle using the two coils, the first detection coil 21a and the second detection coil 21b. Additionally, the detection coil 21 is provided for each of the multiple (5) wire ropes W. That is, the first detection coil 21a and the second detection coil 21b are provided for each of the multiple (5) wire ropes W.

[0054] like Figure 5 As shown, the first detection coil 21a and the second detection coil 21b are separate saddle-shaped coils. The first detection coil 21a and the second detection coil 21b are each configured to cover half a circumference of the wire rope W. Therefore, by combining the first detection coil 21a and the second detection coil 21b, a detection coil 21 is formed that surrounds the entire circumference of the wire rope W. Furthermore, the detection coils 21 (the first detection coil 21a and the second detection coil 21b) are each composed of a conductor pattern disposed on a flexible substrate. Additionally, the first detection coil 21a and the second detection coil 21b are configured to be wound around the wire rope W along the direction in which the wire rope W extends. That is, the detection coil 21 is configured to be wound around the entire circumference of the wire rope W using two saddle-shaped coils along the direction in which the wire rope W extends (Z direction). Furthermore, in this specification, "winding" is described as including not only winding (wrapping) one full turn or more, but also the number of times (angle) of winding less than one turn (e.g., half a turn).

[0055] Furthermore, the first detection coil 21a and the second detection coil 21b are respectively wound along the direction (Z direction) of the extension of the steel wire rope W, thereby detecting (measuring) the magnetic flux penetrating the inner side of the coil along the direction (Z direction) of the extension of the steel wire rope W. Moreover, the detection coils 21 (first detection coil 21a and second detection coil 21b) are configured to detect changes in the magnetic flux (magnetic field) that periodically changes with time due to the excitation unit 10 (excitation coil 11). In addition, the detection coils 21 (first detection coil 21a and second detection coil 21b) output a magnetic flux signal (detection signal) representing the detected magnetic flux to the magnetic flux signal acquisition unit 32 of the control board 30. For example, when detecting the magnetic flux of 5 steel wire ropes W, a total of 10 magnetic flux signals are acquired using the magnetic flux signal acquisition unit 32.

[0056] (Structure of loading / unloading section and fixing section)

[0057] like Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the wire rope inspection device 101 includes a loading / unloading part 1 and a fixing part 2. In this embodiment, the loading / unloading part 1 is installed on the fixing part 2 in a detachable manner. Moreover, the fixing part 2 is fixed near the wire rope W. Specifically, the fixing part 2 is fixed to the frame 103f of the winch 103b. Furthermore, the loading / unloading part 1 is installed on the fixing part 2 in such a way that it surrounds the portion of the wire rope W extending from the sheave 103d of the winch 103b to the car compartment 103a. The wire rope inspection system 100 of this embodiment is configured such that, during normal operation, the elevator 103 is operated with the loading / unloading part 1 removed from the fixing part 2, and during inspection operation, the inspection operation is performed with the loading / unloading part 1 installed on the fixing part 2.

[0058] <Loading and Unloading Department>

[0059] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, in this embodiment, the loading / unloading unit 1 is configured to be divisible into a first loading / unloading unit 1a and a second loading / unloading unit 1b. The first loading / unloading unit 1a is disposed on one side (X1 direction side) in a direction orthogonal to the direction (Z direction) of the extension of the wire rope W. The second loading / unloading unit 1b is disposed on the other side (X2 direction side) in a direction orthogonal to the direction (Z direction) of the extension of the wire rope W. The loading / unloading unit 1 is mounted on the fixing unit 2 in a combined state of the first loading / unloading unit 1a and the second loading / unloading unit 1b.

[0060] In addition, such as Figure 6 As shown, the loading / unloading section 1 includes multiple connecting fittings 1c. The connecting fittings 1c secure the first loading / unloading section 1a and the second loading / unloading section 1b in a combined state. Additionally, the loading / unloading section 1 includes a locking part 1d. The locking part 1d engages with the fixing fitting 2d of the fixing section 2, which will be described later. For example, one locking part 1d is provided on each of the Y1-direction side and the Y2-direction side of the second loading / unloading section 1b, and the locking part 1d has a pin shape. By engaging the fixing fitting 2d with the locking part 1d, the first loading / unloading section 1a and the second loading / unloading section 1b, which are secured in a combined state by the connecting fittings 1c, are fixedly mounted to the fixing section 2.

[0061] In addition, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the loading / unloading section 1 has a cuboid shape. Furthermore, the loading / unloading section 1 is a portable housing that can be detached and fitted with the excitation section 10 and the detection section 20. That is, the excitation section 10 and the detection section 20 of the wire rope inspection device 101 of this embodiment are portable. Moreover, the excitation section 10 and the detection section 20 are respectively disposed in the first loading / unloading section 1a and the second loading / unloading section 1b, which are in a split state. Specifically, the excitation coil 11 of the excitation section 10, when the first loading / unloading section 1a and the second loading / unloading section 1b are combined, forms a coil loop by winding it around the wire rope W. For example, the excitation section 10 includes a connector section (not shown) that connects when the first loading / unloading section 1a and the second loading / unloading section 1b are combined. That is, by combining the first loading / unloading section 1a and the second loading / unloading section 1b, the connector section is connected, thereby causing the excitation coil 11 to form a coil loop by winding it around the wire rope W.

[0062] Furthermore, the first detection coil 21a and the second detection coil 21b of the detection unit 20 are respectively disposed on the first loading and unloading part 1a and the second loading and unloading part 1b. Moreover, by combining the first loading and unloading part 1a and the second loading and unloading part 1b, the detection unit 20 (the first detection coil 21a and the second detection coil 21b) is disposed around the wire rope W.

[0063] Similarly, the control board 30 is disposed on the loading / unloading section 1. For example, the control board 30 is disposed on the side of the first loading / unloading section 1a in the loading / unloading section 1. The control board 30 is configured such that, when the first loading / unloading section 1a and the second loading / unloading section 1b are combined, a connector portion (not shown) respectively provided on the first loading / unloading section 1a and the second loading / unloading section 1b is connected, thereby obtaining a detection signal from the second detection coil 21b disposed on the side of the second loading / unloading section 1b.

[0064] <Fixed section>

[0065] like Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the fixing part 2 includes a loading / unloading part mounting part 2a. The loading / unloading part mounting part 2a is used to mount the loading / unloading part 1. The loading / unloading part mounting part 2a is, for example, a plate-shaped mounting platform for holding the cuboid-shaped loading / unloading part 1. Specifically, the loading / unloading part mounting part 2a has a U-shape for the wire rope W to pass through. In addition, the loading / unloading part mounting part 2a is configured to be adjustable in its relative position to the wire rope W. Specifically, the loading / unloading part mounting part 2a is mounted on the base part 2b, which is fixed to the frame 103f, in a manner that allows for position adjustment (movability). Details of the adjustment of the position of the loading / unloading part mounting part 2a will be described later.

[0066] In addition, the fixing part 2 includes a plurality of fastening members 2c. The plurality of fastening members 2c are, for example, screws or bolts. The fixing part 2 uses the plurality of fastening members 2c to fix the base part 2b to the frame 103f of the winch 103b.

[0067] Furthermore, the fixing part 2 includes a fixing accessory 2d. The fixing accessory 2d is provided on the loading / unloading part mounting part 2a. Moreover, the fixing accessory 2d is configured to rotate along the mounting surface of the loading / unloading part mounting part 2a for mounting the loading / unloading part 1. By rotating the fixing accessory 2d, it engages with the engaging part 1d of the loading / unloading part 1, thereby fixing the loading / unloading part 1, which is mounted (placed) on the loading / unloading part mounting part 2a, to the fixing part 2. In addition, two fixing accessories 2d are arranged in the loading / unloading part mounting part 2a.

[0068] like Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, the fixing part 2 includes a magnetic field applying part 40, a roller part 50, a holding part 60, and a distance adjustment mechanism 70. Furthermore, the roller part 50 is an example of the "movement suppression part" of this disclosure.

[0069] like Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, the roller section 50 includes a roller section 50a disposed on the X1 direction side and a roller section 50b disposed on the X2 direction side. In this embodiment, the roller section 50 suppresses the movement (vibration) of the wire rope W in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the wire rope W extends (Z direction) (along the XY plane) by abutting against the wire rope W. Grooves are provided in roller sections 50a and 50b for abutting against the wire rope W. Roller sections 50a and 50b are configured to rotate about a rotation axis disposed along the Y direction. The roller sections 50a and 50b abut against the wire rope W in such a way that the wire rope W is sandwiched between its two sides in the X direction, thereby suppressing the movement (vibration) of the wire rope W.

[0070] In this embodiment, the fixing part 2 includes a holding part 60. The holding part 60 holds the magnetic field applying part 40 and the roller part 50 in the fixing part 2. Specifically, the holding part 60a is disposed on the X1 direction side of the fixing part 2, and the holding part 60b is disposed on the X2 direction side of the fixing part 2. Moreover, the holding part 60a holds the magnetic field applying part 40a and the roller part 50a. In addition, the holding part 60b holds the magnetic field applying part 40b and the roller part 50b.

[0071] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the holding part 60 is configured to change the separation distance from the wire rope W. Specifically, the holding parts 60a and 60b are moved along the X direction in a direction that brings them closer together and in a direction that separates them from each other using the distance adjustment mechanism 70. In detail, in this embodiment, the distance adjustment mechanism 70 can reduce the separation distance between the holding part 60 (magnetic field application part 40 and roller part 50) and the wire rope W by moving the holding part 60 during inspection operation. Moreover, the distance adjustment mechanism 70 can increase the separation distance between the holding part 60 (magnetic field application part 40 and roller part 50) and the wire rope W by moving the holding part 60 during normal operation.

[0072] Specifically, such as Figure 9 As shown, the distance adjustment mechanism 70 includes a handle 71, two screws 72 and 73, two toothed pulleys 74 and 75, and a toothed belt 76. In the distance adjustment mechanism 70, the operator rotates the handle 71 about the X-axis, thereby rotating the screw 72 in the Y2 direction. Furthermore, rotating the handle 71 rotates the toothed pulley 74 in the Y2 direction. This rotation of the toothed pulley 74 moves the toothed belt 76. Then, as the toothed belt 76 moves, the toothed pulley 75 in the Y1 direction rotates synchronously with the toothed pulley 74. Then, the screw 73 in the Y1 direction rotates together with the toothed pulley 75. That is, rotating the handle 71 causes the screws 72 and 73 to rotate synchronously.

[0073] Screws 72 and 73 are screwed into retainer 60a on the X1 direction side and into retainer 60b on the X2 direction side. Furthermore, the screws 72 and 73 are configured such that the orientation of the threads on the X1 direction side is opposite to the orientation of the threads on the X2 direction side. Therefore, when screws 72 and 73 are rotated, retainers 60a and 60b move towards each other and away from each other. Thus, the magnetic field application part 40 and roller part 50 are configured such that, in the fixing part 2, the handle part 71 is rotated by the inspection operator to approach the wire rope W for a position during inspection operation, and rotated by the inspection operator to move away from the wire rope W for a position during normal operation. Furthermore, the handle part 71 is detachable. Therefore, the handle part 71 can be installed when the retainer 60 (magnetic field application part 40 and roller part 50) is moved for inspection operation, and removed during normal operation.

[0074] (Positioning Department)

[0075] like Figure 3 and Figure 10 As shown, in this embodiment, the wire rope inspection device 101 includes a positioning section 80. During inspection operation, the positioning section 80 positions the loading / unloading section 1 relative to the fixing section 2, such that the excitation section 10 and the detection section 20 are positioned at a predetermined position relative to the wire rope W. Furthermore, in Figure 10 In the original text, the magnetic field application section 40b and the roller section 50b on the X2 direction side are omitted.

[0076] Specifically, the positioning unit 80 positions the loading / unloading part 1 relative to the fixing part 2, which is in the state of being installed on the loading / unloading part mounting part 2a of the fixing part 2, so that the excitation unit 10 and the detection unit 20 are arranged at predetermined positions of the wire rope W extending from the sheave 103d of the winch 103b to the car 103a surrounding the elevator 103. That is, by positioning the loading / unloading part 1 relative to the fixing part 2 using the positioning unit 80, the detection unit 20 and the excitation unit 10 are arranged in a manner that they are wound around the wire rope W at predetermined positions (inspection positions) for inspecting the area around the wire rope W.

[0077] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the positioning part 80 includes a positioning hole 81 provided in the loading / unloading part 1 and a positioning pin 82 provided in the fixing part 2. The positioning hole 81 is used to engage with the positioning pin 82. That is, the positioning pin 82 provided in the fixing part 2 engages with the positioning hole 81 provided in the loading / unloading part 1 (inserted into the positioning hole 81), thereby positioning the loading / unloading part 1 relative to the fixing part 2. In addition, the positioning pin 82 is an example of the "first engaging part" of this disclosure. Furthermore, the positioning hole 81 is an example of the "second engaging part" of this disclosure.

[0078] Furthermore, the second loading / unloading section 1b is provided with two positioning holes 81. On the other hand, the first loading / unloading section 1a is not provided with positioning holes 81. Moreover, the loading / unloading section mounting section 2a of the fixing section 2 is provided with two positioning pins 82 corresponding to the two positioning holes 81. In this embodiment, when the first loading / unloading section 1a and the second loading / unloading section 1b are configured to be separable and combined, the positioning section 80 positions the loading / unloading section 1 relative to the fixing section 2, so that the detection section 20 is positioned at a predetermined position based on the wire rope W.

[0079] (Configuration settings for the positioning unit)

[0080] like Figure 11 As shown, in the wire rope inspection device 101 of this embodiment, when the fixing part 2 is fixed to the elevator 103, the relative arrangement of the positioning part 80 (positioning pin 82) with respect to the wire rope W is set. Specifically, the relative position of the mounting part 2a of the mounting part 2a on which the positioning pin 82 of the positioning part 80 is mounted is adjusted with respect to the wire rope W, thereby adjusting the position of the positioning pin 82 of the positioning part 80, so that the excitation part 10 and the detection part 20 are positioned at a predetermined position based on the wire rope W.

[0081] Specifically, the fixing part 2 includes a pulling screw 2e and a pushing screw 2f for adjusting the position of the loading / unloading part mounting part 2a. In this embodiment, the pulling screw 2e and the pushing screw 2f adjust the position of the loading / unloading part mounting part 2a in a plane orthogonal to the direction of extension of the wire rope W (in the XY plane) and the inclination of the loading / unloading part mounting part 2a relative to the direction of extension of the wire rope W (Z direction). Furthermore, the pulling screw 2e and the pushing screw 2f are examples of the "position adjustment part" of this disclosure.

[0082] A pull-out screw 2e is provided through a hole in the mounting portion 2a and screws into a hole in the base portion 2b. The hole in the mounting portion 2a for the pull-out screw 2e is wider than the threaded portion of the pull-out screw 2e. Therefore, with the pull-out screw 2e engaged with the base portion 2b, the mounting portion 2a can be finely adjusted in the XY plane. Furthermore, a push-down screw 2f is screwed into a hole in the mounting portion 2a and abuts against the outer surface of the base portion 2b. That is, there is no hole for the push-down screw 2f in the base portion 2b. Therefore, by engaging the push-down screw 2f with a hole in the mounting portion 2a, the position of the mounting portion 2a relative to the base portion 2b can be finely adjusted in the Z direction.

[0083] In addition, one pull screw 2e and one push screw 2f are provided at each of the four corners of the mounting section 2a (a total of four). The mounting section 2a is installed on the base section 2b while fine-tuning its position using the pull screws 2e and push screws 2f. At this time, four position adjustment fittings 2g are used, which are fixed to the base section 2b. The position of the mounting section 2a in the XY plane is fine-tuned by pressing the sides of the four corners of the mounting section 2a with the screws provided on the position adjustment fittings 2g. After the position adjustment using the pull screws 2e and push screws 2f is completed, the position adjustment fittings 2g are removed.

[0084] In this embodiment, the position of the loading / unloading part mounting portion 2a is adjusted as described above, thereby setting the positioning pin 82 of the positioning portion 80. Here, in this embodiment, the position of the loading / unloading part mounting portion 2a is adjusted by using the positioning fixture 90 to position the loading / unloading part mounting portion 2a at a predetermined position relative to the wire rope W. In this embodiment, the positioning fixture 90 is used to adjust the relative position of the fixing portion 2 (loading / unloading part mounting portion 2a) relative to the wire rope W.

[0085] The positioning fixture 90 has a hole 91 and a locking portion 92. The hole 91 and the locking portion 92 correspond to the positioning hole 81 of the loading / unloading part 1 and the locking portion 1d of the loading / unloading part 1, respectively. That is, the positioning fixture 90 is mounted on the loading / unloading part mounting part 2a in the same manner as the loading / unloading part 1. In addition, the positioning fixture 90 is configured such that a groove 93 is provided along the wire rope W, and the direction in which the groove 93 extends is orthogonal to the surface that contacts the loading / unloading part mounting part 2a. Moreover, the configuration of the loading / unloading part mounting part 2a is adjusted such that the groove 93 of the positioning fixture 90, when mounted on the loading / unloading part mounting part 2a, extends along the direction of the wire rope W. That is, the tilt of the loading / unloading part mounting part 2a is adjusted such that the surface of the loading / unloading part mounting part 2a for mounting the loading / unloading part 1 is orthogonal to the direction in which the wire rope W extends. In addition, the position of the groove 93 of the positioning fixture 90 is set to correspond to the position of the detection part 20 included in the loading / unloading part 1. Therefore, the position of the mounting part 2a in the XY plane is adjusted so that the wire rope W abuts against the groove 93 of the positioning fixture 90. This allows the position of the positioning pin 82 to be set so that the detection part 20 is positioned at a predetermined position based on the wire rope W. Furthermore, similar to the position adjustment accessory 2g, the positioning fixture 90 is removed after the position adjustment is completed.

[0086] (Multiple elevators)

[0087] In addition, such as Figure 12As shown, in this embodiment, the wire rope inspection system 100 is configured to inspect not only the wire rope W of elevator 103, but also the wire ropes W of multiple elevators 104 and 105. The structures of elevators 104 and 105 are the same as those of elevator 103.

[0088] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the wire rope inspection system 100 includes multiple fixing parts 2, 402, and 502 configured for each of the multiple elevators 103 to 105. Fixing part 402 is configured on elevator 104, and fixing part 502 is configured on elevator 105. The structures of fixing parts 402 and 502 are the same as those of fixing part 2. Moreover, in this embodiment, the wire rope inspection system 100 includes a loading / unloading part 1 shared by the multiple fixing parts 2, 402, and 502. That is, the loading / unloading part 1 installed on the fixing part 2 is configured to be shared and installed on fixing parts 402 and 502. In other words, in this embodiment, the positioning part 80 is configured to position the shared loading / unloading part 1 relative to each of the multiple fixing parts 2, 402, and 502.

[0089] Specifically, fixing parts 402 and 502 are provided with positioning pins 82 in the same manner as fixing part 2. Furthermore, in each fixing part of fixing parts 402 and 502, the position and angle of the positioning pin 82 relative to the wire rope W are pre-set (adjusted) using a shared positioning fixture 90, just as in fixing part 2. That is, in the wire rope inspection system 100, multiple fixing parts 2, 402, and 502 are positioned such that a loading / unloading part 1 is installed in a state where they are in the same positional relationship relative to the wire rope W.

[0090] That is, the wire rope inspection system 100 is configured such that in each of the multiple elevators 103, 104 and 105, the detection unit 20 (detection coil 21) of the loading and unloading unit 1 is positioned at a predetermined position based on the wire rope W under the same conditions (relative position).

[0091] (Positioning method of the wire rope inspection system in this embodiment)

[0092] Next, refer to Figure 13 and Figure 14 The positioning method of the wire rope inspection system 100 of this embodiment will be explained. In addition, in the following description, an example is given in which the loading and unloading part 1 is installed on the fixing part 2, but the loading and unloading part 1 is installed on both the fixing part 402 and the fixing part 502 in the same way.

[0093] like Figure 13 As shown, firstly, in step 201, the fixing part 2 is fixed to the frame 103f of the hoist 103b of the elevator 103.

[0094] Next, in step 202, the positioning fixture 90 is installed on the mounting part 2a of the fixing part 2, so that the detection part 20 is positioned at a predetermined position based on the wire rope W.

[0095] Next, in step 203, the position of the fixing part 2 (loading and unloading part mounting part 2a) is adjusted by adjusting the position of the fixing part 2 (loading and unloading part mounting part 2a) along the wire rope W using the positioning fixture 90, so as to set the configuration of the positioning part 80 (positioning pin 82) for positioning the loading and unloading part 1 relative to the fixing part 2.

[0096] Next, in step 204, the loading / unloading part 1 is installed on the loading / unloading part mounting part 2a of the fixing part 2, thereby positioning the loading / unloading part 1 relative to the fixing part 2 using the positioning part 80 (positioning pin 82) whose configuration relative to the wire rope W has been set.

[0097] Next, in step 205, the magnetic flux of the wire rope W is detected by the detection unit 20 included in the loading and unloading unit 1.

[0098] In addition, such as Figure 14 As shown, in the positioning method of the wire rope inspection system 100 of this embodiment, during the first (initial) execution... Figure 13 When the loading / unloading part 1 is installed on the fixing part 2 for the second time after steps 201 to 205, only steps 204 and 205 are performed. This allows the loading / unloading part 1 to be installed on the fixing part 2 with its position positioned relative to the fixing part 2, and the magnetic flux of the wire rope W is detected. Therefore, when the fixing part 2 is initially fixed near the wire rope W, the position of the fixing part 2 (loading / unloading part mounting part 2a) is adjusted using the positioning fixture 90, and the configuration of the positioning part 80 is set. Therefore, it is not necessary to set the configuration of the positioning part 80 every time the loading / unloading part 1 is installed on the fixing part 2; the loading / unloading part 1 can be installed on the fixing part 2 with its position already set by the positioning part 80. Therefore, when the loading / unloading part 1 is repeatedly loaded and unloaded relative to the fixing part 2, the loading / unloading part 1 can be easily positioned at a predetermined position (inspection position) around the wire rope W. Furthermore, the same applies to fixing parts 402 and 502. By setting the configuration of the positioning part 80 once, the loading and unloading part 1 can be easily installed on subsequent installations with the positioning part 80 already configured. Therefore, when using a shared loading and unloading part 1 for multiple elevators 103 to 105, the loading and unloading part 1 can be easily installed (replaced) on each fixing part in fixing parts 2, 402, and 502.

[0099] (Effects of this implementation method)

[0100] The following effects can be obtained in the wire rope inspection system 100 of this embodiment.

[0101] In the wire rope inspection system 100 of this embodiment, as described above, a positioning part 80 is provided to position the loading / unloading part 1 relative to the fixing part 2 such that the detection part 20 is disposed at a predetermined position based on the wire rope W. Therefore, by positioning the portable loading / unloading part 1 relative to the fixing part 2 using the positioning part 80, the portable detection part 20 disposed on the loading / unloading part 1 can be easily disposed at a predetermined position based on the wire rope W. Thus, the portable detection part 20 can be easily disposed at an accurate position for inspecting the wire rope W. As a result, the workload of accurately disposing the portable detection part 20 for inspecting the wire rope W relative to the wire rope W can be reduced.

[0102] Furthermore, in this embodiment, further effects can be obtained by configuring it as follows.

[0103] That is, in this embodiment, the excitation unit 10 and the detection unit 20 are arranged together in the loading and unloading unit 1, and the positioning unit 80 positions the loading and unloading unit 1 relative to the fixing unit 2, so that the detection unit 20 and the excitation unit 10 are arranged at a predetermined position based on the wire rope W. With this structure, by using the positioning unit 80 to position the loading and unloading unit 1, the excitation unit 10, which applies magnetic flux to the wire rope W to be inspected, and the detection unit 20 can be easily arranged in an accurate position. Therefore, even if both the detection unit 20 and the excitation unit 10 are portable, the workload of accurately arranging the excitation unit 10 and the detection unit 20 relative to the wire rope W can be reduced, thus further reducing the workload of the inspection operator performing the inspection of the wire rope W.

[0104] In this embodiment, the positioning part 80 includes a positioning pin 82 (first engaging part) provided on the fixing part 2 and a positioning hole 81 (second engaging part) provided on the loading / unloading part 1 for engaging with the positioning pin 82. By engaging the positioning pin 82 provided on the fixing part 2 with the positioning hole 81 provided on the loading / unloading part 1, the position of the loading / unloading part 1 relative to the fixing part 2 is positioned. With this structure, by inserting (engaging) the positioning pin 82 provided on the fixing part 2 into the positioning hole 81 provided on the loading / unloading part 1 to position the loading / unloading part 1 relative to the fixing part 2, the position of the loading / unloading part 1 can be positioned more easily, and the loading / unloading part 1 can be easily removed from the fixing part 2 after inspection. Therefore, by providing the positioning pin 82 and the positioning hole 81, the loading / unloading part 1 can be easily loaded and unloaded relative to the fixing part 2, and the position of the loading / unloading part 1 relative to the fixing part 2 can be easily positioned.

[0105] In this embodiment, the fixing part 2 includes a mounting part 2a for mounting the loading and unloading part 1, a pulling screw 2e, and a pushing screw 2f (position adjustment part). The mounting part 2a is used to mount the loading and unloading part 1 and is configured to adjust its relative position with respect to the wire rope W. The pulling screw 2e and the pushing screw 2f adjust the position of the mounting part 2a in a plane orthogonal to the direction of extension of the wire rope W and the tilt of the mounting part 2a relative to the direction of extension of the wire rope W. The positioning part 80 positions the loading and unloading part 1 relative to the fixing part 2 when it is mounted on the mounting part 2a. With this structure, the relative position of the mounting part 2a for mounting the loading and unloading part 1 with respect to the wire rope W can be adjusted, thus allowing for more accurate adjustment of the position of the loading and unloading part 1 relative to the wire rope W. Therefore, by adjusting the position of the mounting part 2a, the detection part 20 can be positioned more accurately at a predetermined position.

[0106] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the loading / unloading section 1 is configured to be divisible into a first loading / unloading section 1a and a second loading / unloading section 1b. The first loading / unloading section 1a is disposed on one side in a direction orthogonal to the extension direction of the wire rope W, and the second loading / unloading section 1b is disposed on the other side and combined with the first loading / unloading section 1a. The positioning section 80 positions the loading / unloading section 1 relative to the fixing section 2 when the first loading / unloading section 1a and the second loading / unloading section 1b are combined, so that the detection section 20 is disposed at a predetermined position based on the wire rope W. With this structure, the loading / unloading section 1 is configured to be divisible into a first loading / unloading section 1a and a second loading / unloading section 1b. Therefore, it is not necessary to insert the end of the wire rope W into the interior of the loading / unloading section 1 to pass through the interior of the loading / unloading section 1. The loading / unloading section 1 can be easily configured to surround the wire rope W by dividing the loading / unloading section 1. Therefore, the detection unit 20, which is located in the loading and unloading section 1, can be easily positioned around the wire rope W, thereby reducing the workload of the inspection operator who is responsible for positioning the detection unit 20 around the wire rope W.

[0107] In this embodiment, the detection unit 20 is configured to detect the magnetic flux of the wire rope W in the car 103a of the suspended elevator 103, and the fixing unit 2 is fixed to the frame 103f (main body) of the winch 103b (drive unit) that moves the wire rope W to raise and lower the car 103a of the elevator 103. With this structure, the loading / unloading unit 1, which is detachable, can be positioned relative to the fixing unit 2, which is fixed to the frame 103f of the winch 103b that winds up the wire rope W of the elevator 103, using the positioning unit 80, while the loading / unloading unit 1 is installed on the fixing unit 2. Therefore, the detection unit 20 can be easily positioned near the wire rope W of the elevator 103, and thus, the detection unit 20 can be easily positioned at a predetermined position for inspecting the wire rope W. As a result, the workload of the inspection operator who needs to accurately position the detection unit 20 can be reduced when inspecting the wire rope W of the car 103a of the suspended elevator 103.

[0108] In this embodiment, the positioning unit 80 positions the loading / unloading unit 1 relative to the fixing unit 2, such that the detection unit 20 is positioned at a predetermined location surrounding the portion of the wire rope W extending from the sheave 103d wound with the wire rope W in the winch 103b (drive unit) towards the car 103a. Here, to position the detection unit 20 relative to the wire rope W at a predetermined location, for example, if the loading / unloading unit 1 is positioned between the two sheaves 103d and 103e of the winch 103b, it is necessary to drill under the winch 103b to install the loading / unloading unit 1. In this case, the workload for installing the loading / unloading unit 1 to the fixing unit 2 increases. In contrast, in this embodiment, the positioning unit 80 positions the loading / unloading unit 1 relative to the fixing unit 2, such that the detection unit 20 is positioned at a predetermined location surrounding the portion of the wire rope W extending from the sheave 103d wound with the wire rope W in the winch 103b towards the car 103a. With this structure, the loading / unloading part 1 can be easily installed from the outside of the winch 103b while being positioned relative to the fixing part 2, without needing to drill into the underside of the winch 103b. Therefore, by configuring the detection part 20 at a predetermined position surrounding the portion of the wire rope W extending from the sheave 103d of the winch 103b to the car compartment 103a, the workload for installing the loading / unloading part 1 to the fixing part 2 can be further reduced.

[0109] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the fixing part 2 includes multiple fixing parts 2 (402, 502) configured for each of the multiple elevators 103 to 105, and the loading / unloading part 1 includes a single loading / unloading part 1 shared by the multiple fixing parts 2 (402, 502). The positioning part 80 positions the shared loading / unloading part 1 relative to the position of each of the multiple fixing parts 2 (402, 502). With this structure, a single shared loading / unloading part 1 can be used for the multiple fixing parts 2 (402, 502) configured for each of the multiple elevators 103 to 105. Therefore, compared to the case where a separate loading / unloading part 1 is used for each of the multiple fixing parts 2 (402, 502), the system structure can be simplified. Furthermore, since the positioning unit 80 can be used to position the shared loading / unloading unit 1 relative to each of the multiple fixing units 2 (402, 502), the shared loading / unloading unit 1 can be easily positioned and configured when inspecting the wire ropes W of each of the multiple elevators 103 to 105. Therefore, when inspecting the wire ropes W of each of the multiple elevators 103 to 105 using the detection unit 20 configured in the shared loading / unloading unit 1, the workload of the inspection operator in positioning the detection unit 20 in the designated position can also be reduced.

[0110] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the fixing part 2 includes a magnetic field applying part 40 and a holding part 60. The magnetic field applying part 40 adjusts the magnetization direction of the wire rope W by pre-applying a magnetic field to the wire rope W, and the holding part 60 holds the magnetic field applying part 40. With this structure, since the magnetic field applying part 40, which pre-applies a magnetic field to the wire rope W, is configured to be held by the holding part 60 of the fixing part 2, a higher precision inspection can be performed on the wire rope W, which is in a state where the magnetic field has been pre-adjusted by the magnetic field applying part 40, using the detection part 20 configured in the loading / unloading part 1. Additionally, for example, when the two magnetic field applying parts 40a and 40b are configured such that their magnetic poles of the same polarity face the wire rope W as in this embodiment, the two magnetic field applying parts 40a and 40b repel each other. In this case, when the magnetic field applying parts 40 (magnetic field applying parts 40a and 40b) are arranged in the loading / unloading part 1, it is necessary to arrange the loading / unloading part 1 around the wire rope W while resisting the magnitude of the mutual repulsive force between the two magnetic field applying parts 40a and 40b. Therefore, it is believed that the workload of the inspection operator who arranges the loading / unloading part 1 is increased due to the mutual repulsive force between the magnetic field applying parts 40a and 40b. In contrast, in this embodiment, the magnetic field applying parts 40 (magnetic field applying parts 40a and 40b) are arranged in the fixing part 2 instead of in the loading / unloading part 1. Therefore, when the two magnetic field applying parts 40a and 40b are arranged with their magnetic poles facing the wire rope W with the same poles, it is not necessary to arrange the loading and unloading part 1 while resisting the mutual repulsion between the magnetic field applying parts 40a and 40b. Thus, it is possible to suppress the increase in the workload of the inspection operator who is placing the detection part 20 in a specified position relative to the wire rope W.

[0111] In this embodiment, the fixing part 2 includes a roller part 50 (movement suppression part), which suppresses the movement of the wire rope W in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the wire rope W extends by abutting against it. The holding part 60 holds the magnetic field application part 40 and the roller part 50. With this structure, the movement (vibration of the wire rope W) of the wire rope W in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the wire rope W extends can be suppressed by the roller part 50 disposed on the fixing part 2. Therefore, the detection part 20 can be disposed closer to the wire rope W. Thus, the detection sensitivity (detection accuracy) of the detection part 20 can be further improved. In addition, by providing the roller part 50 on the fixing part 2 side, the structural complexity of the loading and unloading part 1 can be suppressed compared with the case where the roller part 50 is provided on the loading and unloading part 1 side. Therefore, the weight of the loading and unloading part 1 can be reduced. Therefore, when the roller part 50 is configured to suppress the vibration of the wire rope W, the workload of the loading and unloading part 1 when the wire rope W is disposed can also be reduced.

[0112] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the holding part 60 is configured to change the separation distance from the wire rope W, and the fixing part 2 includes a distance adjustment mechanism 70. This distance adjustment mechanism 70 can reduce the separation distance by moving the holding part 60 during inspection operation, and can increase the separation distance by moving the holding part 60 during normal operation. With this structure, the distance adjustment mechanism 70 provided in the fixing part 2 can be used to bring the magnetic field application part 40 and the roller part 50 (movement suppression part) held by the holding part 60 close to the wire rope W only during inspection operation. Therefore, during normal operation, the holding part 60 (magnetic field application part 40 and roller part 50) can be moved away from the wire rope W, thus suppressing the obstruction of the wire rope W's movement (operation) due to the holding part 60 (magnetic field application part 40 and roller part 50) being close to the wire rope W.

[0113] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the detection unit 20 includes a detection coil 21 wound around the wire rope W along the direction of its extension. The positioning unit 80 positions the loading / unloading unit 1 relative to the fixing unit 2, such that the detection coil 21 of the detection unit 20 is wound around the wire rope W at a predetermined position surrounding the wire rope W. With this structure, by arranging the detection coil 21 in a manner wound around the wire rope W, when inspecting the wire rope W using the total magnetic flux method (measuring the overall magnetic flux within the wire rope W), the positioning unit 80 can easily position the detection coil 21 in the loading / unloading unit 1 at a predetermined position. As a result, when inspecting the wire rope W using the total magnetic flux method, the workload of the inspection operator in accurately positioning the detection coil 21 can be reduced.

[0114] (Effect of the positioning method of the wire rope inspection system in this embodiment)

[0115] The positioning method of the wire rope inspection system in this embodiment can achieve the following effects.

[0116] In the positioning method of the wire rope inspection system of this embodiment, as described above, a positioning part 80 is provided to position the loading / unloading part 1 relative to the fixing part 2 such that the detection part 20 is disposed at a predetermined position based on the wire rope W. Therefore, by positioning the portable loading / unloading part 1 relative to the fixing part 2 using the positioning part 80, the portable detection part 20 disposed on the loading / unloading part 1 can be easily disposed at a predetermined position based on the wire rope W. Thus, the portable detection part 20 can be easily disposed at an accurate position for inspecting the wire rope W. As a result, a positioning method for a wire rope inspection system can be provided that reduces the workload of accurately disposing the portable detection part 20 for inspecting the wire rope W relative to the wire rope W.

[0117] [Variation Example]

[0118] Furthermore, it should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is shown by the claims rather than by the description of the embodiments above, and includes all modifications (variations) within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0119] For example, in the above embodiment, an example is shown in which the excitation unit 10 and the detection unit 20 are arranged together in the loading and unloading unit 1, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, the excitation unit 10 may also be arranged in the fixing unit 2. Alternatively, the control unit (control board 30) may also be arranged in the fixing unit 2 instead of the loading and unloading unit 1.

[0120] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example is shown where the position of the loading / unloading part 1 relative to the fixed part 2 is positioned by inserting a positioning pin 82 provided on the fixed part 2 into a positioning hole 81 provided on the loading / unloading part 1; however, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be configured such that a positioning pin is provided on the loading / unloading part 1 side, and the pin on the loading / unloading part 1 side is inserted into the hole provided on the fixed part 2 side, thereby positioning the position of the loading / unloading part 1 relative to the fixed part 2. Alternatively, it may be configured such that, instead of using a positioning pin, the position of the loading / unloading part 1 relative to the fixed part 2 is positioned by, for example, using a guide rail or a hook-shaped engaging part.

[0121] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was shown where the mounting part 2a for mounting the mounting part 1 is configured to be adjustable relative to the wire rope W, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, it may also be configured to be able to adjust the position and angle of the positioning pin 82 of the fixing part 2 relative to the wire rope W. Alternatively, the position of the positioning part 80 may be set (adjusted) by adjusting the position and angle of the fixing part 2 relative to the winch 103b (drive unit), so that the detection part 20 is positioned at a predetermined position based on the wire rope W.

[0122] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was shown where the loading and unloading part 1 is configured to be divisible into a first loading and unloading part 1a and a second loading and unloading part 1b, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, it may also be configured such that the loading and unloading part 1 is not divided into two parts, but rather the loading and unloading part 1 is mounted to the fixed part 2 in a detachable manner by providing a movable part such as a hinge to the loading and unloading part 1.

[0123] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was shown where the detection unit 20 detects the magnetic flux of the wire rope W in the car 103a of the suspended elevator 103, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the detection unit 20 may also be configured to detect the magnetic flux of the wire rope W installed in a device other than an elevator, such as a crane. Alternatively, it may be configured to detect the magnetic flux of a single wire rope W.

[0124] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example is shown in which the detection unit 20 is positioned at a predetermined location surrounding the portion of the wire rope W extending from the sheave 103d of the winch 103b (drive unit) to the car chamber 103a; however, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the detection unit 20 may also be positioned to surround the portion of the wire rope W provided between the sheaves 103d and 103e of the winch 103b.

[0125] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example is shown where a shared loading and unloading unit 1 is used for multiple fixing parts 2 (402, 502) configured for each of the multiple elevators 103 to 105, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, multiple loading and unloading units may be configured such that each of the multiple fixing parts 2 (402, 502) is used individually.

[0126] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was shown of detecting the magnetic flux of a wire rope W in a state where the magnetic field of the magnetic field applied by the magnetic field application part 40 arranged in the fixing part 2 has been pre-adjusted, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the magnetic flux may be detected without providing the magnetic field application part 40 and without adjusting the magnetic field. Alternatively, the magnetic field application part 40 may not be arranged in the fixing part 2, but rather in the loading and unloading part 1.

[0127] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was shown where the fixing part 2 includes a roller part 50 that suppresses the movement (vibration) of the wire rope W in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the wire rope W extends by abutting against it; however, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the roller part 50 (movement suppression part) may not be disposed in the fixing part 2, but rather in the loading and unloading part 1. Alternatively, instead of providing a roller part 50 that rotates while abutting against the wire rope W, a sliding part may be provided as a movement suppression part that suppresses the movement of the wire rope W by abutting against it while sliding relative to the wire rope W. Furthermore, the wire rope W may be inspected without providing movement suppression parts such as the roller part 50 and the sliding part.

[0128] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was shown where the fixing part 2 is configured such that the separation distance between the wire rope W and the holding part 60 is smaller during inspection operation and larger during normal operation by moving the holding part 60; however, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be configured such that the separation distance between the holding part 60 and the wire rope W does not change during inspection operation and normal operation. Additionally, it may be configured such that the separation distance of only one of the magnetic field applying part 40 and the movement suppressing part (roller part 50) can be changed.

[0129] Furthermore, the above embodiment illustrates an example of detecting the magnetic flux of the wire rope W using the total flux method, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the detection unit 20 may also be configured to detect leakage magnetic flux from the outer surface of the wire rope W.

[0130] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example is shown where the two first detection coils 21a and the second detection coil 21b of the detection unit 20 are separate saddle-type coils, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the detection unit 20 may also be configured to form a solenoid coil by combining the first loading / unloading part 1a and the second loading / unloading part 1b in a manner that it is wound around the wire rope W.

[0131] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example is shown where the excitation coil 11 is wound around the outside of the detection coil 21 relative to the wire rope W, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the excitation part 10 and the detection part 20 may also be arranged along the direction in which the wire rope W extends.

[0132] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example is shown where the detection signal acquired by the detection unit 20 of the wire rope inspection device 101 is output to the outside of the device (processing device 102) via the communication unit 33, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, it may be configured such that a notification unit or display unit is provided in the wire rope inspection device 101, thereby notifying the inspection operator of the detection result (inspection result) based on the signal from the detection unit 20 in the wire rope inspection device 101.

[0133] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example is shown where the detection coil 21 is provided on each of the multiple (5) steel wire ropes W, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the detection coil 21 may be configured to detect the magnetic flux of one or more but less than four steel wire ropes W, or it may be configured to detect the magnetic flux of six or more steel wire ropes. Alternatively, it may be configured to use one detection coil 21 to detect the magnetic flux of multiple steel wire ropes W.

[0134] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was shown where magnetic field applying parts 40a and 40b, which are configured to face each other across the wire rope W, are respectively arranged with their N poles facing the wire rope W side; however, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the two magnetic field applying parts may be configured with their N poles and S poles facing the wire rope W respectively. Alternatively, the two magnetic field applying parts may be configured with their N poles and S poles arranged along the direction in which the wire rope W extends, rather than along a direction facing each other. In this case, the two magnetic field applying parts may have the same orientation or different orientations. Alternatively, the magnetic field applying parts may be configured to apply a magnetic field in an orientation that is obliquely offset from an orientation parallel to the direction in which the wire rope W extends. Alternatively, a single magnetic field applying part may be positioned on one side of a direction intersecting the direction in which the wire rope W extends.

[0135] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example of a magnetic field applying section 40 being composed of a permanent magnet has been shown, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, an electromagnet may also be used to form the magnetic field applying section.

[0136] [Way]

[0137] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above exemplary embodiments are specific examples of the following methods.

[0138] (Project 1)

[0139] A wire rope inspection system, comprising:

[0140] The excitation unit applies magnetic flux to the wire rope being inspected.

[0141] A detection unit that detects the magnetic flux of the wire rope to which the excitation unit applies magnetic flux;

[0142] A loading and unloading unit, which is at least equipped with the detection unit, is detachably mounted to a fixing part near the wire rope; and

[0143] The positioning part positions the loading / unloading part relative to the fixing part, such that the detection part is positioned at a predetermined position based on the wire rope.

[0144] (Project 2)

[0145] According to the wire rope inspection system described in Project 1, among which,

[0146] The excitation unit and the detection unit are disposed together in the loading and unloading unit.

[0147] The positioning part positions the loading and unloading part relative to the fixing part, so that the detection part and the excitation part are arranged at the predetermined positions based on the wire rope.

[0148] (Project 3)

[0149] According to the wire rope inspection system described in Project 1 or 2, among which,

[0150] The positioning part includes a first engaging part disposed on the fixing part and a second engaging part disposed on the loading and unloading part for engaging with the first engaging part. The position of the loading and unloading part relative to the fixing part is positioned by engaging the first engaging part disposed on the fixing part with the second engaging part disposed on the loading and unloading part.

[0151] (Project 4)

[0152] According to the wire rope inspection system described in any one of items 1 to 3, among which,

[0153] The fixing part includes a loading / unloading part mounting part and a position adjustment part. The loading / unloading part mounting part is used to mount the loading / unloading part and is configured to adjust its relative position with respect to the wire rope. The position adjustment part adjusts the position of the loading / unloading part mounting part in a plane orthogonal to the extension direction of the wire rope and the inclination of the loading / unloading part mounting part relative to the extension direction of the wire rope.

[0154] The positioning part positions the loading / unloading part relative to the fixing part when it is installed in the mounting part of the loading / unloading part.

[0155] (Project 5)

[0156] According to the wire rope inspection system described in any one of items 1 to 4, among which,

[0157] The loading and unloading section is configured to be divisible into a first loading and unloading section and a second loading and unloading section. The first loading and unloading section is located on one side in a direction orthogonal to the extension direction of the wire rope, and the second loading and unloading section is located on the other side and is combined with the first loading and unloading section.

[0158] When the first loading / unloading part and the second loading / unloading part are combined, the positioning part positions the loading / unloading part relative to the fixing part, so that the detection part is positioned at the predetermined position based on the wire rope.

[0159] (Project 6)

[0160] According to the wire rope inspection system described in any one of items 1 to 5, among which,

[0161] The detection unit is configured to detect the magnetic flux of the steel wire rope in the car compartment of the suspended elevator.

[0162] The fixing part is fixed to the main body of the drive unit that moves the wire rope to raise and lower the elevator car.

[0163] (Project 7)

[0164] According to the wire rope inspection system described in Project 6, among which,

[0165] The positioning part positions the loading / unloading part relative to the fixing part, such that the detection part is positioned at the predetermined position surrounding the portion of the wire rope extending from the pulley wound with the wire rope in the drive part to the car compartment.

[0166] (Project 8)

[0167] According to the wire rope inspection system described in item 6 or 7, among which,

[0168] The fixing part includes a plurality of fixing parts configured for each of the plurality of elevators.

[0169] The loading and unloading section includes one loading and unloading section that is shared by multiple fixed sections.

[0170] The positioning unit positions the shared loading / unloading unit relative to each of the multiple fixed units.

[0171] (Project 9)

[0172] According to the wire rope inspection system described in any one of items 1 to 8, among which,

[0173] The fixing part includes a magnetic field applying part that adjusts the direction of magnetization of the wire rope by applying a magnetic field to the wire rope in advance, and a holding part that holds the magnetic field applying part.

[0174] (Project 10)

[0175] According to the wire rope inspection system described in Project 9, among which,

[0176] The fixing part further includes a movement inhibiting part, which inhibits the movement of the wire rope in a direction orthogonal to the direction of extension of the wire rope by abutting against the wire rope.

[0177] The holding part holds the magnetic field applying part and the movement suppressing part.

[0178] (Project 11)

[0179] According to the wire rope inspection system described in item 9 or 10, among which,

[0180] The retaining part is configured to change the separation distance from the wire rope.

[0181] The fixing part includes a distance adjustment mechanism, which can reduce the separation distance by moving the holding part during inspection operation and increase the separation distance by moving the holding part during normal operation.

[0182] (Project 12)

[0183] According to the wire rope inspection system described in any one of items 1 to 11, among which,

[0184] The detection unit includes a detection coil wound around the steel wire rope along the direction in which the steel wire rope extends.

[0185] The positioning part positions the loading and unloading part relative to the fixing part, such that the detection coil of the detection part is wound around the wire rope at the predetermined position surrounding the wire rope.

[0186] (Project 13)

[0187] A positioning method for a wire rope inspection system includes the following steps:

[0188] A positioning fixture is installed on a fixing part near the wire rope to be inspected, for adjusting the relative position of the fixing part with respect to the wire rope, so that a detection part for detecting the magnetic flux of the wire rope is positioned at a predetermined position with the wire rope as a reference.

[0189] By adjusting the position of the fixing part by causing the positioning fixture to move along the wire rope, a positioning part is configured to position the loading / unloading part relative to the fixing part. The loading / unloading part is at least equipped with the detection part and is mounted on the fixing part in a detachable manner.

[0190] By mounting the loading / unloading part to the fixing part, the position of the loading / unloading part relative to the fixing part is positioned using the positioning part, which has been configured in a pre-defined manner; and

[0191] The magnetic flux of the steel wire rope is detected using the detection unit.

Claims

1. A wire rope inspection system, comprising: The excitation unit applies magnetic flux to the wire rope being inspected. A detection unit that detects the magnetic flux of the wire rope to which the excitation unit applies magnetic flux; The loading and unloading unit is equipped with at least the detection unit, and is installed in a detachable manner onto a fixing part near the wire rope; as well as The positioning unit positions the loading / unloading unit relative to the fixing unit, such that the detection unit is positioned at a predetermined position relative to the wire rope. The fixing part includes a loading / unloading part mounting part and a position adjustment part. The loading / unloading part mounting part is used to mount the loading / unloading part and is configured to adjust its relative position with respect to the wire rope. The position adjustment part adjusts the position of the loading / unloading part mounting part in a plane orthogonal to the extension direction of the wire rope and the inclination of the loading / unloading part mounting part relative to the extension direction of the wire rope. The positioning part positions the loading / unloading part relative to the fixing part when it is installed in the mounting part of the loading / unloading part.

2. The wire rope inspection system according to claim 1, wherein, The excitation unit and the detection unit are disposed together in the loading and unloading unit. The positioning part positions the loading and unloading part relative to the fixing part, so that the detection part and the excitation part are arranged at the predetermined positions based on the wire rope.

3. The wire rope inspection system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The positioning part includes a first engaging part disposed on the fixing part and a second engaging part disposed on the loading and unloading part for engaging with the first engaging part. The position of the loading and unloading part relative to the fixing part is positioned by engaging the first engaging part disposed on the fixing part with the second engaging part disposed on the loading and unloading part.

4. The wire rope inspection system according to claim 1, wherein, The loading and unloading section is configured to be divisible into a first loading and unloading section and a second loading and unloading section. The first loading and unloading section is located on one side in a direction orthogonal to the extension direction of the wire rope, and the second loading and unloading section is located on the other side and is combined with the first loading and unloading section. When the first loading / unloading part and the second loading / unloading part are combined, the positioning part positions the loading / unloading part relative to the fixing part, so that the detection part is positioned at the predetermined position based on the wire rope.

5. The wire rope inspection system according to claim 1, wherein, The detection unit is configured to detect the magnetic flux of the steel wire rope in the car compartment of the suspended elevator. The fixing part is fixed to the main body of the drive unit that moves the wire rope to raise and lower the elevator car.

6. The wire rope inspection system according to claim 5, wherein, The positioning part positions the loading / unloading part relative to the fixing part, such that the detection part is positioned at the predetermined position surrounding the portion of the wire rope extending from the pulley wound with the wire rope in the drive part to the car compartment.

7. The wire rope inspection system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, The fixing part includes a plurality of fixing parts configured for each of the plurality of elevators. The loading and unloading section includes one loading and unloading section that is shared by multiple fixed sections. The positioning unit positions the shared loading / unloading unit relative to each of the multiple fixed units.

8. The wire rope inspection system according to claim 1, wherein, The fixing part includes a magnetic field applying part that adjusts the direction of magnetization of the wire rope by applying a magnetic field to the wire rope in advance, and a holding part that holds the magnetic field applying part.

9. The wire rope inspection system according to claim 8, wherein, The fixing part further includes a movement suppression part, which suppresses movement of the wire rope in a direction orthogonal to the direction of extension of the wire rope by abutting against the wire rope. The holding part holds the magnetic field applying part and the movement suppressing part.

10. The wire rope inspection system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, The retaining part is configured to change the separation distance from the wire rope. The fixing part includes a distance adjustment mechanism, which can reduce the separation distance by moving the holding part during inspection operation and increase the separation distance by moving the holding part during normal operation.

11. The wire rope inspection system according to claim 1, wherein, The detection unit includes a detection coil wound around the steel wire rope along the direction in which the steel wire rope extends. The positioning part positions the loading and unloading part relative to the fixing part, such that the detection coil of the detection part is wound around the wire rope at the predetermined position surrounding the wire rope.

12. A positioning method for a wire rope inspection system, comprising the following steps: A positioning fixture is installed on a fixing part near the wire rope to be inspected, for adjusting the relative position of the fixing part with respect to the wire rope, so that a detection part for detecting the magnetic flux of the wire rope is positioned at a predetermined position with the wire rope as a reference. By adjusting the position of the fixing part by causing the positioning fixture to move along the wire rope, a positioning part is configured to position the loading / unloading part relative to the fixing part. The loading / unloading part is at least equipped with the detection part and is mounted on the fixing part in a detachable manner. By installing the loading / unloading part onto the fixing part, the position of the loading / unloading part relative to the fixing part is positioned using the positioning part, which has been configured in advance. as well as The magnetic flux of the steel wire rope is detected using the aforementioned detection unit. The step of installing the positioning fixture on the fixing part includes the following steps: installing the positioning fixture on the loading / unloading mounting part, which is configured to be able to adjust its relative position with respect to the wire rope, on the fixing part. The step of configuring the positioning part includes the following steps: adjusting the position of the loading / unloading part mounting part in a plane orthogonal to the extension direction of the wire rope and the inclination of the loading / unloading part mounting part relative to the extension direction of the wire rope by adjusting the positioning fixture along the wire rope. The step of positioning the loading / unloading part relative to the fixing part includes the following steps: positioning the position of the loading / unloading part relative to the fixing part when it is installed on the loading / unloading part mounting part of the fixing part.

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