Maintenance system

Abstract

This maintenance system reduces the effort required to inspect cracks in heat exchange plates and allows for more reliable visual detection of cracks. [Solution] The system includes a darkroom 10 that blocks external light and has an entrance 52 for bringing in the heat exchange plate 2, a transport device 20 that transports the heat exchange plate 2 from outside to inside the darkroom 10 via the entrance 52, a first ultraviolet irradiation device 31 capable of irradiating the heat exchange plate 2 with ultraviolet light, a work area W provided inside the darkroom 10 and adjacent to one side with respect to the direction of travel of the transport device 20, and a first mirror 41 provided inside the darkroom 10 on the opposite side from the transport device 20, with its mirror surface facing the work area W. After the fluorescent liquid is applied to the heat exchange plate 2 by a coating robot, it is sent to a simple darkroom 70. After the simple darkroom, the heat exchange plate 2 is inverted by the transport robot and then sent to the darkroom 10.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a maintenance system for inspecting defects in heat exchange plates of plate heat exchangers.

Background Art

[0002] Plate heat exchangers are regularly maintained. As one of the maintenance tasks, an inspection is carried out to detect cracks that have occurred in the heat exchange plates of the plate heat exchanger. Specifically, first, a fluorescent liquid is applied to one entire surface of the heat exchange plate. Next, in a dark room, ultraviolet light is irradiated onto the heat exchange plate from the other side, and if fluorescence can be confirmed on the other side, it is determined that a crack has penetrated at the fluorescent location (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The operator needs to appropriately change the orientation of the heat exchange plate so as to be suitable for visual inspection. However, since the heat exchange plate is quite large, it takes time to change the orientation. On the other hand, when inspecting without changing the orientation of the heat exchange plate, it is difficult to visually check the parts far from the operator. It is also conceivable that the operator visually checks while appropriately changing the position around the heat exchange plate without changing its orientation, but it is difficult for the operator to move and work in a dark room. It is desired to reduce such labor and more reliably determine cracks.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In view of such circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a maintenance system that reduces the labor involved in inspecting cracks in a heat exchange plate and can more reliably visually check the cracks.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An embodiment for achieving the above objective is a maintenance system for inspecting a heat exchange plate of a plate-type heat exchanger, the heat exchange plate having a coating made of fluorescent liquid formed on one side, comprising: a darkroom having an entrance for bringing in the heat exchange plate and blocking out external light; a transport device for transporting the heat exchange plate from outside to inside the darkroom via the entrance; a robot for applying fluorescent liquid to one side of the heat exchange plate and placing it on the transport device so that the side with the fluorescent liquid applied faces downward, wherein the darkroom is provided with a first ultraviolet irradiation device capable of irradiating the heat exchange plate with ultraviolet light, a work area adjacent to one side with respect to the direction of travel of the transport device, and a first mirror with its mirror surface facing the transport device and the work area. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, a maintenance system is provided that reduces the effort required to inspect cracks in heat exchange plates and allows for more reliable visual detection of cracks. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the maintenance system. [Figure 2] This is a floor plan showing the interior of the maintenance system's darkroom. [Figure 3] This is a plan view showing a portion of the area near the exit for the maintenance system. [Figure 4] This is a front view showing the exit for the maintenance system. [Figure 5] This diagram shows the usage of the first mirror in the maintenance system. [Figure 6] This diagram shows the usage of the second mirror in the maintenance system. [Figure 7] This figure shows the control means 100 for adjusting the position of the first mirror 41. [Figure 8] This is a floor plan showing the interior of the darkroom in Maintenance System 1. [Figure 9] This is a side view of the maintenance system. [Figure 10] This is an example of how it looks on a tablet. [Figure 11] This diagram shows the adjustment mechanism for adjusting the angle of the first mirror 41. [Figure 12] This diagram shows the first mirror 41 installed in the darkroom 10. [Figure 13] This figure shows the shape of a heat exchange plate. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] [Embodiment 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the maintenance system. Figure 2 is a plan view showing the interior of the darkroom of the maintenance system. Figure 3 is a plan view showing a part of the area near the exit of the darkroom. Figure 4 is a front view showing the exit of the darkroom.

[0010] Maintenance system 1 consists of a group of devices for maintaining the heat exchange plates 2 of a plate heat exchanger. The heat exchange plates 2 are known plate-shaped components used in plate heat exchangers in plants that manufacture liquid products such as beverages (hereinafter referred to as liquid products). The heat exchange plates 2 may develop cracks that penetrate in the thickness direction due to various causes. These cracks are referred to as through defects.

[0011] Maintenance system 1 is for detecting such through-defects and includes a coating robot 3, a transport robot 4, a darkroom 10, a transport device 20, a first ultraviolet irradiation device 31, a work area W, a first mirror 41, and a second mirror 42. Furthermore, maintenance system 1 includes a simple darkroom 70 upstream of darkroom 10. Maintenance system 1 also includes a control device for controlling the transport device 20 and other components, although these are not shown in the figures.

[0012] The darkroom 10 is a structure that blocks external light and can accommodate the heat exchange plate 2 and the operator inside. The darkroom 10 is formed, for example, by connecting columns 11 and beams 12 made of materials such as steel or aluminum, and covering the structure with a dark curtain 13.

[0013] The dark curtain 13 only needs to block external light. The degree of light shielding is preferably such that there is no hindrance to visually recognizing the fluorescence emitted from the coating of the fluorescent liquid by ultraviolet light. For example, it is preferable that the dark curtain 13 can block 80% or more of the external light. Also, a part 13a of the dark curtain that forms the side surface of the darkroom 10 is openable and closable, and the operator can open the dark curtain 13a to move inside and outside the darkroom 10.

[0014] On the side surface of the darkroom 10, a first gate 50 and a second gate 60 are arranged. The first gate 50 is provided with a carry-in port 52 for carrying the heat exchange plate 2 into the frame body 51, and a shutter 53 for opening and closing the carry-in port 52 is provided. The second gate 60 is provided with a carry-out port 62 for carrying the heat exchange plate 2 out of the frame body 61, and a shutter 63 for opening and closing the carry-out port 62 is provided. These shutters 53 and shutter 63 are controlled to open and close by a control device.

[0015] The simple darkroom 70 is a structure having the same configuration as the darkroom 10. On the side surface of the simple darkroom 70, a third gate 80 and a fourth gate 90 are arranged. The third gate 80 is provided with a carry-in port 82 for carrying the heat exchange plate 2 into the frame body 81, and a shutter 83 for opening and closing the carry-in port 82 is provided. The fourth gate 90 is provided with a carry-out port 92 for carrying the heat exchange plate 2 out of the frame body 91, and a shutter 93 for opening and closing the carry-out port 92 is provided. These shutters 83 and shutter 93 are controlled to open and close by a control device.

[0016] The conveying device 20 is a device for conveying the heat exchange plate 2. The conveying device 20 is not particularly restricted by the method as long as it can convey the heat exchange plate 2 in the horizontal direction. For example, a roller conveyor, a belt conveyor, etc. can be applied. The conveying device 20 is configured to convey the heat exchange plate 2 to the simple darkroom 70 and the darkroom 10 in this order. The conveying device 20 does not necessarily have to constitute a single conveying path and may be composed of a plurality of conveying paths. In the present embodiment, the conveying device 20 is composed of a first conveying unit 21, a second conveying unit 22, and a third conveying unit 23. The traveling direction of the conveying device 20 refers to the direction in which the heat exchange plate 2 is conveyed from the loading port 52 (loading port 82) to the unloading port 62 (unloading port 92).

[0017] The first conveying unit 21 is configured such that the conveying path penetrates the loading port 82 and the unloading port 92 of the simple darkroom 70. That is, the first conveying unit 21 conveys the heat exchange plate 2 from the outside of the simple darkroom 70 into the simple darkroom 70 via the loading port 82. Further, the first conveying unit 21 conveys the heat exchange plate 2 from the inside of the simple darkroom 70 to the outside via the unloading port 92.

[0018] The first conveying unit 21 can be switched between conveying and stopping by a control device (not shown). For example, when an operator operates a mechanical switch or a virtual switch displayed on the screen of a touch panel, the control device can convey or stop the first conveying unit 21 based on that operation.

[0019] Upstream of the loading port 82 of the first conveying unit 21, an application robot 3 is arranged. The application robot 3 is a robot for applying a fluorescent liquid to one surface of the heat exchange plate 2. When the sensor detects that the heat exchange plate 2 has been conveyed near the application robot 3, the first conveying unit 21 stops conveying. The application robot 3 applies a fluorescent liquid to one surface of the heat exchange plate 2 arranged on the first conveying unit 21. Thereby, a coating film of the fluorescent liquid is formed on the heat exchange plate 2. When the application of the fluorescent liquid is completed, the first conveying unit 21 conveys the heat exchange plate 2. These operations of conveying, stopping, and the operation of the application robot 3 are performed under the control of the control device. Note that the application robot 3 is an example of the first robot.

[0020] A transport robot 4 is positioned between the first transport unit 21 and the second transport unit 22. The transport robot 4 is responsible for picking up the heat exchange plate 2 transported by the first transport unit 21 and placing it in the second transport unit 22. At this time, the transport robot 4 reverses the front and back sides of the heat exchange plate 2. That is, the heat exchange plate 2 is placed in the second transport unit 22 so that one side with the coating faces downwards. These operations of the transport robot 4 are controlled by a control device. Note that the transport robot 4 is an example of a second robot.

[0021] The second transport unit 22 transports the heat exchange plate 2 from outside the darkroom 10 to inside the darkroom 10 via the entrance 52. The second transport unit 22 also transports the heat exchange plate 2 from inside the darkroom 10 to the outside via the exit 62. The second transport unit 22 can switch between transporting and stopping by a control device (not shown). For example, if an operator operates a mechanical switch or a virtual switch displayed on a touch panel screen, the control device will transport or stop the second transport unit 22 based on that operation.

[0022] The third transport section 23 is continuous with the second transport section 22 and is a branched section outside the darkroom 10. One branch is designated as the first branch section 23A, and the other as the second branch section 23B. The third transport section 23 can be switched between transporting and stopping by a control device (not shown). Furthermore, the third transport section 23 can transport the heat exchange plate 2 to either the first branch section 23A or the second branch section 23B. Inside the darkroom 10, switches 5-8 are provided to instruct the heat exchange plate 2 to be switched to either the first branch section 23A or the second branch section 23B as its transport destination. The functions of these switches will be described later.

[0023] The first branching section 23A is where heat exchange plates 2 that have been determined not to have through-hole defects are transported. Although not shown in the diagram, the first branching section 23A is connected to the equipment for the next process. The next process is, for example, equipment for cleaning the coating. The second branching section 23B is where heat exchange plates 2 that have been determined to have through-hole defects are transported. At the end of the second branching section 23B, the heat exchange plates 2 are stacked and stored in the storage section 9 by human hands or a robot (not shown).

[0024] A first ultraviolet irradiation device 31 is located in the darkroom 10. The first ultraviolet irradiation device 31 is a known device capable of irradiating ultraviolet light. In the horizontal front view of Figure 1, the first ultraviolet irradiation device 31 is located above the transport device 20 and above the first mirror 41, and in the plan view of Figure 2, it is located so as to overlap the transport device 20.

[0025] The first ultraviolet irradiation device 31 has a long light-emitting section 33 that extends along the width direction of the conveying device 20. The first ultraviolet irradiation device 31 is supported by a support member (not shown) and is capable of parallel movement along the direction of travel of the conveying device 20. The direction in which the first ultraviolet irradiation device 31 irradiates ultraviolet light is towards the lower side of the conveying device 20. A worker can irradiate ultraviolet light onto a portion of the heat exchange plate 2 on the temporarily stopped conveying device 20 by moving the first ultraviolet irradiation device 31 parallel to the portion they wish to focus on, above that portion.

[0026] A second ultraviolet irradiation device 32 is located in the simple darkroom 70. The second ultraviolet irradiation device 32 is a known device that irradiates ultraviolet light. The second ultraviolet irradiation device 32 is located above the transport device 20 in a horizontal front view in Figure 1, and is positioned so as to overlap the transport device 20 in a plan view.

[0027] The second ultraviolet irradiation device 32 has a long light-emitting section 33 that extends along the width direction of the transport device 20. In the simple darkroom 70, one side on which the coating is formed faces upward. The worker can confirm fluorescence from the coating by irradiating the heat exchange plate 2 on the temporarily stopped transport device 20 with ultraviolet light from the second ultraviolet irradiation device 32. This allows the worker to check the condition of the coating on one side of the heat exchange plate 2, for example, whether there are any inconsistencies or chips in the coating. The condition of the coating is checked directly by the worker entering the simple darkroom 70. Alternatively, a small window may be provided in the simple darkroom 70, and the condition of the coating on the heat exchange plate 2 inside the simple darkroom 70 may be checked from outside the simple darkroom 70 through the small window.

[0028] As shown in Figure 2, a transport device 20 (second transport section 22) is located inside the darkroom 10. Part of the darkroom 10 is a work area W. When viewed along the direction of travel of the transport device 20, there is an adjacent work area W on one side. This side is called the near side, and the opposite side is called the far side. The work area W on the near side of the darkroom 10 is a workspace where workers inspect the heat exchange plate 2.

[0029] A first mirror 41 is provided on the far side inside the darkroom 10. The first mirror 41 may be a general mirror or a film mirror. The mirror surface of the first mirror 41 is perpendicular to the horizontal plane and faces the work area W side with the transport device 20 in between. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the first mirror 41 is positioned so as to overlap with the heat exchange plate 2 when viewed horizontally from the work area W.

[0030] Figure 5 illustrates the first mirror 41 and the heat exchange plate 2 reflected in it. With the first mirror 41 positioned in this way, the worker P in the work area W can see the far side of the heat exchange plate 2 as a mirror image. Because the heat exchange plate 2 has many irregularities, some of these irregularities (the surface facing the far side) are difficult to see from the near side. However, the first mirror 41 reflects a mirror image of the heat exchange plate 2 as seen from the far side. Therefore, even though worker P is in the work area W on the near side, they can indirectly see the heat exchange plate 2 as seen from the far side through the mirror image of the first mirror 41.

[0031] There are no particular limitations on the length of the first mirror 41. For example, it is preferable that the horizontal length is longer than the length of the heat exchange plate 2 being inspected. By setting the length in this way, the entire heat exchange plate 2 can be viewed by the worker P as a mirror image without having to fine-tune the position of the heat exchange plate 2. Also, the first mirror 41 does not need to be fixed and may be movable in the horizontal direction. This allows the worker P to move the first mirror 41 in parallel to a position where the far side of the heat exchange plate 2 can be easily viewed as a mirror image. In this case, the horizontal length may be shorter than the length of the heat exchange plate 2. There are also no particular limitations on the height of the first mirror 41.

[0032] A second mirror 42 is provided inside the darkroom 10. The second mirror 42 may be a regular mirror or a film-like mirror. The mirror surface of the second mirror 42 is perpendicular to the horizontal plane and faces away from the direction of travel of the transport device 20 (to the right in Figure 2). Also, as shown in Figure 2, the second mirror 42 is located downstream of the first mirror 41 and above the transport device 20.

[0033] Figure 6 illustrates the second mirror 42 and the heat exchange plate 2 reflected in it. With the second mirror 42 positioned in this way, the worker P in the work area W can see the heat exchange plate 2 on the side facing the direction of travel as a mirrored image. Therefore, even though the worker P is in the work area W on the near side, they can indirectly see the heat exchange plate 2 as seen from the direction of travel side through the mirrored image of the second mirror 42.

[0034] The control device (not shown) includes a CPU and memory, and reads and executes programs stored in the memory. By executing the program, the control device controls the transport and stopping of the transport device 20, as well as the switching of the first branch 23A or the second branch 23B, the opening and closing of each shutter, and the operation of the transport robot 4. Of these controls, the control of the transport device 20 will be described below.

[0035] The control device controls the transport device 20 based on the operation of switches 5-8. Hereafter, each switch will be referred to as follows: Switch 5: Handheld switch 5 Switch 6: OK Switch 6 Switch 7: NG Switch 7 Switch 8: Emergency Stop Switch 8 Note that the hand switch 5, OK switch 6, and NG switch 7 in the above embodiment are examples of the operating device claimed.

[0036] The manual switch 5 is located near the work area W. When the control device detects that the manual switch 5 has been pressed, it starts the transport device 20 and transports the heat exchange plate 2 to the first branching section 23A in the third transport section 23. The OK switch 6 performs the same function as the manual switch 5, but differs in that it is located at the second gate 60 (see Figure 4). These manual switches 5 and OK switch 6 are pressed when a worker has inspected the heat exchange plate 2 and determined that there are no through-hole defects.

[0037] The NG switch 7 is located at the second gate 60. When the control device detects that the NG switch 7 has been pressed, it starts the transport device 20 and transports the heat exchange plate 2 to the second branching section 23B in the third transport section 23. The NG switch 7 is pressed when a worker inspects the heat exchange plate 2 and determines that a through-hole defect has occurred.

[0038] When the control device detects that the manual switch 5, OK switch 6, or NG switch 7 has been pressed, it operates the transport device 20 to transport the heat exchange plate 2 and opens the shutter 63. When the control device detects, using a sensor or the like, that the heat exchange plate 2 has passed the discharge port 62, it closes the shutter 63.

[0039] The emergency stop switch 8 is located at the second gate 60. When the control device detects that the emergency stop switch 8 has been pressed, it stops the transport device 20. The emergency stop switch 8 is pressed when an operator discovers an abnormality in the equipment or when they want to make an emergency stop to transport the heat exchange plate 2.

[0040] Although not specifically shown in the diagram, the work area W is also equipped with a switch for transporting or stopping the transport device 20. When the control device detects that the transport switch has been pressed, it operates the transport device 20 to transport the heat exchange plate 2. When the control device detects that the heat exchange plate 2 is approaching the entrance 52 using a sensor or the like, it opens the shutter 53, and closes the shutter 53 when the heat exchange plate 2 has passed through the entrance 52. The control device also stops the transport device 20 when it detects that the stop switch has been pressed. Worker P presses the switch when the heat exchange plate 2 is positioned in front of the work area W.

[0041] In the maintenance system 1 described above, the work is performed as follows: A coating made of fluorescent liquid is formed on one side of the heat exchange plate 2 located in the first transport unit 21 by the coating robot 3. Based on the operation of worker P, the first transport unit 21 transports the heat exchange plate 2, and the heat exchange plate 2 is placed inside the simple darkroom 70. Inside the simple darkroom 70, the worker checks the condition of the coating. If the coating is in good condition, the transport robot 4 transports the heat exchange plate 2 from the first transport unit 21 to the second transport unit 22. At this time, the heat exchange plate 2 is placed in the second transport unit 22 so that one side on which the coating is formed faces downwards. In the work area W, worker P operates the transport switch and stop switch to stop the heat exchange plate 2 in front of the work area W. In the work area W, worker P directly observes the heat exchange plate 2, and also indirectly observes the heat exchange plate 2 through the mirrored images of the first mirror 41 and the second mirror 42. When worker P determines that there are no through-hole defects in the heat exchange plate 2, he presses the hand switch 5 or the OK switch 6. By operating this switch, the heat exchange plate 2 is removed from the darkroom 10 and transported to the first branching section 23A. When worker P determines that there is a through-defect in the heat exchange plate 2, he presses the NG switch 7. By operating this switch, the heat exchange plate 2 is removed from the darkroom 10 and transported to the second branching section 23B.

[0042] The maintenance system 1 described above has a work area W on the near side and a first mirror 41 on the far side of the transport device 20. With this configuration, even while the worker P is in the work area W on the near side, they can indirectly view the heat exchange plate 2 as seen from the far side through the mirrored image of the first mirror 41. Therefore, even if a through-defect occurs that is difficult to find without viewing from the far side, it is easier to view that through-defect from the work area W on the near side, allowing for a more reliable determination of whether or not there is a through-defect. In addition, the worker P does not need to change the orientation of the heat exchange plate to make it easier to view, nor does they need to move to the far side inside the darkroom 10. In this way, the effort required for inspection can be reduced.

[0043] The first mirror 41 has its mirror surface perpendicular to the horizontal plane and is positioned so as to overlap with the heat exchange plate 2 being transported to the transport device 20 when viewed horizontally from the work area W. This positioning of the first mirror 41 allows the far side of the heat exchange plate 2 to be clearly reflected in the first mirror 41. It is possible.

[0044] The second mirror 42 has its mirror surface facing the opposite direction of travel, is located downstream of the first mirror 41 in the direction of travel, and is positioned above the conveying device 20. With the second mirror 42 positioned in this way, worker P can indirectly view the heat exchange plate 2 as seen from the direction of travel side through the mirror image of the second mirror 42, even while in the work area W on the near side. Therefore, even if a through-defect occurs that is difficult to find unless viewed from the direction of travel side, it is easier to see the through-defect from the work area W on the near side, allowing for a more reliable determination of whether or not there is a through-defect. In addition, worker P does not need to change the orientation of the heat exchange plate to make it easier to see, nor does he need to move in the direction of travel side within the darkroom 10. In this way, the effort required for inspection can be reduced.

[0045] The transport device 20 has a first branching section 23A and a second branching section 23B that branch off outside the darkroom 10, and can transport the heat exchange plates 2 by switching to either the first branching section 23A or the second branching section 23B. With this configuration, the heat exchange plates 2 can be separated outside the darkroom 10 according to the results of the inspection in the darkroom 10. Therefore, the subsequent processes after the darkroom 10 can be carried out quickly. For example, sorting operations such as quickly sending normal heat exchange plates 2 to the next process and sending abnormal heat exchange plates 2 for detailed inspection can be carried out efficiently.

[0046] The switching to the first branch 23A or the second branch 23B described above is performed based on the operation of various switches 5-8 located inside the darkroom 10. Since the worker P who inspected the heat exchange plate 2 performs the switching based on such switches, the distribution work is performed by someone other than the worker. It can be done more efficiently than doing it the other way around.

[0047] A hand switch 5 is located in the work area W. Since most of the heat exchange plates 2 are functioning normally, the switch that is pressed when the heat exchange plates 2 are functioning normally is used frequently. Since such a switch is located as a hand switch 5 near worker P, worker P can send the functioning heat exchange plates 2 out of the darkroom 10 without leaving the work area W.

[0048] Maintenance system 1 includes a simple darkroom 70 located upstream of the darkroom 10. By providing such a simple darkroom 70, the condition of the coating on the heat exchange plate 2 can be checked. Therefore, it is possible to prevent overlooking through-defects due to coating defects in the darkroom 10.

[0049] Upstream of the simple darkroom 70, a fluorescent liquid coating is formed on one side of the heat exchange plate 2 by the coating robot 3. The heat exchange plate 2 is then transported to the simple darkroom 70 for inspection of unevenness in the coating. After that, the heat exchange plate 2 is inverted and transported to the darkroom 10 for inspection of through-defects. In this way, by placing the coating robot 3 and the transport robot 4 on the transport path of the transport device 20, the formation of the coating, inspection of the coating, and inspection of through-defects can be performed continuously, and the application of the fluorescent liquid, inversion of the heat exchange plate 2, and transport can be performed automatically, reducing the burden on workers.

[0050] The first ultraviolet irradiation device 31 is movable in parallel along the direction of travel of the conveying device 20. The worker P can move the first ultraviolet irradiation device 31 in parallel above the part they want to focus on and irradiate that part with ultraviolet light. This allows for strong ultraviolet irradiation at any position on the heat exchange plate 2, making it easier to detect the presence or absence of fluorescence.

[0051] [Embodiment 2] In the first embodiment of the maintenance system 1, the first mirror 41 was fixedly positioned on one side (far side) of the conveying device 20, but its position and / or angle may be adjustable.

[0052] Figure 7 shows a control means 100 for adjusting the position of the first mirror 41. The control means 100 includes an actuator 101, a guide shaft 102, a camera 103, an identification unit 104, a storage unit 105, and a control unit 106.

[0053] The first mirror 41 is held by a holding member 107. The holding member 107 has a recess in part, and the first mirror 41 is housed and fixed in this recess. A guide shaft 102 extending vertically is provided on the support column 108 for the holding member. The holding member 107 is mounted so as to be movable in the height direction along the guide shaft 102. An actuator 101 is provided on the support column 108 for the holding member. The actuator 101 is a linear actuator that moves the holding member 107 forward and backward along the guide shaft 102 and stops it at any desired position.

[0054] The control unit 106 controls the operation and stopping of the actuator 101. By operating the actuator 101, the control unit 106 moves the first mirror 41 held by the holding member 107 vertically, and by stopping the actuator 101, it stops the holding member 107 at any position. Note that the actuator 101 and guide shaft 102 are examples of the adjustment mechanism described in the claim. Of course, the adjustment mechanism is not limited to this example, and any configuration that can change the height of the first mirror 41 and hold it is acceptable.

[0055] Figure 8 is a plan view showing the interior of the darkroom of the maintenance system 1, and Figure 9 is a side view of the maintenance system. Note that the darkroom 10 is not shown. As shown in these figures, the first mirror 41 is positioned on the far side of the transport device 20. In detail, a support column 108 for the holding member is positioned on the far side of the transport device 20, and a holding member 107, which is movably supported on the support column 108 for the holding member, is movable in the vertical direction. The first mirror 41 is held by the holding member 107 with its mirror surface facing the work area W.

[0056] The first mirror 41 can be moved to any height and fixed at that height. The height can be determined as appropriate, but for example, it may be moved and fixed at a predetermined height depending on the worker. Specifically, the height of the first mirror 41 is controlled as follows.

[0057] The camera 103 is attached to the holding member 107 and is positioned facing the work area W. Image data captured by the camera 103 is read by the control unit 106. The storage unit 105 includes storage media such as ROM, RAM, USB memory, and online storage that can be read and written via a network.

[0058] The identification unit 104 is a program or circuit that implements the function of identifying workers present in the work area W. In this embodiment, the identification unit 104 recognizes the faces of workers from image data obtained from the camera 103 and extracts facial feature quantities. These feature quantities are referred to as worker information.

[0059] The storage unit 105 can be a storage medium such as ROM, RAM, or USB memory, or a remote file server or online storage that can be read via a network. The storage unit 105 stores the height of the first mirror 41 defined for each worker (an example of the position of the first mirror as described in the claim) as posture information. Specifically, a pair of worker information and the corresponding height of the first mirror 41 is stored in the storage unit 105 as posture information. This posture information in the storage unit 105 can be read by the control unit 106.

[0060] The control unit 106 is hardware connected to the actuator 101, camera 103, identification unit 104, and storage unit 105, and controls them and executes programs for calculations. The control unit 106 causes the identification unit 104 to process the image data obtained from the camera 103 and obtains worker information from the identification unit 104. The control unit 106 searches the storage unit 105 for information that matches this worker information and obtains the height of the first mirror 41 corresponding to that worker information. Then, the control unit 106 changes the height of the first mirror 41 by controlling the actuator 101 to achieve the obtained height.

[0061] As shown in Figure 9, each worker has a different height. The appropriate height of the first mirror 41 for each worker is set in the memory unit 105. When the control unit 106 identifies a worker captured by the camera 103, it moves and fixes the height of the first mirror 41 to a height appropriate for that worker. As a result, when a worker enters the work area W of the darkroom 10, the first mirror 41 automatically moves and fixes to a height suitable for the work, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0062] Although the control means 100 automatically adjusts the height of the first mirror 41 for each worker, it is also possible to adjust the height manually. For example, several desired heights can be set for each worker and used as posture information.

[0063] Figure 10 shows an example of a tablet display. The memory unit 105 stores three different heights for the first mirror 41 for each worker P. After identifying worker P, the control unit 106 reads the three different heights of the first mirror 41 for worker P from the memory unit 105. Next, the control unit 106 displays buttons on the touch panel 109 that indirectly represent the read height (numerical value) as "high," "standard," or "low," making them targets for tap operation. Of course, buttons directly representing the height numerically could also be displayed on the touch panel 109. When a button is tapped by worker P, the control unit 106 moves the first mirror 41 to the height corresponding to that tap. In this way, the first mirror 41 can be manually moved and fixed to the height desired by the worker. Note that the tablet is an example of the display selection unit described in the claim. The display selection unit is not limited to a tablet; it could also be a display and a mouse / keyboard, etc.

[0064] [Embodiment 3] The adjustment mechanism described above adjusts the height of the first mirror 41, but it may also adjust the angle. Figure 11 shows an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the angle of the first mirror 41. Instead of the adjustment mechanism consisting of the actuator 101 and guide shaft 102 shown in Figure 7, this embodiment describes an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the angle of the first mirror 41. The same reference numerals are used for parts that are the same as those in Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0065] As shown in Figure 11, a rotating shaft 110 is attached to the support column 108 for the holding member. The rotating shaft 110 is upright and can be rotated by a motor (not shown). One end of the holding member 107 is fixed to the rotating shaft 110. With this adjustment mechanism, the rotation of the motor causes the rotating shaft 110 to rotate, and consequently the holding member 107 can rotate in an arc-shaped trajectory around the rotating shaft 110. By controlling the rotation and stopping of the motor, the first mirror 41 held by the holding member 107 can be positioned to orient its mirror surface at any angle around the rotating shaft 110 in the plan view shown in Figure 11. The rotating shaft 110 and the motor (not shown) constitute the adjustment mechanism of this embodiment.

[0066] Figure 12 shows the first mirror 41 installed in the darkroom 10. Three first mirrors 41 are arranged in the figure. One is a first mirror 41 whose angle cannot be adjusted (hereinafter also referred to as the first mirror 41A). The mirror surface of the first mirror 41A is oriented almost perpendicular to the direction of travel of the transport device 20. Two first mirrors 41 (hereinafter referred to as the first mirror 41L and the first mirror 41R) are angle-adjustable by the control means 100 and are arranged on both sides of the first mirror 41A. The first mirror 41R is positioned upstream of the direction of travel of the transport device 20, and its rotation axis 110 is positioned on the side of the first mirror 41A. The first mirror 41L is positioned downstream of the direction of travel of the transport device 20, and its rotation axis 110 is positioned on the side of the first mirror 41A.

[0067] The angles of the first mirrors 41R and 41L are adjusted by the control means 100. The control means 100 in this embodiment includes an adjustment mechanism consisting of a motor and a rotating shaft 110 (not shown), a camera 103, a heat exchange plate identification unit 114, a storage unit 105, and a control unit 106. Instead of the height of the first mirror 41, the angle of the first mirror 41 is used as attitude information. This angle is the angle θ between the normal perpendicular to the mirror surface of the first mirror 41 and the direction of travel of the transport device 20, when the normal to the mirror surface of the first mirror 41 is perpendicular to the vertical direction. The mirror surface of the first mirror 41 facing the work area W means that the work area W is on the extension of the normal to the mirror surface. The first mirror 41 does not need to be positioned on the far side of the transport device 20 in a plan view, and may be positioned above the transport device 20. As shown in Figure 12, the first mirror 41L and the first mirror 41R are located above the conveying device 20, and even with this arrangement, it is acceptable as long as the heat exchange plate 2 is located between each mirror and the work area W.

[0068] The angle of the first mirror 41 can be determined arbitrarily, but it may also be determined according to the type of heat exchange plate 2, for example. First, the types of heat exchange plate 2 will be explained using Figure 13. Figure 13(a) is a plan view of the heat exchange plate 2, Figure 13(b) is an enlarged plan view of a part enclosed by the dotted rectangle in Figure 13(a), and Figure 13(c) is a cross-sectional view of Figure 13(b).

[0069] As shown in Figure 13(c), the heat exchange plate 2 has a corrugated cross-section and has linearly extending protrusions and indentations 120, as shown in Figure 13(b). The cross-section shown in Figure 13(c) is a corrugated shape consisting of continuous trapezoids, but it is not limited to this and may be a corrugated shape consisting of continuous curves.

[0070] As shown in Figure 13(b), a plurality of protrusions 120 are arranged in parallel along the longitudinal direction L. The longitudinal direction L is the direction in which the protrusions 120 extend, and is the direction of arrangement of the protrusions as described in the claim. A plurality of protrusions 120 arranged in a straight line are called a row of protrusions 121. Multiple rows of row of protrusions 121 are provided on the heat exchange plate 2. As shown in Figure 13(a), in this embodiment, a plurality of row of protrusions 121 is provided along the longitudinal direction L, and a plurality of row of protrusions 121 is provided along the longitudinal direction M.

[0071] In the example shown in Figure 13, the heat exchange plate 2 has rows of protrusions 121 along the longitudinal directions L and M. The heat exchange plate is not limited to this example, and various types exist with different shapes and arrangements of the rows of protrusions 121. The angle of the first mirror 41 may be adjusted according to the type of heat exchange plate 2. The control means 100 for adjusting the angle is configured as follows.

[0072] As shown in Figure 12, the camera 103 is positioned facing the heat exchange plate 2 that is being transported to the transport device 20. The image data captured by the camera 103 is read by the control unit 106.

[0073] The heat exchange plate identification unit 114 is a program or circuit that implements the function of identifying the type of heat exchange plate 2. In this embodiment, the heat exchange plate identification unit 114 recognizes the type of heat exchange plate 2 from image data obtained from the camera 103 and extracts characteristic quantities of the heat exchange plate 2. These characteristic quantities are referred to as heat exchange plate information.

[0074] The memory unit 105 stores the angle of the first mirror 41, defined for each type of heat exchange plate 2, as orientation information. Specifically, the memory unit 105 stores a pair of heat exchange plate information and the corresponding angle of the first mirror 41 as orientation information. This orientation information in the memory unit 105 can be read by the control unit 106.

[0075] The control unit 106 is hardware connected to a motor (not shown), a camera 103, a heat exchange plate identification unit 114, and a storage unit 105, and controls them and executes programs for calculations. The control unit 106 has the heat exchange plate identification unit 114 process the image data obtained from the camera 103 and obtains heat exchange plate information from the heat exchange plate identification unit 114. The control unit 106 searches the storage unit 105 for a heat exchange plate that matches this information and obtains the angle of the first mirror 41 corresponding to that heat exchange plate information. Then, the control unit 106 changes the angle of the first mirror 41 by controlling the motor to achieve the obtained angle.

[0076] The angle, depending on the type of heat exchange plate, is preferably an angle that aligns with the longitudinal direction L or longitudinal direction M of the row of protrusions 121 (see Figure 13) provided on the heat exchange plate 2. In the example shown in Figure 12, the first mirror 41L is aligned with the longitudinal direction L of the heat exchange plate 2, and the first mirror 41R is aligned with the longitudinal direction M. The angle of the first mirror 41 being aligned with the direction (longitudinal direction) in which the protrusions 120 (row of protrusions 121) of the heat exchange plate extend means that in the plan view of Figure 12, the angle between the direction parallel to the mirror surface and the longitudinal direction is within ±10 degrees.

[0077] For example, the first mirror 41A, whose angle with respect to the mirror surface and the longitudinal direction is ±10 degrees or more, can see the back side of the uneven portion 120, but because it is not directly facing it, some parts may be difficult to see. However, by aligning the angles of the first mirrors 41L and 41R with the longitudinal directions L and M of the uneven portion 120 provided on the heat exchange plate 2, the back side of the uneven portion 120 can be made easier to see through the mirror images of the first mirrors 41L and 41R that are directly facing it.

[0078] Although the control means 100 automatically adjusts the angle of the first mirror 41 for each type of heat exchange plate, the height may also be adjusted manually. For example, the types of heat exchange plates 2 can be listed on the touch panel 109 shown in Embodiment 2, allowing an operator to select one. Once the type of heat exchange plate 2 is selected by this operation, the control means 100 adjusts the angle of the first mirror 41 to match that type.

[0079] [Other embodiments] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described, the present invention is of course not limited to the embodiments described above, and additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications to the configuration are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0080] For example, in the above embodiment, the OK switch 6, NG switch 7, and emergency stop switch 8 were placed at the second gate 60, but there are no limitations on their placement, and they may be placed near the work area W. The darkroom 10 was composed of support columns 11, beams 12, and a blackout curtain 13, but it is not limited to this configuration. The first mirror 41 was composed of one mirror, but it is not limited to this, and there may be multiple mirrors. The same applies to the second mirror 42.

[0081] Although the position of the first mirror 41 is exemplified as height, it is not limited to this, and the horizontal position of the first mirror 41 may also be adjusted. For example, the horizontal position may be adjusted by moving the first mirror 41 from the far side to the near side of the transport device 20 in a plan view of the darkroom 10.

[0082] In Embodiments 1 and 2, there was one first mirror 41, but there is no limit to the number. Multiple first mirrors 41 may be arranged side by side. Also, in Embodiment 3, there were three first mirrors 41, but there is no limit to the number.

[0083] In Embodiment 2, the height was adjustable, and in Embodiment 3, the angle was adjustable, but it is not necessary to make each individually adjustable. That is, both the height (position) and the angle may be adjustable. Also, in Embodiment 3, the angle θ of the first mirror 41 was adjustable around the rotation axis 110 extending in the vertical direction, but the axis is not limited to that. For example, the angle may be adjustable around a horizontal axis.

[0084] The identification unit 104 identifies workers by extracting facial features from image data, but is not limited to this method. For example, the eyes may be recognized from the image data, and the eye height may be estimated by image processing based on the heat exchange plate 2 or the ground of the work area, and this height may be used as worker information. Using this worker information, the first mirror 41 can be moved and fixed to an appropriate height according to the eye height. Alternatively, an ID card that workers carry and that stores worker information (e.g., name and employee number) to identify the worker may be used. In this case, the identification unit 104 identifies the worker by reading the worker information from the ID card using contactless communication means such as an IC card reader. The control unit 106 reads posture information corresponding to the worker information from the storage unit 105 and adjusts the position and / or angle of the first mirror 41.

[0085] The heat exchange plate identification unit 114 identifies the type of heat exchange plate from image data, but is not limited to this method. For example, information representing the type of heat exchange plate can be stored in a QR code (registered trademark), IC chip, RFID tag, etc. (hereinafter referred to as "information holding means"). The information holding means can then be attached to the heat exchange plate. The heat exchange plate identification unit 114 reads the type of heat exchange plate from the information holding means of the heat exchange plate and uses this as heat exchange plate information.

[0086] In Embodiment 2, the height of the first mirror 41 was adjusted for each worker, and in Embodiment 3, the angle of the first mirror 41 was adjusted according to the type of heat exchange plate, but the adjustments are not limited to these. The angle of the first mirror 41 may be adjusted for each worker, or the height of the first mirror 41 may be adjusted according to the type of heat exchange plate. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0087] W...Work area, 1...Maintenance system, 2...Heat exchange plate, 5...Hand switch, 6...OK switch, 7...NG switch, 8...Emergency stop switch, 10...Darkroom, 11...Support column, 12...Beam, 13...Blackout curtain, 20...Conveying device, 21...First conveying section, 22...Second conveying section, 23...Third conveying section, 23A...First branching section, 23B...Second branching section, 31...First ultraviolet irradiation device, 32...Second ultraviolet irradiation device, 33...Light-emitting section, 41...First mirror, 42...Second mirror, 52...Inlet, 62...Outlet, 100...Control means, 101...Actuator, 102...Guide shaft, 103...Camera, 104...Identification unit, 105...Storage unit, 106...Control unit, 110...Rotation shaft, 114...Heat exchange plate identification unit

Claims

1. A maintenance system for inspecting the heat exchange plate of a plate-type heat exchanger, in which a coating made of fluorescent liquid is formed on one side, The room has an entrance for bringing in the heat exchange plate and is a darkroom that blocks out external light, A conveying device for transporting the heat exchange plate from the outside to the inside of the darkroom via the aforementioned entrance, A robot that applies a fluorescent liquid to one side of the heat exchange plate and places it on the conveying device so that the side with the fluorescent liquid applied faces downwards, Equipped with, Inside the aforementioned darkroom, A first ultraviolet irradiation device capable of irradiating the heat exchange plate with ultraviolet light, A work area adjacent to one side with respect to the direction of travel of the aforementioned conveying device, The transport device and the first mirror with its mirror surface facing the work area, A maintenance system characterized by the provision of a system.

2. In the maintenance system described in claim 1, The system includes control means for adjusting the position and / or angle of the first mirror according to the workers present in the work area and / or the type of heat exchange plate. A maintenance system characterized by the following features.

3. In the maintenance system described in claim 2, The control means is An adjustment mechanism for adjusting the position and / or angle of the first mirror, An identification unit for identifying workers present in the aforementioned work area, A storage unit that stores posture information, which is the position and / or angle of the first mirror defined for each worker, A control unit reads posture information corresponding to the worker identified by the identification unit from the storage unit and controls the adjustment mechanism so that the position and / or angle of the posture information read by the first mirror is as follows: Equipped with A maintenance system characterized by the following features.

4. In the maintenance system described in claim 3, The control means is The system includes a display selection unit that displays posture information corresponding to the worker identified by the aforementioned identification unit, and allows the user to select one of the posture information options. The control unit controls the adjustment mechanism so that the position and / or angle of the posture information selected by the display selection unit is as described above. A maintenance system characterized by the following features.

5. In the maintenance system described in claim 2, The control means is An adjustment mechanism for adjusting the position and / or angle of the first mirror, A heat exchange plate identification unit for identifying the type of heat exchange plate, A storage unit that stores orientation information, which is the position and / or angle of the first mirror, defined for each type of heat exchange plate, A control unit reads orientation information corresponding to the type of heat exchange plate identified by the heat exchange plate identification unit from the storage unit and controls the adjustment mechanism so that the position and / or angle of the orientation information read by the first mirror is as follows: Equipped with A maintenance system characterized by the following features.

6. In the maintenance system described in claim 5, The heat exchange plate has a corrugated cross-section and a row of irregularities in which multiple linearly extending irregularities are arranged side by side. The memory unit stores, as orientation information, the angle of the first mirror along the direction in which the rows of protrusions and recesses are arranged when the heat exchange plate is viewed from above. A maintenance system characterized by the following features.

7. In the maintenance system described in claim 1, The darkroom is equipped with a second mirror located inside the darkroom, The second mirror is, The mirror surface faces the opposite direction to the aforementioned direction of travel. It is located downstream of the first mirror in the aforementioned direction of travel and above the conveying device. A maintenance system characterized by the following features.

8. In the maintenance system described in claim 1, The darkroom has an outlet for transporting the heat exchange plate from the inside to the outside. The aforementioned transport device is The heat exchange plate is transported from the inside to the outside via the aforementioned outlet. It has a first branch and a second branch that branch outside the darkroom, The heat exchange plate can be transported by switching to either the first branching section or the second branching section. A maintenance system characterized by the following features.

9. In the maintenance system described in claim 8, Inside the darkroom, there is an operating device for instructing the switching to the first branch or the second branch. The transport device switches to the first branch or the second branch based on the operation of the operating device. A maintenance system characterized by the following features.

10. In the maintenance system described in claim 9, The operating device is located in the work area. A maintenance system characterized by the following features.

11. In the maintenance system described in claim 1, A simple darkroom that blocks out external light, The system comprises a second ultraviolet irradiation device located inside the aforementioned simple darkroom, The transport device transports the heat exchange plate to the simple darkroom and the darkroom in this order. The aforementioned heat exchange plate is In the aforementioned simple darkroom, ultraviolet light is irradiated by the second ultraviolet irradiation device with one side on which the coating is formed facing upwards. In the darkroom, with one side of the coating facing downwards, ultraviolet light is irradiated by the first ultraviolet irradiation device. The aforementioned robot, Upstream from the aforementioned simple darkroom, a first robot applies a fluorescent liquid to one side of the heat exchange plate that is being transported by the transport device, A second robot located downstream of the aforementioned simple darkroom inverts the heat exchange plate being transported to the transport device, Consists of A maintenance system characterized by the following features.

12. In the maintenance system described in claim 1, The first ultraviolet irradiation device is located above the transport device, above the first mirror, and is movable parallel to the direction of travel of the transport device. A maintenance system characterized by the following features.

Images