Monitoring system

Abstract

This system provides a monitoring system that is less susceptible to interference from the monitored environment, such as coal transport routes, and can stably monitor a wide area. [Solution] The monitoring system 100 includes a mobile monitoring device 10 for patrolling and monitoring the belt conveyor B and its surroundings, a power supply unit 20 provided along the path on which the monitoring device 10 moves, and rails 30 that support the monitoring device 10 so that it can move. The power supply unit 20 supplies power to the monitoring device 10 without contact. The path is provided parallel to the direction in which the coal C is transported by the belt conveyor B.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a monitoring system.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, a coal transportation facility transports coal unloaded from ships or the like to a silo or the like of a thermal power plant. Inside the coal transportation facility, especially in the coal transportation path, the adhesion, deposition of coal dust, and equipment failure can be factors causing heat generation. Therefore, in the coal transportation facility, on-site patrol monitoring by humans may be performed. On the other hand, on-site patrol monitoring by humans has a large human load and human risk, and the monitoring timing is also likely to be restricted. As a technology for monitoring the status of a coal transportation facility with sensors, a system is known in which a plurality of sensors are attached at predetermined positions to measure data of specific equipment constituting the coal transportation facility (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, according to the configuration of measuring data by attaching sensors at predetermined positions as described in Patent Document 1, when the monitoring target covers a wide range, it is necessary to arrange a large number of sensors. Therefore, it is difficult to apply to the monitoring of a coal transportation path or the like. Also, although it is conceivable to utilize a mobile sensor, it is not easy to stably supply power to the mobile sensor. For example, when using a power supply cable for a mobile sensor, there are concerns about restrictions on the length of the power supply cable and heat generation due to coal dust adhering to and depositing on the power supply cable. When performing contact power supply to the mobile sensor by a method other than a power supply cable, in an environment where coal dust scatters, the power supply unit can be a factor causing a failure.

[0005] This invention was made based on these circumstances and aims to provide a monitoring system that is less susceptible to influence from the surrounding environment of the monitored object and can stably monitor a wide area. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A monitoring system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a mobile monitoring device for patrolling and monitoring industrial equipment, and one or more power supply units provided along the path on which the monitoring device moves, wherein the power supply units supply power to the monitoring device in a non-contact manner. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] This monitoring system is less susceptible to influence from the surrounding environment of the monitored area and can stably monitor a wide area. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic side view showing the coal transport facilities. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic side view showing a monitoring system according to one embodiment of the present invention installed in the coal transport facility shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic, enlarged view of a portion of Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Figure 2. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a VV line section cross-sectional view showing the power supply and power receiving sections of the monitoring system in Figure 2. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the power supply and power receiving sections along the VI-VI line in Figure 5. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic side view showing a monitoring system according to another embodiment of the present invention installed in the coal transport facility shown in Figure 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] [Description of Embodiments of the Invention] First, embodiments of the present invention will be listed and described.

[0010] (1) A monitoring system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a mobile monitoring device for patrolling and monitoring industrial equipment, and one or more power supply units provided along the path on which the monitoring device moves, wherein the power supply units supply power to the monitoring device in a non-contact manner.

[0011] While industrial equipment is generally large, this monitoring system allows for wide-area monitoring of industrial equipment without the need for numerous sensors, as the monitoring device is mobile for routine monitoring of malfunctions and other abnormalities. Furthermore, since the power supply unit, located along the path, supplies power to the monitoring device without contact, power cables and the like are unnecessary. This means the monitoring device can be easily miniaturized and made lighter. Moreover, while industrial equipment is often used in harsh environments where dust and water may be present, this monitoring system provides power without contact. Therefore, even if physical interference such as dust or water occurs between the power supply unit and the monitoring device, failures due to leakage or corrosion in the power supply unit are less likely to occur. In other words, the monitoring device can operate stably. Consequently, this monitoring system is less susceptible to the influence of the surrounding environment of the monitored object and can stably monitor a wide area.

[0012] (2) The monitoring system described in (1) above is suitable when the monitoring device is installed to move along a predetermined path and the length of this path is 50m or more. When power is supplied to a monitoring device that moves along such a long path using a power supply cable or the like, it is unavoidable that the device will become larger and heavier. In contrast, since the monitoring system supplies power to the monitoring device without contact, the monitoring device can be easily made smaller and lighter even if the path is long.

[0013] (3) The monitoring system described in (2) above is suitable when the above-mentioned path is positioned away from the floor. In this case, the monitoring device monitors the industrial equipment while moving away from the floor. Generally, cable carriers (registered trademark) are used to supply power to monitoring devices that move at high places via a wired connection, but installation is difficult when the monitoring device moves along a long-distance path. In contrast, this monitoring system supplies power without contact, so the installation of cable carriers (registered trademark) is unnecessary. For this reason, power can be easily supplied to the monitoring device that moves at high places over long distances. Here, "floor" means the floor of the industrial equipment if the industrial equipment has a floor, and otherwise means the floor or ground on which the industrial equipment is installed.

[0014] (4) In the monitoring system described in any of (1) to (3) above, the industrial equipment includes powder conveying equipment that conveys powder. Generally, powder tends to scatter in powder conveying equipment, but since the monitoring device is powered without contact, failures in the power supply unit are less likely to occur even in environments where powder scatters. For this reason, the monitoring system is suitably applicable to powder conveying equipment.

[0015] (5) In the monitoring system described in (4) above, it is preferable that the powder transport equipment has a conveyor for transporting the powder, and that the path is arranged in parallel with the conveyor. This makes it easier to detect heat generation and other issues caused by the powder around the conveyor with high accuracy and speed.

[0016] (6) In the monitoring system according to (5) above, it is preferable that the powder conveying equipment further has a cover surrounding the periphery of the conveyor, and the monitoring device is arranged inside the cover. By further having a cover surrounding the periphery of the conveyor, while the sealing performance of the powder conveying equipment is improved, it becomes difficult for people to enter the powder conveying equipment. However, in this monitoring system, since the monitoring device performs patrol monitoring, the frequency of manual patrol monitoring can be reduced. Further, even in an environment where powder is scattered inside the cover, power supply is performed non-contact, so it is difficult for failures etc. to occur in the power supply unit.

[0017] (7) In the monitoring system according to any one of (4) to (6) above, examples of the powder include coal. When the powder is coal, heat generation due to scattered coal in the powder conveying equipment is relatively likely to occur. However, since the monitoring device is powered non-contact, it is difficult for failures etc. to occur in the power supply unit. Therefore, this monitoring system can be suitably applied to coal powder conveying equipment.

[0018] (8) In the monitoring system according to any one of (1) to (7) above, a plurality of power supply units may be provided along the path. Thereby, even when some of the power supply units stop in case of a failure, it is possible to continue operating.

[0019] (9) In the monitoring system according to (8) above, it is also preferable that the monitoring device has a battery. Even if power supply becomes unstable because the monitoring device is located at the boundary between the power supply units, by the monitoring device having a battery, it is possible to continuously move and monitor along the path.

[0020] (10) In the monitoring system according to any one of (1) to (9) above, as the power supply method of the power supply unit, a magnetic field resonance method, an electromagnetic induction method, an electric field coupling method, a radio wave reception method or a combination thereof is preferable. By setting the power supply method of the power supply unit to the above methods, non-contact and stable power supply to the monitoring device becomes possible.

[0021] (11) In the monitoring system according to any one of (1) to (10) above, it is preferable that the monitoring device has a wireless communication means for wirelessly transmitting the monitoring data acquired by monitoring the industrial equipment. By having the wireless communication means in the monitoring device as described above, it is possible to eliminate the need for cables or the like for data communication. As a result, even when the monitoring device moves over a long distance, for example, it is possible to more easily reduce the size and weight.

[0022] In the present invention, "patrol monitoring" means both monitoring along a predetermined route and monitoring while determining the route each time. It also means both sequentially and intermittently monitoring monitoring targets provided at intervals from each other, and continuously monitoring a monitoring target occupying a certain area. In the present invention, "route" means the trajectory followed by the monitoring device within the range where one monitoring device moves. Also, "the length of the route" means, for example, when the route is linear, the length that the monitoring device moves along the route from one end to the other end, and when the route is circular or the like, the length of one round that the monitoring device moves along the route.

[0023] [Details of Embodiments of the Present Invention] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail while appropriately referring to the drawings. Regarding the numerical values described in this specification, it is possible to arbitrarily combine the described upper limit values and lower limit values. In this specification, it is assumed that all numerical ranges from the combinable upper limit values to the lower limit values are described as preferred ranges.

[0024] [First Embodiment] The monitoring system 100 in FIGS. 2 to 4 monitors the coal transportation facility F shown in FIG. 1. In explaining the monitoring system 100, the coal transportation facility F will be described first.

[0025] [Coal Transportation Facility] The coal transport equipment F transports powdered material, more specifically coal C, unloaded from ships, etc., to the silo S of the thermal power plant. The coal transport equipment F transports the coal C in a transport direction from the sea side (negative Y-axis direction) to the land side (positive Y-axis direction). The coal transport equipment F has a horizontally extending section (horizontal section) and an upward-sloping section (inclined section). The coal transport equipment F is designed to transport coal C, which is unloaded relatively close to the ground, to the top of the silo S while moving away from the ground. The transport direction of coal C by the coal transport equipment F is horizontal from the sea side to the land side in the horizontal section, and inclined from the sea side to the land side in the inclined section. In addition, the coal transport equipment F extends in a straight line from the point where the coal C is unloaded to the silo S in a plan view.

[0026] The coal transport facility F has a conveyor (belt conveyor B) for transporting coal C in the above transport direction. The belt conveyor B is arranged along the entire length of the coal transport facility F, extending from the sea side of the facility F to the silo S.

[0027] The coal transport equipment F has a cover (not shown) that surrounds the belt conveyor B. That is, as shown in Figures 2 and 4, the coal transport equipment F has an internal space covered by the cover, and the belt conveyor B is arranged in this internal space. With the coal transport equipment F configured in this way, the area around the belt conveyor B is highly airtight, but coal C scattered or falling from the belt conveyor B is more likely to adhere to or accumulate around the belt conveyor B. For this reason, the belt conveyor B and its surroundings tend to be environments that require regular monitoring.

[0028] The conveyor belts B are arranged in two parallel rows with a gap between them within the aforementioned space inside the coal transport facility F. This allows coal C to be efficiently transported to the silo S.

[0029] As shown in Figure 4, the belt conveyor B has a belt conveyor body B1 and a support section B2 that supports the belt conveyor body B1. The belt conveyor body B1 has a central roller arranged horizontally in the view in the transport direction (view in the Y-axis direction) and side rollers arranged on both sides of the central roller. The side rollers are inclined upward from the central roller side toward the opposite side. In other words, the belt conveyor body B1 is formed in a U shape. Note that the term "U shape" is not limited to a strict U shape and includes, for example, a square U shape. This allows for an increase in the load capacity of coal C and suppression of coal C falling, compared to a case where only rollers extending in the same direction are present. On the other hand, the number of rollers constituting the belt conveyor B tends to increase, making roller failures due to coal C intrusion more likely. In other words, it tends to create an environment that requires regular monitoring of the belt conveyor B. The belt conveyor B may be provided with a return conveyor below the support section B2 for transporting spent coal C from the silo S toward the sea.

[0030] <Monitoring System> In this embodiment, the monitoring system 100 includes a mobile monitoring device 10 for patrolling and monitoring the belt conveyor B and its surroundings, a power supply unit 20 provided along the path P on which the monitoring device 10 moves, and rails 30 that support the monitoring device 10 so that it can move. The power supply unit 20 supplies power to the monitoring device 10 without contact. The path P is provided parallel to the belt conveyor B, and more specifically, parallel to the direction in which the coal C is transported by the belt conveyor B (hereinafter also referred to as the "transport direction of the belt conveyor B").

[0031] The monitoring system 100 has a continuous path consisting of multiple paths P, which extends along the entire length of the conveying direction of the belt conveyor B. A monitoring device 10 and a power supply unit 20 corresponding to the monitoring device 10 are provided for each path P within the continuous path. The monitoring system, as a whole, patrols and monitors the entire length of the belt conveyor B using multiple monitoring devices 10 and multiple power supply units 20. Therefore, the monitoring system 100 can minimize monitoring omissions. Furthermore, it has high availability, allowing it to continue operating even if some of the monitoring devices 10 or some of the power supply units 20 stop due to a failure.

[0032] The monitoring system 100 further comprises a voltage application unit 40 that applies voltage to the power supply unit 20, a control unit that controls the monitoring device 10, and a data processing unit that receives monitoring results from the monitoring device 10 (monitoring data acquired by monitoring the coal transport facility F). In this embodiment, the voltage application unit 40 supplies a high-frequency current to enable magnetic resonance power supply. In this embodiment, the voltage application unit 40 is provided for each power supply unit 20. In this embodiment, the control unit and the data processing unit are configured to communicate wirelessly with the monitoring device 10. The control unit and the data processing unit may be located at a distance from the coal transport facility F, for example, in a management center located 50 m or more away from the coal transport facility F (industrial facility).

[0033] (rail) In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 2 and 4, the rail 30 extends parallel to the conveying direction of the belt conveyor B and movably supports the monitoring device 10. By being movably supported on the rail 30, the monitoring device 10 becomes movable along a path P parallel to the conveying direction of the belt conveyor B. The rail 30 may extend parallel to the entire length of the belt conveyor B.

[0034] As shown in Figure 4, the rail 30 is installed on the ceiling of the interior space of the coal transport facility F, that is, spaced apart from the floor of the coal transport facility F. It is also fixed so as to be positioned between the two rows of belt conveyors B when viewed in the direction of transport. By fixing the rail 30 in this way, it is possible to suppress the adhesion and accumulation of coal C on the monitoring device 10 and the power supply unit 20. In addition, it is easier to ensure a clear path for people when performing manual procedures, etc.

[0035] The rail 30 is I-shaped in cross-section perpendicular to the transport direction (the longitudinal direction of the rail 30). That is, the rail 30 has protruding portions that extend in the width direction to form its upper and lower surfaces. Because the rail 30 has an I-shaped cross-section, it is easy to support the monitoring device 10 and the like in a movable manner at the protruding portions.

[0036] In the following description of the monitoring device 10 and the power supply unit 20, we will explain, as an example, one monitoring device 10 and a power supply unit 20 for that monitoring device 10 located in one path P, which is installed in the horizontal section of the coal transport facility F.

[0037] (Power supply section) In this embodiment, the power supply unit 20 supplies power to the monitoring device 10 in a non-contact manner using a magnetic field resonance method. By adopting the magnetic field resonance method as the power supply method from the power supply unit 20, power can be stably supplied to the monitoring device 10 even if an unexpected misalignment occurs between the power supply unit 20 and the power receiving unit 13 of the monitoring device 10, which will be described later.

[0038] As shown in Figure 2, in this embodiment, one power supply unit 20 is located within the path P. The longitudinal length of the power supply unit 20 may coincide with the length of the path P. That is, the power supply unit 20 may extend along the path P without any gaps. In this case, the monitoring device 10 is continuously powered from the power supply unit 20 without interruption while moving along the path P.

[0039] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the power supply unit 20 includes a pair of plate-shaped members 21 extending parallel to the path P, a primary coil 22 fixed to the plate-shaped members 21, and an insulating layer 23 covering the primary coil 22. In other words, the power supply unit 20 extends parallel to the path P.

[0040] The pair of plate-shaped members 21 are fixed so as to protrude downward from the lower surface of the rail 30, with a gap between them. The pair of plate-shaped members 21 are also positioned on one side of the rail 30 in the width direction.

[0041] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the primary coil 22 has a pair of extending portions 22a that extend parallel to a pair of plate-shaped members 21 and a connecting portion 22b that connects these extending portions 22a. The pair of extending portions 22a are fixed to the inner surfaces of the pair of plate-shaped members 21. The extending portions 22a are, for example, elongated copper plates. The connecting portion 22b is, for example, an insulated copper wire. The primary coil 22 forms an elongated annular circuit in the direction of path P by connecting one end of the pair of extending portions 22a in the longitudinal direction with the connecting portion 22b, and connecting the other ends of the pair of extending portions 22a in the longitudinal direction with the voltage application portion 40. The coil surface of the primary coil 22 is parallel to the lower surface of the rail 30 in order to form a magnetic flux that extends in the height direction of the rail 30.

[0042] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the insulating layer 23 covers the extended portion 22a. The insulating layer 23 is, for example, an insulating resin. Specifically, the insulating layer 23 covers the entire inner surface of the plate-shaped member 21, including the extended portion 22a. That is, the extended portion 22a of the primary coil 22 is embedded inside the power supply unit 20 by being positioned between the plate-shaped member 21 and the insulating layer 23. In this way, by embedding the primary coil 22 inside the power supply unit 20 and insulating it with the insulating layer 23, the power supply unit 20 can supply power to the monitoring device 10 more stably.

[0043] As shown in Figure 6, the connecting portion 22b is configured in an inverted U-shape when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the rail 30. That is, the connecting portion 22b has a transverse portion that crosses the width direction of the rail 30 on the side closer to the lower surface of the rail 30 than the pair of extending portions 22a. By configuring the connecting portion 22b in this way, contact between the connecting portion 22b of the primary coil 22 and the power receiving portion 13, which will be described later, can be easily avoided.

[0044] As described above, the voltage application unit 40 is located at one end of the power supply unit 20 opposite to the connecting portion 22b in the longitudinal direction, and applies voltage to the power supply unit 20. The voltage application unit 40 is connected to the end of the primary coil 22 (extended portion 22a) in the longitudinal direction by a cable or the like. To avoid contact with the power receiving unit 13, which will be described later, the voltage application unit 40 is located, for example, closer to the underside of the rail 30 than the pair of extended portions 22a. When a high-frequency current is supplied from the voltage application unit 40 to the primary coil 22, a magnetic flux is formed that extends in the height direction of the rail 30. The vibration of this magnetic flux generates a current in the power receiving unit 13 of the monitoring device 10, which will be described later.

[0045] The lower limit of the longitudinal length of the power supply unit 20 is preferably 20m, more preferably 30m, and even more preferably 50m. If the longitudinal length of the power supply unit 20 is greater than or equal to the above lower limit, it is less likely that there will be an unnecessarily large number of power supply units 20, and the installation cost of the power supply units 20 can be reduced. On the other hand, there is no particular upper limit to the longitudinal length of the power supply unit 20, but it can be, for example, 200m.

[0046] (monitoring device) In this embodiment, the monitoring device 10 moves to patrol and monitor the belt conveyor B and its surroundings. The monitoring device 10 is supported by the rail 30 and is configured to move along a predetermined path P parallel to the conveying direction of the belt conveyor B.

[0047] As shown in Figure 2, the monitoring device 10 moves back and forth along the conveying direction of the belt conveyor B within the length of the path P. Preferably, the lower limit of the length of the path P is 50m, more preferably 70m, and even more preferably 100m. When the length of the path P is greater than or equal to the above lower limit, the effects of the present invention are significantly realized. For example, if the monitoring device is powered by a wired connection using a power supply cable, etc., increasing the length of the path P requires the power supply cable to also be lengthened to correspond to the path P, but the weight of the monitoring device also increases due to the winding of the power supply cable. An increase in the weight of the monitoring device may lead to a significant increase in costs due to the need for strength reinforcement, etc. Therefore, when the length of the path P is greater than or equal to the above lower limit, the effect of miniaturizing and lightening the monitoring device is significantly realized compared to when the monitoring device is powered by a wired connection. On the other hand, the upper limit of the length of the path P can be, for example, 200m from the viewpoint of allowing each monitoring device to appropriately monitor the situation for each path P. The length of the path P can be set, for example, by remotely controlling the range of movement of the monitoring device 10 by the control unit.

[0048] As described above, since the rails 30 are positioned at a distance from the floor within the coal transport facility F, the monitoring device 10 moves at a distance from the floor within the coal transport facility F. That is, the path P of the monitoring device 10 is positioned at a distance from the floor of the coal transport facility F. Generally, cable carriers (registered trademark) are used to supply power via a wired connection to monitoring devices that move at high altitudes, but installation is difficult when the monitoring device moves along a long-distance path. In contrast, the monitoring system 1 provides power without contact, eliminating the need to install cable carriers (registered trademark) or the like. Therefore, power can be easily supplied to the monitoring device 10 that moves at high altitudes over long distances. From the viewpoint of enjoying the above-mentioned advantages of the monitoring system 100, the lower limit of the distance the path P of the monitoring device 10 is at from the floor of the coal transport facility F is preferably 1.0m, more preferably 1.5m, and even more preferably 2.0m. On the other hand, the upper limit of the above length can be, for example, 4.0m. In this embodiment, the length of the path P away from the floor of the coal transport equipment F refers to the length between the floor of the coal transport equipment F and the lower surface of the rail 30.

[0049] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the monitoring device 10 includes a support frame 11, a pair of fitting parts 12 that fit into the rail 30, a power receiving unit 13, a sensor unit 14, and a drive unit 15. The monitoring device 10 also has wireless communication means for wirelessly transmitting monitoring data acquired by the sensor unit 14 to the data processing unit described above.

[0050] The monitoring device 10 is supported by rails 30 so as to be movable, and is therefore positioned above the belt conveyor B and between the two rows of belt conveyors B in the direction of transport. By positioning the monitoring device 10 in this manner, it is possible to suppress coal C from adhering to and accumulating on the monitoring device 10. In addition, it is easier to ensure a clear path for personnel when performing manual procedures. Furthermore, it is easy to simultaneously monitor the two rows of belt conveyors B and their surroundings from above over a wide area.

[0051] The support frame 11 has a pair of side walls positioned at both ends of the rail 30 in the width direction, and a support plate fixed to the lower ends of this pair of side walls and spanning between these side walls. The support plate is located below the aforementioned lower surface of the rail 30.

[0052] The pair of fitting portions 12 are slidably fitted to the protruding portions forming the upper surface of the rail 30, so that the monitoring device 10 is supported to move along the rail 30. The pair of fitting portions 12 are fixed to the inner surfaces of the pair of side walls of the support frame 11 and are positioned to sandwich the protruding portions in the width direction of the rail 30. The fitting portions 12 may have rollers that rotate while in contact with the protruding portions.

[0053] As shown in Figure 4, the power receiving unit 13 is positioned below the lower surface of the rail 30 and on one side in the width direction of the rail 30. The power receiving unit 13 is fixed to the upper surface of the support plate of the support frame 11.

[0054] As shown in Figures 4, 5, and 6, the power receiving section 13 includes a plate-shaped member 13a that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the support plate, a secondary coil 13b fixed to the plate-shaped member 13a, and an insulating layer 13c that covers the secondary coil 13b.

[0055] The secondary coil 13b is wound around the plate-shaped member 13a and formed into an elongated ring shape in the longitudinal direction of the rail 30. The secondary coil 13b is, for example, an elongated copper plate. The secondary coil 13b is located between a pair of extended portions 22a of the primary coil 22 in the power supply unit 20. Furthermore, the coil surface of the secondary coil 13b is parallel to the lower surface of the rail 30 in order to form a magnetic flux that extends in the height direction of the rail 30. For this reason, the coil surface of the secondary coil 13b is positioned parallel to the coil surface of the primary coil 22 of the power supply unit 20, that is, so that the magnetic flux of the primary coil 22 and the secondary coil 13b are coupled.

[0056] The insulating layer 13c covers the secondary coil 13b. The insulating layer 13c is, for example, an insulating resin. Specifically, the insulating layer 13c covers the entire outer surface of the plate-shaped member 13a, including the secondary coil 13b. That is, the secondary coil 13b is embedded inside the power receiving unit 13 by being placed between the plate-shaped member 13a and the insulating layer 13c. In this way, by embedding the secondary coil 13b inside the power receiving unit 13 and insulating it with the insulating layer 13c, the power receiving unit 13 can receive power from the power supply unit 20 more stably.

[0057] When a high-frequency current is supplied to the primary coil 22 of the power supply unit 20, a magnetic flux is formed that extends in the height direction of the rail 30. This magnetic flux then vibrates, generating a current in the secondary coil 13b of the power receiving unit 13. Power is supplied to the power receiving unit 13 non-contact by the current generated in the secondary coil 13b in this way. Power supply to the power receiving unit 13 may be performed while the monitoring device 10 is moving. The power supplied to the power receiving unit 13 is then supplied to the sensor unit 14, drive unit 15, and wireless communication means of the monitoring device 10, which will be described later.

[0058] The sensor unit 14 has one or more sensors to detect the conditions of the belt conveyor B and its surroundings. In this embodiment, the sensor unit 14 has two sensors 14a and 14b fixed to the upper surface of the support plate of the support frame 11. As shown in Figure 3, the two sensors 14a and 14b are arranged, for example, at both ends of the support plate in the longitudinal direction of the path P, so as not to interfere with the power receiving unit 13, etc. Known sensors can be used as the two sensors 14a and 14b, and examples include one or more selected from the group consisting of image sensors, acoustic sensors, temperature sensors, gas concentration sensors, odor sensors, etc., for detecting heat generation, falling coal C, failure of the belt conveyor B, etc. The two sensors 14a and 14b may be the same type of sensor or different types of sensors. The two sensors 14a and 14b are preferably fixed so that their detection parts face both of the two rows of belt conveyor B in order to simultaneously detect the conditions of the two rows of belt conveyor B and their surroundings. The sensor unit 14, which has two sensors 14a and 14b, is driven by power supplied from the power supply unit 20 via the power receiving unit 13. In other words, the monitoring device 10 performs monitoring using power supplied by the power supply unit 20.

[0059] The conditions of the belt conveyor B and its surroundings detected by the sensor unit 14 are acquired as one or more types of monitoring data selected from a group consisting of image data, acoustic data, gas concentration data, odor data, etc. In other words, the monitoring device 10 acquires one or more types of monitoring data selected from a group consisting of image data, acoustic data, gas concentration data, odor data, etc. by patrolling and monitoring the coal transport equipment F (industrial equipment).

[0060] The above monitoring data is transmitted wirelessly to the data processing unit via the above wireless communication means. The above wireless communication means is driven by power supplied from the power supply unit 20 via the power receiving unit 13. In other words, the monitoring device 10 performs wireless communication using power supplied by the power supply unit 20.

[0061] The monitoring data transmitted to the data processing unit is evaluated by the data processing unit. The data processing unit comprises a computer, a display device, and wireless communication means, and displays the monitoring data received via wireless communication means on the display device, etc. Anomalies such as overheating or the dropping of coal C based on the displayed monitoring data may be evaluated, for example, by the user of the monitoring system visually. Alternatively, the data processing unit may have a computer evaluate whether the monitoring data falls within a predetermined threshold and display the evaluation result on the display device. Furthermore, the computer of the data processing unit may evaluate patterns in the monitoring data indicating the occurrence of overheating, etc., and signs of such occurrence using a machine learning-based predictive model. Based on the evaluation results in the data processing unit, an alert may be issued to the user of the monitoring system by sound or light as necessary.

[0062] As shown in Figure 4, in this embodiment, the drive unit 15 is fixed to one of the side walls of the support frame 11. The drive unit 15 is positioned on the opposite side of the power receiving unit 13 in the width direction of the rail 30, and below the lower surface of the rail 30, so as not to interfere with the power receiving unit 13. The drive unit 15 is driven by power supplied from the power supply unit 20 via the power receiving unit 13. In other words, the monitoring device 10 moves using power supplied from the power supply unit 20.

[0063] The drive unit 15 includes a motor 15a fixed to one of the side walls of the support frame 11, and a drive roller 15b driven by the motor 15a. The motor 15a and the drive roller 15b have their axial directions in the width direction of the rail 30 (perpendicular to the conveying direction of the belt conveyor B). The drive roller 15b also contacts the lower surface of the rail 30. As a result, the rotation of the drive roller 15b causes the monitoring device 10 to move in the conveying direction of the belt conveyor B.

[0064] The lower limit of the movement speed of the monitoring device 10 is preferably 5 cm / second, more preferably 10 cm / second, and even more preferably 15 cm / second. On the other hand, the upper limit of the movement speed of the monitoring device 10 is preferably 500 cm / second, more preferably 400 cm / second, and even more preferably 300 cm / second. When the movement speed of the monitoring device 10 is above the lower limit, the belt conveyor B and its surroundings can be efficiently monitored along the path P. Furthermore, when the movement speed of the monitoring device 10 is below the upper limit, the belt conveyor B and its surroundings can be monitored with high precision along the path P while stably supplying power to the monitoring device 10.

[0065] [advantage] The monitoring system 100 is mobile, allowing the monitoring device 10 to patrol and monitor for abnormalities in the belt conveyor B and its surroundings within the coal transport facility F. This enables wide-area monitoring of the coal transport facility F without the need for numerous monitoring sensors. Furthermore, since the power supply unit 20, located along the path P, supplies power to the monitoring device 10 without contact, power cables and the like are unnecessary. This means the monitoring device 10 can be easily miniaturized and made lighter. Moreover, although the coal transport facility F is located in a harsh environment where coal dust C may be present, the monitoring system 100 is powered without contact. Therefore, even if physical interference from coal dust C occurs between the power supply unit 20 and the monitoring device 10, failures due to leakage or corrosion in the power supply unit 20 are less likely to occur. In other words, the monitoring device 10 can be operated stably. Consequently, the monitoring system 100 is less susceptible to the influence of the surrounding environment of the belt conveyor B and can stably monitor a wide area.

[0066] [Second Embodiment] The monitoring system 200 in Figure 7 monitors the coal transport facility F shown in Figure 1. Since the coal transport facility F is the same as in the first embodiment, a description of the coal transport facility F will be omitted. The monitoring system 200 includes a movable monitoring device 102 for patrolling and monitoring the belt conveyor B and its surroundings, a plurality of power supply units 202 provided along the path P on which the monitoring device 102 moves, and rails 302 that support the monitoring device 102 so that it can move. The power supply units 202 supply power to the monitoring device 102 without contact.

[0067] The configuration of the rail 302 in this embodiment can be the same as the configuration of the rail 30 in the first embodiment.

[0068] (Power supply section) As shown in Figure 7, multiple power supply units 202 are arranged within the path P. In this embodiment, the path P is divided into multiple sections, and power supply units 202 extending parallel to the path P are arranged in each section. The monitoring device 102 moves along the path P while being sequentially powered by the multiple power supply units 202. This makes it possible to limit the impact even if a malfunction occurs in one power supply unit 202. The configuration of each power supply unit 202 can be the same as the configuration of the power supply unit 20 in the first embodiment, except for the longitudinal length (the length extending parallel to the path P).

[0069] The lower limit of the longitudinal length of the power supply unit 202 is preferably 20m, more preferably 30m, and even more preferably 50m. If the longitudinal length of the power supply unit 202 is greater than or equal to the above lower limit, it is less likely that there will be an unnecessarily large number of power supply units 202, and the installation cost of the power supply units 202 can be reduced. On the other hand, there is no particular upper limit to the longitudinal length of the power supply unit 202, but it can be, for example, 200m.

[0070] (monitoring device) The configuration of the monitoring device 102 can be the same as that of the monitoring device 10 in the first embodiment, except that it further has a battery for storing power. The battery is attached to the monitoring device 102 and is configured to supply power to the sensor unit 14, the drive unit 15, the wireless communication means, etc. That is, the monitoring device 102 can move, monitor, and communicate wirelessly using the power supplied from the battery. In this embodiment, multiple power supply units 202 are arranged, but even if the power supply becomes unstable because the monitoring device 102 is located at the boundary between the power supply units 202, the monitoring device 102 can continue to move, monitor, communicate wirelessly, etc. by using the power from the battery. This configuration is particularly suitable when multiple power supply units 202 are arranged at intervals.

[0071] In this embodiment, the sum of the longitudinal lengths of the multiple power supply units 202 is preferably 50% or more of the length of the path P, more preferably 80% or more, even more preferably 90% or more, and even more preferably 100% (i.e., when it matches the length of the path P). The battery can be a rechargeable secondary battery and is preferably configured to be charged from the power supply units 202 via the power receiving unit of the monitoring device 102.

[0072] Charging of the above-mentioned battery may be performed while the monitoring device 102 is moving or while it is stopped. Furthermore, it is preferable that the above-mentioned battery is configured to supply power to the sensor unit 14, drive unit 15, wireless communication means, etc. when the power supplied from the power supply unit 202 to the power receiving unit is below a threshold, and not supply power to the sensor unit 14, drive unit 15, wireless communication means, etc. when the power supplied from the power supply unit 202 to the power receiving unit is above the threshold.

[0073] [advantage] Similar to the monitoring system 100, the monitoring system 200 is less susceptible to the influence of the surrounding environment of the belt conveyor B and can stably monitor a wide area. Because the monitoring system 200 is equipped with multiple power supply units 202, it can continue to operate even if some of the power supply units 202 stop due to a failure in the coal transport equipment F.

[0074] [Other embodiments] The above embodiments do not limit the configuration of the present invention. Therefore, the above embodiments allow for the omission, substitution, or addition of components of each part of the above embodiments based on the description herein and common technical knowledge, and all such omissions, substitutions, or additions should be interpreted as falling within the scope of the present invention.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the monitoring system monitors the entire length of the coal transport facility by a continuous route consisting of multiple consecutive paths, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. The monitoring system may, for example, consist of one monitoring device and monitor the entire length of the coal transport facility by one route. Alternatively, the monitoring system may monitor only a part of the coal transport facility. The range monitored by the monitoring system, i.e., the route P, is set appropriately according to the environment and configuration of the coal transport facility.

[0076] The path the monitoring device travels may be curved. Furthermore, the monitoring device may be self-propelled and not mounted on rails. In this case, the monitoring device may not move along a predetermined path, but rather determine its path each time according to the surrounding conditions.

[0077] The monitoring system may monitor an outdoor conveyor belt that is not covered by a cover. Furthermore, the path of the monitoring device and the object being monitored do not need to be spaced above the floor.

[0078] In the above embodiment, the movement, monitoring, and wireless communication of the monitoring device are all performed by power supplied from the power supply unit. However, one or two of the movement, monitoring, and wireless communication of the monitoring device may be performed by power supplied from the power supply unit, and the rest by power supplied from another power source. The power supplied from the power supply unit does not have to be used for any of the movement, monitoring, and wireless communication of the monitoring device. In other words, the use of the power supplied from the power supply unit is not limited to the movement, monitoring, and wireless communication of the monitoring device. At least one of the movement and monitoring of the monitoring device may be performed by power supplied from the power supply unit, or both the movement and monitoring of the monitoring device may be performed by power supplied from the power supply unit.

[0079] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the movement, monitoring, and wireless communication of the monitoring device are all performed by power supplied from the power supply unit and battery, but the present invention is not limited thereto. At least one of the movement and monitoring of the monitoring device may be performed by power supplied from the power supply unit and battery, or both the movement and monitoring of the monitoring device may be performed by power supplied from the power supply unit and battery.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the power supply method of the power supply unit was assumed to be a magnetic field resonance method, but the power supply method of the power supply unit may be an electromagnetic induction method, an electric field coupling method, or a radio wave reception method. Furthermore, if the monitoring system has multiple power supply units, the power supply method may differ for each power supply unit. That is, the power supply method may be a combination of a magnetic field resonance method, an electromagnetic induction method, an electric field coupling method, or a radio wave reception method.

[0081] In the above embodiment, the monitoring device is assumed to have two sensors, but the number of sensors can be set arbitrarily.

[0082] In the above embodiment, power is supplied to the power receiving unit (monitoring device) while the monitoring device is in motion, but the monitoring device may be stopped at the time of power supply.

[0083] In the above embodiment, the monitoring device is moved by a drive roller driven by a motor, but the configuration of the present invention is not limited thereto. The monitoring device of the present invention may be driven by, for example, a gear mechanism or a belt conveyor.

[0084] In the first embodiment, where a power supply unit is located within the path of the monitoring device, the monitoring device may be configured to have a battery. In the first embodiment, the case where the length of the power supply unit matches the length of the path was described, but for example, the length of the power supply unit in the longitudinal direction (direction along the path) may be half the length of the path, and a region without a power supply unit may be provided at the end of the path, and the monitoring device may be moved and monitored using a battery when it is located at the end of the path without a power supply unit. The longitudinal length of the primary coil of the power supply unit is preferably 50% or more of the length of the path, and more preferably 80% or more.

[0085] In the above embodiment, a voltage application unit is provided for each power supply unit, but the configuration of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the voltage application unit may be provided to apply voltage to multiple power supply units simultaneously. Furthermore, the voltage application unit can be placed at any position.

[0086] In the above embodiment, the monitoring system was used to monitor coal transport facilities, but the objects of monitoring in the present invention are not limited to these. The monitoring system can be applied to, for example, equipment within steel mills, boilers and turbines in power plants, or industrial equipment that generates dust other than coal transport facilities. It can also be applied to equipment for the manufacture, transport, or storage of carbon fuels and combustible materials.

[0087] Furthermore, the monitoring system may be placed underwater and can be applied, for example, to monitoring seawater intake equipment for cooling at power plants, or to monitoring the environment surrounding the warm wastewater discharge of power plants (e.g., marine life). Because the monitoring system supplies power to the monitoring device without contact, it can provide stable power even underwater. [Industrial applicability]

[0088] As described above, the monitoring system according to one aspect of the present invention is less susceptible to influence from the surrounding environment of the monitored object and can stably monitor a wide area, making it suitable for monitoring relatively large-scale industrial facilities. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0089] F Coal transportation equipment S Silo B Belt Conveyor B1 Belt conveyor body B2 Support part C Coal P path 100, 200 monitoring systems 10, 102 Monitoring device 11 Support frame 12 Fitting part 13 Power receiving section 13a Plate-shaped member 13b Secondary coil 13c insulating layer 14 Sensor section 14a sensor 14b Sensor 15 Drive unit 15a drive motor 15b Drive roller 20, 202 Power supply section 21 Plate-shaped member 22 Primary coil 22a Extension 22b Connection part 23 Insulating layer 30, 302 rails 40 Voltage application section

Claims

1. A portable monitoring device for patrolling and monitoring industrial equipment, The monitoring device comprises one or more power supply units provided along the path in which it moves, A monitoring system in which the above-mentioned power supply unit supplies power to the above-mentioned monitoring device in a non-contact manner.

2. The monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the above-mentioned monitoring device is provided to move along a predetermined path, and the length of this path is 50 m or more.

3. The monitoring system according to claim 2, wherein the above-mentioned path is arranged at a distance from the floor.

4. The monitoring system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the above-mentioned industrial equipment is a powder conveying equipment that conveys powder.

5. The monitoring system according to claim 4, wherein the powder conveying equipment has a conveyor for conveying the powder, and the path is arranged in parallel with the conveyor.

6. The monitoring system according to claim 5, wherein the powder conveying equipment further comprises a cover surrounding the conveyor, and the monitoring device is disposed inside the cover.

7. The monitoring system according to claim 6, wherein the above powder is coal.

8. The monitoring system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a plurality of power supply units are provided along the above-mentioned route.

9. The monitoring system according to claim 8, wherein the monitoring device has a battery.

10. The monitoring system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the power supply method of the power supply unit is a magnetic field resonance method, an electromagnetic induction method, an electric field coupling method, a radio wave reception method, or a combination thereof.

11. The monitoring system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the monitoring device has wireless communication means for wirelessly transmitting monitoring data acquired by monitoring the industrial equipment.

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