Wire rope inspection method, wire rope inspection device, and wire rope inspection system

Abstract

To provide a wire rope inspection method with which it is possible to detect points of a wire rope W where, because of noise, detection of abnormal portions is difficult.SOLUTION: This wire rope inspection method comprises: an excitation step (step 402) for exciting a wire rope (W); a detection step (step 403) for detecting a change of magnetic flux of the wire rope (W); an overlapping addition step (step 404) for overlappingly adding a preliminarily acquired abnormal waveform (60) that is the signal waveform of an abnormal portion of the wire rope (W) to a detection signal waveform that is a signal waveform based on a detection signal detected in the detection step (step 403); and a determination step (step 405) for determining whether or not the value based on an overlappingly added waveform, which is the waveform of an overlappingly added portion in which the abnormal waveform (60) is overlappingly added to the detection signal waveform, exceeds a prescribed range corresponding to the noise of the detection signal waveform.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a wire rope inspection method, a wire rope inspection device, and a wire rope inspection system. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a magnetic material inspection device including an excitation coil and a detection coil has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The above-mentioned Patent Document 1 discloses a magnetic inspection device that includes an excitation coil that excites the wire rope and a detection coil that detects changes in the magnetic field of the wire rope. This magnetic inspection device judges the state of the wire rope based on a detection signal output by the detection coil. In addition, in a conventional magnetic inspection device such as the one in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, the presence or absence of an abnormal part of the wire rope is judged based on a change in the detection signal (change in the signal waveform) based on the magnetic field of the wire rope. Note that the "abnormal part" of the wire rope is a broad concept that includes parts where changes in the cross-sectional area or composition of the wire rope have occurred, such as broken wires, kinks, rust, and adhesion of foreign matter. Also, a kink is a twist, twist, or tangle that occurs in the wire rope. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2018 / 138850 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the conventional magnetic inspection device as in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, the presence or absence of an abnormal part in the wire rope is judged based on a change in the detection signal (change in the signal waveform) based on the magnetic field of the wire rope. In such a conventional magnetic inspection device, it is possible to detect an abnormal part in the wire rope by detecting a change in the detection signal caused by the abnormal part of the wire rope. However, there may be a part in the wire rope where it is difficult to detect a change in the detection signal caused by the abnormal part of the wire rope (detect an abnormal part) due to noise (being buried in noise). In addition, as the wire rope becomes fatigued, the noise gradually increases, and more parts where it is difficult to detect an abnormal part are generated. For such a part where it is difficult to detect an abnormal part due to noise, it is necessary to perform a detailed inspection such as a more sensitive inspection than a normal inspection, or an inspection by visual inspection or palpation. Therefore, it is desired to detect a part in the wire rope where it is difficult to detect an abnormal part due to noise.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a wire rope inspection method, a wire rope inspection device, and a wire rope inspection system that are capable of detecting areas in a wire rope where it is difficult to detect abnormalities due to noise. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A wire rope inspection method in a first aspect of the present invention includes an excitation step of exciting the wire rope by applying a magnetic field to the wire rope, a detection step of detecting a change in the magnetic flux of the wire rope excited in the excitation step, an overlapping and adding step of superimposing an abnormal waveform, which is a signal waveform of an abnormal part of the wire rope acquired in advance, onto a detection signal waveform, which is a signal waveform based on the detection signal detected in the detection step, and a determination step of determining whether a value based on the overlapping and adding waveform, which is the waveform of the overlapping and adding part in which the abnormal waveform is superimposed and added onto the detection signal waveform, exceeds a predetermined range corresponding to noise in the detection signal waveform.

[0008] A wire rope inspection device in a second aspect of the present invention comprises an excitation unit which excites the wire rope by applying a magnetic field to the wire rope, a detection unit which detects changes in the magnetic flux of the wire rope excited in the excitation unit, and a control unit which processes the detection signal detected by the detection unit, and the control unit is configured to superimpose an abnormal waveform which is the waveform of a detection signal of an abnormal part of the wire rope acquired in advance onto a detection signal waveform which is the waveform of the detection signal detected by the detection unit, and to determine whether a value based on the superimposed waveform which is the waveform of the superimposed part in which the abnormal waveform is superimposed on the detection signal waveform exceeds a predetermined range corresponding to noise in the detection signal waveform.

[0009] A wire rope inspection system in a third aspect of the present invention comprises a wire rope inspection device which detects changes in magnetic flux in the wire rope, and a processing device which processes measurement results of the wire rope by the wire rope inspection device. The wire rope inspection device comprises an excitation unit which excites the wire rope by applying a magnetic field to the wire rope, and a detection unit which detects changes in magnetic flux in the wire rope excited in the excitation unit. The processing device is configured to superimpose an abnormal waveform which is the waveform of a detection signal of an abnormal part of the wire rope acquired in advance onto a detection signal waveform which is the waveform of the detection signal detected by the detection unit, and to determine whether a value based on the superimposed waveform which is the waveform of the superimposed part in which the abnormal waveform is superimposed on the detection signal waveform exceeds a predetermined range corresponding to noise in the detection signal waveform. Effect of the Invention

[0010] In the wire rope inspection method according to the first aspect of the present invention, the wire rope inspection device according to the second aspect, and the wire rope inspection system according to the third aspect, as described above, an abnormal waveform, which is a signal waveform of an abnormal part of the wire rope acquired in advance, is superimposed on a detection signal waveform, which is a signal waveform based on a detection signal. As a result, an abnormal waveform, which is a signal waveform of an abnormal part of the wire rope different from the inspection target itself acquired in advance, is superimposed on the detection signal waveform, and a superimposed added waveform in which the abnormal waveform is superimposed on the detection signal waveform can be obtained as a prediction of a signal waveform to be detected when an abnormal part occurs. Then, it is determined whether a value based on the superimposed added waveform, which is a waveform of the superimposed added part in which the abnormal waveform is superimposed on the detection signal waveform, exceeds a predetermined range corresponding to noise in the detection signal waveform. As a result, if a value based on the superimposed and added waveform obtained as a prediction of the signal waveform to be detected when an abnormal portion occurs does not exceed a predetermined range corresponding to the noise of the detection signal waveform, it can be determined that even if an abnormal portion actually occurs in the superimposed and added portion, it is difficult to detect a change in the detection signal caused by the abnormal portion of the wire rope due to the noise of the detection signal waveform (being buried in the noise of the detection signal waveform).As a result, it can be determined whether the superimposed and added portion in which the abnormal waveform is superimposed and added is a portion where it is difficult to detect an abnormal portion due to the noise of the detection signal waveform when an abnormal portion actually occurs, so that it is possible to detect a portion of the wire rope where it is difficult to detect an abnormal portion due to noise. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a mounting position of the inspection device main body on an elevator. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a wire rope inspection device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 4 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of a detection unit and an excitation coil in the Z direction. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a magnetic adjustment unit. [Diagram 5]8 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of detection coils and excitation coils in an operation mode in a cross section taken along line 800-800 in FIG. 3. [Figure 6] 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams showing the arrangement of detection coils in a normal detection mode and a high-sensitivity detection mode. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of acquiring an abnormal waveform. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a first diagram showing a process of overlapping and adding to a detection signal waveform. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a second diagram showing the overlapping and adding process on the detection signal waveform. [Figure 10] FIG. 3 is a third diagram showing the overlapping and adding process on the detection signal waveform. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a first flow chart showing an example of a processing flow during wire rope inspection. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a second flow chart showing an example of a processing flow during wire rope inspection. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a wire rope inspection device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a wire rope inspection system according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0013] [First embodiment] The configuration of a wire rope inspection device 100 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 6. In the following description, "orthogonal" means intersecting at an angle of 90 degrees or an angle close to 90 degrees.

[0014] (Configuration of wire rope inspection device) The wire rope inspection device 100 is a device for inspecting the wire rope W, which is an object to be inspected and is a magnetic body, for abnormal parts such as wire breaks and rust. The wire rope inspection device 100 is a device capable of checking deterioration of the wire rope W that is difficult to check visually by analyzing (determining) the state of the wire rope W, such as the presence or absence of abnormal parts of the wire rope W, using a total magnetic flux method. When the wire rope W contains abnormal parts such as wire breaks and rust, the magnetic flux in the abnormal parts is different from that in normal parts. The total magnetic flux method is a method that can also measure abnormal parts such as wire breaks and rust inside the wire rope W, unlike a method that measures only the leakage magnetic flux from abnormal parts on the surface of the wire rope W.

[0015] The wire rope inspection apparatus 100 includes an inspection apparatus main body 110 (see FIG. 1) that measures the magnetic flux of the wire rope W, and a PC 120 (see FIG. 1) that acquires and processes data based on detection signals acquired by the inspection apparatus main body 110. As described below, the PC 120 is configured to display the measurement results of the magnetic flux of the wire rope W by the inspection apparatus main body 110, and analysis results (inspection results) based on the measurement results of the magnetic flux of the wire rope W by the inspection apparatus main body 110. The PC 120 is, for example, a tablet terminal such as a tablet PC (Personal Computer). The PC 120 may also be a notebook PC.

[0016] A user (operator) can check for abnormalities in the wire rope W that are difficult to check visually by inspecting the wire rope W using the wire rope inspection device 100. In FIG. 1, an example is shown in which the inspection device main body 110 inspects the wire rope W used for moving a car 901 of an elevator 900.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the elevator 900 includes a car 901, a sheave (pulley) 902, a sheave 903, and a wire rope W. The elevator 900 is configured such that the sheave 902 provided on the hoist rotates to hoist the wire rope W, thereby moving the car 901 carrying people and cargo in the up-down direction (vertical direction). The elevator 900 may be a double-wrap (full-wrap) rope-type elevator, or a single-wrap rope-type elevator. The inspection device main body 110 inspects an abnormality in the wire rope W moved by the sheave 902 of the hoist while being fixed so as not to move with respect to the wire rope W. In FIG. 1, the inspection device main body 110 is attached between the sheave 902 and the sheave 903, but the attachment position of the inspection device main body 110 may be between the car 901 and the sheave 902 of the elevator 900. Furthermore, the mounting position of the inspection device main body 110 may be a position on the opposite side of the sheave 902 from the position where the sheave 902 is provided (below the sheave 903).

[0018] The wire rope W is formed by twisting together multiple strands of wire material, and is a magnetic body consisting of a long material extending along the Z direction. The strands are made up of multiple wires twisted together. The wire rope W is inspected by the inspection device main body 110 to prevent breakage due to deterioration. If the wire rope W is found to have an abnormal part or a degree of deterioration that exceeds a predetermined standard as a result of measuring the magnetic flux of the wire rope W, the wire rope W is replaced by the user (operator).

[0019] The inspection device main body 110 measures the magnetic flux of the wire rope W while moving relative to the wire rope W along the surface of the wire rope W. In the case where the wire rope W itself moves, such as the wire rope W used in the elevator 900, the inspection device main body 110 measures the magnetic flux of the wire rope W while moving the wire rope W relative to the inspection device main body 110. This makes it possible to measure the magnetic flux at each position in the Z direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the wire rope W (the direction in which the wire rope W extends), and therefore makes it possible to inspect the wire rope W for abnormal parts at each position in the longitudinal direction.

[0020] (Configuration of the inspection device itself) As shown in Fig. 2, the inspection device main body 110 (wire rope inspection device 100) includes an excitation coil 11 and a detection unit 20. The detection unit 20 includes a first detection coil 21 and a second detection coil 22. The excitation coil 11 is an example of an "excitation unit" in the claims.

[0021] The exciting coil 11 is configured to excite the wire rope W by applying a magnetic field to the wire rope W. Specifically, an alternating current is passed through the exciting coil 11, and the periodic current flows to generate a magnetic field inside (inside the coil), and the periodically generated magnetic field is applied to the wire rope W arranged inside. In other words, the exciting coil 11 is configured to excite the magnetized state of the wire rope W. In addition, the exciting coil 11 is configured to move relative to the wire rope W.

[0022] The detection unit 20 is configured to detect a change in the magnetic flux of the wire rope W excited in the excitation coil 11. The detection unit 20 is configured to detect a change in the magnetic flux of the wire rope W to which a magnetic field is periodically applied by the excitation coil 11 while moving relative to the wire rope W. The detection unit 20 also includes a first detection coil 21 and a second detection coil 22. That is, the first detection coil 21 and the second detection coil 22 are configured to detect (measure) a change in the magnetic flux of the wire rope W to which a magnetic field is applied by the excitation coil 11 while moving relative to the wire rope W.

[0023] The first detection coil 21 and the second detection coil 22 transmit a detection signal (output a voltage) according to the detected magnetic flux of the wire rope W. The detection unit 20 is configured to detect the magnetic flux inside the wire rope W by a total magnetic flux method. The detection unit 20 (the first detection coil 21 and the second detection coil 22) will be described in detail later.

[0024] The inspection device main body 110 also includes a circuit board 30. The circuit board 30 includes a control unit 31, an excitation I / F 32, a receiving I / F 33, a power circuit 34, a storage unit 35, and a communication unit 36. The circuit board 30 is a printed circuit board (PCB) on which a wiring pattern is formed by a conductor and on which electronic components are mounted (implemented).

[0025] The control unit 31 is configured to control each unit of the inspection device main body 110. The control unit 31 includes a processor such as a CPU, a memory, an AD converter, and the like. The control unit 31 is configured to process a detection signal detected by the detection unit 20. Specifically, the control unit 31 is configured to process a detection signal of the detection unit 20 (the first detection coil 21 and the second detection coil 22) amplified by the reception I / F 33.

[0026] The control unit 31 is configured to superimpose an abnormal waveform 60 (see Figs. 8 to 10) which is a waveform of a detection signal of an abnormal part of the wire rope W acquired in advance on a detection signal waveform which is a waveform of a detection signal detected by the detection unit 20, as described later. The control unit 31 is configured to determine whether or not a value based on an overlapping addition waveform (see Figs. 8 to 10) which is a waveform of an overlapping addition part in which the abnormal waveform 60 is overlapping added to the detection signal waveform, as described later, exceeds a predetermined range corresponding to noise of the detection signal waveform. Thus, the control unit 31 is configured to perform a process of determining whether or not an abnormal part can be detected in the overlapping addition part (abnormal part detection possibility determination process). The overlapping addition process and the abnormal part detection possibility determination process by the control unit 31 will be described in detail later.

[0027] Furthermore, the control unit 31 analyzes the condition of the wire rope W based on the measurement results of the wire rope W, and determines whether or not there are any abnormal parts of the wire rope W, such as broken wires and rust. That is, the control unit 31 is configured to perform a process of determining the condition of the wire rope W, such as the presence or absence of abnormal parts, based on the detection signal (detection signal waveform) detected by the detection unit 20 (abnormal part presence / absence determination process).

[0028] The excitation I / F 32 receives a control signal from the control unit 31. The excitation I / F 32 controls the supply of power to the excitation coil 11 based on the received control signal.

[0029] The receiving I / F 33 receives (acquires) a detection signal (differential signal) of the detection unit 20 (the first detection coil 21 and the second detection coil 22) and transmits it to the control unit 31. The receiving I / F 33 includes an amplifier. The receiving I / F 33 amplifies the detection signal of the detection unit 20 (the first detection coil 21 and the second detection coil 22) by the amplifier and transmits it to the control unit 31.

[0030] The power supply circuit 34 receives power from the outside and supplies power to each part of the inspection device main body 110, such as the excitation coil 11. The storage unit 35 is a storage medium including, for example, a flash memory, and stores (stores) information such as the measurement results (measurement data) of the wire rope W. The communication unit 36 ​​is a communication interface, and connects the inspection device main body 110 and the PC 120 so that they can communicate with each other.

[0031] The inspection device main body 110 (wire rope inspection device 100) also includes a magnetic flux adjusting unit 40 that adjusts the magnetic flux of the wire rope W to which a magnetic field has been applied by the exciting coil 11. The magnetic flux adjusting unit 40 is configured to apply a magnetic field to the wire rope W and adjust (magnetically adjust) the direction of magnetization of the wire rope W, which is a magnetic body. The magnetic flux adjusting unit 40 will be described in detail later.

[0032] The inspection device main body 110 also includes a detection unit moving mechanism 50. The detection unit moving mechanism 50 includes a support unit 51 that supports the detection unit 20, and a drive unit 52 for moving the support unit 51. The drive unit 52 includes an actuator (not shown), such as a motor, that is controlled by the control unit 31. The drive unit 52 is configured to move the support unit 51 under the control of the control unit 31. The movement of the detection unit 20 by the detection unit moving mechanism 50 will be described in detail later.

[0033] (PC configuration) The PC 120 (tablet terminal) is provided separately from the inspection device main body 110. The PC 120 includes a communication unit 121, a control unit 122, a storage unit 123, and a display unit 124, as shown in FIG.

[0034] The communication unit 121 is a communication interface, and communicatively connects the inspection device main body 110 and the PC 120. The PC 120 receives data such as the measurement results of the wire rope W by the inspection device main body 110 (data of the detection signal detected by the detection unit 20) and analysis results based on the measurement results of the wire rope W (results of the process of determining whether or not an abnormal part is present and results of the process of determining whether or not an abnormal part can be detected, etc.) via the communication unit 121.

[0035] The control unit 122 is configured to control each unit of the PC 120. The control unit 122 includes a processor such as a CPU, a memory, and the like.

[0036] The memory unit 123 is a storage medium including, for example, a flash memory, and stores (stores) data such as the measurement results of the wire rope W (data of the detection signal detected by the detection unit 20) and analysis results based on the measurement results of the wire rope W.

[0037] The display unit 124 is, for example, a touch panel display including a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, and is a display unit that displays information such as the measurement results of the wire rope W and the analysis results based on the measurement results of the wire rope W, as well as an operation unit that accepts user operations. Moreover, the wire rope inspection device 100 is configured so that the user can operate the inspection device main body 110 by operating the display unit 124 as the operation unit.

[0038] Furthermore, as described below, after it is determined that the value based on the superimposed added waveform (see Figures 8 to 10) does not exceed a predetermined range, the display unit 124 is configured to notify the user that the value based on the superimposed added waveform does not exceed a predetermined range (the result of the process for determining whether or not an abnormal part can be detected).

[0039] 3, the elevator 900 is provided with a plurality of wire ropes W. The plurality of wire ropes W are arranged (parallel to each other) in a direction (X direction) perpendicular to each other's longitudinal direction (Z direction). The inspection device main body 110 includes a unit 10 in which a detection section 20 (first detection coil 21 and second detection coil 22) and an excitation coil 11 are provided. The unit 10 of the inspection device main body 110 is fixed so as not to come into contact with the wire ropes W.

[0040] A plurality of detection units 20 are provided corresponding to the plurality of wire ropes W. That is, the same number of detection units 20 are provided as the number of the plurality of wire ropes W. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, when there are six wire ropes W, six detection units 20 (first detection coil 21 and second detection coil 22) are provided. The detection units 20 are configured to move relatively along the Z direction in which the plurality of wire ropes W extend, and to detect changes in the magnetic flux of the wire ropes W.

[0041] 3, the magnetic adjustment unit 40 is provided separately from the unit 10. The magnetic adjustment unit 40 is fixed on the Z2 direction side of the unit 10 so as not to come into contact with the multiple wire ropes W. The magnetic adjustment unit 40 may be provided integrally with the unit 10 in which the detection unit 20 and the excitation coil 11 are provided.

[0042] (Configuration of magnetic adjustment section) The magnetic adjustment unit 40 is configured to apply a magnetic field to the wire rope W in advance, and adjust the magnitude and direction of magnetization of the wire rope W, which is a magnetic body. As shown in Fig. 4, the magnetic adjustment unit 40 is configured to apply a magnetic field in the Y direction in advance to the wire rope W, which is the object to be inspected, and adjust (magnetically adjust) the magnitude and direction of magnetization of the wire rope W, which is a magnetic body. The magnetic adjustment unit 40 also includes magnets 40a and 40b.

[0043] 4, the magnetic adjustment unit 40 (magnets 40a and 40b) is disposed on one side (Z2 direction side) of the extension direction of the wire rope W with respect to the detection unit 20 (first detection coil 21 and second detection coil 22) and the excitation coil 11. When the wire rope W moves in the Z1 direction, a magnetic field is applied in advance to the wire rope W by the magnetic adjustment unit 40 (magnets 40a and 40b) before the wire rope W enters (is inside) the detection unit 20 (first detection coil 21 and second detection coil 22), and the magnitude and direction of the magnetization of the wire rope W are adjusted (magnetic adjustment is performed).

[0044] That is, the magnetic adjustment unit 40 is configured to apply a magnetic field in advance from the Y direction perpendicular to the Z direction (longitudinal direction of the wire rope W) in which the wire rope W extends and the X direction in which the multiple wire ropes W are adjacent to each other before the wire rope W enters the interior (inside) of the detection unit 20. Also, while Fig. 4 shows an example in which the N poles of the magnets 40a and 40b are arranged to face each other, the magnets 40a and 40b may be arranged to face each other with their S poles. Also, the magnetic adjustment unit 40 may be configured to include only one of the magnets 40a and 40b.

[0045] (Excitation coil and detection coil configuration) As shown in FIG. 5, the wire rope W passes through the inside (inside) of the detection unit 20 and the excitation coil 11. The detection unit 20 is disposed inside the excitation coil 11. The excitation coil 11 is provided so as to surround a plurality of wire ropes W as shown in FIG. 5. That is, the excitation coil 11 is provided in common for a plurality of wire ropes W. The excitation coil 11 is configured to excite the magnetization state of a plurality of wire ropes W simultaneously. Specifically, when a current flows through the excitation coil 11, a magnetic field (magnetic flux) generated based on the current is periodically applied to a plurality of wire ropes W inside the excitation coil 11. Also, as shown in FIG. 5, the excitation coil 11 is also provided in common for a plurality of detection units 20 (first detection coil 21 and second detection coil 22). Also, the circuit board 30 is provided outside (Y1 direction side) the detection unit 20 and the excitation coil 11.

[0046] 5, the detection unit 20 includes a first detection coil 21 arranged on one side (Y1 direction side) of the wire rope W and a second detection coil 22 arranged on the other side (Y2 direction side) of the wire rope W in the Y direction intersecting the Z direction in which the wire rope W extends and the X direction in which multiple wire ropes W are adjacent to each other. That is, the first detection coil 21 and the second detection coil 22 are arranged so as to sandwich the wire rope W between each other.

[0047] 5, the first detection coil 21 and the second detection coil 22 are arranged (formed) in a U-shape (saddle-shaped) convex in a direction away from the wire rope W when viewed from the Z direction (Z1 direction side or Z2 direction side). The first detection coil 21 and the second detection coil 22 may be arranged (formed) in a semicircular shape convex in a direction away from the wire rope W when viewed from the Z direction (Z1 direction side or Z2 direction side). The detection unit 20 (the combined shape of the first detection coil 21 and the second detection coil 22) may be arranged (formed) in a rectangular shape when viewed from the Z direction (Z1 direction side or Z2 direction side).

[0048] The first detection coil 21 and the second detection coil 22 are connected in series, and configured so that currents flow in opposite directions in response to a change in magnetic flux. That is, the first detection coil 21 and the second detection coil 22 are differentially connected. The detection unit 20 is configured to output a differential signal between the signal obtained by the first detection coil 21 and the signal obtained by the second detection coil 22 as a detection signal.

[0049] The first detection coil 21 and the second detection coil 22 are formed of a flexible material. For example, the first detection coil 21 and the second detection coil 22 are formed of a conductor pattern of an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuits).

[0050] 5, the detection unit 20 is supported by a support portion 51 of the detection unit movement mechanism 50. The support portion 51 includes a first support portion 51a and a second support portion 51b. The first detection coil 21 is supported by the first support portion 51a, and the second detection coil 22 is supported by the second support portion 51b.

[0051] In addition, in the inspection device main body 110, the first support part 51a and the second support part 51b are moved in the Y direction (Y1 direction or Y2 direction) by the driving part 52, so that the distance in the Y direction between the center P (see FIG. 5) of the wire rope W and the first detection coil 21, and the distance in the Y direction between the center P (see FIG. 5) of the wire rope W of the detection part 20 and the second detection coil 22 can be changed (adjusted). Note that the inspection device main body 110 (detection part 20) is attached to the wire rope W so that the center P of the wire rope W is located at the center of the detection part 20.

[0052] In the first embodiment, the control of the movement of the support unit 51 (detection unit 20) by the drive unit 52 is performed by the control unit 31 as described above, but the movement of the support unit 51 (detection unit 20) may be performed by the user's hand (manually). For example, a handle may be provided on the drive unit 52, and the support unit 51 (detection unit 20) may be moved by the user operating (turning) the handle.

[0053] Moreover, the wire rope inspection device 100 (inspection device main body 110) is configured to be switchable between an operation mode (see FIG. 5) which is a mode during normal operation of the elevator 900, and a mode for inspecting the wire rope W. Moreover, the wire rope inspection device 100 (inspection device main body 110) has a normal detection mode and a high sensitivity detection mode as modes for inspecting the wire rope W. Switching to each mode (operation mode, normal detection mode, and high sensitivity detection mode) is controlled by the control unit 31. Note that the switching to each mode in the wire rope inspection device 100 may be configured to be performed automatically by the control unit 31, or may be configured to be performed by the control unit 31 based on a user's operation.

[0054] When inspecting the wire rope W in the normal detection mode and the high sensitivity detection mode, the moving speed of the wire rope W (elevator 900) is made slower (lower) than during normal operation (operation mode) of the elevator 900. That is, during normal operation of the elevator 900, the moving speed of the wire rope W (elevator 900) is faster than during inspection of the wire rope W. And, since the moving speed of the wire rope W (elevator 900) is faster than during inspection of the wire rope W, the vibration amplitude of the wire rope W during normal operation of the elevator 900 is also larger than during inspection of the wire rope W.

[0055] Therefore, in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the wire rope inspection device 100 (inspection device main body 110) separates the detection unit 20 (first detection coil 21 and second detection coil 22) from the wire rope W by moving the support unit 51 (first support unit 51a and second support unit 51b) away from the wire rope W by the drive unit 52. Specifically, the detection unit 20 (first detection coil 21 and second detection coil 22) is separated from the wire rope W so that the distance D1 (see FIG. 5) between the center P of the wire rope W in the Y direction and the first detection coil 21 and the distance D2 (see FIG. 5) between the center P of the wire rope W in the Y direction and the second detection coil 22 are longer than the distances during inspection of the wire rope W (normal detection mode and high sensitivity detection mode) described later. Thereby, the inspection device main body 110 can prevent the vibrating wire rope W from coming into contact with the support part 51 (detection part 20) even during normal operation of the elevator 900 (other than when the wire rope W is being inspected). As a result, the wire rope inspection device 100 does not need to remove the inspection device main body 110 from the wire rope W during normal operation of the elevator 900 (other than when the wire rope W is being inspected), so that the inspection device main body 110 can be permanently installed for multiple wire ropes W of the elevator 900.

[0056] In addition, when inspecting the wire rope W in the normal detection mode and the high sensitivity detection mode, the inspection device main body 110 is configured to bring the support part 51 closer to the wire rope W by the drive part 52, thereby bringing the detection part 20 (the first detection coil 21 and the second detection coil 22) closer to the wire rope W than in the operation mode.

[0057] As described above, the normal detection mode is a mode for inspecting the wire rope W. In the normal detection mode, the distance D3 (see FIG. 6) between the center P of the wire rope W in the Y direction and the first detection coil 21 is made shorter than the distance D1 (see FIG. 5) between the center P of the wire rope W in the Y direction and the first detection coil 21 in the operation mode. In addition, in the normal detection mode, the distance D4 (see FIG. 6) between the center P of the wire rope W in the Y direction and the second detection coil 22 is made shorter than the distance D2 (see FIG. 5) between the center P of the wire rope W in the Y direction and the second detection coil 22 in the operation mode. In addition, in the normal detection mode, the driving unit 52 moves the support unit 51 (detection unit 20) so that the distances D3 and D4 (see FIG. 6) are approximately equal.

[0058] As described above, the high sensitivity detection mode is a mode for inspecting the wire rope W, and is a mode for detecting changes in the magnetic flux of the wire rope W that are difficult to detect in the normal detection mode. The high sensitivity detection mode is a mode for detecting changes in the magnetic flux of the wire rope W by bringing the detection unit 20 that detects changes in the magnetic flux of the wire rope W closer to the wire rope W than in the operation mode, and by making the moving speed of the wire rope W slower when detecting changes in the magnetic flux of the wire rope W than in the normal detection mode.

[0059] In the high sensitivity detection mode, the distance between the center P of the wire rope W in the Y direction and the first detection coil 21 is made shorter than the distance D1 (see FIG. 5) between the center P of the wire rope W in the Y direction and the first detection coil 21 in the operation mode. Also, in the high sensitivity detection mode, the distance between the center P of the wire rope W in the Y direction and the second detection coil 22 is made shorter than the distance D2 (see FIG. 5) between the center P of the wire rope W in the Y direction and the second detection coil 22 in the operation mode. In the first embodiment, the distance between the center P of the wire rope W in the Y direction and the first detection coil 21 in the high sensitivity detection mode and the distance between the center P of the wire rope W in the Y direction and the second detection coil 22 are the same as those in the normal detection mode (see FIG. 6).

[0060] Thus, in the normal detection mode and the high sensitivity detection mode, the distance in the Y direction between the center P of the wire rope W and the first detection coil 21, and the distance in the Y direction between the center P of the wire rope W and the second detection coil 22 are shorter than in the operation mode. Also, in the first embodiment, the moving speed of the wire rope W is, in order from fastest, in the operation mode, the normal detection mode, and the high sensitivity detection mode.

[0061] Furthermore, switching to each mode (operation mode, normal detection mode, and high-sensitivity detection mode) may be configured not only by changing the position of the detection unit 20 and the moving speed of the wire rope W during inspection, but also by switching the signal processing mode (method) corresponding to each mode. That is, switching to each mode (operation mode, normal detection mode, and high-sensitivity detection mode) may involve not only hardware mode switching, but also software mode switching.

[0062] (Processing by the control unit) Next, the signal processing by the control unit 31 will be described with reference to Figs. 7 to 10. The vertical axis of each graph in Figs. 7 to 10 represents the signal output of a detection signal waveform (a differentiated waveform obtained by differentiating the detection signal waveform) obtained by amplifying the detection signal of the detection unit 20 (first detection coil 21 and second detection coil 22) by the reception I / F 33. The horizontal axis of each graph in Figs. 7 to 10 represents the travel distance of the wire rope W from the inspection start position of the wire rope W. In other words, the horizontal axis corresponds to the position in the longitudinal direction (Z direction) of the wire rope W.

[0063] The control unit 31 is configured to perform a process (superimposition and addition process) of superimposing and adding an abnormal waveform 60, which is a signal waveform of an abnormal part of the wire rope W acquired in advance, onto a detection signal waveform, which is a signal waveform based on the detection signal detected by the detection unit 20.

[0064] In the first embodiment, a process (superimposition and addition process) is performed in which the abnormal waveform 60 is superimposed and added to a waveform (raw signal waveform) of a signal obtained by amplifying a detection signal of the detection unit 20 (first detection coil 21 and second detection coil 22) by the reception I / F 33. That is, in the first embodiment, the waveform (raw signal waveform) of a signal obtained by amplifying a detection signal of the detection unit 20 (first detection coil 21 and second detection coil 22) by the reception I / F 33 is used as the detection signal waveform on which the abnormal waveform 60 is superimposed and added.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 7, the abnormal waveform 60, which is a signal waveform of an abnormal part of the wire rope W, is acquired based on the difference between the waveforms of the detection signal before and after the occurrence of an abnormal part (wire breakage) detected from another wire rope of the same specifications as the wire rope W that is the inspection target of the wire rope inspection device 100. The acquisition of the abnormal waveform 60 is performed prior to the overlapping and adding process by the control unit 31. Note that in the explanation with reference to FIG. 7 to FIG. 10, the overlapping and adding process and the abnormal part detection possibility judgment process (processing to judge whether or not the abnormal part of the wire rope W can be detected) using a waveform (breakage waveform) of a breakage signal output having a right-up characteristic due to a wire breakage are given as an example of the abnormal waveform 60. Note that, for abnormalities other than wire breakage such as rust or adhesion of foreign matter, the overlapping and adding process and the abnormal part detection possibility judgment process can be performed in the same way as for wire breakage by acquiring each unique waveform pattern (waveform characteristics).

[0066] The data of the abnormal waveform 60 is stored (stored) in advance in the wire rope inspection device 100 before the inspection of the wire rope W. The data of the abnormal waveform 60 is stored, for example, in the storage unit 35 (see FIG. 2) of the inspection device main body 110. The data of the abnormal waveform 60 may be stored in the storage unit 123 (see FIG. 2) of the PC 120. The data of the abnormal waveform 60 includes data of each abnormal waveform 60 according to the type of abnormality, such as wire breakage or rust. Furthermore, the data of the abnormal waveform 60 includes data of each abnormal waveform 60 according to the state (degree of progression) of various abnormalities, such as abnormal waveforms 60 for each number of breaks in wire breakage. Thus, by changing the abnormal waveforms 60 to be superimposed, for example, when there are two wire breaks, it is possible to obtain a change in the detection signal caused by the wire breaks (abnormal part), but when there is one wire break, it is difficult to obtain a change in the detection signal caused by the wire break (abnormal part) due to noise in the detection signal waveform (buried in noise in the detection signal waveform), which can be determined by the abnormal part detection determination process (processing for determining whether or not the wire rope W is in a state in which an abnormal part can be detected). In this way, by superimposing and adding each abnormal waveform 60 according to the state (degree of progression) of various abnormalities, such as the abnormal waveform 60 for each number of wire breaks in the wire breaks, it is possible to determine how fatigued the wire rope W is. In other words, since the degree of fatigue of the wire rope W can be quantitatively obtained, the replacement time (lifespan) of the wire rope W can be easily grasped.

[0067] 8 to 10, the control unit 31 sequentially superimposes and adds a previously acquired abnormal waveform 60 to all regions of the detection signal waveform, which is the waveform of the detection signal detected by the detection unit 20. The control unit 31 performs a process (superimposition and addition process) of superimposing and adding the previously acquired abnormal waveform 60 to the detection signal waveform at predetermined intervals (predetermined moving distances). The control unit 31 performs the superimposition and addition process on the detection signal waveform at minimum sampling intervals by the detection unit 20, such as every few tenths of a millimeter. In this way, it is possible to acquire (calculate) the superimposed and added waveform as a prediction of the detection signal waveform that will be obtained when an abnormality such as a wire break occurs.

[0068] Then, the control unit 31 calculates a differentiated waveform by differentiating the detection signal waveform after the overlapping and adding process in a predetermined differential section. The predetermined differential section is a section of the moving distance (moving time) of the wire rope W during inspection, which is set in response to the width and change (slope) of the abnormal waveform 60 to be overlapped and added. As a result, when the abnormal waveform 60 of the wire break is overlapped and added, a part of the detection signal waveform after the overlapping and adding process that changes upward to the right with the same width as the abnormal waveform 60 of the wire break appears as a mountain (peak) of the differentiated waveform, as shown in Figs. 8 to 10. The graphs shown at the top of Figs. 8 to 10 show the detection signal waveform (raw signal waveform) before the overlapping and adding process, and the differentiated waveform obtained by differentiating the detection signal waveform before the overlapping and adding process. The graphs shown at the bottom of Figs. 8 to 10 show the detection signal waveform after the overlapping and adding process, and the differentiated waveform obtained by differentiating the detection signal waveform after the overlapping and adding process.

[0069] Furthermore, when the superimposed waveform is obtained (calculated) by a process (superimposed addition process) of superimposing and adding the abnormal waveform 60 previously obtained onto the detection signal waveform, the surrounding noise level can also be grasped at the same time from the detection signal waveform including the superimposed addition portion. Therefore, if the wire rope W being inspected has an abnormal part such as a broken wire, it becomes possible to determine whether the wire rope W being inspected is in a state where the occurrence of the abnormal part such as a broken wire can be detected (whether it is buried in the surrounding noise or not).

[0070] In the first embodiment, the control unit 31 judges whether or not a value based on the overlapped and added waveform in which the abnormal waveform 60 is overlapped and added to the detection signal waveform exceeds a predetermined range each time the control unit 31 performs the overlapped and added process. Specifically, each time the control unit 31 performs the overlapped and added process, the control unit 31 judges whether or not a peak of a waveform (differentially processed waveform) obtained by differentiating the overlapped and added waveform in each overlapped and added portion exceeds a predetermined range corresponding to noise in the detection signal waveform. As a result, each time the control unit 31 performs the overlapped and added process, the control unit 31 judges whether or not a peak of a waveform (differentially processed waveform) obtained by differentiating the overlapped and added waveform in each overlapped and added portion is buried in noise in the detection signal waveform.

[0071] The predetermined range used in the abnormal part detection determination process is set according to the noise in the detection signal waveform. In the first embodiment, the noise level value is set as the predetermined range based on the maximum value of the peak caused by the noise in a specific section based on the overlapping and adding part of the waveform (differential processing waveform) obtained by differentiating the detection signal waveform.

[0072] Specifically, the noise level value is set based on the maximum value of the peak caused by noise in the vicinity of each overlapping addition portion (a section where the travel distance of the wire rope W is close to the overlapping addition portion). For example, the noise level value is the maximum value of the peak caused by noise in each section (within the sections before and after each overlapping addition portion) that is set as a specific section so that the overlapping addition portion is at the center. In the examples of Figs. 8 to 10, the maximum value of the peak of the differentiated processing waveform in the vicinity of the travel distance Lx point is the maximum value of the peak caused by noise in the specific section based on each overlapping addition portion. Therefore, in the examples of Figs. 8 to 10, the maximum value of the peak of the differentiated processing waveform in the vicinity of the travel distance Lx point is set as the noise level value used for determining whether or not an abnormal portion can be detected. Note that multiple noise level values ​​may be set for each overlapping addition portion.

[0073] In the first embodiment, a detection possibility determination threshold used for the abnormal part detection possibility determination process is set in correspondence with the noise of the detection signal waveform, in addition to the noise level value, as a predetermined range used for the abnormal part detection possibility determination process. The detection possibility determination threshold is a threshold set for a waveform obtained by differentiating the overlapped and added waveform, according to conditions required by the user, such as the state (degree of progression) of the abnormal part, such as the number of wire breaks, and the interval between the abnormal parts. The noise level value is a value set for each overlapped and added part, and the detection possibility determination threshold is a value set commonly for all overlapped and added parts.

[0074] In the first embodiment, the control unit 31 judges whether the maximum value of the peak of the waveform obtained by differentiating the superimposed and added waveform exceeds a predetermined range (detection feasibility determination threshold or noise level) corresponding to the noise of the detection signal waveform. This makes it clear that if the maximum value does not exceed the predetermined range (detection feasibility determination threshold or noise level) corresponding to the noise of the detection signal waveform, the superimposed and added abnormal waveform 60 is buried in the noise of the detection signal waveform.

[0075] That is, in the first embodiment, in order to determine whether the abnormal waveform 60 superimposed on the detection signal waveform in the superimposed addition portion is buried in the noise of the detection signal waveform, the control unit 31 determines whether the value based on the superimposed addition waveform in which the abnormal waveform 60 is superimposed on the detection signal waveform (the maximum value of the peak of the differentiated waveform in the superimposed addition portion) exceeds a predetermined range corresponding to the noise of the detection signal waveform (detection feasibility determination threshold or noise level value).

[0076] In the examples shown in Figs. 8 and 10, the maximum value of the peak of the waveform obtained by differentiating the overlapped and added waveform (differentiated waveform in the overlapped and added portion) exceeds the detection feasibility determination threshold and the noise level value, and the overlapped and added abnormal waveform 60 is not buried in the noise of the detection signal waveform. Therefore, in the overlapped and added portion shown in Figs. 8 and 10, even if a wire break (abnormal portion) actually occurs, it is possible to obtain a change in the detection signal caused by the wire break. On the other hand, in the example shown in Fig. 9, the maximum value of the peak of the waveform obtained by differentiating the overlapped and added waveform (differentiated waveform in the overlapped and added portion) does not exceed the detection feasibility determination threshold and the noise level value, and the change in the detection signal caused by the wire break is buried in the noise of the detection signal waveform. Therefore, in the overlapped and added portion shown in Fig. 9, when a wire break (abnormal portion) actually occurs, it is assumed that it is difficult to detect the change in the detection signal caused by the wire break due to the noise of the detection signal waveform (buried in the noise of the detection signal waveform).

[0077] In the first embodiment, after the control unit 31 determines in the determination process that the value based on the superimposed and added waveform does not exceed the predetermined range (detection feasibility determination threshold or noise level value), the display unit 124 of the PC 120 notifies (displays) to the user that the value based on the superimposed and added waveform does not exceed the predetermined range. At this time, the user is notified (displayed) of the location in the inspection area of ​​the wire rope W where it is difficult to detect a change in the detection signal due to an abnormal part due to noise in the detection signal waveform. In addition, as described above, the degree of fatigue of the wire rope W (the degree of fatigue of the wire rope W) can also be obtained, so that the change in the degree of fatigue of the wire rope W can also be displayed according to the position in the longitudinal direction (Z direction) of the wire rope W.

[0078] Moreover, the wire rope inspection device 100 is configured to be switched to the above-mentioned high sensitivity detection mode by the control unit 31 after the control unit 31 determines that the value based on the superimposed sum waveform does not exceed a predetermined range (detection feasibility determination threshold or noise level value). Then, after switching to the high sensitivity detection mode, the wire rope inspection device 100 is configured to detect changes in the magnetic flux of the wire rope W again in the high sensitivity detection mode in the section where it is determined that the value based on the superimposed sum waveform does not exceed the predetermined range.

[0079] (Wire rope inspection) Next, a process flow of the inspection method for the wire rope W using the wire rope inspection device 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11 and Fig. 12. Note that, prior to the process (steps 401 to 412) shown in Fig. 11 and Fig. 12, as described above, acquisition (abnormal waveform acquisition step) of an abnormal waveform 60, which is a signal waveform of an abnormal portion of the wire rope W, is performed based on the difference in waveforms of detection signals before and after the occurrence of an abnormal portion such as a wire breakage, detected from another wire rope of the same specifications as the wire rope W to be inspected.

[0080] First, in step 401, the detection unit 20 (the first detection coil 21 and the second detection coil 22) is moved. Specifically, as described above, the position of the detection unit 20 (the first detection coil 21 and the second detection coil 22) is moved (see FIG. 6) so as to be closer to the wire rope W than in the normal operation (operation mode) state. Then, after completion of step 401, the processing step proceeds to step 402.

[0081] In step 402, a magnetic field is applied to the wire rope W, thereby exciting the wire rope W. In step 402, the wire rope inspection device 100 (inspection device main body 110) applies a magnetic field to the wire rope W. In step 402, a magnetic field is applied (excited) to the multiple wire ropes W by the excitation coil 11. Also, step 402 (application of a magnetic field by the excitation coil 11) may be started simultaneously with step 401. Note that step 402 is an example of an "excitation step" in the claims. After completion of step 402, the processing step proceeds to step 403.

[0082] In step 403, a signal based on the change in magnetic flux of the wire rope W is detected by the detection unit 20 (first detection coil 21 and second detection coil 22). In step 403, the change in magnetic flux of the wire rope W excited in step 402 (excitation step) is detected. In step 403, the first detection coil 21 and the second detection coil 22, which are arranged to sandwich the wire rope W between them, are moved relative to the wire rope W to detect the change in magnetic flux of the wire rope W to which a magnetic field was applied in step 402. Note that step 403 is an example of a "detection step" in the claims. After completion of step 403, the processing step proceeds to step 404.

[0083] Then, in step 404, a superposition addition process (abnormal waveform superposition addition process) is performed in which an abnormal waveform 60, which is a signal waveform of an abnormal part of the wire rope W acquired in advance, is superposed on the detection signal waveform, which is a signal waveform based on the detection signal detected in step 403 (detection step). As described above, the abnormal waveform 60, which is a signal waveform of an abnormal part of the wire rope W, is acquired prior to step 404. Note that step 404 is an example of the "superposition addition step" in the claims. After completion of step 404, the processing step proceeds to step 405.

[0084] In step 405, an abnormality detection determination process (determination of whether an abnormality in the wire rope W can be detected) is performed. In step 405, it is determined whether a value based on the overlapped addition waveform, which is the waveform of the overlapped addition part in which the abnormal waveform 60 is overlapped and added to the detection signal waveform, exceeds a predetermined range corresponding to noise in the detection signal waveform. Note that step 405 is an example of a "determination step" in the claims.

[0085] In step 405 (determination step), as described above, in order to determine whether the abnormal waveform 60 superimposed on the detection signal waveform in the superimposed addition portion is buried in the noise of the detection signal waveform, it is determined whether the value based on the superimposed added waveform in which the abnormal waveform 60 is superimposed on the detection signal waveform exceeds a predetermined range corresponding to the noise of the detection signal waveform. In the first embodiment, as described above, it is determined whether the maximum value of the peak of the waveform obtained by differentiating the superimposed added waveform exceeds a predetermined range (detection feasibility determination threshold or noise level value) corresponding to the noise of the detection signal waveform. After completion of step 405, the processing step proceeds to step 406.

[0086] In step 406, it is determined whether or not the determination of whether or not abnormal portions can be detected in the entire inspection area of ​​the wire rope W has been completed. If it is determined that the determination of whether or not abnormal portions can be detected in the entire inspection area of ​​the wire rope W has been completed, the processing step proceeds to step 407 (see FIG. 12). If it is determined that the determination of whether or not abnormal portions can be detected in the entire inspection area of ​​the wire rope W has not been completed, the processing step returns to step 404. That is, the processing of steps 404 and 405 is repeated until the determination of whether or not abnormal portions can be detected in the entire inspection area of ​​the wire rope W has been completed.

[0087] In this way, the abnormal waveform 60 acquired in advance is sequentially superimposed on all regions of the detection signal waveform, which is the waveform of the detection signal detected in step 403 (detection step). Then, every time the abnormal waveform 60 is sequentially superimposed on the detection signal waveform, it is determined whether or not the maximum value of the peak of the differentiated waveform after the superimposition process (a value based on the superimposition waveform in which the abnormal waveform 60 is superimposed on the detection signal waveform) exceeds a predetermined range (detection feasibility determination threshold or noise level value). Note that the processes of step 404 (superimposition process) and step 405 (determination step) may be performed in parallel with step 403 (detection step). That is, the superimposition process and abnormal part detection feasibility determination process may be performed in real time on the detection signal waveform detected in step 403 (detection step).

[0088] In step 407 (see FIG. 12), the presence or absence of abnormal parts in the wire rope W, such as broken wires or rust, is determined. The wire rope inspection device 100 (control unit 31 of the inspection device main body 110) determines the presence or absence of abnormal parts in the wire rope W, such as broken wires or rust, based on a differentiated waveform obtained by differentiating the detection signal waveform (raw signal waveform). Note that the presence or absence of abnormal parts in the wire rope W may also be determined based on the detection signal waveform (raw signal waveform). After completion of step 407, the processing step proceeds to step 408.

[0089] In step 408, the result of the judgment on the presence or absence of an abnormal part in the wire rope W (abnormal part presence / absence judgment result) and the result of the abnormal part detection feasibility judgment are notified. In step 408, the result of the judgment on the presence or absence of an abnormal part and the result of the judgment on the abnormal part detection feasibility are displayed on the display unit 124 of the PC 120. Specifically, the inspection device main body 110 (communication unit 36) transmits the inspection result of the wire rope W by the inspection device main body 110 (abnormal part presence / absence judgment result and abnormal part detection feasibility judgment result) to the PC 120 (communication unit 121). Then, the control unit 122 of the PC 120 performs a process of displaying the received inspection result of the wire rope W (abnormal part presence / absence judgment result and abnormal part detection feasibility judgment result) on the display unit 124. In this way, if the value based on the superimposed and added waveform does not exceed the predetermined range (detection feasibility judgment threshold value or noise level value), in step 408, the user is notified that the value based on the superimposed and added waveform does not exceed the predetermined range. Note that step 408 is an example of a "notification step" in the claims.

[0090] Then, in step 409, it is determined whether or not there is a location in the inspection area of ​​the wire rope W where the maximum value of the peak of the waveform obtained by differentiating the superimposed added waveform is equal to or less than the detection feasibility determination threshold or the noise level. If it is determined that there is a location in the inspection area of ​​the wire rope W where the maximum value of the peak of the waveform obtained by differentiating the superimposed added waveform is equal to or less than the detection feasibility determination threshold or the noise level, the processing step proceeds to step 410. If it is determined that there is no location in the entire inspection area of ​​the wire rope W where the maximum value of the peak of the waveform obtained by differentiating the superimposed added waveform is equal to or less than the detection feasibility determination threshold or the noise level, the processing step ends.

[0091] In step 410, the detection mode is switched. In step 410, the detection mode is switched to a high-sensitivity detection mode for detecting a change in the magnetic flux of the wire rope W with the detection sensitivity of the detection signal being increased compared to step 403 (detection step). Specifically, in step 410, the mode during inspection is switched from the normal detection mode to the high-sensitivity detection mode. Note that step 410 is an example of a "mode switching step" in the claims. Also, based on the notification of the abnormal part presence / absence determination result and the abnormal part detection feasibility determination result in step 408 (notification step), the user may perform an operation to switch to the high-sensitivity detection mode, and switching to the high-sensitivity detection mode (step 410) may be performed. After completion of step 410, the processing step proceeds to step 411.

[0092] Then, in step 411 after step 410 (mode switching step), a redetection of the change in the magnetic flux of the wire rope W is performed. In step 411, in the section where it is determined in the determination step that the value based on the superimposed added waveform does not exceed the predetermined range (detection feasibility determination threshold or noise level value), detection of the change in the magnetic flux of the wire rope W is performed again in the high sensitivity detection mode. Note that step 411 is an example of the "redetection step" in the claims.

[0093] Then, the inspection result in the high sensitivity detection mode (determination result of the presence or absence of an abnormal part) is notified in step 412. In step 412, the presence or absence of an abnormal part of the wire rope W at the point where redetection was performed is displayed on the display unit 124.

[0094] Also, at any timing after the completion of step 411 and after step 409 when it is determined that there is no location in the entire inspection area of ​​the wire rope W where the maximum value of the peak of the waveform obtained by differentiating the superimposed and added waveform is equal to or less than the detection feasibility determination threshold value or the noise level value, a step of moving the position of the detection unit 20 (first detection coil 21 and second detection coil 22) away from the wire rope W (see FIG. 6) may be provided. That is, at any timing after the completion of step 411 and after step 409 when it is determined that there is no location in the entire inspection area of ​​the wire rope W where the maximum value of the peak of the waveform obtained by differentiating the superimposed and added waveform is equal to or less than the detection feasibility determination threshold value or the noise level value, a process of changing the position of the detection unit 20 from the position in the high sensitivity detection mode (normal detection mode) to the position in the operation mode may be performed.

[0095] (Effects of the first embodiment) The wire rope inspection method and wire rope inspection device 100 according to the first embodiment can provide the following effects.

[0096] In the first embodiment, as described above, the abnormal waveform 60, which is a signal waveform of an abnormal part of the wire rope W acquired in advance, is superimposed on the detection signal waveform, which is a signal waveform based on the detection signal. As a result, the abnormal waveform 60, which is a signal waveform of an abnormal part of the wire rope W different from the inspection target itself acquired in advance, is superimposed on the detection signal waveform, so that a superimposed added waveform in which the abnormal waveform 60 is superimposed on the detection signal waveform can be acquired as a prediction of a signal waveform to be detected when an abnormal part occurs. Then, it is determined whether or not a value based on the superimposed added waveform, which is a waveform of the superimposed added part in which the abnormal waveform 60 is superimposed on the detection signal waveform, exceeds a predetermined range (detection possibility determination threshold value or noise level value) corresponding to the noise of the detection signal waveform. As a result, if the value based on the superimposed added waveform acquired as a prediction of a signal waveform to be detected when an abnormal part occurs does not exceed a predetermined range corresponding to the noise of the detection signal waveform, it can be determined that it is difficult to detect a change in the detection signal caused by the abnormal part of the wire rope W due to the noise of the detection signal waveform (being buried in the noise), even if an abnormal part actually occurs in the superimposed added part. As a result, the overlapping and adding portion where the abnormal waveform 60 is overlapping and added can determine whether or not the portion is a location where it is difficult to detect an abnormality due to noise in the detection signal waveform when an abnormality actually occurs, making it possible to detect portions of the wire rope W where it is difficult to detect an abnormality due to noise.

[0097] Furthermore, in the wire rope inspection method according to the first embodiment, by being configured as follows, further effects as described below can be obtained.

[0098] In the first embodiment, as described above, the abnormal waveform 60, which is the signal waveform of the abnormal part of the wire rope W, is acquired based on the difference between the waveforms of the detection signal before and after the occurrence of the abnormal part detected from another wire rope having the same specifications as the wire rope W to be inspected. This makes it possible to acquire the abnormal waveform 60 itself, excluding the change in the detection signal caused by the wire rope W itself. Then, in the first embodiment, as described above, in order to determine whether the abnormal waveform 60 superimposed on the detection signal waveform in the superimposed addition part is buried in the noise of the detection signal waveform, it is determined whether the value based on the superimposed addition waveform in which the abnormal waveform 60 is superimposed on the detection signal waveform exceeds a predetermined range corresponding to the noise of the detection signal waveform. This makes it possible to determine whether the detection signal waveform exceeds a predetermined range corresponding to the noise of the detection signal waveform from the value based on the superimposed addition waveform in which the abnormal waveform 60 itself, excluding the change in the detection signal caused by the wire rope W itself, is superimposed on the detection signal waveform. As a result, it is possible to accurately determine whether or not a change in the detection signal caused by an abnormal portion of the wire rope W is difficult to detect because it is buried in noise in the detection signal waveform.

[0099] In the first embodiment, as described above, in step 405 (determination step), it is determined whether or not the maximum value of the peak of the waveform obtained by differentiating the superimposed and added waveform exceeds a predetermined range corresponding to the noise of the detection signal waveform. In this way, by differentiating the superimposed and added waveform, the change (slope) of the detection signal caused by the abnormal part of the wire rope W in the superimposed and added waveform can be obtained as a waveform. As a result, it is possible to determine whether or not the maximum value of the peak of the waveform corresponding to the change (slope) of the detection signal caused by the abnormal part of the wire rope W exceeds a predetermined range corresponding to the noise of the detection signal waveform. In this way, it is possible to easily determine whether or not it is difficult to detect the change in the detection signal caused by the abnormal part of the wire rope W in the superimposed and added part in which the abnormal waveform 60 is superimposed and added because it is buried in the noise of the detection signal waveform.

[0100] In the first embodiment, as described above, in step 405 (judgment step), it is judged whether or not the maximum value of the peak of the waveform obtained by differentiating the overlapped and added waveform exceeds a noise level value (predetermined range) set based on the maximum value of the peak caused by noise in a specific section based on the overlapped and added portion of the waveform obtained by differentiating the detection signal waveform. This makes it possible to judge whether or not the maximum value of the peak corresponding to the change (slope) of the detection signal caused by the abnormal part of the wire rope W exceeds a noise level value (predetermined range) set based on the maximum value of the peak caused by noise occurring in a specific section based on the overlapped and added portion. As a result, it is possible to easily judge whether or not it is difficult to detect the change of the detection signal caused by the abnormal part of the wire rope W in the overlapped and added portion in which the abnormal waveform 60 is overlapped and added due to the noise occurring in the specific section based on the overlapped and added portion.

[0101] In the first embodiment, as described above, after it is determined in step 405 (determination step) that the value based on the superimposed and added waveform does not exceed the predetermined range, the user is notified that the value based on the superimposed and added waveform does not exceed the predetermined range in step 408 (notification step). This allows the user to easily grasp that there is a portion where the value based on the superimposed and added waveform does not exceed the predetermined range corresponding to the noise of the detection signal waveform. As a result, it is possible to easily grasp that there is a portion where it is difficult to detect a change in the detection signal caused by an abnormal part of the wire rope W due to the noise of the detection signal waveform (buried in the noise of the detection signal waveform). This allows the user to take measures such as redetection or visual confirmation for the portion where it is difficult to detect a change in the detection signal caused by an abnormal part of the wire rope W due to the noise of the detection signal waveform.

[0102] In the first embodiment, as described above, in step 404 (superimposition and addition step), the abnormal waveform 60 acquired in advance is sequentially superimposed and added to all areas of the detection signal waveform, which is the waveform of the detection signal detected in step 403 (detection step). Then, in step 405 (judgment step), each time the abnormal waveform 60 is sequentially superimposed and added to the detection signal waveform in step 404 (superimposition and addition step), it is judged whether or not a value based on the superimposed and added waveform in which the abnormal waveform 60 is superimposed and added to the detection signal waveform exceeds a predetermined range. As a result, in all areas (all detection areas) in which the change in the magnetic flux of the wire rope W is detected, it is possible to obtain a portion that is buried in the noise of the detection signal waveform and is difficult to detect the change in the detection signal caused by the abnormal part of the wire rope W. As a result, it is possible to obtain the ratio of the portion in the entire wire rope W where it is difficult to detect the abnormal part, and therefore it is possible to grasp the fatigue degree (deterioration degree) of the entire wire rope W. As a result, the user can easily grasp the replacement time (life) of the wire rope W.

[0103] In the first embodiment, as described above, after it is determined in step 405 (determination step) that the value based on the superimposed added waveform does not exceed the predetermined range in step 410 (mode switching step), the detection mode is switched to a high sensitivity detection mode for detecting a change in the magnetic flux of the wire rope W in a state in which the detection sensitivity of the detection signal is higher than that in step 403 (detection step). This makes it possible to detect a change in the magnetic flux of the wire rope W in a state in which the detection sensitivity of the detection signal is higher than that in step 403 (detection step) by the high sensitivity detection mode. As a result, even in a location where it is difficult to detect a change in the detection signal due to an abnormal part of the wire rope W because it is buried in noise in the detection signal waveform, it is possible to accurately detect a signal due to an abnormal part of the wire rope W.

[0104] In the first embodiment, as described above, in step 410 (mode switching step), the moving speed of the wire rope W when detecting the change in the magnetic flux of the wire rope W is changed to a high sensitivity detection mode in which the moving speed is slower than the normal detection mode in step 403 (detection step). By making the moving speed of the wire rope W when detecting the change in the magnetic flux of the wire rope W slower than in step 403 (detection step), noise caused by the vibration of the wire rope W can be suppressed and the detection sensitivity can be increased. As a result, the change in the magnetic flux of the wire rope W can be detected with higher accuracy. This allows the change in the signal caused by the abnormal part of the wire rope W to be detected with higher accuracy than in step 403 (detection step) even in a location where it is difficult to detect the change in the detection signal caused by the abnormal part of the wire rope W because it is buried in noise in the detection signal waveform.

[0105] In the first embodiment, as described above, in the section where it is determined in step 405 (determination step) that the value based on the superimposed added waveform does not exceed the predetermined range, the detection of the change in the magnetic flux of the wire rope W is performed again in the high sensitivity detection mode. This makes it possible to reinspect, with the detection sensitivity increased from that in step 405 (determination step), the portion where it is difficult to detect the change in the detection signal due to the abnormal portion of the wire rope W because it is buried in the noise of the detection signal waveform. As a result, even in the portion where it is difficult to detect the change in the detection signal due to the abnormal portion of the wire rope W due to the noise of the detection signal waveform, it is possible to accurately confirm the presence or absence of the abnormal portion of the wire rope W.

[0106] [Second embodiment] The configuration of a wire rope inspection device 200 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 13. In the drawing, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same components as those in the first embodiment.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 13, the wire rope inspection device 200 includes an inspection device main body 210 that detects changes in the magnetic flux of the wire rope W, and a PC 220 that processes the measurement results of the wire rope W by the inspection device main body 210.

[0108] In the wire rope inspection device 200 according to the second embodiment, unlike the first embodiment in which the control unit 31 of the inspection device main body 110 performs the overlapping and adding process and the judgment process, the control unit 222 of the PC 220 is configured to perform the overlapping and adding process and the abnormal part detection possibility judgment process. The control unit 222 of the PC 220 is configured to perform the overlapping and adding process on the detection signal waveform and the abnormal part detection possibility judgment process, similar to the control unit 31 in the first embodiment. In addition, the data of the abnormal waveform 60 used in the overlapping and adding process is stored (stored) in the storage unit 123 of the PC 220. That is, in the wire rope inspection device 200, the overlapping and adding process and the abnormal part detection possibility judgment process are configured to be performed outside the inspection device main body 110 (control unit 31). In addition, the control unit 222 of the PC 220 is configured to perform the process of judging the presence or absence of an abnormal part of the wire rope W, such as a broken wire or rust, in addition to the overlapping and adding process and the abnormal part detection possibility judgment process (abnormal part presence or absence judgment process).

[0109] The wire rope inspection device 200 (inspection device main body 210 and PC 220) has the same configuration as the wire rope inspection device 100 (inspection device main body 110 and PC 120) in the first embodiment, except that the control unit 222 of the PC 220 performs the overlapping addition process, the process of determining whether or not an abnormal part is detectable, and the process of determining whether or not an abnormal part is present, and the memory unit 123 of the PC 220 stores (stores) data of the abnormal waveform 60 used in the overlapping addition process. In other words, the other configurations of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0110] (Effects of the second embodiment) The wire rope inspection device 200 according to the second embodiment has the following advantages.

[0111] In the wire rope inspection device 200 according to the second embodiment, similarly to the above-described first embodiment, it is possible to detect a portion of the wire rope W where it is difficult to detect an abnormal portion due to noise.

[0112] Other effects of the second embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment.

[0113] [Third embodiment] The configuration of a wire rope inspection system 300 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 14. In the figure, the same reference numerals are used to designate parts having the same configuration as those in the first and second embodiments.

[0114] 14, the wire rope inspection system 300 includes a wire rope inspection device 301 that detects changes in the magnetic flux of the wire rope W, and a server 302 that processes the measurement results of the wire rope W by the wire rope inspection device 301. The server 302 is an example of the "processing device" in the claims.

[0115] The wire rope inspection device 301 includes an inspection device main body 310 and a PC 320. The inspection device main body 310 is connected to a network 303 by a communication unit 36. The PC 320 is connected to the network 303 by a communication unit 121.

[0116] The server 302 is connected to the wire rope inspection device 301 and the processing unit 321 via the network 303. The server 302 includes a processing unit 321 and a storage unit 322. The processing unit 321 of the server 302 is configured to perform overlapping addition processing, abnormal part detection feasibility determination processing, and abnormal part presence / absence determination processing. The processing unit 321 includes a processor such as a CPU, a memory, and the like. The storage unit 322 is a storage device including, for example, an SSD (Solid State Drive) or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The storage unit 322 stores (stores) data of the abnormal waveform 60, the measurement results of the wire rope W (data of the detection signal detected by the detection unit 20), and the inspection results based on the measurement results of the wire rope W (abnormal part presence / absence determination results and abnormal part detection feasibility determination results), and the like.

[0117] The server 302 is configured to superimpose an abnormal waveform 60, which is a waveform of a detection signal of an abnormal part of the wire rope W acquired in advance, on a detection signal waveform, which is a waveform of a detection signal detected by the detection unit 20, similarly to the control unit 31 of the first embodiment and the control unit 222 of the second embodiment. The server 302 is configured to determine whether or not a value based on an overlapping addition waveform, which is a waveform of an overlapping addition part in which the abnormal waveform 60 is overlappingly added to the detection signal waveform, exceeds a predetermined range (detection feasibility determination threshold or noise level value) corresponding to noise in the detection signal waveform. That is, the server 302 is configured to perform an overlapping addition process on the detection signal waveform and an abnormal part detection feasibility determination process after the overlapping addition process, similarly to the control unit 31 of the first embodiment and the control unit 222 of the second embodiment. That is, in the wire rope inspection system 300, the overlapping addition process and the abnormal part detection feasibility determination process are configured to be performed outside the wire rope inspection device 301. In addition, the server 302 (processing unit 321) is configured to perform, in addition to the overlapping addition process and the process of determining whether or not an abnormal part is detectable, a process of determining whether or not there is an abnormal part in the wire rope W, such as a broken wire or rust (abnormal part presence / absence determination process).

[0118] Other configurations of the third embodiment are similar to those of the first and second embodiments.

[0119] (Effects of the third embodiment) The wire rope inspection system 300 according to the third embodiment has the following advantages.

[0120] In the wire rope inspection system 300 according to the third embodiment, similarly to the above-described first and second embodiments, it is possible to detect a portion of the wire rope W where it is difficult to detect an abnormal portion due to noise.

[0121] Other effects of the third embodiment are similar to those of the first and second embodiments.

[0122] [Variations] It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not by the description of the embodiments above, and further includes all modifications (variations) within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0123] In the above first to third embodiments, an example has been shown in which the exciting coil 11 is provided in common for a plurality of wire ropes W, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, an exciting coil may be provided for each wire rope. Also, the number of wire ropes inspected by the wire rope inspection device may be only one.

[0124] In the above first to third embodiments, the detection unit 20 is used to detect the magnetic flux of the wire rope W by the total magnetic flux method, and an example of a wire rope inspection method is shown in which the outer surface (outside) and inside of the wire rope W are inspected for abnormal parts, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, a detection coil may be used to detect leakage magnetic flux from the outer surface of the wire rope, and only the outer surface may be inspected for abnormal parts.

[0125] In the above first to third embodiments, the detection signal waveform is an example of a signal waveform (raw signal waveform) obtained by amplifying the detection signal of the detection unit 20 (the first detection coil 21 and the second detection coil 22) by the reception I / F 33, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the detection signal waveform may be a signal waveform based on the detection signal detected in the detection step. For example, a signal waveform (differential signal waveform) may be calculated based on the difference between the raw signal waveform at the past inspection and the raw signal waveform at the current (latest) inspection, and the calculated differential signal waveform may be used as the detection signal waveform to perform the superposition addition process and the abnormal part detection possibility determination process. In this case, the data of the raw signal waveform at the past inspection may be stored (stored) in the storage unit 35 of the inspection device main body 110 or 210, or may be stored (stored) in the storage unit 123 of the PC 120 or 220. In addition, data on raw signal waveforms from past inspections may be stored (contained) in a memory unit 322 of a server 302 connected to a wire rope inspection device 301 via a network 303, as in the wire rope inspection system 300.

[0126] In the above first to third embodiments, an example was shown in which the abnormal waveform 60, which is the signal waveform of the abnormal part of the wire rope W, is acquired based on the difference between the waveforms of the detection signal before and after the occurrence of an abnormal part (wire breakage) detected from another wire rope having the same specifications as the wire rope W to be inspected, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the waveform of the detection signal after the occurrence of an abnormal part detected from another wire rope having the same specifications as the wire rope to be inspected may be acquired as the abnormal waveform, which is the signal waveform of the abnormal part of the wire rope. In other words, the waveform of the detection signal including a change in the detection signal caused by the wire rope itself in addition to the abnormal waveform itself may be acquired as the abnormal waveform, which is the signal waveform of the abnormal part of the wire rope.

[0127] In the above first to third embodiments, the detection possibility determination threshold and the noise level value are used to determine whether or not an abnormal portion can be detected (determining whether or not an abnormal portion of the wire rope W can be detected), but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the detection possibility determination may be performed using only one of the detection possibility determination threshold and the noise level value.

[0128] In the above first to third embodiments, after it is determined in step 405 (determination step) that the value based on the superimposed and added waveforms does not exceed the predetermined range, in step 408 (notification step), the fact that the value based on the superimposed and added waveforms does not exceed the predetermined range is displayed on the display unit 124, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, when it is determined that the value based on the superimposed and added waveforms does not exceed the predetermined range, the normal detection mode may be automatically switched to the high sensitivity detection mode without displaying that the value based on the superimposed and added waveforms does not exceed the predetermined range, and the change in the magnetic flux of the wire rope may be redetected in the high sensitivity detection mode. Also, the fact that the value based on the superimposed and added waveforms does not exceed the predetermined range may be notified by a sound such as a voice or a warning sound.

[0129] In the above first to third embodiments, an example has been shown in which in step 404 (superimposition step), the abnormal waveform 60 acquired in advance is sequentially superimposed on all regions of the detection signal waveform, which is the waveform of the detection signal detected in step 403 (detection step), but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the abnormal waveform acquired in advance may be superimposed on any region designated by the user among the detection signal waveform, which is the waveform of the detection signal detected in the detection step, and it may be determined whether or not a value based on the superimposed waveform in which the abnormal waveform has been superimposed on the arbitrary region designated by the user exceeds a predetermined range.

[0130] In the above first to third embodiments, after it is determined in step 405 (determination step) that the value based on the superimposed and added waveform does not exceed the predetermined range, the detection sensitivity of the detection signal is increased from that in step 403 (detection step) to switch to a high sensitivity detection mode for detecting changes in the magnetic flux of the wire rope W, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, after it is determined in the determination step that the value based on the superimposed and added waveform does not exceed the predetermined range, it is not necessary to switch to the high sensitivity detection mode (transition to the mode switching step). In this case, after it is determined in the determination step that the value based on the superimposed and added waveform does not exceed the predetermined range, the user may confirm (inspect) the portion determined in the determination step that the value based on the superimposed and added waveform does not exceed the predetermined range by visual inspection or palpation. Also, after it is determined in the determination step that the value based on the superimposed and added waveform does not exceed the predetermined range, the portion determined in the determination step that the value based on the superimposed and added waveform does not exceed the predetermined range may be confirmed (inspected) using another inspection device.

[0131] In the above first to third embodiments, the high sensitivity detection mode is an example of a mode in which the change in the magnetic flux of the wire rope W is detected in a state in which the moving speed of the wire rope W at the time of detecting the change in the magnetic flux of the wire rope W is slower than that in the normal detection mode, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the high sensitivity detection mode may be a mode in which the detection unit that detects the change in the magnetic flux of the wire rope is brought closer to the wire rope than in the normal detection mode. In this case, the detection sensitivity can be increased by bringing the detection unit that detects the change in the magnetic flux of the wire rope closer to the wire rope than in the normal detection mode (detection step), so that the change in the magnetic flux of the wire rope can be detected with higher accuracy. As a result, even in a portion where the change in the detection signal caused by the abnormal part of the wire rope is difficult to detect because it is buried in noise in the detection signal waveform, the change in the signal caused by the abnormal part of the wire rope can be detected with higher accuracy than in the normal detection mode (detection step). The high sensitivity detection mode may be a mode in which the detection unit that detects the change in the magnetic flux of the wire rope is brought closer to the wire rope than in the normal detection mode (detection step) and the moving speed of the wire rope when the change in the magnetic flux of the wire rope is detected is slower (lower) than in the normal detection mode. In addition, the present invention may include, as the high sensitivity detection mode, a mode in which the detection unit that detects the change in the magnetic flux of the wire rope is brought closer to the wire rope than in the normal detection mode (detection step) and the moving speed of the wire rope when the change in the magnetic flux of the wire rope is detected is slower than in the normal detection mode, a mode in which the detection unit that detects the change in the magnetic flux of the wire rope is brought closer to the wire rope than in the normal detection mode, and a mode in which the moving speed of the wire rope when the change in the magnetic flux of the wire rope is detected is slower than in the normal detection mode. In addition, in the present invention, the detection unit may be configured to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the wire rope (the direction in which the wire rope extends), and a mode in which the detection unit is moved without moving the wire rope may be included as the high sensitivity detection mode. In this case, noise caused by vibration of the wire rope can be suppressed when the change in the magnetic flux of the wire rope is detected.

[0132] In the above first to third embodiments, an example was shown in which detection of changes in the magnetic flux of the wire rope W was performed again in high sensitivity detection mode in a section where it was determined in step 405 (determination step) that the value based on the superimposed sum waveform does not exceed the predetermined range, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, when it is determined in the determination step that the value based on the superimposed sum waveform does not exceed the predetermined range, detection of changes in the magnetic flux of the wire rope may be performed again in high sensitivity detection mode in the entire inspection area of ​​the wire rope including the section where it was determined in the determination step that the value based on the superimposed sum waveform does not exceed the predetermined range.

[0133] In the above first to third embodiments, the presence or absence of an abnormal part of the wire rope W, such as a broken wire or rust, is determined based on the detection signal waveform at the time of the current (latest) inspection, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the presence or absence of an abnormal part of the wire rope may be determined based on the difference data between the detection signal waveform at the time of the current (latest) inspection and the detection signal waveform at the time of the past inspection. That is, the state of the wire rope, such as the presence or absence of an abnormal part, may be analyzed (determined) based on data (difference data) calculated by the history difference method. In this case, the detection signal waveform at the time of the past inspection is used as the detection signal waveform at the time of the past inspection. For example, the detection signal waveform at the time of the first inspection is used as the detection signal waveform at the time of the past inspection. In addition, in the present invention, the state of the wire rope, such as the presence or absence of an abnormal part, may be analyzed (determined) based on the difference data between the differentiation processing waveform obtained by differentiating the detection signal waveform (raw signal waveform) at the time of the current (latest) inspection and the differentiation processing waveform obtained by differentiating the detection signal waveform (raw signal waveform) at the time of the past inspection.

[0134] In the above first to third embodiments, an example has been shown in which a plurality of detection units 20 are provided corresponding to a plurality of wire ropes W, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, a detection unit may be provided in common for a plurality of wire ropes (a plurality of detection units) and configured to collectively detect changes in the magnetic flux of the wire ropes.

[0135] In the above first to third embodiments, an example is shown in which the magnetization adjusting unit 40 is provided to adjust the magnetic flux of the wire rope W to which a magnetic field is applied by the excitation coil 11, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention may be configured such that the detection unit detects a change in the magnetic flux of the wire rope to which a magnetic field is applied by the excitation unit, without magnetization by the magnetization adjusting unit.

[0136] In the first to third embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, the magnetic adjustment unit 40 (magnets 40a and 40b) is disposed on the Z2 side of the detection unit 20 and the excitation coil 11, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the magnetic adjustment unit may be disposed on the Z1 side of the detection unit and the excitation coil. Also, two magnetic adjustment units may be provided and disposed to sandwich the detection unit and the excitation unit (excitation coil) in the Z direction (the direction in which the wire rope extends). In this case, one of the two magnetic adjustment units may be disposed so that the north poles of the magnets face each other, and the other magnetic adjustment unit may be disposed so that the south poles of the magnets face each other.

[0137] In the above-mentioned first embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the processing during the wire rope inspection of the present invention is explained using a flow-driven flowchart in which the processing is performed in order according to the processing flow, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the processing operation may be performed by an event-driven processing in which the processing is performed on an event-by-event basis. In this case, the processing may be performed completely in an event-driven manner, or may be performed in a combination of event-driven and flow-driven.

[0138] In the above first to third embodiments, examples of the wire rope inspection method, wire rope inspection device 100 (200, 301), and wire rope inspection system 300 for inspecting the wire rope W used in the elevator 900 are shown, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The present invention may also be a wire rope inspection method, wire rope inspection device, and wire rope inspection system for inspecting a wire rope used in a crane, a ropeway, a suspension bridge, a robot, and the like. In addition, in the case where the wire rope itself does not move, such as a wire rope used in a suspension bridge, the magnetic flux of the wire rope may be measured by the wire rope inspection device while the detection unit of the wire rope inspection device is moved along the wire rope.

[0139] [Aspects] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the exemplary embodiments described above are examples of the following aspects.

[0140] (Item 1) an exciting step of exciting the wire rope by applying a magnetic field to the wire rope; a detection step of detecting a change in the magnetic flux of the wire rope excited in the excitation step; a superposition and addition step of superposing and adding an abnormal waveform, which is a signal waveform of an abnormal portion of the wire rope previously acquired, on a detection signal waveform, which is a signal waveform based on the detection signal detected in the detection step; A wire rope inspection method comprising: a determination step of determining whether a value based on a superimposed added waveform, which is the waveform of the superimposed added portion in which the abnormal waveform is superimposed on the detection signal waveform, exceeds a predetermined range corresponding to noise in the detection signal waveform.

[0141] (Item 2) Prior to the superimposition and addition step, the method further includes an abnormal waveform acquisition step of acquiring the abnormal waveform, which is a signal waveform of the abnormal portion of the wire rope, based on a difference between waveforms of detection signals before and after the occurrence of an abnormal portion detected in another wire rope having the same specifications as the wire rope being inspected; The wire rope inspection method described in paragraph 1, wherein the determination step determines whether a value based on the overlapped-added waveform in which the abnormal waveform acquired in the abnormal waveform acquisition step is overlapped and added to the detection signal waveform exceeds the predetermined range corresponding to noise in the detection signal waveform in order to determine whether the abnormal waveform overlapped and added to the detection signal waveform in the overlapped-added portion is buried in noise in the detection signal waveform.

[0142] (Item 3) The wire rope inspection method described in 1 or 2, wherein the judgment step judges whether or not the maximum value of the peak of the waveform obtained by differentiating the overlapped added waveform exceeds the specified range corresponding to noise in the detection signal waveform.

[0143] (Item 4) The wire rope inspection method described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the determination step determines whether or not the maximum value of the peaks of the waveform obtained by differentiating the overlapped added waveform exceeds a noise level value that is set based on the maximum value of the peaks caused by noise in a specific section based on the overlapped added portion of the waveform obtained by differentiating the detection signal waveform.

[0144] (Item 5) The wire rope inspection method described in any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a notification step of notifying a user that the value based on the superimposed sum waveform does not exceed the predetermined range after it is determined in the judgment step that the value based on the superimposed sum waveform does not exceed the predetermined range.

[0145] (Item 6) the superimposition step includes a step of sequentially superimposing and adding the abnormal waveform acquired in advance to all regions of the detection signal waveform, which is the waveform of the detection signal detected in the detection step, The wire rope inspection method described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the determination step includes a step of determining whether or not a value based on the overlapped added waveform in which the abnormal waveform is overlapped and added to the detection signal waveform exceeds the predetermined range each time the abnormal waveform is sequentially overlapped and added to the detection signal waveform in the overlapping and adding step.

[0146] (Item 7) The wire rope inspection method described in any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a mode switching step of switching to a high sensitivity detection mode for detecting changes in the magnetic flux of the wire rope with the detection sensitivity of the detection signal increased compared to the detection step after it is determined in the determination step that the value based on the superimposed added waveform does not exceed the predetermined range.

[0147] (Item 8) The wire rope inspection method described in paragraph 7, wherein the mode switching step is a step of changing to the high sensitivity detection mode, which is a mode for detecting changes in the magnetic flux of the wire rope, by at least one of bringing a detection unit that detects changes in the magnetic flux of the wire rope closer to the wire rope than in the detection step, or by slowing the moving speed of the wire rope when detecting changes in the magnetic flux of the wire rope compared to the detection step.

[0148] (Item 9) The wire rope inspection method described in claim 7 or 8, further comprising a re-detection step of, after the mode switching step, again detecting changes in the magnetic flux of the wire rope using the high sensitivity detection mode, at least in the section in which it is determined in the determination step that the value based on the superimposed added waveform does not exceed the specified range.

[0149] (Item 10) An excitation unit that excites the wire rope by applying a magnetic field to the wire rope; A detection unit that detects a change in magnetic flux of the wire rope excited by the excitation unit; A control unit that processes a detection signal detected by the detection unit, The control unit of the wire rope inspection device is configured to superimpose an abnormal waveform, which is the waveform of the detection signal of an abnormal part of the wire rope that has been previously acquired, onto the detection signal waveform, which is the waveform of the detection signal detected by the detection unit, and to determine whether a value based on the superimposed addition waveform, which is the waveform of the superimposed addition part in which the abnormal waveform is superimposed on the detection signal waveform, exceeds a predetermined range corresponding to noise in the detection signal waveform.

[0150] (Item 11) a wire rope inspection device for detecting a change in magnetic flux of the wire rope; A processing device that processes the measurement results of the wire rope by the wire rope inspection device, The wire rope inspection device includes an excitation unit that excites the wire rope by applying a magnetic field to the wire rope, and a detection unit that detects a change in magnetic flux of the wire rope excited by the excitation unit, The processing device is configured to superimpose an abnormal waveform, which is the waveform of the detection signal of an abnormal part of the wire rope that has been acquired in advance, onto the detection signal waveform, which is the waveform of the detection signal detected by the detection unit, and to determine whether a value based on the superimposed addition waveform, which is the waveform of the superimposed addition part in which the abnormal waveform is superimposed on the detection signal waveform, exceeds a predetermined range corresponding to noise in the detection signal waveform. [Explanation of symbols]

[0151] 11 Excitation coil (excitation part) 20 Detection unit 31 (Inspection device body) control unit 60 Abnormal waveform 100, 200, 301 Wire rope inspection equipment 222 (PC) Control Unit 300 Wire Rope Inspection System 302 Server (processing device) W Wire Rope

Claims

1. an exciting step of exciting the wire rope by applying a magnetic field to the wire rope; a detection step of detecting a change in the magnetic flux of the wire rope excited in the excitation step; a superposition and addition step of superposing and adding an abnormal waveform, which is a signal waveform of an abnormal portion of the wire rope previously acquired, on a detection signal waveform, which is a signal waveform based on the detection signal detected in the detection step; A wire rope inspection method comprising: a determination step of determining whether a value based on a superimposed added waveform, which is the waveform of the superimposed added portion in which the abnormal waveform is superimposed on the detection signal waveform, exceeds a predetermined range corresponding to noise in the detection signal waveform.

2. Prior to the superimposition and addition step, the method further includes an abnormal waveform acquisition step of acquiring the abnormal waveform, which is a signal waveform of the abnormal portion of the wire rope, based on a difference between waveforms of detection signals before and after the occurrence of an abnormal portion detected in another wire rope having the same specifications as the wire rope being inspected; 2. The wire rope inspection method according to claim 1, wherein the determination step determines whether a value based on the overlapped-added waveform in which the abnormal waveform acquired in the abnormal waveform acquisition step is overlapped and added to the detection signal waveform exceeds the predetermined range corresponding to noise in the detection signal waveform in order to determine whether the abnormal waveform overlapped and added to the detection signal waveform in the overlapped-added portion is buried in noise in the detection signal waveform.

3. The wire rope inspection method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the determination step determines whether or not the maximum value of the peak of the waveform obtained by differentiating the overlapped sum waveform exceeds the predetermined range corresponding to noise in the detection signal waveform.

4. The wire rope inspection method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the determination step determines whether or not the maximum value of the peak of the waveform obtained by differentiating the overlapped and added waveform exceeds a noise level value set based on the maximum value of the peak caused by noise in a specific section based on the overlapped and added portion of the waveform obtained by differentiating the detection signal waveform.

5. The wire rope inspection method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a notification step of notifying a user that the value based on the superimposed sum waveform does not exceed the predetermined range after it is determined in the determination step that the value based on the superimposed sum waveform exceeds the predetermined range.

6. the superimposition step includes a step of sequentially superimposing and adding the abnormal waveform acquired in advance to all regions of the detection signal waveform, which is the waveform of the detection signal detected in the detection step, The wire rope inspection method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the determination step includes a step of determining whether or not a value based on the overlapped-added waveform in which the abnormal waveform is overlapped and added to the detection signal waveform exceeds the predetermined range each time the abnormal waveform is sequentially overlapped and added to the detection signal waveform in the overlapping and adding step.

7. The wire rope inspection method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a mode switching step of switching to a high sensitivity detection mode for detecting changes in the magnetic flux of the wire rope with a detection sensitivity of the detection signal increased compared to the detection step after it is determined in the determination step that the value based on the superimposed added waveform does not exceed the predetermined range.

8. The wire rope inspection method described in claim 7, wherein the mode switching step is a step of changing to the high sensitivity detection mode, which is a mode for detecting changes in magnetic flux of the wire rope, by at least one of bringing a detection unit that detects changes in magnetic flux of the wire rope closer to the wire rope than in the detection step, or by slowing the moving speed of the wire rope when detecting changes in magnetic flux of the wire rope slower than in the detection step.

9. The wire rope inspection method of claim 7 or 8, further comprising a re-detection step of detecting changes in the magnetic flux of the wire rope again using the high sensitivity detection mode at least in the section in which it is determined in the determination step that the value based on the superimposed additive waveform exceeds the specified range after the mode switching step.

10. An excitation unit that excites the wire rope by applying a magnetic field to the wire rope; A detection unit that detects a change in magnetic flux of the wire rope excited by the excitation unit; A control unit that processes a detection signal detected by the detection unit, The control unit of the wire rope inspection device is configured to superimpose an abnormal waveform, which is the waveform of the detection signal of an abnormal part of the wire rope that has been previously acquired, onto the detection signal waveform, which is the waveform of the detection signal detected by the detection unit, and to determine whether a value based on the superimposed addition waveform, which is the waveform of the superimposed addition part in which the abnormal waveform is superimposed on the detection signal waveform, exceeds a predetermined range corresponding to noise in the detection signal waveform.

11. a wire rope inspection device for detecting a change in magnetic flux of the wire rope; A processing device that processes the measurement results of the wire rope by the wire rope inspection device, The wire rope inspection device includes an excitation unit that excites the wire rope by applying a magnetic field to the wire rope, and a detection unit that detects a change in magnetic flux of the wire rope excited by the excitation unit, The processing device is configured to superimpose an abnormal waveform, which is the waveform of the detection signal of an abnormal part of the wire rope that has been acquired in advance, onto the detection signal waveform, which is the waveform of the detection signal detected by the detection unit, and to determine whether a value based on the superimposed addition waveform, which is the waveform of the superimposed addition part in which the abnormal waveform is superimposed on the detection signal waveform, exceeds a predetermined range corresponding to noise in the detection signal waveform.

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