Wire Rope Inspection Equipment

Abstract

To provide a wire rope inspection device capable of inspecting multiple wire ropes to be inspected by a common detection part even if the number and arrangement of the wire ropes differ.SOLUTION: A wire rope inspection device 100 is configured so as to move a detection part (detection coils 31a and 31b) along a first direction in which multiple wire ropes W are aligned by a drive part 50, and to move the detection part so as to detect each magnetic flux of the multiple wire ropes W one by one by moving the detection part along a second direction that is orthogonal to both of the first direction and a direction in which the multiple wire ropes W extend.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a wire rope inspection device that detects magnetic flux in a plurality of wire ropes. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, a magnetic material inspection device that detects the magnetic fields (magnetic fluxes) of a plurality of magnetic materials (wire ropes) has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The wire rope inspection device (magnetic material inspection device) described in Patent Document 1 above includes multiple detector coils that detect the magnetic flux (magnetic field) of multiple wire ropes (magnetic materials). The multiple detector coils are provided on each of the multiple wire ropes so as to detect the magnetic flux of each of the multiple wire ropes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6863518 specification Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, when a detector coil (detector) that detects the magnetic flux of each of the multiple wire ropes is provided for each of the multiple wire ropes, as in the magnetic material inspection device of Patent Document 1, it is necessary to provide a detector for each of the multiple wire ropes and arrange the detectors in accordance with the arrangement (rope pitch) of the multiple wire ropes. Therefore, if the number or arrangement of the wire ropes varies, it is not possible to inspect the multiple wire ropes using a common detector. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to perform inspection using a common detector even when the number and arrangement of the multiple wire ropes to be inspected vary.

[0006] This invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one object of this invention is to provide a wire rope inspection device that can perform inspection using a common detection unit even when the number or arrangement of multiple wire ropes to be inspected is different. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one aspect of the present invention, a wire rope inspection device includes a detection unit that detects the magnetic flux of each of a plurality of wire ropes to be inspected that are arranged in a line along a first direction, a drive unit that moves the detection unit, and a drive control unit that controls the operation of the drive unit.The drive control unit is configured to move the detection unit using the drive unit along the first direction in which the plurality of wire ropes are arranged, and along a second direction that is perpendicular to both the first direction and the direction in which the plurality of wire ropes extend, thereby moving the detection unit so as to detect the magnetic flux of each of the plurality of wire ropes one by one. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] In one aspect of the present invention, as described above, the drive control unit of the wire rope inspection device is configured to move the detector by the drive unit along a first direction in which the wire ropes are arranged and along a second direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the direction in which the wire ropes extend, thereby moving the detector so as to detect the magnetic flux of each of the wire ropes one by one. By moving the detector along the first direction in which the wire ropes are arranged, the wire ropes can be inspected one by one even when the number of wire ropes and the positions in which the wire ropes are arranged are different. As a result, inspection can be performed using a common detector even when the number or positions of the wire ropes to be inspected are different. Furthermore, when the wire ropes are arranged at relatively close intervals, adjacent detectors physically interfere with each other, making it impossible to arrange multiple detectors in a row to correspond to each of the wire ropes. In contrast, in the present invention, the detection unit is configured to move so as to detect the magnetic flux of each of the multiple wire ropes one by one, so that the detection unit can be set up to detect only one wire rope.Therefore, it is possible to inspect multiple wire ropes that are arranged at closer intervals than when multiple detection units are arranged side by side. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining an elevator and a wire rope inspection device. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a wire rope inspection device. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of a magnetic field application unit, an excitation coil, and a detection unit of a wire rope inspection device. [Figure 4] 3A and 3B are schematic diagrams for explaining the configuration of a pair of detector coils of a detector; [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a detection unit and a drive unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a top view showing the configuration of a detection unit and a drive unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the configuration of a detection unit and a drive unit. [Figure 8] 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating engagement between the holding portion and the upper arm member and the lower arm member. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining movement of a detection unit. [Figure 10] These figures show an example of a case where multiple wire ropes are arranged side by side at relatively close intervals, where (A) shows a comparative example where multiple detection units are provided to correspond to multiple wire ropes, and (B) shows an example where one detection unit is provided. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] The configuration of a wire rope inspection device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 10. In the following description, "orthogonal" means intersecting at an angle of 90 degrees or close to 90 degrees. Furthermore, "parallel" includes parallel and approximately parallel.

[0012] (Overall configuration of wire rope inspection device) As shown in Fig. 1, the wire rope inspection device 100 inspects a plurality of wire ropes W that are to be inspected and are placed in an elevator 101. Specifically, the wire rope inspection device 100 is a device for inspecting the plurality of wire ropes W that are placed in the elevator 101 for abnormalities (such as broken wires).

[0013] Furthermore, the wire rope inspection device 100 is a device that can check for abnormalities in the wire rope W that are difficult to check visually using the total magnetic flux method, which measures the magnetic flux inside the wire rope W. If the wire rope W contains an abnormal part (broken wire, thinning, rust, etc.), the magnetic flux in the abnormal part will be different from that in a normal part. Unlike methods that measure leakage magnetic flux from abnormal parts on the surface of the wire rope W, the total magnetic flux method is a method that can also detect abnormal parts inside the wire rope W.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, elevator 101 includes a car 101a, sheaves 101b and 101c, a control device 101d, and a wire rope W. Elevator 101 is configured so that sheave 101b (pulley) provided on the hoist rotates to wind up wire rope W, thereby moving car 101a carrying people, cargo, and the like, in the vertical direction. Elevator 101 is also a double-wrap (full-wrap) rope elevator equipped with two sheaves, 101b and 101c. The double-wrap system is a structure in which wire rope W is looped around sheave 101b twice by leading wire rope W from sheave 101b of the hoist to sheave 101c, which is a deflector pulley, and then returning to sheave 101b of the hoist.

[0015] The control device 101d includes a control panel that controls the operation of each part of the elevator 101. The control device 101d also includes a wireless communication module and is configured to be able to communicate with the wire rope inspection device 100. The control device 101d of the elevator 101 is also configured to be able to communicate with an elevator monitoring system (not shown) that remotely monitors the operation of the elevator 101. In this embodiment, based on input from the elevator monitoring system, the control device 101d switches between normal operation (normal operation mode) in which the elevator operates with people and cargo loaded, and inspection operation (inspection operation mode) in which the wire rope W is inspected. The control device 101d is also configured to change the movement speed (operating speed) of the car 101a of the elevator 101 between normal operation and inspection operation. For example, during normal operation, the operating speed (moving speed and hoisting speed of the wire rope W) is approximately 500 m / min, and during inspection operation, the operating speed is approximately 10 m / min or more and 40 m / min or less. Furthermore, the vibration of the wire rope W increases in accordance with the operating speed of the elevator 101.

[0016] The wire rope W is a magnetic body made of a long material, formed by weaving (e.g., strand weaving) magnetic wire material. The wire rope W is inspected for condition (presence or absence of scratches, etc.) by a wire rope inspection device 100 to prevent breakage due to deterioration. If the wire rope W is determined to have deteriorated beyond a predetermined standard as a result of measuring the magnetic flux of the wire rope W, the wire rope W is replaced by an inspection worker. Note that, for convenience, only one wire rope W is shown in the example shown in FIG. 1, but the elevator 101 is equipped with multiple wire ropes W. For example, the elevator 101 is equipped with four wire ropes W (see FIG. 5).

[0017] The wire rope inspection device 100 is disposed between the sheaves 101b and 101c of the elevator 101 so as to inspect the wire rope W. The wire rope inspection device 100 may be disposed closer to the car room 101a than the sheave 101b. The wire rope inspection device 100 may also be disposed either above or below the wire rope W between the sheaves 101b and 101c.

[0018] (Configuration of each part of the wire rope inspection device) As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the wire rope inspection device 100 includes a magnetic field application unit 10, an excitation coil 20, a detection unit 30, and a control board 40 as components for measuring the magnetic flux (magnetic field) of the wire rope W. The wire rope W is arranged so as to extend in the X direction at the position of the wire rope inspection device 100. The wire rope inspection device 100 measures the magnetic flux of the wire rope W as it moves in the X2 direction along the extension direction (X direction) of the wire rope W due to the operation of the hoisting machine of the elevator 101. The wire rope inspection device 100 then inspects the condition of the wire rope W at each position in the X direction by measuring the magnetic flux at each position in the X direction of the wire rope W. Note that multiple wire ropes W are arranged side by side along the Y direction (see FIG. 5). The Y direction is an example of the "first direction" in the claims.

[0019] The magnetic field application unit 10 aligns the direction of magnetization of each of the multiple wire ropes W by applying a magnetic field to the multiple wire ropes W in advance. The magnetic field application unit 10 is, for example, a permanent magnet. The magnetic field application unit 10 also includes a pair of magnetic field application units 10a and 10b that are arranged on both sides of the multiple wire ropes W in a direction (Z direction) perpendicular to both the Y direction in which the multiple wire ropes W are arranged and the X direction in which the wire ropes W extend. The Z direction is an example of the "second direction" in the claims.

[0020] The magnetic field application units 10a and 10b are arranged on either side of the wire rope W in the short direction (Z direction) so as to sandwich the wire ropes W together. Specifically, the magnetic field application unit 10a is arranged on the Z1 direction side of the wire rope W. The magnetic field application unit 10b is arranged on the Z2 direction side of the wire rope W. The magnetic field application units 10a and 10b are each arranged with their N poles facing the wire rope W. That is, the magnetic field application units 10a and 10b are arranged so that the N pole of the magnetic field application unit 10a facing the Z2 direction and the N pole of the magnetic field application unit 10b facing the Z1 direction face each other, sandwiching the wire ropes W together. The magnetic field application units 10a and 10b are configured to be capable of applying a relatively strong magnetic field in order to align the magnetization direction of the wire rope W approximately uniformly.

[0021] The excitation coil 20 is configured to apply a magnetic flux (magnetic field) to the plurality of wire ropes W. Specifically, the excitation coil 20 is provided so as to be wound around the plurality of wire ropes W in the direction (X direction) in which the wire ropes W extend so as to excite (vibrate) the magnetization state of the wire ropes W. Specifically, in this embodiment, the excitation coil 20 is wound along the direction (X direction) in which the wire ropes W extend so as to surround all of the plurality (four) of wire ropes W collectively, separately from the detection unit 30. The excitation coil 20 is provided so as to be wound around the outside of the detection unit 30 with respect to the wire rope W.

[0022] The excitation coil 20 generates a magnetic flux (magnetic field) inside the coil (inside the loop of the coil) along the extension direction (X direction) of the wire rope W by passing an AC current output from an excitation power source (not shown) under the control of the control unit 41 (described later) of the control board 40. The excitation coil 20 then applies the generated magnetic flux (magnetic field) to the wire rope W. Specifically, the control unit 41 controls the excitation coil 20 to pass an AC current (excitation current) having a constant magnitude and a constant frequency, thereby applying a magnetic field that oscillates in the extension direction (X direction) of the wire rope W. That is, in the wire rope W, the magnetic field (magnetic flux) previously adjusted by the magnetic field application unit 10 is periodically oscillated by the excitation coil 20 in the magnetization state (direction of the magnetic field) toward the X1 direction and the X2 direction.

[0023] The detection unit 30 is configured to detect the magnetic flux of each of the multiple wire ropes W to be inspected, which are moving along the X direction. In this embodiment, the detection unit 30 includes a pair of detection coils 31a and 31b. The pair of detection coils 31a and 31b is disposed on both sides of one of the multiple wire ropes W. That is, the detection coil 31a is disposed on one side in the Z direction (the Z1 direction side). The detection coil 31b is disposed on the other side in the Z direction (the Z2 direction side). During inspection operation (inspection operation mode), the detection coils 31a and 31b of the detection unit 30 use a total magnetic flux method to detect the magnetic flux of the wire rope W, whose magnetization state has been excited by the application of a magnetic field by the excitation coil 20, after a magnetic field has been applied in advance by the magnetic field application unit 10 (after being magnetized). The detection coils 31a and 31b detect the magnetic flux inside each of the plurality of wire ropes W by the total magnetic flux method, and output a magnetic flux signal as a detection signal.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 4, specifically, the detector coils 31a and 31b are arranged so that one wire rope W is sandwiched between the two coils when inspecting the wire rope W. Specifically, the detector coils 31a and 31b are each an independent saddle-shaped coil. Each of the detector coils 31a and 31b is arranged so that it covers half of the circumference of the wire rope W during inspection operation. Therefore, the detector coils 31a and 31b together completely surround the circumference of the wire rope W. Each of the detector coils 31a and 31b is formed by a conductor pattern provided on a flexible substrate. The detector coils 31a and 31b are arranged so that they are wound around the wire rope W along the direction in which the wire rope W extends (the X direction). That is, the detector coils 31a and 31b are arranged so that the two saddle-shaped coils completely wrap around the circumference of the wire rope W along the direction in which the wire rope W extends. In this specification, the term "winding" is used to refer not only to winding (wrapping) one or more times, but also to winding an angle less than one time (for example, half a turn).

[0025] Furthermore, each of the detector coils 31a and 31b is wound along the extension direction (X direction) of the wire rope W, thereby detecting (measuring) magnetic flux that penetrates the inside of the coil along the extension direction (X direction) of the wire rope W. The detector coils 31a and 31b are configured to detect changes in the magnetic flux (magnetic field) that is periodically changed over time by the excitation coil 20. Each of the detector coils 31a and 31b outputs a magnetic flux signal (detection signal) indicative of the detected magnetic flux to the magnetic flux signal acquisition unit 42 of the control board 40. The detector coils 31a and 31b of the detector 30 are configured to be movable by a drive unit 50, which will be described later. The movement of the detector 30 (detector coils 31a and 31b) by the drive unit 50 will be described in detail below.

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the control board 40 includes a control unit 41, a magnetic flux signal acquisition unit 42, a communication unit 43, and a storage unit 44.

[0027] The control unit 41 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, an AD converter, etc. The control unit 41 controls each part of the wire rope inspection device 100. Specifically, the control unit 41 controls the operation of the excitation coil 20 by outputting a control signal. The control unit 41 also controls the operation of the drive unit 50, which will be described later. The control unit 41 also determines abnormal parts of the wire rope W, such as a broken wire (a broken wire), based on the measurement results (detection signal) indicating the magnetic flux of the wire rope W detected by the detection unit 30. Details of the control by the control unit 41 will be described later. The control unit 41 is an example of a "drive control unit" in the claims.

[0028] The magnetic flux signal acquiring unit 42 acquires (receives) a magnetic flux signal from the detection unit 30 (detection coils 31a and 31b). The magnetic flux signal acquiring unit 42 includes an amplifier. The magnetic flux signal acquiring unit 42 then amplifies the acquired magnetic flux signal and outputs (transmits) it to the control unit 41. Specifically, the magnetic flux signal acquiring unit 42 acquires the sum of the output from the detection coil 31a and the output from the detection coil 31b as a detection signal (magnetic flux signal) of the wire rope W by the detection unit 30. In this way, the control unit 41 acquires the detection signal from the detection unit 30 as a detection signal of the magnetic flux from a pair of differential coils that are differentially connected by combining the pair of detection coils 31a and 31b, which are two saddle-shaped coils.

[0029] The communication unit 43 is configured to be able to communicate with the control device 101d of the elevator 101. The communication unit 43 is a communication interface. Specifically, the communication unit 102a includes a wireless communication module capable of wireless communication via wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), or the like. The control unit 41 is configured to be able to acquire, via the communication unit 43, information on the operation mode of the elevator 101 (information on switching of the operation mode) and position information indicating the position (hoisting position) of the wire rope W arranged in the elevator 101 from the elevator 101 (control device 101d of the elevator 101) side. Note that the connection between the wire rope inspection device 100 and the control device 101d of the elevator 101 via the communication unit 43 may be a wired connection.

[0030] The memory unit 44 is a storage medium including, for example, a flash memory, and stores (preserves) information such as the measurement results of the wire rope W from the detector coils 31a and 31b and the analysis results of the measurement results of the wire rope W by the control unit 41. The memory unit 44 also stores various programs and parameters for operating the control unit 41. In this embodiment, the memory unit 44 pre-stores the movement amounts of the pair of detector coils 31a and 31b based on the separation distance (rope pitch) between multiple wire ropes W in the Y direction for the movement of the detection unit 30, which will be described later. The movement amounts of the pair of detector coils 31a and 31b are input when the wire rope inspection device 100 is installed, for example.

[0031] (Movement of the detection unit) Next, the movement of the detection unit 30 in the wire rope inspection device 100 will be described with reference to Figures 2, 3, and 5 to 9. The wire rope inspection device 100 is configured to move the detection unit 30 under the control of the control unit 41 of the control board 40.

[0032] <Configuration for moving the detection unit> As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, the wire rope inspection device 100 includes a drive unit 50. The drive unit 50 moves the detection unit 30 under the control of the control unit 41. In this embodiment, the control unit 41 is configured to move the detection unit 30 (detection coils 31a and 31b) using the drive unit 50 in the Y direction and in the Z direction, thereby moving the detection unit 30 (detection coils 31a and 31b) so as to detect the magnetic flux of each of the multiple wire ropes W one by one. In addition, the pair of detector coils 31a and 31b are disposed on holders 70a and 70b, respectively. The control unit 41 operates the drive unit 50 to move the holders 70a and 70b, thereby moving the detector coils 31a and 31b.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 3, the wire rope inspection device 100 includes a housing 100a and a base 100b. The magnetic field application unit 10 and the excitation coil 20 are fixed to the housing 100a, which is arranged to surround the multiple wire ropes W. That is, the positions of the magnetic field application unit 10 and the excitation coil 20 do not change between normal operation and inspection operation. On the other hand, the detection unit 30 (detection coils 31a and 31b) is fixed to the drive unit 50 and configured to be repositionable. That is, the control unit 41 is configured to move the detection unit 30 (detection coils 31a and 31b) using the drive unit 50 separately from the magnetic field application unit 10 and the excitation coil 20, thereby moving the detection unit 30 so as to detect the magnetic flux of each of the multiple wire ropes W to which the magnetic flux (magnetic field) has been applied by the excitation coil 20, one by one. The base 100b is fixed to the housing of a hoisting machine of the elevator 101, for example. The housing 100a and a base 50a, which will be described later, are fixed to the base 100b.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the drive unit 50 includes a base 50a. The base 50a is attached to a base 100b to which the housing 100a of the wire rope inspection device 100 is fixed. The base 50a is an L-shaped member having a flat portion extending along the Z direction and a portion of a certain area attached to the base 100b. The drive unit 50 is provided with an upper arm member 51a and a lower arm member 51b. The upper arm member 51a and the lower arm member 51b are flat members extending along the Y direction. The upper arm member 51a is disposed on the Z1 side, which is one side in the Z direction, of the multiple wire ropes W. The lower arm member 51b is disposed on the Z2 side, which is the other side in the Z direction, of the multiple wire ropes W. The holders 70a and 70b are disposed on the upper arm member 51a and the lower arm member 51b, respectively, so as to be movable in the Y direction. Furthermore, the holders 70a and 70b have an L-shape extending along the Z and X directions. The detector coils 31a and 31b are disposed on the L-shaped holders 70a and 70b near the center of the excitation coil 20 in the X direction.

[0035] Drive unit 50 includes a motor 52, pulleys 53a, 53b, belt 53c, fixtures 53d, 53e, linear guide blocks 54a, 54b, and linear guide rails 54c as components for moving detector coil 31a and detector coil 31b in the Z direction. In this embodiment, control unit 41 is configured to move detector coil 31a and detector coil 31b, which are held by holders 70a and 70b, respectively, in the Z direction by causing drive unit 50 to move upper arm member 51a and lower arm member 51b in the Z direction.

[0036] The motor 52 is, for example, a stepping motor whose rotation speed (rotation angle) is controlled based on a control signal from the control unit 41. The motor 52 is fixed to the base unit 50a. The rotation shaft of the motor 52 is connected to a pulley 53b. A circular belt 53c is looped between the pulleys 53a and 53b along the Z direction. The rotation of the motor 52 rotates the pulley 53b, causing the belt 53c to move and rotate. Fixing devices 53d and 53e are fixed to the belt 53c with fastening members such as screws. The fixing devices 53d and 53e are fixed to the upper arm member 51a and the lower arm member 51b, respectively, with fastening members such as screws. When the belt 53c moves due to the rotation of the motor 52, the fixing devices 53d and 53e fixed to the belt 53c move the same distance in opposite directions in the Z direction. As a result, upper arm member 51a and lower arm member 51b, which are fixed to fixtures 53d and 53e, respectively, are configured to move the same distance in opposite directions along the Z direction. In other words, by controlling the rotational operation of motor 52, the movements of upper arm member 51a and lower arm member 51b in the Z direction are controlled in synchronization.

[0037] Additionally, linear guide blocks 54a and 54b are fixed to the upper arm member 51a and the lower arm member 51b, respectively, with fastening members such as screws. The linear guide blocks 54a and 54b engage with a linear guide rail 54c that is fixed to the base portion 50a so as to extend along the Z direction. The linear guide blocks 54a and 54b and the linear guide rail 54c enable the upper arm member 51a and the lower arm member 51b to move linearly along the Z direction relative to the base portion 50a.

[0038] Furthermore, drive unit 50 includes motors 55a, 55b, threaded rods 56a, 56b, joints 57a, and joints 57b as components for moving detector 30 (detector coils 31a and 31b) along the Y direction. In this embodiment, detector coil 31a is held by holder 70a on upper arm member 51a and arranged to be movable in the Y direction. Detector coil 31b is held by holder 70b on lower arm member 51b and arranged to be movable in the Y direction. Motors 55a and 55b are examples of a "first drive unit" and a "second drive unit," respectively.

[0039] Like motor 52, motors 55a and 55b are stepping motors whose rotation speed (rotation angle) is controlled based on a control signal from control unit 41. Motors 55a and 55b are fixed to upper arm member 51a and lower arm member 51b, respectively. The rotating shaft of motor 55a is connected to threaded rod 56a via joint 57a. Similarly, the rotating shaft of motor 55b is connected to threaded rod 56b via joint 57b. That is, the rotation of motors 55a and 55b rotates threaded rods 56a and 56b, respectively. Each of threaded rods 56a and 56b is disposed to extend along the Y direction from the Y1 direction side to the Y2 direction side of the multiple wire ropes W. The threaded rod 56a is threadedly engaged with a hole 71a provided in holding unit 70a. The inner surface of hole 71a is provided with a female thread that threads onto the threads of threaded rod 56a. Similarly, the threaded rod 56b is threaded into a hole 71b provided in the holder 70b. The inner surface of the hole 71b is provided with a female thread portion that threadably engages with the threads of the threaded rod 56b. The holes 71a and 71b are provided so as to penetrate the holders 70a and 70b, respectively, in the Y direction. Therefore, by controlling the rotational operation of the motor 55a, the movement of the holder 70a of the upper arm member 51a in the Y direction is controlled. Similarly, by controlling the rotational operation of the motor 55b, the movement of the holder 70b of the lower arm member 51b in the Y direction is controlled.

[0040] 8, the holders 70a and 70b are provided with engagement grooves 72a and 72b, respectively, in portions of the L-shape that extend along the Z direction. The engagement grooves 72a engage with the Z1-direction end and Z2-direction end of the flat-plate-shaped upper arm member 51a. Engagement of the engagement grooves 72a of the holder 70a with the upper arm member 51a allows the holder 70a to move linearly in the Y direction relative to the upper arm member 51a. Similarly, engagement grooves 72b of the holder 70b engage with the Z1-direction end and Z2-direction end of the flat-plate-shaped lower arm member 51b, allowing the holder 70b to move linearly in the Y direction relative to the lower arm member 51b.

[0041] The movement of the holders 70a and 70b (detector coil 31a and detector coil 31b) in the Y direction is performed with the holders 70a and 70b spaced apart from each of the multiple wire ropes W. Therefore, the motor 55a moves the detector coil 31a along the Y direction with the detector coil 31a spaced apart from the wire rope W in the Z1 direction. The motor 55b moves the detector coil 31b along the Y direction with the detector coil 31b spaced apart from the wire rope W in the Z2 direction.

[0042] (imaging unit) 2, 5, and 8, the wire rope inspection device 100 of this embodiment includes an imaging unit 60a and an imaging unit 60b. The imaging unit 60a and the imaging unit 60b include imaging elements such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor. The imaging unit 60a and the imaging unit 60b are configured to capture an image of the wire rope W in which magnetic flux has been detected by the detection unit 30. The imaging unit 60a and the imaging unit 60b capture an image of the wire rope W and output an imaging signal indicating the captured image of the wire rope W to the control unit 41.

[0043] The imaging unit 60a is fixed to the holding unit 70a with a fastening member such as a screw. The imaging unit 60b is fixed to the holding unit 70a with a fastening member such as a screw. Therefore, the imaging units 60a and 60b move integrally with the detector coils 31a and 31b, respectively, by the operation of the driving unit 50. That is, the imaging units 60a and 60b are configured to image each of the multiple wire ropes W one by one. Specifically, the imaging units 60a and 60b are fixed to the X2 direction sides of the holding units 70a and 70b, respectively. One imaging unit 60a is provided for the detector coil 31a, and one imaging unit 60b is provided for the detector coil 31b. Therefore, the imaging units 60a and 60b image one wire rope W, of the multiple wire ropes W whose magnetic flux is detected by the pair of detector coils 31a and 31b, from both sides in the Z direction.

[0044] (Details of control by the control unit) When inspecting each of the multiple wire ropes W, the operation of the elevator 101 is switched from a normal operation mode to an inspection operation mode based on a signal from the elevator monitoring system. Then, when a signal indicating the start of inspection is acquired from the elevator monitoring system via the control device 101d of the elevator 101, the control unit 41 controls each part of the drive unit 50 so that the detection unit 30 moves to an inspection position where the wire ropes W are inspected.

[0045] In this embodiment, during inspection operation, when detecting the magnetic flux of one wire rope W among multiple wire ropes W, the control unit 41 moves the pair of detector coils 31a and 31b along the Y direction using the drive unit 50 based on the movement amount stored in the memory unit 44 while the pair of detector coils 31a and 31b are spaced apart. As a result, the control unit 41 moves the pair of detector coils 31a and 31b to the position of the wire rope W to be inspected in the Y direction based on the movement amount stored in the memory unit 44. Specifically, the control unit 41 controls the rotation speed (rotation angle) of the motors 55a and 55b of the drive unit 50 based on the movement amount stored in the memory unit 44, thereby moving each of the holders 70a and 70b to the position of the wire rope W in the Y direction. Then, the control unit 41 is configured to move each of the pair of detector coils 31a and 31b along the Z direction so as to approach the wire rope W using the drive unit 50. That is, the control unit 41 controls the rotation speed (rotation angle) of the motor 52 to move the upper arm member 51a and the lower arm member 51b closer to each other along the Z direction without changing the position of the detection unit 30 (detection coils 31a and 31b) in the Y direction, thereby moving the detection coils 31a and 31b to the inspection position.

[0046] Then, with the detector coils 31a and 31b positioned at the inspection position, the control unit 41 outputs a signal to the control device 101d of the elevator 101 to instruct it to move the wire rope W. The control unit 41 then inspects one of the multiple wire ropes W by acquiring a detection signal (magnetic flux signal) from the detector coils 31a and 31b of the detection unit 30 while passing an excitation current through the excitation coil 20. At this time, the control unit 41 acquires, from the control device 101d of the elevator 101, position information indicating the position (hoisting position) of the wire rope W based on a signal from a position sensor such as an encoder provided in the elevator 101. The control unit 41 then associates the acquired magnetic flux signal with the position information and stores it in the memory unit 44.

[0047] Then, as shown in FIG. 9 , after inspecting one wire rope W, the control unit 41 moves the detection unit 30 (detector coils 31a and 31b) to inspect the next wire rope W among the multiple wire ropes W. Specifically, first, the control unit 41 controls the rotational operation of the motor 52 to move the upper arm member 51a and the lower arm member 51b away from each other in the Z direction, thereby moving the detector coils 31a and 31b away from the wire rope W in the Z direction. Then, the control unit 41 controls the rotational operation of each of the motors 55a and 55b based on the movement amount stored in the memory unit 44, thereby moving the holders 70a and 70b along the Y direction, thereby moving the detector coils 31a and 31b to the position in the Y direction of the next wire rope W. Note that the movements of the holders 70a and 70b in the Y direction do not need to be synchronized so that they move simultaneously. Then, the control unit 41 again controls the rotational operation of the motor 52 to move the upper arm member 51a and the lower arm member 51b toward each other in the Z direction. As a result, the control unit 41 moves the detection coil 31a and the detection coil 31b toward the next wire rope W in the Z direction, thereby moving the detection coil 31a and the detection coil 31b to the inspection position for the next wire rope W.

[0048] The control unit 41 also executes a process for determining whether there is an abnormal portion on the acquired magnetic flux signal. For example, in the determination process, the control unit 41 determines whether or not a value indicating the magnetic flux of the wire rope W acquired based on the magnetic flux signal is greater than a predetermined determination threshold value that is set in advance and stored in the storage unit 44, thereby determining whether there is an abnormal portion on the wire rope W.

[0049] In this embodiment, the control unit 41 is configured to use the imaging units 60a and 60b to capture images of the portions of each of the plurality of wire ropes W determined to be abnormal. That is, in this embodiment, the imaging units 60a and 60b are configured to capture images of the abnormal portions of each of the plurality of wire ropes W determined to be abnormal based on the magnetic flux of each of the plurality of wire ropes W detected by the detection unit 30. Specifically, in order to capture images of the abnormal portions, the control unit 41 outputs a signal to the control device 101d of the elevator 101 based on the position information stored in the memory unit 44, instructing the control device 101d to change the position of the wire rope W determined to be abnormal to a position where the position can be imaged by the imaging units 60a and 60b. The control unit 41 then moves the portions of the wire rope W determined to be abnormal to a position where the images can be imaged by the imaging units 60a and 60b, thereby capturing an image of the abnormal portion.

[0050] Then, the control unit 41 associates information indicating the abnormal portion determined in the wire rope W with the captured image of the portion determined to be abnormal, and outputs the associated information to the elevator monitoring system via the control device 101d of the elevator 101. On a display device provided in the remote elevator monitoring system, the information indicating the abnormal portion determined in the wire rope W and the captured image of the portion determined to be abnormal are displayed so that an inspection operator who inspects multiple wire ropes W can confirm them. Note that the control unit 41 may be configured to output the information indicating the abnormal portion and the captured image directly to the elevator monitoring system without going through the control device 101d of the elevator 101.

[0051] Furthermore, when the operation of the elevator 101 is switched from the inspection operation mode to the normal operation mode based on a signal from the elevator monitoring system, the control unit 41 controls the operation of the drive unit 50 so that the detection unit 30 moves to the normal operation position. During normal operation, the control unit 41 moves the detection unit 30 along the Z direction away from the wire rope W and places it at the normal operation position.

[0052] In the elevator 101, it is not necessary to inspect all of the multiple wire ropes W in one inspection operation. In other words, after inspecting only one wire rope W among the multiple wire ropes W, the inspection operation mode may be terminated and the operation mode may be switched to the normal operation mode.

[0053] (Effects of this embodiment) The wire rope inspection device 100 of this embodiment can provide the following effects.

[0054] In the wire rope inspection device 100 of this embodiment, as described above, the control unit 41 (drive control unit) is configured to move the detection unit 30 using the drive unit 50 along the Y direction (first direction) in which the multiple wire ropes W are arranged, and along the Z direction (second direction) perpendicular to both the Y direction and the direction in which the multiple wire ropes W extend (X direction), thereby moving the detection unit 30 so as to detect the magnetic flux of each of the multiple wire ropes W one by one. Thus, by moving the detection unit 30 along the Y direction in which the wire ropes W are arranged, multiple wire ropes W can be inspected one by one even when the number of wire ropes W and the positions at which the multiple wire ropes W are arranged are different. As a result, inspection can be performed using a common detection unit 30 even when the number or positions of the multiple wire ropes W to be inspected are different. Furthermore, when multiple wire ropes W are arranged side by side at relatively close intervals, adjacent detection units 30 physically interfere with each other, making it impossible to arrange multiple detection units 30 side by side to correspond to each of the multiple wire ropes W. In contrast to this, in the present embodiment, the detection unit 30 is configured to move so as to detect the magnetic flux of each of the multiple wire ropes W one by one, so that the detection unit 30 can be set up to detect only one wire rope W. Therefore, it is possible to inspect multiple wire ropes W that are arranged at closer intervals than when multiple detection units 30 are arranged side by side.

[0055] 10A and 10B, for example, multiple wire ropes W are arranged side by side, spaced a distance D apart. Consider a case where the sum of the thickness (width) of the detection unit 30 (detection coils 31a and 31b) itself in the direction in which the wire ropes W are arranged and the gap (clearance) from the wire rope W to the detection unit 30 (detection coils 31a and 31b), taking into account vibration of the wire rope W, is greater than half the distance D. In this case, as in the comparative example shown in FIG. 10A, adjacent detection units 30 (detection coils 31a and 31b) physically interfere with each other, making it impossible to arrange multiple detection units 30 side by side to correspond to multiple wire ropes W. In contrast to this, by configuring the detection unit 30 (detection coils 31a and 31b) to move so as to detect the magnetic flux of each of the multiple wire ropes W one by one, as in the embodiment shown in Figure 10B, it is possible to inspect each wire rope W even when the sum of the thickness (width) of the detection unit 30 itself in the direction in which the wire ropes W are arranged and the gap (clearance) from the wire rope W to the detection unit 30 taking into account the vibration of the wire rope W is greater than half the distance D.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a common detection unit 30 is used to acquire magnetic flux signals for each of the multiple wire ropes W, and the acquired magnetic flux signals are amplified using a common magnetic flux signal acquisition unit 42. Therefore, the magnetic flux signals acquired for each of the multiple wire ropes W can be amplified by a common circuit configuration. As a result, the sensitivity of the magnetic flux signals acquired for each wire rope W can be made constant, allowing stable abnormality determination to be performed for each of the multiple wire ropes W.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the following additional effects can be obtained by the following configuration.

[0058] That is, in this embodiment, the detection unit 30 includes a pair of detector coils 31a and 31b arranged on both sides of one wire rope W of the multiple wire ropes W along the Z direction (second direction), and the control unit 41 (drive control unit) is configured to move the pair of detector coils 31a and 31b of the detection unit 30 along the Y direction (first direction) and the Z direction using the drive unit 50, thereby moving the pair of detector coils 31a and 31b so as to detect the magnetic flux of each of the multiple wire ropes W one by one. With this configuration, the pair of detector coils 31a and 31b can detect the magnetic flux of each of the multiple wire ropes W one by one by sandwiching the single wire rope W between them. Therefore, even when inspecting multiple wire ropes W one by one, the pair of detector coils 31a and 31b can be arranged so as to surround the wire rope W from both sides by moving the pair of detector coils 31a and 31b. As a result, even if the number or arrangement of multiple wire ropes W is different, inspection can be performed using a common pair of detection coils 31a and 31b, and accurate inspection can be performed by surrounding each of the multiple wire ropes W from both sides.

[0059] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when detecting the magnetic flux of one wire rope W, the control unit 41 (drive control unit) is configured to move the pair of detector coils 31a and 31b along the Y direction (first direction) using the drive unit 50 while the pair of detector coils 31a and 31b are spaced apart from the multiple wire ropes W, thereby moving the pair of detector coils 31a and 31b to the position of the one wire rope W in the Y direction, and also move each of the pair of detector coils 31a and 31b along the Z direction (second direction) so as to approach the one wire rope W. With this configuration, the pair of detector coils 31a and 31b are moved along the Y direction while spaced apart from the wire rope W, and then moved along the second direction so as to approach the wire rope W, thereby moving the pair of detector coils 31a and 31b so as to surround the wire rope W while getting between the multiple wire ropes W. Therefore, a pair of detection coils 31a and 31b can be arranged to surround the entire circumference of the wire rope W, allowing for more accurate inspection when inspecting multiple wire ropes W one by one while moving the common detection coils 31a and 31b.

[0060] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the wire rope inspection device 100 includes a memory unit 44 that pre-stores the movement amounts of the pair of detector coils 31a and 31b based on the separation distances between the multiple wire ropes W in the Y direction (first direction), and the control unit 41 (drive control unit) is configured to, when detecting the magnetic flux of one wire rope W, move the pair of detector coils 31a and 31b along the Y direction based on the movement amounts stored in the memory unit 44 using the drive unit 50 while the pair of detector coils 31a and 31b are separated from the multiple wire ropes W, thereby moving the pair of detector coils 31a and 31b to the position of the single wire rope W in the Y direction. With this configuration, by moving the pair of detector coils 31a and 31b based on the movement amounts pre-stored in the memory unit 44, the pair of detector coils 31a and 31b can be easily and automatically moved to the position in the Y direction of the single wire rope W where inspection is to be performed.

[0061] In addition, in this embodiment, the wire rope inspection device 100 is equipped with an upper arm member 51a that is arranged on one side (Z1 direction side) of the Z direction (second direction) of the multiple wire ropes W and extends along the Y direction (first direction) in which the multiple wire ropes W are arranged, and a lower arm member 51b that is arranged on the other side (Z2 direction side) of the Z direction of the multiple wire ropes W and extends along the Y direction in which the multiple wire ropes W are arranged, one of the pair of detector coils 31a and 31b is arranged on the upper arm member 51a so as to be movable along the Y direction, and the other of the pair of detector coils 31a and 31b is arranged on the lower arm member 51b so as to be movable along the Y direction, and the control unit 41 (drive control unit) is configured to move the pair of detector coils 31a and 31b along the Z direction by moving the upper arm member 51a and the lower arm member 51b along the Z direction using the drive unit 50. With this configuration, by moving the detector coil 31a and the detector coil 31b on each of the upper arm member 51a and the lower arm member 51b extending along the Y direction, the pair of detector coils 31a and 31b can be easily moved to a position in the Y direction of one wire rope W where inspection is to be performed. Also, by moving the upper arm member 51a and the lower arm member 51b toward each other along the Z direction, the detector coils 31a and 31b can be easily moved toward the wire rope W while maintaining the positions of the detector coils 31a and 31b in the Y direction.

[0062] In this embodiment, the drive unit 50 includes a motor 55a (first drive unit) that moves one of the pair of detector coils 31a and 31b (detector coil 31a) along the Y direction (first direction) while spaced apart from the plurality of wire ropes W, and a motor 55b (second drive unit) that moves the other of the pair of detector coils 31a and 31b (detector coil 31b) along the Y direction while spaced apart from the plurality of wire ropes W. With this configuration, the pair of detector coils 31a and 31b can be moved along the direction in which the plurality of wire ropes W are arranged (Y direction) by the operation of each of the motors 55a and 55b. Therefore, the detector coils 31a and 31b can be easily moved along the Y direction, which is the direction in which the plurality of wire ropes W are arranged, on each of one side (Z1 direction side) and the other side (Z2 direction side) of the plurality of wire ropes W arranged side by side.

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the wire rope inspection device 100 includes imaging units 60a and 60b that move integrally with the detection unit 30 by operation of the drive unit 50. The imaging units 60a and 60b are configured to image the wire rope W whose magnetic flux has been detected by the detection unit 30. With this configuration, the imaging units 60a and 60b are provided to move integrally with the detection coils 31a and 31b that move to inspect each of the multiple wire ropes W one by one. Therefore, even if the number or arrangement of the multiple wire ropes W is different, the wire ropes W can be imaged using the common imaging units 60a and 60b. Furthermore, the configuration can be simplified compared to when separate imaging units 60a and 60b are provided for each of the multiple wire ropes W to image each of the multiple wire ropes W. Furthermore, by configuring the imaging units 60a and 60b to image each of the multiple wire ropes W one by one, the imaging range of the imaging units 60a and 60b can be made smaller than when imaging multiple wire ropes W collectively, and therefore the wire rope W in which magnetic flux has been detected by the imaging units 60a and 60b can be easily imaged while preventing the number of pixels of the imaging elements of the imaging units 60a and 60b from becoming greater than necessary. As a result, the inspection worker performing the inspection can easily check the external condition of the wire rope W without directly visually checking the wire rope W.

[0064] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the imaging units 60a and 60b are configured to capture images of the abnormal portions of each of the multiple wire ropes W determined based on the magnetic flux of each of the multiple wire ropes W detected by the detection unit 30. With this configuration, the imaging units 60a and 60b can capture images of the abnormal portions of the multiple wire ropes W, allowing the inspection operator to easily check the appearance of the portions of the wire rope W determined to be abnormal.

[0065] In this embodiment, the detection unit 30 includes a pair of detector coils 31a and 31b arranged on both sides of one of the wire ropes W along the Z direction (second direction). The imaging units 60a and 60b are provided for each of the pair of detector coils 31a and 31b so as to move integrally with the pair of detector coils 31a and 31b by the operation of the drive unit 50. The imaging units 60a and 60b are configured to capture images of the wire rope W whose magnetic flux is detected by the pair of detector coils 31a and 31b from both sides in the Z direction. With this configuration, at least one imaging unit 60a and one imaging unit 60b are provided for each of the pair of detector coils 31a and 31b arranged on both sides of the wire rope W along the Z direction. Therefore, images of not only one side (Z1 direction side) of the wire rope W in the Z direction but also the other side (Z2 direction side) can be acquired. As a result, the inspector can easily check the appearance of both sides of the wire rope W.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the wire rope inspection device 100 includes an excitation coil 20 that applies magnetic flux to a plurality of wire ropes W and a housing unit 100a that is arranged to surround the plurality of wire ropes W. The excitation coil 20 is arranged in the housing unit 100a and is wound around the plurality of wire ropes W separately from the detection unit 30. The control unit 41 (drive control unit) is configured to move the detection unit 30 along the Y direction (first direction) and the Z direction (second direction) using the drive unit 50 separately from the excitation coil 20, thereby moving the detection unit 30 so as to detect the magnetic flux of each of the plurality of wire ropes W to which the magnetic flux is applied by the excitation coil 20 one by one. With this configuration, the excitation coil 20 is arranged to surround the plurality of wire ropes W collectively. Therefore, unlike a configuration in which the excitation coil 20 is moved in the same manner as the detection unit 30, it is possible to prevent the device configuration from becoming complicated by a configuration for moving the excitation coil 20.

[0067] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the detection unit 30 is configured to detect the magnetic flux of each of the multiple wire ropes W arranged in the elevator 101, and the control unit 41 (drive control unit) is configured to move the detection unit 30 by the drive unit 50 in the Z direction (second direction) so as to move away from the multiple wire ropes W during normal operation of the elevator 101, and to move the detection unit 30 by the drive unit 50 in the Z direction so as to approach the multiple wire ropes W during inspection operation in which each of the multiple wire ropes W is inspected, thereby moving the detection unit 30 so as to detect the magnetic flux of each of the multiple wire ropes W arranged in the elevator 101 one by one. Here, when inspecting the multiple wire ropes W provided in the elevator 101, the inspection is performed by moving the wire ropes W at a relatively slow speed, thereby reducing the amplitude of the wire rope W's swing in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction (travel direction) of the wire ropes W. On the other hand, during normal operation when the moving speed of the wire rope W is relatively high, the swing width of the wire rope W in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the wire rope W becomes large. In contrast, in this embodiment, the control unit 41 is configured to move the detection unit 30 along the Z direction (second direction) by the drive unit 50 so as to move away from the multiple wire ropes W during normal operation of the elevator 101, and to move the detection unit 30 along the Z direction so as to approach the multiple wire ropes W during inspection operation in which each of the multiple wire ropes W is inspected, thereby moving the detection unit 30 so as to detect the magnetic flux of each of the multiple wire ropes W arranged in the elevator 101 one by one. With this configuration, when inspecting the multiple wire ropes W of the elevator 101, the detection unit 30 can be positioned as close as possible to the wire rope W during inspection operation when the swing width of the wire rope W is relatively small. Furthermore, the detection unit 30 can be positioned at a position away from the wire rope W during normal operation when the swing width of the wire rope W is relatively large. As a result, even if the number or arrangement of multiple wire ropes W arranged in the elevator 101 is different, accurate inspection can be performed using the common detection unit 30, and contact between the wire ropes W and the detection unit 30 during normal operation can be suppressed.

[0068] [Variations] It should be noted that the embodiments and examples disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims rather than the above-described description of the embodiments and examples, and further includes all modifications (variations) within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0069] For example, in the above embodiment, the detection unit 30 is configured such that the pair of detection coils 31a and 31b are arranged on one side (Z1 direction side) and the other side (Z2 direction side) in the direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the wire rope W, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the detection unit may be configured to be provided on only one side of the wire rope.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the detection unit 30 is moved in the Y direction (first direction) and the Z direction (second direction) by the operation of the motor 52 of the drive unit 50, the motor 55a (first drive unit), and the motor 55b (second drive unit), but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the detection unit may be moved by the operation of a biasing member such as a spring, a solenoid actuator, or the like, instead of a motor.

[0071] In the above embodiment, the upper arm member 51a and the lower arm member 51b, on which the detector coils 31a and 31b of the detector 30 are respectively arranged, are moved in the Z direction (second direction), thereby moving the detector coils 31a and 31b along the Z direction (second direction), and the detector coils 31a and 31b on each of the upper arm member 51a and the lower arm member 51b along the Y direction (first direction). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the detector 30 may be movably arranged on a rail member extending in the direction in which the wire ropes are arranged (first direction), and the detector may be moved from the rail member along the second direction without moving the rail member.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the pair of detector coils 31a and 31b of the detector 30 are moved along the Y direction (first direction) based on the movement amount stored in the memory 44 to move the pair of detector coils 31a and 31b to a position in the Y direction (first direction) of one wire rope W to be inspected, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the image capturing unit may capture images of multiple wire ropes, and the position of the wire rope to be inspected may be detected by performing image recognition processing.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the position of the abnormal portion of the wire rope W is stored, and the wire rope W is moved to the stored position of the abnormal portion, thereby capturing an image of the abnormal portion using the imaging units 60a and 60b. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the wire rope may be captured as a moving image while the detection unit detects magnetic flux, and the image may be stored, thereby capturing an image of the wire rope regardless of whether an abnormal portion is determined. Alternatively, an imaging unit may not be provided, and only information indicating the position of the determined abnormal portion may be output.

[0074] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which one imaging unit 60a and one imaging unit 60b are provided for each pair of detector coils 31a and 31b so as to move integrally with the pair of detector coils 31a and 31b, respectively. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, two (or more) imaging units may be provided for each pair of detector coils. In this case, the imaging units may be positioned at 90-degree intervals around the circumferential direction of the wire rope so as to capture images of the entire circumference of the wire rope. The imaging units may also be provided separately from the detection unit. For example, instead of configuring the imaging units to be movable so as to capture images of each of the multiple wire ropes one by one, as with the detection unit, the imaging units may be configured to capture images of multiple wire ropes together.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the engagement grooves 72a and 72b provided on the holders 70a and 70b engage with the upper arm member 51a and the lower arm member 51b, respectively, to allow the detector coils 31a and 31b held by the holders 70a and 70b to move linearly along the Y direction (first direction). However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, a linear guide member may be provided to allow the pair of detector coils to move linearly along the first direction in which the wire ropes are aligned.

[0076] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the wire rope W installed in the double-wrap type elevator 101 was inspected, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention may be configured to inspect a wire rope installed in a single-wrap type elevator. It may also be configured to inspect wire ropes other than those used in elevators, such as cranes and ropeways.

[0077] In the above embodiment, the detector coils 31a and 31b are wound around the wire rope W to detect the magnetic flux of the wire rope W by the total magnetic flux method, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the detector may be configured to detect leakage magnetic flux from the outer surface of the wire rope.

[0078] In the above embodiment, the two detector coils 31a and 31b of the detector 30 are each an independent saddle-shaped coil, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the pair of detector coils of the detector may be configured as flat coils. With this configuration, even if the distance between the multiple wire ropes W (rope pitch) is so small that a detector coil cannot be placed between the multiple wire ropes W, the magnetic flux of each of the multiple wire ropes can be detected by the flat coil.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the excitation coil 20 is wound around the wire rope W around the outside of the detection coils 31a and 31b, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the excitation coil and the detection unit may be arranged side by side along the extension direction of the wire rope.

[0080] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the magnetic field application unit 10 and the excitation coil 20 are fixed to the housing 100a, and the detection unit 30 is fixed to the drive unit 50 so as to be movable to inspect each of the multiple wire ropes W. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, not only the detection unit but also the magnetic field application unit or the excitation coil may be configured to be movable so as to apply a magnetic field to each of the multiple wire ropes W. For example, when the magnetic field application unit is configured to be movable relative to the multiple wire ropes, a linear guide is provided in the housing so that the magnetic field application unit can move along a first direction in which the multiple wire ropes are arranged. The magnetic field application unit is connected to the detection unit by a flat plate-shaped member that has rigidity in the movement direction and elastically deforms in the direction toward the wire rope so that the magnetic field application unit follows the movement of the detection unit in the first direction while being guided by the linear guide without changing the distance from the wire rope.

[0081] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the control unit 41 provided in the wire rope inspection device 100 determines whether there is an abnormal portion of the wire rope W based on the magnetic flux detected by the detection unit 30 of the wire rope inspection device 100, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a processing device such as a computer used by an inspection operator and provided separately from the wire rope inspection device may be configured to determine whether there is an abnormal portion based on the magnetic flux detected by the detection unit. In this case, the determination results (information indicating the abnormal portion and a captured image of the abnormal portion) may be displayed on a display unit such as a display provided in the processing device rather than in the elevator monitoring system. Furthermore, a display unit may be provided in the wire rope inspection device so that the determination results can be displayed on the wire rope inspection device itself.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the magnetic field application units 10a and 10b are arranged facing each other across the wire rope W, with their north poles facing the wire rope W. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the two magnetic field application units may be arranged so that their north and south poles face the wire rope. The two magnetic field application units may be arranged so that their north and south poles face the wire rope, rather than facing each other. In this case, the two magnetic field application units may face the same or different directions. The magnetic field application units may be arranged to apply a magnetic field in a direction that is diagonally shifted from a direction parallel to the wire rope's extension. One magnetic field application unit may be arranged on one side of the direction intersecting the wire rope's extension. Alternatively, a magnetic field application unit may not be provided, and magnetic flux may be detected without aligning the magnetic field.

[0083] In the above embodiment, the magnetic field applying unit 10 is configured by a permanent magnet, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the magnetic field applying unit may be configured by an electromagnet.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the detector coils 31a and 31b are configured to detect the magnetic flux of each of the four wire ropes W, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the detector coils may be configured to detect the magnetic flux of two to three wire ropes, or may be configured to detect the magnetic flux of five or more wire ropes, one by one.

[0085] [Aspect] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the exemplary embodiments described above are examples of the following aspects.

[0086] (Item 1) A detection unit that detects magnetic flux of each of a plurality of wire ropes to be inspected that are arranged side by side along a first direction; a drive unit that moves the detection unit; a drive control unit that controls the operation of the drive unit, The drive control unit is configured to move the detection unit using the drive unit along the first direction in which the multiple wire ropes are arranged, and along a second direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the direction in which the multiple wire ropes extend, thereby moving the detection unit so as to detect the magnetic flux of each of the multiple wire ropes one by one, in a wire rope inspection device.

[0087] (Item 2) The detection unit includes a pair of detection coils arranged on both sides of one of the plurality of wire ropes along the second direction, The wire rope inspection device described in item 1, wherein the drive control unit is configured to move the pair of detector coils of the detection unit along the first direction and the second direction using the drive unit, thereby moving the pair of detector coils so as to detect the magnetic flux of each of the multiple wire ropes one by one.

[0088] (Item 3) The wire rope inspection device described in item 2 is configured such that, when detecting the magnetic flux of the one wire rope, the drive control unit moves the pair of detector coils along the first direction while the pair of detector coils are spaced apart from the multiple wire ropes, thereby moving the pair of detector coils to the position of the one wire rope in the first direction and moving each of the pair of detector coils along the second direction so as to approach the one wire rope.

[0089] (Item 4) Further, a storage unit is provided which stores in advance a movement amount of the pair of detector coils based on a separation distance between the plurality of wire ropes in the first direction, The wire rope inspection device described in item 3 is configured such that, when detecting the magnetic flux of the one wire rope, the drive control unit moves the pair of detector coils along the first direction based on the movement amount stored in the memory unit while the pair of detector coils are spaced apart from the multiple wire ropes, thereby moving the pair of detector coils to the position of the one wire rope in the first direction.

[0090] (Item 5) an upper arm member disposed on one side of the plurality of wire ropes in the second direction and extending along the first direction in which the plurality of wire ropes are arranged; a lower arm member disposed on the other side of the plurality of wire ropes in the second direction and extending along the first direction in which the plurality of wire ropes are arranged, one of the pair of detector coils is disposed on the upper arm member so as to be movable along the first direction; the other of the pair of detector coils is disposed on the lower arm member so as to be movable along the first direction; The wire rope inspection device according to any one of items 2 to 4, wherein the drive control unit is configured to move the pair of detector coils along the second direction by causing the drive unit to move the upper arm member and the lower arm member along the second direction.

[0091] (Item 6) The wire rope inspection device described in any one of items 2 to 5, wherein the drive unit includes a first drive unit that moves one of the pair of detector coils along the first direction while spaced apart from the multiple wire ropes, and a second drive unit that moves the other of the pair of detector coils along the first direction while spaced apart from the multiple wire ropes.

[0092] (Item 7) an imaging unit that moves integrally with the detection unit by operation of the drive unit; 7. The wire rope inspection device according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the imaging unit is configured to image the wire rope in which magnetic flux has been detected by the detection unit.

[0093] (Item 8) 8. The wire rope inspection device according to item 7, wherein the imaging unit is configured to image abnormal portions of each of the plurality of wire ropes determined based on the magnetic flux of each of the plurality of wire ropes detected by the detection unit.

[0094] (Item 9) The detection unit includes a pair of detection coils arranged on both sides of one of the plurality of wire ropes along the second direction, 9. The wire rope inspection device according to item 7 or 8, wherein the imaging unit is provided for each of the pair of detector coils so as to move integrally with each of the pair of detector coils by operation of the drive unit, and is configured to image the wire rope whose magnetic flux has been detected by the pair of detector coils from both sides in the second direction.

[0095] (Item 10) an excitation coil that applies magnetic flux to the plurality of wire ropes; Further comprising a housing portion arranged to surround the plurality of wire ropes, The excitation coil is disposed in the housing portion and wound around the plurality of wire ropes separately from the detection portion, The wire rope inspection device described in any one of items 1 to 9, wherein the drive control unit is configured to move the detection unit along the first direction and the second direction using the drive unit separately from the excitation coil, thereby moving the detection unit so as to detect the magnetic flux of each of the multiple wire ropes to which magnetic flux has been applied by the excitation coil, one by one.

[0096] (Item 11) The detection unit is configured to detect magnetic flux of each of the plurality of wire ropes arranged in the elevator, The wire rope inspection device according to any one of items 1 to 10, wherein the drive control unit is configured to, during normal operation of the elevator, move the detection unit along the second direction so as to move away from the plurality of wire ropes, and, during inspection operation in which each of the plurality of wire ropes is inspected, move the detection unit along the second direction so as to move closer to the plurality of wire ropes, thereby moving the detection unit so as to detect the magnetic flux of each of the plurality of wire ropes arranged in the elevator one by one. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 20 Excitation coil 30 Detection unit 31a, 31b detection coil 41 Control unit (drive control unit) 44 Storage section 50 Drive unit 51a Upper arm member 51b Lower arm member 55a Motor (first drive unit) 55b Motor (second drive unit) 60a, 60b imaging unit 100 Wire rope inspection device 100a Housing 101 Elevator

Claims

1. a detection unit that detects magnetic flux of each of a plurality of wire ropes to be inspected that are arranged side by side along a first direction; a drive unit that moves the detection unit; a drive control unit that controls the operation of the drive unit, The drive control unit is configured to move the detection unit using the drive unit along the first direction in which the multiple wire ropes are arranged, and along a second direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the direction in which the multiple wire ropes extend, thereby moving the detection unit so as to detect the magnetic flux of each of the multiple wire ropes one by one, in a wire rope inspection device.

2. the detection unit includes a pair of detection coils arranged on both sides of one of the plurality of wire ropes along the second direction, The wire rope inspection device of claim 1, wherein the drive control unit is configured to move the pair of detector coils of the detection unit along the first direction and the second direction using the drive unit, thereby moving the pair of detector coils so as to detect the magnetic flux of each of the multiple wire ropes one by one.

3. The wire rope inspection device of claim 2, wherein the drive control unit is configured to, when detecting the magnetic flux of the one wire rope, move the pair of detector coils along the first direction using the drive unit while the pair of detector coils are spaced apart from the multiple wire ropes, thereby moving the pair of detector coils to the position of the one wire rope in the first direction and moving each of the pair of detector coils along the second direction so as to approach the one wire rope.

4. a storage unit configured to store in advance a movement amount of the pair of detector coils based on a separation distance between the plurality of wire ropes in the first direction; The wire rope inspection device of claim 3, wherein the drive control unit is configured to, when detecting the magnetic flux of the one wire rope, move the pair of detector coils along the first direction based on the movement amount stored in the memory unit using the drive unit while the pair of detector coils are spaced apart from the multiple wire ropes, thereby moving the pair of detector coils to the position of the one wire rope in the first direction.

5. an upper arm member disposed on one side of the plurality of wire ropes in the second direction and extending along the first direction in which the plurality of wire ropes are arranged; a lower arm member disposed on the other side of the plurality of wire ropes in the second direction and extending along the first direction in which the plurality of wire ropes are arranged, one of the pair of detector coils is disposed on the upper arm member so as to be movable along the first direction; the other of the pair of detector coils is disposed on the lower arm member so as to be movable along the first direction, A wire rope inspection device as described in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the drive control unit is configured to move the pair of detector coils along the second direction by moving the upper arm member and the lower arm member along the second direction using the drive unit.

6. A wire rope inspection device as described in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the drive unit includes a first drive unit that moves one of the pair of detector coils along the first direction while spaced apart from the multiple wire ropes, and a second drive unit that moves the other of the pair of detector coils along the first direction while spaced apart from the multiple wire ropes.

7. an imaging unit that moves integrally with the detection unit by operation of the drive unit; The wire rope inspection device according to claim 1 , wherein the imaging unit is configured to image the wire rope in which magnetic flux has been detected by the detection unit.

8. The wire rope inspection device of claim 7, wherein the imaging unit is configured to image abnormal portions of each of the plurality of wire ropes determined based on the magnetic flux of each of the plurality of wire ropes detected by the detection unit.

9. the detection unit includes a pair of detection coils arranged on both sides of one of the plurality of wire ropes along the second direction, The wire rope inspection device described in claim 7 or 8, wherein the imaging unit is provided at least one for each of the pair of detector coils so as to move integrally with each of the pair of detector coils by operation of the drive unit, and is configured to image the wire rope whose magnetic flux is detected by the pair of detector coils from both sides in the second direction.

10. an excitation coil that applies magnetic flux to the plurality of wire ropes; Further comprising a housing portion arranged to surround the plurality of wire ropes, The excitation coil is disposed in the housing portion and wound around the plurality of wire ropes separately from the detection portion, The wire rope inspection device of claim 1, wherein the drive control unit is configured to move the detection unit along the first direction and the second direction using the drive unit separately from the excitation coil, thereby moving the detection unit so as to detect the magnetic flux of each of the multiple wire ropes to which magnetic flux has been applied by the excitation coil, one by one.

11. The detection unit is configured to detect magnetic flux of each of the plurality of wire ropes arranged in the elevator, The wire rope inspection device of claim 1, wherein the drive control unit is configured to move the detection unit away from the plurality of wire ropes along the second direction using the drive unit during normal operation of the elevator, and to move the detection unit closer to the plurality of wire ropes along the second direction using the drive unit during inspection operation in which each of the plurality of wire ropes is inspected, thereby moving the detection unit to detect the magnetic flux of each of the plurality of wire ropes arranged in the elevator one by one.

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