Inspection Equipment

Abstract

To provide an inspection device capable of easily achieving efficient inspection.SOLUTION: An inspection device is inserted into a gap when executing inspection of a rotary electric machine in which the gap is interposed between a rotor and a stator, and includes a plurality of inspection units and a coupling shaft. The plurality of inspection units are provided in order to perform inspection in the gap. The coupling shaft is provided in order to couple between the plurality of inspection units. The space between each of the plurality of inspection units is configured to be attachable and detachable, and each of the plurality of inspection units is formed with a coupling hole into which the coupling shaft is inserted in a coupled state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3C

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The embodiments relate to an inspection apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art In rotating electrical machines such as generators and electric motors, a cylindrical gap is present between a stator and a rotor.

[0003] Rotating electric machines are inspected for electrical and mechanical integrity during maintenance work. Inspections of rotating electric machines are performed, for example, by removing the rotor from the stator. Alternatively, inspections of rotating electric machines are performed, for example, by inserting and moving an inspection device into the gap between the stator and rotor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6425844 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 7,624,827 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-117137 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-117138 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, with conventional inspection devices, it may be difficult to perform inspections efficiently, particularly due to the fact that it is not easy to insert the inspection device into the gap between the stator and the rotor.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an inspection device that can easily realize efficient inspection. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The inspection device of the embodiment is an inspection device that is inserted into a gap between a rotor and a stator when inspecting a rotating electric machine having the gap between the rotor and the stator, and includes a plurality of inspection units and a connecting shaft. The plurality of inspection units are provided for performing inspections in the gap. The connecting shaft is provided for connecting the plurality of inspection units. The plurality of inspection units are configured to be detachable from each other, and each of the plurality of inspection units has a connecting hole into which the connecting shaft is inserted when the units are connected. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a rotating electrical machine 10 that is an object to be inspected in an inspection device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram that schematically shows an inspection system 800 for inspecting the rotating electric machine 10 (see FIG. 1) in the embodiment. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a perspective view showing an inspection device 500 in an embodiment. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a perspective view showing an inspection device 500 in an embodiment. [Figure 3C] FIG. 3C is a perspective view showing a partially exploded state of the inspection device 500 according to the embodiment. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a diagram for explaining a portion where a plurality of inspection units 511 to 517 are connected in the inspection device 500 of the embodiment. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a diagram for explaining a portion where a plurality of inspection units 511 to 517 are connected in the inspection device 500 of the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing another example of a connection state in which a plurality of inspection units 511 to 517 are connected in the inspection device 500 of the embodiment. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an inspection unit 513 in the inspection device 500 of the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state of the inspection device 500 when inspecting the rotating electric machine 10 in the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [A] Rotating Electric Machine 10 Before describing the inspection device of the embodiment, an example of a rotating electrical machine 10 that is an object to be inspected will be described.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a rotating electrical machine 10 that is an object to be inspected in an inspection device according to an embodiment.

[0011] 1, the rotating electric machine 10 is an inner rotor type in which a rotor 20 and a stator 40 are housed in a rotating electric machine casing 60, and the rotor 20 rotates inside the stator 40. The rotating electric machine 10 is, for example, a generator, and is configured to generate electricity by the rotation of the rotor 20. In addition to being used as a generator, the rotating electric machine 10 can also be used as an electric motor.

[0012] In this embodiment, the rotating electrical machine 10 is configured so that the rotor 20 and the stator 40 are cooled by a cooling gas CG (a cooling medium such as hydrogen or air) flowing inside the rotating electrical machine casing 60.

[0013] Each component of the rotating electrical machine 10 will be described.

[0014] [A-1] Rotor 20 In the rotating electric machine 10, the rotor 20 is installed so that the axial direction along the rotation axis AX is aligned with the horizontal direction x. Here, the rotor 20 has a cylindrical rotor core 200 provided coaxially with the rotating shaft 201, and is formed with a cooling flow path through which the cooling gas CG flows.

[0015] A plurality of rotor slots (not shown) are formed in the rotor core 200 of the rotor 20 in the circumferential direction of the rotor 20, and components such as rotor coils and rotor wedges are installed in the rotor slots. Each component installed in the rotor slot has ventilation holes formed along the radial direction of the rotor 20, through which the cooling gas CG flows. A plurality of ventilation holes through which the cooling gas CG flows are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction of the rotor 20, and a plurality of ventilation holes are formed at intervals in the axial direction of the rotor 20.

[0016] [A-2] Stator 40 The stator 40 has a stator coil 42 mounted on a stator core 41. The stator core 41 is cylindrical and is provided coaxially with the rotating shaft 201. The stator core 41 is disposed so as to surround the rotor core 200 with a cylindrical gap AG (air gap) interposed therebetween.

[0017] Stator slots that penetrate in the axial direction of the rotation axis AX are formed on the inner periphery of the stator core 41, and the stator coils 42 are inserted into the stator slots and fixed by, for example, stator wedges (not shown). Although not shown, cooling channels through which the cooling gas CG flows are also formed in the stator 40.

[0018] [A-3] Rotating electric machine casing 60 The rotating electric machine casing 60 has a double structure, with an outer casing 62 provided on the outside of an inner casing 61. The inner casing 61 has a through hole K61 through which the rotating shaft 201 passes, and houses the rotor 20 and the stator 40 inside. The outer casing 62 has a through hole K62 through which the rotating shaft 201 passes, and houses the inner casing 61 inside.

[0019] In the rotating electrical machine casing 60, an opening K611 is provided above the inner casing 61, and a gas cooler 80 is attached to the opening K611. A fan 90 is housed inside the through-hole K61 of the inner casing 61.

[0020] The fan 90 is an axial flow fan, and is fixed to one side and the other side of the rotating shaft 201 so as to sandwich the rotor 20 therebetween.

[0021] [A-4] Flow of cooling gas CG in the rotating electrical machine 10 In the rotating electric machine 10, the rotation of the fan 90 together with the rotating shaft 201 causes the cooling gas CG to flow from the outside to the inside of the inner casing 61. Here, the cooling gas CG flows from each of one side and the other side of the rotating shaft 201 toward the center.

[0022] Inside the inner casing 61, the cooling gas CG flows into a cooling flow passage formed inside the rotor 20, and then flows out into a gap AG located between the outer peripheral surface of the rotor 20 and the inner peripheral surface of the stator 40. In the rotor 20, the cooling gas CG flows along the axial direction, and then flows from the inner peripheral side to the outer peripheral side through ventilation holes formed along the radial direction.

[0023] Although not shown in the figure, the cooling gas CG then passes through the gap AG and flows through a cooling flow path formed inside the stator 40. The cooling gas CG discharged to the outside of the stator 40 flows from the inside to the outside of the inner casing 61 via the gas cooler 80. At this time, the cooling gas CG is cooled in the gas cooler 80. The cooling gas CG cooled by the gas cooler 80 flows through a space in the outer casing 62 that is located outside the inner casing 61, and then, as described above, flows from the outside to the inside of the inner casing 61 due to the rotation of the fan 90.

[0024] In this manner, the rotating electrical machine 10 is configured such that the cooling gas CG circulates and flows inside the rotating electrical machine casing 60, thereby cooling each part.

[0025] [B] Inspection System 800 An inspection system 800 used to inspect the above-described rotating electrical machine 10 (see FIG. 1) will be described.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a block diagram that schematically shows an inspection system 800 for inspecting the rotating electric machine 10 (see FIG. 1) in the embodiment.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 2, an inspection system 800 of the embodiment includes an inspection device 500 and a control device 600, and is configured so that the inspection device 500 and the control device 600 can communicate with each other via a cable 700.

[0028] [B-1] Inspection device 500 The inspection device 500, details of which will be described later, is a self-propelled inspection robot that, when inspecting the rotating electric machine 10 (see Figure 1), is inserted into the gap AG between the rotor 20 and the stator 40 and is configured to be able to move while adsorbed to the stator 40.

[0029] [B-2] Control device 600 The control device 600 is provided to remotely control the operation of the inspection device 500. The control device 600 includes an arithmetic unit (computer) and a storage device, and is configured so that the arithmetic unit controls the operation of the inspection device 500 using a program stored in the storage device.

[0030] Here, the control device 600 controls the inspection device 500 to inspect the rotating electric machine 10, for example, in response to an operation command input by an operator using an operation device (mouse, keyboard, etc.). The control device 600 also controls the inspection device 500 to display, for example, information related to the inspection performed by the inspection device 500 and information obtained by the inspection device 500 performing the inspection, on a display.

[0031] [C] Configuration of inspection device 500 The configuration of the inspection device 500 that constitutes the above-mentioned inspection system 800 (see FIG. 2) will be described.

[0032] 3A and 3B are perspective views showing an inspection device 500 in an embodiment.

[0033] 3A shows the surface side that is located on the stator 40 side when the inspection device 500 is inserted into the gap AG between the rotor 20 and the stator 40. FIG. 3B shows the surface side that is located on the rotor 20 side when the inspection device 500 is inserted into the gap AG between the rotor 20 and the stator 40.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the inspection device 500 includes a plurality of inspection units 511 to 517 and a connecting shaft 520.

[0035] [C-1] Multiple inspection units 511 to 517 Each of the plurality of inspection units 511 to 517 is provided to perform an inspection in the gap AG between the rotor 20 and the stator 40 that constitute the rotating electric machine 10 (see FIG. 1). Each of the plurality of inspection units 511 to 517 is configured to be connected in the axial direction along the rotation axis AX of the rotor 20 when inserted into the gap AG between the rotor 20 and the stator 40.

[0036] Each of the plurality of inspection units 511 to 517 has a function for inspecting the rotating electrical machine 10 (see FIG. 1).

[0037] Specifically, the inspection unit 511 is a tip-side imaging unit that includes an imaging device 611 and an illumination device 612 as inspection equipment, and is configured so that the illumination device 612 illuminates the tip side of the inspection device 500 and the imaging device 611 takes images (see Figure 3A).

[0038] The inspection unit 512 is a guide unit and includes a pair of guide plates 621 as inspection equipment, and is configured to guide the movement direction of the inspection device 500. Here, the pair of guide plates 621 are inserted into grooves (not shown) formed in the axial direction of the stator 40 (see FIG. 1), for example, and guide the inspection device 500 to move along the axial direction. Also, the pair of guide plates 621 are configured to vary the distance between the pair of guide plates 621 in accordance with the width of the grooves formed in the stator 40 (see FIG. 3A).

[0039] Inspection unit 513 is a rotor imaging unit, and includes imaging device 631 as an inspection device, and is configured to capture an image of rotor 20 (see FIG. 1) using imaging device 631 (see FIG. 3B).

[0040] The inspection unit 514 is a traveling unit and includes a moving mechanism including a crawler 641 (endless track) and a permanent magnet 642 as an inspection device. The inspection unit 514 is configured so that the inspection device 500 moves by the crawler 641 while being attracted to the stator 40 (see FIG. 1) by the magnetic force of the permanent magnet 642. Here, the inspection unit 514 includes two moving mechanisms in which one permanent magnet 642 is sandwiched between a pair of crawlers 641, and the inspection device 500 can be moved to any position by the operation of the two moving mechanisms. The inspection unit 514 also includes a hammer 643 and a microphone 644 as inspection devices, and is configured so that the microphone 644 detects the sound generated when the hammer 643 strikes the stator 40. The inspection unit 514 also includes an imaging device 645 as an inspection device and is configured to capture an image of the stator 40 using the imaging device 645 (see FIG. 3A).

[0041] The inspection unit 515 is a control unit, and is configured to include a control panel (not shown) for controlling the operation of each part constituting the inspection device 500 as an inspection device.

[0042] Similar to inspection unit 512, inspection unit 516 is a guide unit, and includes a pair of guide plates 661 as inspection equipment, and is configured to guide the movement direction of inspection device 500 (see FIG. 3A).

[0043] The inspection unit 517 is an interface to which a cable 700 is connected for connecting the inspection device 500 and the control device 600 (see FIG. 2). The inspection unit 517 also includes an imaging device 671 as an inspection device, and is configured so that the imaging device 671 captures an image of the rear end side of the inspection device 500 (see FIG. 3A).

[0044] FIG. 3C is a perspective view showing a partially exploded state of the inspection device 500 according to the embodiment.

[0045] 3C, a connecting hole H510 is formed in each of the inspection units 511 to 514. Although not shown, a connecting hole H510 is also formed in each of the other inspection units 515 to 517. The connecting holes H510 in the multiple inspection units 511 to 517 are configured to communicate with each other when the multiple inspection units 511 to 517 are in a connected state.

[0046] In this embodiment, two connecting holes H510 are formed in each of the plurality of inspection units 511 to 517. The two connecting holes H510 are provided at both ends of each of the plurality of inspection units 511 to 517.

[0047] Although not shown, each of the plurality of testing units 511 to 517 has a connector (plug, jack, etc.) that allows them to be electrically connected to one another, and is configured to be able to communicate with the control device 600.

[0048] [C-2] Connecting shaft 520 As shown in FIG. 3C, the connecting shaft 520 is a rod-shaped body, and is provided to connect the plurality of testing units 511 to 517 together.

[0049] Here, the connecting shaft 520 is detachable from the plurality of inspection units 511 to 517. When the plurality of inspection units 511 to 517 are connected together, the connecting shaft 520 is inserted into the connecting hole H510 that communicates with the plurality of inspection units 511 to 517. On the other hand, when the plurality of inspection units 511 to 517 are to be released from the connected state, the connecting shaft 520 is removed from the connecting hole H510.

[0050] [C-3] Details of the connection part of multiple inspection units 511 to 517 The details of the portion where the plurality of testing units 511 to 517 are connected will be described.

[0051] 4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining a portion where a plurality of inspection units 511 to 517 are connected in the inspection device 500 of the embodiment.

[0052] Fig. 4A is an enlarged perspective view showing the connecting portion of the inspection units 511 to 514 in the inspection device 500. Fig. 4B is an enlarged plan view showing the connecting portion of the inspection units 511 to 514 in the inspection device 500. Here, the connecting portion of the inspection units 511 to 514 is shown, but the connecting portions of the other inspection units 515 to 517 are similar.

[0053] 4A and 4B, the inspection units 511 to 514 are configured to be connected by fitting together. Specifically, a male fitting portion 511M formed on the inspection unit 511 fits together with a female fitting portion 512F formed on the inspection unit 512. Furthermore, a male fitting portion 512M formed on the inspection unit 512 fits together with a female fitting portion 513F formed on the inspection unit 513. Similarly, a male fitting portion 513M formed on the inspection unit 513 fits together with a female fitting portion 514F formed on the inspection unit 514.

[0054] Although not shown in the drawings, the male fitting portions 511M, 512M, 513M are configured to fit into the female fitting portions 512F, 513F, 514F, respectively. Therefore, the plurality of inspection units 511 to 517 are detachable from each other, and various other connection states can be established in addition to the above connection states.

[0055] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing another example of a connection state in which a plurality of inspection units 511 to 517 are connected in the inspection device 500 of the embodiment.

[0056] 5, in the inspection device 500 of the embodiment, unlike the case of FIG. 3A, for example, the inspection unit 512 and the inspection unit 514 can be connected without the intermediary of the inspection unit 513. In this way, in this embodiment, the multiple inspection units 511 to 517 have a common fitting portion configuration, and therefore the length of the inspection device 500 can be changed as desired.

[0057] In this case, a connecting shaft 520 having a length that matches the length of the inspection device 500 is used.

[0058] [C-4] Detailed configuration of inspection unit 513 Of the plurality of inspection units 511 to 517, the configuration of the inspection unit 513 will be described.

[0059] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an inspection unit 513 in the inspection device 500 of the embodiment.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 6, the inspection unit 513 includes an imaging device 631 (see FIG. 3B) which is an inspection device, as well as a frame 630 that houses the imaging device 631.

[0061] In the inspection unit 513, the frame 630 has an arc shape that follows the cylindrical gap AG (see FIG. 1).

[0062] In this embodiment, at least the surface of frame 630 is formed using resin. For example, frame 630 is entirely formed using nylon 12. Alternatively, frame 630 may be formed by coating the surface of a base material made of a metal material with resin.

[0063] Similarly, the inspection units 511, 512, 514 to 517 other than the inspection unit 513 also include arc-shaped frames, and the frames are made of resin.

[0064] [D] Inspection method The state when inspecting the rotating electrical machine 10 (see FIG. 1) using the inspection device 500 (see FIG. 3A) will be described.

[0065] 7 is a diagram showing a state of the inspection device 500 when inspecting the rotating electric machine 10 in the embodiment. Fig. 7 shows a vertical plane (yz plane) that is perpendicular to the axial direction (x direction) of the rotating electric machine 10 (see Fig. 1).

[0066] 7, when inspecting the rotating electric machine 10, the inspection device 500 is inserted into the gap AG between the rotor 20 and the stator 40. Here, the inspection device 500 is inserted into the gap AG of the rotating electric machine 10 so that the coupling direction of the multiple inspection units 511 to 517 (see FIG. 3A) that make up the inspection device 500 is along the axial direction of the rotating electric machine 10 (the x direction in FIG. 7).

[0067] The inspection device 500 inserted into the gap AG moves using the crawler 641 while being attracted to the stator 40 by the magnetic force of the permanent magnet 642. Here, the permanent magnet 642 and the stator 40 are not in close contact with each other but are spaced apart, whereas the inspection device 500 moves while the crawler 641 and the stator 40 are in close contact with each other.

[0068] Although not shown in Fig. 7, in inspection device 500, guide plates 621 and 661 (see Fig. 3A) are inserted into grooves formed in stator 40 along the axial direction. Therefore, inspection device 500 travels along the axial direction by guide plates 621 and 661 (see Fig. 3A). The movement of inspection device 500 is performed by an operator observing images captured by imaging devices 611, 631, 645, and 671 provided in inspection device 500 and operating inspection device 500 (see Figs. 3A and 3B).

[0069] Then, the rotating electrical machine 10 is inspected using the functions of the inspection device 500 (see FIG. 3A).

[0070] In this embodiment, the state of the stator 40 is inspected by observing in real time digital moving images obtained by imaging the inner peripheral surface of the stator 40 with the imaging device 645. In addition, in order to check for looseness of the stator wedge (not shown) for fixing the stator coil 42 to the stator core 41 in the stator 40, the stator wedge is struck with a hammer 643, and the sound produced when struck is detected by a microphone 644.

[0071] In this embodiment, the state of the rotor 20 (state of the ventilation holes, etc.) is inspected by observing in real time the digital moving images obtained by the imaging device 631 capturing images of the outer circumferential surface of the rotor 20.

[0072] [E] Summary As described above, the inspection device 500 of this embodiment includes a plurality of inspection units 511-517 and a connecting shaft 520. The plurality of inspection units 511-517 are provided to inspect the rotating electric machine 10 in the gap AG between the rotor 20 and the stator 40. The connecting shaft 520 is provided to connect the plurality of inspection units 511-517 together. Here, the plurality of inspection units 511-517 are configured to be detachable from one another. Each of the plurality of inspection units 511-517 is formed with a connecting hole H510 into which the connecting shaft 520 is inserted when the inspection units are in a connected state.

[0073] 3A and 5, in this embodiment, the length of the inspection device 500 can be changed as desired depending on the inspection content, and the work of inserting the inspection device 500 into the gap AG between the rotor 20 and the stator 40 can be efficiently performed. Also, in this embodiment, if a malfunction occurs in one of the multiple inspection units 511 to 517 that make up the inspection device 500, the malfunctioning inspection unit can be replaced.

[0074] In the inspection device 500 of this embodiment, the inspection unit 513 includes an imaging device 631, which is an inspection device, as well as a frame 630 that houses the imaging device 631. At least the surface of the frame 630 is formed using resin. In this embodiment, like the frame 630 of the inspection unit 513, at least the surfaces of the frames of the other inspection units 511, 512, 514 to 517 are also formed using resin. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the weight of the inspection device 500 and prevent damage such as scratches on the inspection object even if it comes into contact with the inspection object. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the number of assembly parts such as screws, thereby reducing the risk of assembly parts such as screws falling off.

[0075] In the inspection device 500 of this embodiment, the frame 630 of the inspection unit 513 has an arc shape that follows the shape of the gap AG between the rotor 20 and the stator 40. In this embodiment, the frames of the other inspection units 511, 512, 514 to 517 also have an arc shape that follows the shape of the gap AG, similar to the frame 630 of the inspection unit 513. Therefore, in this embodiment, the inspection device 500 can be easily inserted into the cylindrical gap AG, and can move smoothly in the gap AG.

[0076] [F] Variation Of course, the inspection device 500 of the above embodiment may be configured to be able to perform various inspections in addition to the above-described inspections. For example, the inspection device 500 may be configured to further include an inspection unit for performing an EL-CID (Electromagnetic Core Imperfection Detection) test on the stator 40.

[0077] <Other> Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention described in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 10: rotating electric machine, 20: rotor, 40: stator, 41: stator core, 42: stator coil, 60: rotating electric machine casing, 61: inner casing, 62: outer casing, 80: gas cooler, 90: fan, 200: rotor core, 201: rotating shaft, 500: inspection device, 511: inspection unit, 511M: male fitting portion, 512: inspection unit, 512F: female fitting portion, 512M: male fitting portion, 513: inspection unit, 513F: female fitting portion, 513M: male fitting portion, 514: inspection unit, 514F: female fitting portion, 51 5: inspection unit, 516: inspection unit, 517: inspection unit, 520: connecting shaft, 600: control device, 611: imaging device, 612: lighting device, 621: guide plate, 630: frame, 631: imaging device, 641: crawler, 642: permanent magnet, 643: hammer, 644: microphone, 645: imaging device, 661: guide plate, 671: imaging device, 700: cable, 800: inspection system, AG: gap, AX: rotating shaft, CG: cooling gas, H510: connecting hole, K61: through hole, K611: opening, K62: through hole

Claims

1. An inspection device that is inserted into a gap between a rotor and a stator when inspecting a rotating electric machine having a gap between the rotor and the stator, a plurality of inspection units for performing the inspection in the gap; a connecting shaft for connecting the plurality of inspection units; Equipped with The plurality of inspection units are configured to be detachable from each other, Each of the plurality of inspection units has a connection hole into which the connection shaft is inserted when the units are in a connected state. Inspection equipment.

2. Each of the plurality of inspection units includes: The frame and an inspection device provided on the frame; Including, At least the surface of the frame is formed using a resin. The inspection device according to claim 1 .

3. The frame has an arc shape that follows the shape of the gap. The inspection device according to claim 2 .

Images