Magnetic material inspection system

Abstract

To provide a magnetic body inspection system capable of suppressing magnetic body inspection in a state in which a magnetization state of a magnetic body is not excited by an excitation coil.SOLUTION: A magnetic body inspection system 100 comprises: an excitation coil 10 which excites a magnetization state of a magnetic body 90; a detection coil 11 which detects a change in a magnetic field of the magnetic body 90 whose magnetization state is excited by the excitation coil 10; a third control unit 30 which acquires and analyzes a detection signal 51 detected by the detection coil 11; and a notification unit which notifies the excitation coil 10 that power 24b is not supplied if the power 24b is not supplied to the excitation coil 10 at least when inspection is started.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a magnetic material inspection system, and particularly to a magnetic material inspection apparatus including an excitation coil that excites the magnetization state of a magnetic material.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a magnetic material inspection apparatus including an excitation coil that excites the magnetization state of a magnetic material has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a magnetic material inspection apparatus including a detection unit and an electronic circuit unit, which detects the magnetic flux of a wire rope to inspect for damage to the wire rope. The detection unit disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a reception coil and an excitation coil. In the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, the excitation coil is configured to excite the magnetization state of the wire rope. Then, the reception coil is configured to detect a change in the magnetic field of the wire rope whose magnetization state has been excited by the excitation coil and output a detection signal.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Although not disclosed in Patent Document 1, a magnetic material inspection device like the one disclosed in Patent Document 1 can output a detection signal from a receiving coil (detection coil) even when the magnetization state of the wire rope (magnetic material) is not excited by the excitation coil. A detection signal output when the magnetization state of the magnetic material is not excited by the excitation coil may not accurately detect damage to the magnetic material because it shows little change in the magnetic field caused by damage to the magnetic material. Therefore, there is a need for a magnetic material inspection system that can suppress the inspection of magnetic materials when the magnetization state of the magnetic material is not excited by the excitation coil.

[0006] This invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one of its objectives is to provide a magnetic material inspection system that can suppress the inspection of a magnetic material when the magnetization state of the magnetic material is not excited by the excitation coil. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The magnetic material inspection system in the first aspect of this invention comprises an excitation coil for exciting the magnetization state of a magnetic material, a detection coil for detecting changes in the magnetic field of the magnetic material whose magnetization state has been excited by the excitation coil, and a control unit for acquiring and analyzing the detection signal detected by the detection coil. Information Chibe and, A power source that supplies power to the excitation coil, the control unit, and the notification unit, and a power supply switching switch that, by operator operation, individually switches whether or not to supply power to the excitation coil from the power supplied from the power source to the excitation coil, the control unit, and the notification unit. Equipped with The notification unit shall, at least at the start of the inspection, notify that power is not being supplied to the excitation coil if power is not being supplied to the excitation coil. ru. The magnetic material inspection system in the second aspect of this invention comprises an excitation coil for exciting the magnetization state of a magnetic material, a detection coil for detecting changes in the magnetic field of a magnetic material whose magnetization state has been excited by the excitation coil, a control unit for acquiring and analyzing the detection signal detected by the detection coil, and a notification unit for notifying that power is not being supplied to the excitation coil if power is not being supplied to the excitation coil, at least at the start of the inspection. The control unit determines whether power is being supplied to the excitation coil and, if it determines that power is not being supplied to the excitation coil, controls the system to prohibit the start of the magnetic material inspection. A magnetic material inspection system in a third aspect of this invention comprises an excitation coil for exciting the magnetization state of a magnetic material, a detection coil for detecting changes in the magnetic field of a magnetic material whose magnetization state has been excited by the excitation coil, a control unit for acquiring and analyzing the detection signal detected by the detection coil, a notification unit for notifying that power is not being supplied to the excitation coil if power is not being supplied to the excitation coil, at least at the start of the inspection, and an input receiving unit for receiving operation input from an operator. The control unit controls the system so as not to accept operation input from the input receiving unit to start the inspection of the magnetic material when it determines that power is not being supplied to the excitation coil. The magnetic material inspection system in the fourth aspect of this invention comprises an excitation coil for exciting the magnetization state of a magnetic material, a detection coil for detecting changes in the magnetic field of a magnetic material whose magnetization state has been excited by the excitation coil, a control unit for acquiring and analyzing the detection signal detected by the detection coil, a notification unit for notifying that power is not being supplied to the excitation coil if power is not being supplied to the excitation coil, at least at the start of the inspection, a power source for supplying power to the excitation coil, and a power supply changeover switch for switching whether or not power is supplied to the excitation coil by the operator. The excitation coil is configured to be switchable between an open state in which a gap is provided that allows the magnetic material to be inserted from at least one of the directions in which the magnetic material extends and a direction intersecting it, and a closed state that surrounds the magnetic material. The power supply changeover switch is configured to stop supplying power to the excitation coil when the excitation coil is in the open state.

[0008] This invention 5 The magnetic material inspection system in this context comprises a sensor unit, a control unit, and an information processing unit. The control unit has a power source that supplies power to the sensor unit. The sensor unit comprises an excitation coil that excites the magnetization state of a magnetic material, a detection coil that detects changes in the magnetic field of the magnetic material whose magnetization state has been excited by the excitation coil, and a signal output unit that outputs the detection signal detected by the detection coil. A power supply selector switch allows the operator to individually switch whether or not to supply power to the excitation coil from the power supplied to the sensor unit from the power source,The control unit has a transmission unit that acquires a detection signal output from a signal output unit and transmits it to an information processing unit, and the information processing unit has a receiving unit that receives the detection signal, a control unit that analyzes the received detection signal and determines whether or not power is being supplied to the excitation coil, and a notification unit that, at least at the start of the inspection, if it is determined that power is not being supplied to the excitation coil, notifies that power is not being supplied to the excitation coil. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The First and Secondary Precedents of the Present 5 The magnetic material inspection system in this context , news Chibe A power source that supplies power to the excitation coil, the control unit, and the notification unit, and a power supply switching switch that allows the operator to individually switch whether or not to supply power to the excitation coil from the power supplied to the excitation coil, the control unit, and the notification unit from the power source, Equipped with The notification unit shall, at least at the start of the inspection, notify that power is not being supplied to the excitation coil if power is not being supplied to the excitation coil. This means that if power is not supplied to the excitation coil, the notification unit will notify the operator that power is not being supplied to the excitation coil, allowing the operator to understand that power is not being supplied to the excitation coil before starting the inspection. As a result, it is possible to provide a magnetic material inspection system that can suppress the inspection of magnetic materials when the magnetization state of the magnetic material is not excited by the excitation coil. This suppresses the inability to accurately detect damage to the magnetic material. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a magnetic material inspection system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] (A) is a schematic diagram showing a sensor unit according to one embodiment, and (B) is an enlarged view showing the power supply switching switch included in the sensor unit. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram showing a control unit according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration for inspecting magnetic materials in a sensor unit and control unit according to one embodiment. [Figure 5]It is a schematic plan view for explaining an excitation coil according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a schematic plan view for explaining a detection coil according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a schematic diagram (A) for explaining an open state of an excitation coil and a detection coil according to an embodiment, and a schematic diagram (B) for explaining a closed state. [Figure 8] It is a schematic diagram for explaining a configuration for transmitting and receiving information and the like between units of a magnetic body inspection system according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a schematic diagram (A) showing an operation screen displayed on an information processing unit in a state where power is supplied to an excitation coil, and a schematic diagram (B) showing an operation screen in a state where no power is supplied to the excitation coil. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart for explaining a process of determining whether power is supplied to an excitation coil. [Figure 11] It is a flowchart for explaining an inspection process of a magnetic body. [Figure 12] It is a schematic diagram (A) for explaining an open state of an excitation coil and a detection coil according to a first modification example, and a schematic diagram (B) for explaining a closed state. [Figure 13] It is a schematic diagram for explaining a magnetic field application unit according to a second modification example.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments embodying the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

[0012] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 9, the configuration of a magnetic body inspection system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0013] (Configuration of Magnetic Body Inspection System) The magnetic material inspection system 100 shown in Figure 1 is a system for inspecting a magnetic material 90 (see Figure 2(A)), which is the object to be inspected. The magnetic material 90 includes, for example, a wire rope. That is, the magnetic material inspection system 100 according to this embodiment is a system for inspecting damage to a wire rope. Damage to a wire rope includes defects such as broken strands, foreign matter adhesion, and rust. The magnetic material inspection system 100 according to this embodiment is installed, for example, in a manufacturing plant for magnetic materials 90 to inspect whether or not the manufactured magnetic material 90 is damaged. The magnetic material inspection system 100 may also be used to inspect damage to magnetic materials 90 used in elevators, cranes, ropeways, suspension bridges, and robots, etc.

[0014] As shown in Figure 1, the magnetic material inspection system 100 comprises a sensor unit 1, a control unit 2, and an information processing unit 3. The sensor unit 1 and the control unit 2 are connected by a wire. The sensor unit 1 is configured to transmit a detection signal 51 (see Figure 8), which will be described later, to the control unit 2. The control unit 2 is also configured to supply power 24a to the sensor unit 1. The control unit 2 and the information processing unit 3 are connected wirelessly or by a wire. The control unit 2 is configured to transmit measurement data 52 (see Figure 8), which will be described later, to the information processing unit 3. The information processing unit 3 is also configured to transmit an inspection start signal 50 (see Figure 8), which will be described later, to the control unit 2. The sensor unit 1 and the control unit 2 are placed at the location where the magnetic material 90 (see Figure 2(A)) is inspected. The information processing unit 3 is placed at a location separate from the sensor unit 1 and the control unit 2.

[0015] The user (worker) can use the magnetic material inspection system 100 to inspect the magnetic material 90, thereby confirming any damage (abnormalities) to the magnetic material 90 that are difficult to confirm by visual inspection.

[0016] The sensor unit 1 includes an excitation coil 10, a detection coil 11, and a first connection unit 12. In this embodiment, the sensor unit 1 also includes a magnetic field application unit 4 (see Figure 4). In this embodiment, the sensor unit 1 also includes a first control unit 13, a first notification unit 14, and a power supply switching switch 15. The first connection unit 12 is an example of a "signal output unit" as defined in the claims. Details of the magnetic field application unit 4 will be described later.

[0017] The excitation coil 10 is configured to excite the magnetization state of the magnetic material 90 (see Figure 2(A)). Exciting the magnetization state means that the direction in which the excitation coil 10 applies a magnetic field to the magnetic material 90 is reversed at predetermined intervals. In this embodiment, the excitation coil 10 is electrically connected to the first control unit 13 via a power supply changeover switch 15.

[0018] The detection coil 11 is configured to detect changes in the magnetic field of the magnetic material 90. The detailed configuration of the detection coil 11 will be described later.

[0019] The first connection section 12 is connected to the second connection section 23 and the power source 24, which will be described later. The first connection section 12 is configured to output a detection signal 51 (see Figure 8) detected by the detection coil 11. In this embodiment, the first connection section 12 is configured to output the detection signal 51 to the control unit 2 via the second connection section 23. The first connection section 12 is also configured to supply power 24a supplied from the power source 24 to the sensor unit 1. Specifically, the first connection section 12 is configured to supply power 24a supplied from the power source 24 to the first control unit 13.

[0020] The first control unit 13 is configured to control each part of the sensor unit 1. The first control unit 13 is also configured to supply power 24a from the power source 24 to each part of the sensor unit 1. The first control unit 13 includes, for example, a processor or circuit (such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit)), memory, and an AD converter.

[0021] The first notification unit 14 is configured to notify, under the control of the first control unit 13, that power 24b is not being supplied to the excitation coil 10, at least at the start of the inspection. The first notification unit 14 is configured to visually notify, for example, that power 24b is not being supplied to the excitation coil 10. The first notification unit 14 is a light-emitting device including, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode). Note that the first notification unit 14 is an example of the "notification unit" in the claims.

[0022] The power supply changeover switch 15 is configured to switch, by operation by the operator, whether or not to supply power 24b to the excitation coil 10 from the power source 24 supplied to the sensor unit 1 from the power source 24. The power supply changeover switch 15 is, for example, a push button such as a membrane switch.

[0023] The sensor unit 1 according to this embodiment is configured to analyze (determine) the state of the magnetic material 90, such as whether or not there is damage to the magnetic material 90, using the total magnetic flux method. This makes it possible to confirm damage (abnormalities) to the magnetic material 90 that are difficult to confirm by visual inspection. If the magnetic material 90 contains damage, the magnetic flux at the damaged part will differ from the magnetic flux at the normal part (the part where no damage has occurred). Unlike methods that measure only leakage magnetic flux from damage on the surface of the magnetic material 90 (so-called leakage magnetic flux method), the total magnetic flux method is a method that can also measure damage such as wire breakage and rust inside the magnetic material 90. The total magnetic flux method is a method of detecting changes in the magnetic flux across the cross-sectional area of ​​the magnetic material 90 while the excitation coil 10 and the detection coil 11 are wound around the central axis of the magnetic material 90.

[0024] The magnetic material 90 is a long material formed by twisting together multiple strands of wire material. Each strand is composed of multiple wires twisted together. The magnetic material 90 is inspected by a magnetic material inspection system 100 to prevent breakage due to damage. Based on the measurement of the magnetic flux of the magnetic material 90, any magnetic material 90 that is determined to have a degree of damage (abnormality) exceeding a predetermined standard is replaced by the user (worker).

[0025] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the control unit 2 includes a second control unit 20, a first storage unit 21, a second notification unit 22, a second connection unit 23, a power source 24, and a first communication unit 25.

[0026] The second control unit 20 is configured to control each part of the control unit 2. The second control unit 20 is also configured to acquire the detection signal 51 (see Figure 8) output from the first connection unit 12. Furthermore, the second control unit 20 is configured to output the acquired detection signal 51 as measurement data 52 (see Figure 8) to the third control unit 30. The second control unit 20 includes, for example, a processor or circuit (such as a CPU), memory, and an AD converter. The measurement data 52 is data summarizing the detection signals 51 for a predetermined period of time.

[0027] The first storage unit 21 is configured to store the detection signal 51 output from the first connection unit 12 when it receives an inspection start signal 50 (see Figure 8) from the third control unit 30. The first storage unit 21 is, for example, a portable storage device such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory.

[0028] The second notification unit 22 is configured to notify, under the control of the second control unit 20, that power 24b is not being supplied to the excitation coil 10, at least at the start of the inspection. The second notification unit 22 is configured to visually notify, for example, that power 24b is not being supplied to the excitation coil 10. The second notification unit 22 is a light-emitting device including, for example, an LED or other light-emitting element. Note that the second notification unit 22 is an example of the "notification unit" in the claims.

[0029] The second connection unit 23 is configured to receive the detection signal 51 (see Figure 8) transmitted from the first connection unit 12. The second connection unit 23 is also configured to transmit the received detection signal 51 to the second control unit 20.

[0030] The power source 24 receives power from an external source and supplies power 24a to each part of the sensor unit 1 and the control unit 2. In this embodiment, the power source 24 also supplies power 24b to the excitation coil 10 via the first control unit 13. The power source 24 supplies power 24a to the sensor unit 1 when the control unit 2 and the sensor unit 1 are connected. That is, each part of the sensor unit 1 receives power 24a from the power source 24 when it is connected to the control unit 2. As described above, the supply of power 24b to the excitation coil 10 can be switched using the power supply changeover switch 15.

[0031] The first communication unit 25 is configured to connect the control unit 2 and the information processing unit 3 in a communicative manner. The first communication unit 25 is also configured to acquire the detection signal 51 (see Figure 8) output from the first connection unit 12 and transmit it to the information processing unit 3. The first communication unit 25 is, for example, a communication interface. Note that the first communication unit 25 is an example of the "transmitting unit" in the claims.

[0032] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the information processing unit 3 includes a third control unit 30, a second storage unit 31, a display unit 32, an input receiving unit 33, and a second communication unit 34. The information processing unit 3 is a so-called PC (Personal Computer).

[0033] The third control unit 30 is configured to control each part of the information processing unit 3. The third control unit 30 is also configured to acquire and analyze the detection signal 51 (see Figure 8) detected by the detection coil 11. Specifically, the third control unit 30 is configured to analyze the measurement data 52 (see Figure 8) output from the first connection unit 12 and transmitted from the control unit 2. Furthermore, the third control unit 30 is configured to determine whether or not power 24b is supplied to the excitation coil 10. As part of the analysis of the measurement data 52, the third control unit 30 performs tasks such as acquiring peaks corresponding to the damage locations of the magnetic material 90 (see Figure 2(A)) from the signal waveform of the measurement data 52. The third control unit 30 includes, for example, a processor or circuit (such as a CPU) and memory.

[0034] The second storage unit 31 stores the threshold value 55 (see Figure 8), which will be described later. The second storage unit 31 is also configured to store the measurement data 52 transmitted from the control unit 2. The second storage unit 31 is a non-volatile storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0035] The display unit 32 is configured to display measurement data 52 and the like. The display unit 32 is also configured to display the operation screen 32a (see Figure 9(A)) when the operator operates the magnetic material inspection system 100. The display unit 32 is also configured to display that power 24b is not being supplied to the excitation coil 10. The display unit 32 includes, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal monitor. Note that the display unit 32 is an example of the "notification unit" in the claims.

[0036] The input receiving unit 33 is configured to receive operation input from the operator. The input receiving unit 33 is configured to receive operation input for, for example, the inspection of a magnetic material 90 (see Figure 2(A)). The input receiving unit 33 is configured to receive operation input such as the inspection start button 34a (see Figure 9(A)) and the inspection end button 34b (see Figure 9(B)). The input receiving unit 33 includes, for example, an input device such as a mouse or keyboard.

[0037] The second communication unit 34 is configured to connect the information processing unit 3 and the control unit 2 in a communicative manner. The second communication unit 34 is also configured to acquire the detection signal 51 (see Figure 8). The second communication unit 34 is, for example, a communication interface. The second communication unit 34 is an example of the "receiving unit" in the claims.

[0038] (Sensor unit) Next, the configuration of the sensor unit 1 will be described with reference to Figures 2(A) and 2(B).

[0039] As shown in Figure 2(A), the sensor unit 1 is configured to inspect a magnetic material 90 placed inside it. In this embodiment, the sensor unit 1 is configured to inspect the magnetic material 90 while moving it inside the sensor unit 1.

[0040] Furthermore, the sensor unit 1 includes a first housing portion 1a and a second housing portion 1b, and is configured to be separable. In this embodiment, the first housing portion 1a and the second housing portion 1b are configured to be separable from each other. In this embodiment, the excitation coil 10 (see Figure 1) and the detection coil 11 (see Figure 1) are also configured to be separable. The configuration of the separable excitation coil 10 and the detection coil 11 will be described later.

[0041] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the side surface 1c of the second housing portion 1b is provided with the first notification unit 14 and the power supply switching switch 15.

[0042] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2(B), the power supply changeover switch 15 includes a power supply reset switch 15a and a power supply switch 15b. The detailed configurations of the power supply reset switch 15a and the power supply switch 15b will be described later.

[0043] (Control unit) Next, the control unit 2 will be described with reference to Figure 3.

[0044] The housing 2a of the control unit 2 is equipped with a second notification unit 22, a main power button 26, and a control unit power button 27. When the main power button 26 is operated, power can be supplied from the power source 24 to each part of the control unit 2. At this time, power 24a is also supplied to the sensor unit 1 (see Figure 1). Furthermore, when the control unit power button 27 is operated after the main power button 26 has been operated, the second control unit 20 (see Figure 1) supplies power to each part of the control unit 2.

[0045] (Magnetic field application section) As shown in Figure 4, the magnetic material inspection system 100 includes a magnetic field application unit 4. The magnetic field application unit 4 includes a magnet 40 and is configured to apply a magnetic field to the magnetic material 90 in advance before exciting the magnetization state of the magnetic material 90 with the excitation coil 10, thereby adjusting the magnitude and direction of the magnetic field of the magnetic material 90. In this embodiment, the magnetic field application unit 4 is provided at a position spaced apart from the sensor unit 1 in the direction in which the magnetic material 90 extends (X direction). In this embodiment, the magnetic field application unit 4 is provided on the X1 direction side with respect to the sensor unit 1. Specifically, the magnetic field application unit 4 includes magnets 40a and 40b provided on the X1 direction side. Magnet 40a is provided in the first housing part 1a (see Figure 2(A)). Magnet 40b is provided in the second housing part 1b (see Figure 2(A)). Magnets 40 (magnets 40a and 40b) are, for example, permanent magnets.

[0046] (Excitation coil and detection coil) Next, with reference to Figures 4 to 7, a configuration in which the excitation coil 10 and the detection coil 11 can be separated will be described.

[0047] As shown in Figure 4, the excitation coil 10 has a first excitation coil section 10a and a second excitation coil section 10b. The first excitation coil section 10a is provided in the first housing section 1a (see Figure 2(A)). The second excitation coil section 10b is provided in the second housing section 1b (see Figure 2(A)). The first excitation coil section 10a and the second excitation coil section 10b are provided so as to face each other in a direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the direction in which the magnetic material 90 extends.

[0048] Furthermore, the first excitation coil section 10a and the second excitation coil section 10b are configured to be electrically connected to each other by terminal sections 110a (see Figure 5) and 112a (see Figure 5), which will be described later. In other words, the excitation coil 10 is configured to become a single coil wound around the magnetic material 90 when the first excitation coil section 10a and the second excitation coil section 10b are connected.

[0049] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the detection coil 11 has a first detection coil section 11a and a second detection coil section 11b. The first detection coil section 11a is provided in the first housing section 1a (see Figure 2(A)). The second detection coil section 11b is provided in the second housing section 1b (see Figure 2(A)). The first detection coil section 11a and the second detection coil section 11b are provided so as to face each other in a direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the direction in which the magnetic material 90 extends.

[0050] Furthermore, the first detection coil section 11a and the second detection coil section 11b are configured to be electrically connected to each other by terminal sections 114a (see Figure 6) and 116a (see Figure 6), which will be described later. In other words, the detection coil 11 is configured to become a single coil wound around the magnetic material 90 when the first detection coil section 11a and the second detection coil section 11b are connected.

[0051] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the excitation coil 10 is larger than the detection coil 11 in the X, Y, and Z directions. Therefore, the detection coil 11 is located inside the excitation coil 10. Specifically, the first detection coil section 11a is located inside the first excitation coil section 10a. That is, the first detection coil section 11a is located in the first housing section 1a via the first excitation coil section 10a.

[0052] Furthermore, the second detection coil section 11b is located inside the second excitation coil section 10b. In other words, the second detection coil section 11b is located in the second housing section 1b via the second excitation coil section 10b.

[0053] As shown in Figure 5, the first excitation coil section 10a includes a coil body 110 and a sheet-like substrate (printed circuit board) 111 on which the coil body 110 is provided. The coil body 110 has a plurality of terminal sections 110a and a plurality of conductor sections 110b that electrically connect two corresponding terminal sections 110a. The plurality of terminal sections 110a are configured to be electrically connected to a plurality of terminal sections 112a of the second excitation coil section 10b, which will be described later.

[0054] The second excitation coil section 10b includes a coil body 112 and a sheet-like substrate (printed circuit board) 113 on which the coil body 112 is provided. The coil body 112 has a plurality of terminal portions 112a and a plurality of conductor portions 112b that electrically connect two corresponding terminal portions 112a. The plurality of terminal portions 112a are configured to be electrically connected to the plurality of terminal portions 110a of the first excitation coil section 10a.

[0055] The excitation coil 10 (see Figure 4) is configured such that current flows through the magnetic material 90 (see Figure 4) multiple times when current is connected in the order of terminals 110a and 112a of the first excitation coil section 10a and the second excitation coil section 10b, and through the conductor sections 110b and 112b. The excitation coil 10 is configured to generate a magnetic field inside (inside the coil's loop) along the direction in which the magnetic material 90 extends (X direction (see Figure 4)) when an excitation alternating current flows through it. The excitation coil 10 is also configured to apply the generated magnetic field to the magnetic material 90 placed inside it. The excitation coil 10 is formed by connecting sheet-shaped substrates 111 and 113 in a curved state, so that the magnetic material 90 is at the center and the conductor sections 110b and 112b are wound around the axis of the magnetic material 90.

[0056] As shown in Figure 6, the first detection coil section 11a includes a coil body 114 and a sheet-like substrate (printed circuit board) 115 on which the coil body 114 is provided. The coil body 114 has a plurality of terminal sections 114a and a plurality of conductor sections 114b that electrically connect two corresponding terminal sections 114a. The plurality of terminal sections 114a are configured to be electrically connected to a plurality of terminal sections 116a of the second detection coil section 11b, which will be described later.

[0057] The second detection coil section 11b includes a coil body 116 and a sheet-like substrate (printed circuit board) 117 on which the coil body 116 is provided. The coil body 116 has a plurality of terminal sections 116a and a plurality of conductor sections 116b that electrically connect two corresponding terminal sections 116a. The plurality of terminal sections 116a are configured to be electrically connected to the plurality of terminal sections 116a of the first detection coil section 11a.

[0058] The detection coil 11 (see Figure 4) is configured such that current flows through the magnetic material 90 (see Figure 4) multiple times when current is connected in the order of terminals 114a and 116a of the first detection coil section 11a and the second detection coil section 11b, and through the conductor sections 114b and 116b. The detection coil 11 is configured to detect changes in the magnetic field of the magnetic material 90, whose magnetization state is excited by the excitation coil 10. That is, the detection coil 11 is configured to output the induced current generated by the change in the magnetic field of the magnetic material 90 caused by the excitation coil 10 as a detection signal 51 (see Figure 8). The detection coil 11 is formed by connecting sheet-shaped substrates 115 and 117 in a curved state, so that the magnetic material 90 is at the center and the conductor sections 114b and 116b are wound around the axis of the magnetic material 90.

[0059] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 7(A) and 7(B), the excitation coil 10 is configured to be switchable between an open state and a closed state. The detection coil 11 is also configured to be switchable between an open state and a closed state. In this embodiment, the first excitation coil section 10a and the first detection coil section 11a are provided in the first housing section 1a (see Figure 2(A)), and the second excitation coil section 10b and the second detection coil section 11b are provided in the second housing section 1b (see Figure 2(A)). Therefore, when the operator separates the sensor unit 1, the excitation coil 10 and the detection coil 11 are also separated.

[0060] The open state shown in Figure 7(A) is a state in which a gap 80 is provided that allows the magnetic material 90 to be inserted from at least one of the directions (Y direction) that intersects the direction in which the magnetic material 90 extends (X direction). Specifically, the open state is a state in which the first excitation coil section 10a and the first detection coil section 11a and the second excitation coil section 10b and the second detection coil section 11b are spaced apart in the Z direction. In the example shown in Figure 7(A), the gap 80 includes a first gap 80a provided on the Y2 direction side of the excitation coil 10 and a second gap 80b provided on the Y1 direction side of the excitation coil 10. Therefore, in the example shown in Figure 7(A), the magnetic material 90 can be inserted into the excitation coil 10 and the detection coil 11 from either the Y2 direction or the Y1 direction.

[0061] Furthermore, the closed state shown in Figure 7(B) is a state in which the excitation coil 10 and the detection coil 11 surround the magnetic material 90. Specifically, the closed state is a state in which the first excitation coil section 10a and the second excitation coil section 10b are connected, and the first detection coil section 11a and the second detection coil section 11b are connected. In other words, the closed state is a state in which current flows through the excitation coil 10 when power 24b (see Figure 1) is supplied to the excitation coil 10. In the closed state, the magnetic material 90 can be inspected by moving in the X direction.

[0062] In this configuration, when the excitation coil 10 is in the open state, the first excitation coil section 10a and the second excitation coil section 10b are exposed. Therefore, the power supply changeover switch 15 (see Figure 1) is configured to stop supplying power 24b to the excitation coil 10 when the excitation coil 10 is in the open state. Furthermore, in this embodiment, even if the excitation coil 10 is closed again after being in the open state, the state in which the supply of power 24b to the excitation coil 10 is stopped is maintained. The power supply changeover switch 15 (power supply return switch 15a (see Figure 2(B)) and power supply switch 15b (see Figure 2(B))) is operated by the operator, and the system is configured to supply power 24b to the excitation coil 10. In other words, the sensor unit 1 (see Figure 1) is configured not to automatically restart the supply of power 24b to the excitation coil 10 even if the excitation coil 10 is closed after being in the open state.

[0063] (Procedure for inspecting magnetic materials) Next, referring to Figure 8, we will explain the process by which the magnetic material inspection system 100 inspects the magnetic material 90 (see Figure 2(A)).

[0064] The sensor unit 1 and the control unit 2 are placed in a facility (equipment) where the magnetic material 90 is provided.

[0065] Sensor unit 1 is separated by the operator (sensor unit 1 is opened), and a magnetic material 90 is placed inside. Then, sensor unit 1 is closed (sensor unit 1 is closed). In this embodiment, if the power supply return switch 15a is operated after the excitation coil 10 has been separated and reconnected, the first control unit 13 controls the system to enable the supply of power 24b (see Figure 1) to the excitation coil 10. The first control unit 13 also controls the system to start supplying power 24b to the excitation coil 10 when the power supply switch 15b (see Figure 2(B)) is operated by the operator. In this embodiment, for example, the first control unit 13 starts supplying power 24b to the excitation coil 10 if the power supply switch 15b is pressed down for a predetermined time.

[0066] Next, when the main power button 26 (see Figure 3) and the control unit power button 27 (see Figure 3) of the control unit 2 are operated, power 24a is supplied to the control unit 2 and the sensor unit 1.

[0067] When power 24a is supplied to the sensor unit 1, the detection coil 11 starts transmitting a detection signal 51 to the control unit 2. Specifically, the detection coil 11 transmits the detection signal 51 to the second control unit 20 via the first connection part 12 (see Figure 1) and the second connection part 23.

[0068] The operator operates the power supply changeover switch 15 to supply power 24b to the excitation coil 10. Subsequently, the operator initiates the inspection start operation in the information processing unit 3, which then starts the inspection of the magnetic material 90. Specifically, the information processing unit 3 begins analyzing the measurement data 52. When the operator initiates the inspection start operation, the third control unit 30 transmits an inspection start signal 50 to the second control unit 20.

[0069] Upon receiving the inspection start signal 50, the second control unit 20 transmits the measurement data 52 to the third control unit 30.

[0070] Furthermore, if the operator performs an operation to terminate the inspection in the information processing unit 3, the inspection of the magnetic material 90 is terminated. When the operator inputs an operation to terminate the inspection, the third control unit 30 transmits an inspection termination signal 53 to the second control unit 20. Upon receiving the inspection termination signal 53, the second control unit 20 stops transmitting measurement data 52 to the third control unit 30.

[0071] In this embodiment, the sensor unit 1 (detection coil 11) continues to output a detection signal 51 to the control unit 2 regardless of whether power 24b is supplied to the excitation coil 10. Therefore, if the operator inspects the magnetic material 90 without restarting the power supply 24b to the excitation coil 10, the magnetization state of the magnetic material 90 is not excited, and the detection coil 11 transmits a meaningless detection signal 51 that does not include the change in the magnetic field caused by damage to the magnetic material 90. The control unit 2 (second control unit 20) continues to discard the detection signal 51 acquired from the sensor unit 1 until the inspection start signal 50 is transmitted from the information processing unit 3.

[0072] Therefore, in this embodiment, the notification unit is configured to notify that power 24b is not being supplied to the excitation coil 10 when the power supply changeover switch 15 is not in a state to supply power 24b to the excitation coil 10. The first control unit 13 determines whether or not power 24b is being supplied to the excitation coil 10. Specifically, the first control unit 13 can determine whether or not power 24b is being supplied to the excitation coil 10 by determining the on / off state of the power supply switch 15b or by determining the voltage value of a predetermined line. After the excitation coil 10 is in a state where power 24b is not being supplied, the first control unit 13 determines that power 24b is not being supplied to the excitation coil 10 until the power supply return switch 15a (see Figure 2(B)) and the power supply switch 15b (see Figure 2(B)) are operated.

[0073] The first control unit 13 supplies power 24b from the power 24a supplied from the power source 24 to the excitation coil 10 via the power supply changeover switch 15. In this embodiment, the first control unit 13 is configured to output an alarm signal 54, described later, to the control unit 2 via the first connection unit 12 if power 24b is not supplied to the excitation coil 10. The first control unit 13 is also configured to provide notification via the first notification unit 14 if power 24b is not supplied to the excitation coil 10.

[0074] The second control unit 20 determines whether or not power 24b is being supplied to the excitation coil 10. Specifically, the second control unit 20 is configured to determine that power 24b is not being supplied to the excitation coil 10 when it receives an alarm signal 54 from the first control unit 13.

[0075] The first control unit 13 is configured to determine whether or not power 24b is being supplied to the excitation coil 10 based on the power 24b and a threshold value 55. Specifically, the first control unit 13 outputs an alarm signal 54 to the second control unit 20 when the effective value of the voltage applied to the excitation coil 10 becomes smaller than the threshold value 55. The threshold value 55 is set by the operator in the information processing unit 3. The threshold value 55 is transmitted from the third control unit 30 to the sensor unit 1 via the control unit 2. The threshold value 55 is transmitted to the sensor unit 1 when the magnetic material inspection system 100 is started and when the value of the threshold value 55 is changed. The first control unit 13 may also be configured to determine whether or not power 24b is being supplied to the excitation coil 10 by comparing the peak value, maximum value, etc., of the voltage applied to the excitation coil 10 with the threshold value 55.

[0076] The second control unit 20 is configured to perform control to prohibit the start of the inspection of the magnetic material 90 when it determines that power 24b is not being supplied to the excitation coil 10. Specifically, the second control unit 20 is configured to perform control to prevent the input unit 33 from accepting an operation input to start the inspection of the magnetic material 90 when it determines that power 24b is not being supplied to the excitation coil 10. More specifically, when the second control unit 20 determines that power 24b is not being supplied to the excitation coil 10, it transmits an alarm 54a to the third control unit 30.

[0077] The third control unit 30 determines whether or not power 24b is being supplied to the excitation coil 10. Specifically, the third control unit 30 is configured to determine that power 24b is not being supplied to the excitation coil 10 when it receives an alarm 54a from the second control unit 20.

[0078] The third control unit 30 is configured to perform control to prohibit the start of the inspection of the magnetic material 90 when it determines that power 24b is not being supplied to the excitation coil 10. Specifically, when alarm 54a is acquired, the third control unit 30 performs control to prevent the input from the input receiving unit 33 from accepting an operation input to start the inspection of the magnetic material 90.

[0079] Figure 9(A) shows the operation screen 32a displayed on the display unit 32 (see Figure 1) when power 24a (see Figure 8) is supplied to the excitation coil 10 (see Figure 8). The operation screen 32a displays a test start button 34a and a test end button 34b. The operation screen 32a also includes a measurement data display area 35 that displays measurement data 52 (see Figure 8). The test start button 34a and the test end button 34b are push buttons in the GUI (Graphical User Interface).

[0080] When power 24b is supplied to the excitation coil 10, the inspection start button 34a and the inspection end button 34b are operational. That is, when power 24b is supplied to the excitation coil 10, the third control unit 30 controls the system to make the inspection start button 34a and the inspection end button 34b pressable. Therefore, the operator can start and end the inspection of the magnetic material 90 (see Figure 2(A)).

[0081] Figure 9(B) shows the operation screen 32b when power 24a (see Figure 8) is not being supplied to the excitation coil 10 (see Figure 8). On the operation screen 32b, the inspection start button 34a and the inspection end button 34b are disabled. In other words, the third control unit 30 disables the inspection start button 34a and the inspection end button 34b when power 24b is not being supplied to the excitation coil 10. Therefore, the operator cannot start or end the inspection. In the example shown in Figure 9(B), the inspection start button 34a and the inspection end button 34b are shown with dashed lines to indicate that they are disabled.

[0082] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9(B), when the third control unit 30 (see Figure 8) receives an alarm 54a (see Figure 8) from the second control unit 20 (see Figure 8), it displays the alarm 54a on the operation screen 32b. Specifically, the third control unit 30 displays the alarm 54a by displaying a pop-up 36 on the operation screen 32b. The third control unit 30 continues to display the pop-up 36 as long as the alarm 54a is output from the second control unit 20. The pop-up 36 can also be hidden by the operator's input.

[0083] (Determination process for determining the power supply status to the excitation coil) Next, referring to Figure 10, the process by which the magnetic material inspection system 100 (see Figure 8) determines the power supply status of power 24a (see Figure 8) to the excitation coil 10 (see Figure 8) will be described. Note that the determination of the power supply status of power 24b to the excitation coil 10 shown in Figure 10 is performed at predetermined intervals until the inspection of the magnetic material 90 (see Figure 2(A)) begins.

[0084] In step 200, the first control unit 13 (see Figure 8) determines whether or not power 24b is being supplied to the excitation coil 10. If power 24b is being supplied to the excitation coil 10, the processing of the first control unit 13 ends. If power 24b is not being supplied to the excitation coil 10, the process proceeds to step 201.

[0085] In step 201, the first control unit 13 transmits an alarm signal 54 (see Figure 8) to the second control unit 20 (see Figure 8).

[0086] In step 202, the first control unit 13 lights up the first notification unit 14 (see Figure 1). After that, the processing of the first control unit 13 ends. The first control unit 13 performs the determination process in step 200 at predetermined time intervals.

[0087] Next, in step 300, the second control unit 20 determines whether or not it has received an alarm signal 54 from the first control unit 13. If it has not received an alarm signal 54, the processing of the second control unit 20 ends. If it has received an alarm signal 54, the process proceeds to step 301.

[0088] In step 301, the second control unit 20 transmits alarm 54a (see Figure 8) to the third control unit 30 (see Figure 8).

[0089] In step 302, the second control unit 20 lights up the second notification unit 22 (see Figure 1). After that, the processing of the second control unit 20 ends. The second control unit 20 performs the determination process in step 300 at predetermined time intervals.

[0090] Next, in step 400, the third control unit 30 determines whether or not it has received alarm 54a. If alarm 54a is received, the process proceeds to step 401. If alarm 54a is not received, the process proceeds to step 403.

[0091] In step 401, the third control unit 30 disables the input for starting the inspection. The third control unit 30 also disables the input for ending the inspection. Specifically, the third control unit 30 disables the inspection start button 34a (see Figure 9(B)) and the inspection end button 34b (see Figure 9(B)) on the operation screen 32b (see Figure 9(B)).

[0092] In step 402, the third control unit 30 displays alarm 54a on the operation screen 32b. After that, the processing of the third control unit 30 ends.

[0093] If the process proceeds from step 400 to step 403, in step 403, the third control unit 30 controls the system to accept an input for starting the inspection. The third control unit 30 also enables the acceptance of an input for ending the inspection. After that, the processing of the third control unit 30 is terminated. Note that the processing in step 400 is performed by the third control unit 30 at predetermined time intervals.

[0094] Next, referring to Figure 11, the process by which the magnetic material inspection system 100 (see Figure 8) inspects the magnetic material 90 (see Figure 2(A)) will be described.

[0095] In step 210, the first control unit 13 (see Figure 8) starts acquiring the detection signal 51 (see Figure 8) from the detection coil 11 (see Figure 8).

[0096] In step 211, the first control unit 13 outputs a detection signal 51 to the second control unit 20 (see Figure 8). After that, the processing of the first control unit 13 ends. Note that the processing in steps 210 and 211 is performed as long as power 24a (see Figure 8) is supplied to the sensor unit 1.

[0097] Next, the process moves to the third control unit 30 (see Figure 8). Specifically, in step 410, the third control unit 30 determines whether or not it has received an operation input to start the inspection. More precisely, the third control unit 30 determines whether or not it has received an operation input in which the operator pressed the inspection start button 34a (see Figure 9(A)). If the operation input to start the inspection is received, the process proceeds to step 411. If the operation input to start the inspection is not received, the process in step 410 is repeated.

[0098] In step 411, the third control unit 30 transmits an inspection start signal 50 (see Figure 8) to the second control unit 20.

[0099] Next, the process moves to the second control unit 20. That is, in step 310, the second control unit 20 determines whether or not it has received the inspection start signal 50 from the third control unit 30. If the inspection start signal 50 has not been received, the process proceeds to step 311. If the inspection start signal 50 has been received, the process proceeds to step 312.

[0100] In step 311, the second control unit 20 discards the detection signal 51 received from the first control unit 13.

[0101] Furthermore, if the process proceeds from step 310 to step 312, in step 312, the second control unit 20 transmits the measurement data 52 (see Figure 8) to the third control unit 30.

[0102] Next, the process moves to the third control unit 30. Specifically, in step 412, the third control unit 30 receives measurement data 52 from the second control unit 20.

[0103] In step 413, the third control unit 30 analyzes the measurement data 52. In step 414, the third control unit 30 displays the analysis results of the measurement data 52 on the display unit 32 (see Figure 1).

[0104] In step 415, the third control unit 30 determines whether or not it has received an operation input indicating the end of the inspection. Specifically, the third control unit 30 determines whether or not it has received an operation input indicating that the operator has pressed the end of the inspection button 34b (see Figure 9(A)). If it has received an operation input indicating the end of the inspection, the process proceeds to step 416. If it has not received an operation input indicating the end of the inspection, the process proceeds to step 412.

[0105] In step 416, the third control unit 30 stops acquiring the measurement data 52. Specifically, the third control unit 30 sends an inspection completion signal 53 (see Figure 8) to the second control unit 20. Upon receiving the inspection completion signal 53, the second control unit 20 terminates the transmission of the measurement data 52 to the third control unit 30. After that, the processing of the third control unit 30 is completed.

[0106] Next, the process moves to the second control unit 20. Specifically, in step 313, the second control unit 20 determines whether or not it has received the inspection completion signal 53. If it has not received the inspection completion signal 53, the second control unit 20 repeats the process in step 313. If it has received the inspection completion signal 53, the process proceeds to step 314.

[0107] In step 314, the second control unit 20 stops transmitting the measurement data 52. After that, the processing of the second control unit 20 ends.

[0108] (Effects of this embodiment) In this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0109] In this embodiment, as described above, the magnetic material inspection system 100 includes an excitation coil 10 that excites the magnetization state of the magnetic material 90, a detection coil 11 that detects changes in the magnetic field of the magnetic material 90 whose magnetization state has been excited by the excitation coil 10, a control unit (third control unit 30) that acquires and analyzes the detection signal 51 detected by the detection coil 11, and a notification unit that notifies the excitation coil 10 that power 24b is not being supplied to the excitation coil 10, at least at the start of the inspection.

[0110] As a result, if power 24b is not supplied to the excitation coil 10, the notification unit will notify that power 24b is not being supplied to the excitation coil 10, so the operator can understand that power 24b is not being supplied to the excitation coil 10 before starting the inspection. As a result, it is possible to provide a magnetic material inspection system 100 that can suppress the inspection of the magnetic material 90 when the magnetization state of the magnetic material 90 is not excited by the excitation coil 10. This makes it possible to suppress the inability to accurately detect damage to the magnetic material 90.

[0111] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the system comprises a sensor unit 1, a control unit 2, and an information processing unit 3. The sensor unit 1 includes an excitation coil 10 that excites the magnetization state of a magnetic material 90, a detection coil 11 that detects changes in the magnetic field of the magnetic material 90 whose magnetization state has been excited by the excitation coil 10, and a signal output unit (first connection unit 12) that outputs a detection signal 51 detected by the detection coil 11. The control unit 2 acquires the detection signal 51 output from the signal output unit (first connection unit 12) and... The information processing unit 3 has a transmitting unit (first communication unit 25) that transmits to the information processing unit 3, a receiving unit (second communication unit 34) that receives a detection signal 51, a control unit (third control unit 30) that analyzes the received detection signal 51 and determines whether or not power 24b is being supplied to the excitation coil 10, and a notification unit that, at least at the start of the inspection, if it is determined that power 24b is not being supplied to the excitation coil 10, notifies that power 24b is not being supplied to the excitation coil 10.

[0112] Even with this configuration, it is possible to provide a magnetic material inspection system 100 that can suppress the inspection of the magnetic material 90 when the magnetization state of the magnetic material 90 is not excited by the excitation coil 10. Furthermore, for example, when inspecting the magnetic material 90 with the sensor unit 1 and control unit 2 placed near the magnetic material 90 to be inspected, and the information processing unit 3 placed at a location away from the sensor unit 1 and control unit 2, if power 24a is not supplied to the excitation coil 10 at the start of the inspection, the system can notify the operator at the remote location that power 24a is not being supplied to the excitation coil 10. As a result, even when an operator at a remote location inspects the magnetic material 90, the generation of meaningless data can be suppressed.

[0113] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the following additional effects can be obtained by configuring it as follows.

[0114] In other words, in this embodiment, as described above, the system further includes a power source 24 that supplies power 24b to the excitation coil 10, and a power supply changeover switch 15 that switches whether or not the power source 24 supplies power 24b to the excitation coil 10 by operation by the operator. The notification unit is configured to notify that power 24b is not being supplied to the excitation coil 10 when the power supply changeover switch 15 is not in a state to supply power 24b to the excitation coil 10. As a result, when the power supply changeover switch 15 is not in a state to supply power 24b to the excitation coil 10, the operator is notified that power 24b is not being supplied to the excitation coil 10. Therefore, if the operator attempts to start the inspection before performing an operation that puts the power supply changeover switch 15 into a state where power 24b is being supplied to the excitation coil 10, the operator can easily understand that the power supply changeover switch 15 is in a state where power 24b cannot be supplied to the excitation coil 10.

[0115] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the notification unit includes a display unit 32 that indicates that power 24b is not being supplied to the excitation coil 10. This allows the operator to be visually notified that power 24b is not being supplied to the excitation coil 10 by displaying it on the display unit 32. As a result, it is easy to visually understand that the power supply changeover switch 15 is in a state where power 24b cannot be supplied to the excitation coil 10.

[0116] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the first control unit 13, the second control unit 20, and / or the third control unit 30 are configured to determine that power 24b is not being supplied to the excitation coil 10 when the power supply changeover switch 15 is not in a state to supply power 24b to the excitation coil 10. This allows control to be made on whether or not to inspect the magnetic material 90 based on the determination results of the first control unit 13, the second control unit 20, and / or the third control unit 30. As a result, if power 24b is not being supplied to the excitation coil 10, it is possible to control the system to a state where it is impossible to inspect the magnetic material 90, thereby more reliably suppressing the generation of meaningless measurement data 52.

[0117] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the second control unit 20 and / or the third control unit 30 determine whether or not power 24b is supplied to the excitation coil 10, and if it is determined that power 24b is not supplied to the excitation coil 10, it controls the system to prohibit the start of the inspection of the magnetic material 90. This prevents the inspection of the magnetic material 90 from starting when power 24b is not supplied to the excitation coil 10. As a result, it is possible to prevent the generation of meaningless measurement data 52.

[0118] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, an input receiving unit 33 is further provided to receive operation input from the operator, and the second control unit 20 and / or third control unit 30 control the system so as not to accept operation input from the input receiving unit 33 to start inspecting the magnetic material 90 when it is determined that power 24b is not being supplied to the excitation coil 10. This prevents the operator from starting the inspection of the magnetic material 90 while power 24b is not being supplied to the excitation coil 10, even if the operator is unaware that the notification unit has notified that power 24b is not being supplied to the excitation coil 10. As a result, the generation of meaningless measurement data 52 can be suppressed more effectively.

[0119] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the excitation coil 10 is configured to be switchable between an open state in which a gap 80 is provided that allows the magnetic material 90 to be inserted from at least one of the directions in which the magnetic material 90 extends (X direction) and the direction intersecting it (Y direction), and a closed state in which the magnetic material 90 is surrounded. The power supply changeover switch 15 is configured to stop supplying power 24b to the excitation coil 10 when the excitation coil 10 is in the open state. As a result, for example, when the excitation coil 10 is in the open state, the supply of power 24b to the excitation coil 10 is stopped, so it is possible to prevent a state in which voltage is applied to the excitation coil 10 while it remains in the open state.

[0120] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, even if the excitation coil 10 is closed again after being in the open state, the state in which the supply of power 24b to the excitation coil 10 is stopped is maintained, and the system is configured to supply power 24b to the excitation coil 10 based on the operation of the power supply changeover switch 15 by the operator. As a result, when the excitation coil 10 is in the open state, it is possible to prevent power 24a from being supplied to the excitation coil 10 unless the operator takes action. Consequently, unlike a configuration in which power 24b is automatically supplied to the excitation coil 10 when the excitation coil 10 is in the closed state, it is possible to suppress the inspection of the magnetic material 90 at a timing unintended by the operator.

[0121] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the magnetic field application unit 4 is further provided, which includes a magnet 40 and applies a magnetic field to the magnetic material 90 in advance before the excitation coil 10 excites the magnetization state of the magnetic material 90, thereby adjusting the magnitude and direction of the magnetic field of the magnetic material 90. As a result, the magnetic field application unit 4 adjusts the magnitude and direction of the magnetic field of the magnetic material 90 before the excitation coil 10 excites the magnetization state of the magnetic material 90, so that noise in the detection signal 51 can be suppressed compared to a configuration in which the magnitude and direction of the magnetic field of the magnetic material 90 cannot be adjusted. As a result, it is possible to suppress noise in the detection signal 51, so that the accuracy of the measurement data 52 does not decrease.

[0122] [Differentiation] It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims rather than by the description of the embodiments above, and further includes all modifications (exceptions) within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0123] For example, the above embodiment shows an example in which the magnetic material inspection system 100 (sensor unit 1) is equipped with a power supply changeover switch 15, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The sensor unit 1 does not have to be equipped with a power supply changeover switch 15. However, if the sensor unit 1 is not equipped with a power supply changeover switch 15, a configuration is required to automatically supply power 24a to the excitation coil 10 when the excitation coil 10 changes from an open state to a closed state, which complicates the system configuration. Therefore, it is preferable that the sensor unit 1 is equipped with a power supply changeover switch 15.

[0124] Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows an example in which the notification unit includes a display unit 32, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the notification unit does not have to include a display unit 32. In this case, the information processing unit 3 may be provided with a light-emitting device including an LED or other light-emitting element, and configured to notify that power 24b is not being supplied to the excitation coil 10 by light.

[0125] Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows an example configuration in which the notification unit includes a first notification unit 14, a second notification unit 22, and a display unit 32, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the notification unit may include one or any two of the first notification unit 14, the second notification unit 22, and the display unit 32.

[0126] Furthermore, while the above embodiment shows an example in which the first notification unit 14 and the second notification unit 22 notify that power 24b is not being supplied to the excitation coil 10 by light, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first notification unit 14 and the second notification unit 22 may be configured to notify that power 24b is not being supplied to the excitation coil 10 by sound.

[0127] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the third control unit 30 prohibits the start of the inspection of the magnetic material 90 when it determines that power 24b is not being supplied to the excitation coil 10, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if the third control unit 30 does notify the system when power 24b is not being supplied to the excitation coil 10, it does not need to prohibit the start of the inspection of the magnetic material 90. However, if the third control unit 30 does not prohibit the start of the inspection of the magnetic material 90, a detection signal 51 will be output indicating that the magnetization state of the magnetic material 90 is not being excited by the excitation coil 10, and the measurement data 52 will be meaningless. For this reason, it is preferable that the third control unit 30 is configured to prohibit the start of the inspection of the magnetic material 90 when it determines that power 24b is not being supplied to the excitation coil 10.

[0128] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the third control unit 30 prohibits the start of the inspection of the magnetic material 90 when it determines that power 24b is not being supplied to the excitation coil 10, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, either the first control unit 13, the third control unit 30, or the second control unit 20 may be configured to prohibit the start of the inspection of the magnetic material 90 when it determines that power 24b is not being supplied to the excitation coil 10.

[0129] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the second control unit 20 performs control to prevent the input receiving unit 33 from accepting an operation input to start the inspection of the magnetic material 90 when it determines that power 24b is not being supplied to the excitation coil 10, but the present invention is not limited to this. As long as the start of the inspection of the magnetic material 90 can be prohibited, the content of the control performed by the second control unit 20 is not limited.

[0130] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the second control unit 20 performs control to prevent the input receiving unit 33 from accepting an operation input to start inspecting the magnetic material 90 when it determines that power 24b is not being supplied to the excitation coil 10, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, either the first control unit 13 or the third control unit 30 may be configured to perform control to prevent the input receiving unit 33 from accepting an operation input to start inspecting the magnetic material 90 when it determines that power 24b is not being supplied to the excitation coil 10.

[0131] Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows an example of a configuration in which the excitation coil 10 and the detection coil 11 can be separated from each other, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in the first modified example in Figure 12(A), the first excitation coil section 10a and the second excitation coil section 10b may be connected by a hinge section 10c. Also, the first detection coil section 11a and the second detection coil section 11b may be connected by a hinge section 11c. Note that in Figure 12(A), the excitation coil 10 and the detection coil 11 are in a closed state. To open each coil, the first excitation coil section 10a and the first detection coil section 11a can be rotated in the direction along the arrow 81, as shown in Figure 12(B). As a result, the first excitation coil section 10a rotates around the hinge section 10c, and the first detection coil section 11a rotates around the hinge section 11c, so that a third gap 80c is formed on the Y2 direction side of the excitation coil 10 and the detection coil 11. Therefore, in the first modified example, the magnetic material 90 can be inserted from a direction intersecting the direction in which the magnetic material 90 extends (Y2 direction) due to the third gap 80c provided on the Y2 direction side of the excitation coil 10 and the detection coil 11. Note that the hinge sections 10c and 11c may be provided on the Y2 direction side of each coil.

[0132] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the magnetic material inspection system 100 is shown as having a configuration in which the magnetic field application unit 4 is provided only on one side (X1 direction side) in the direction in which the magnetic material 90 extends (X direction), but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as in the magnetic material inspection system 101 according to the second modification shown in Figure 13, the magnetic field application unit 4 may be provided on both sides in the direction in which the magnetic material 90 extends. That is, the magnetic material inspection system 101 according to the second modification is provided with magnets 40c and 40d on the X2 direction side. Magnet 40c is provided in the first housing part 1a (see Figure 2(A)), and magnet 40d is provided in the second housing part 1b (see Figure 2(A)). Magnets 40c and 40d are permanent magnets.

[0133] Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows an example where the information processing unit 3 is a PC, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the information processing unit may be a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller).

[0134] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, for the sake of convenience of explanation, the determination process of the power supply status 24b to the excitation coil 10 of the present invention and the inspection process of the magnetic material 90 were described using a flow-driven flowchart that processes the processes sequentially according to the processing flow, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, the processing operation may be performed by event-driven processing, which executes processing on an event-by-event basis. In this case, it may be performed as a completely event-driven system, or a combination of event-driven and flow-driven systems may be used.

[0135] [Pattern] Those skilled in the art will understand that the exemplary embodiments described above are specific examples of the following embodiments.

[0136] (Item 1) An excitation coil that excites the magnetization state of a magnetic material, A detection coil for detecting changes in the magnetic field of the magnetic material whose magnetization state has been excited by the excitation coil, A control unit that acquires and analyzes the detection signal detected by the detection coil, A magnetic material inspection system comprising: a notification unit that notifies that power is not being supplied to the excitation coil if power is not being supplied to the excitation coil, at least at the start of the inspection.

[0137] (Item 2) A power source that supplies power to the excitation coil, The system further includes a power supply switching switch that, by operation of the operator, switches whether or not to supply power to the excitation coil from the power source, The magnetic material inspection system according to item 1, wherein the notification unit is configured to notify that power is not being supplied to the excitation coil when the power supply changeover switch is not in a state to supply power to the excitation coil.

[0138] (Item 3) The magnetic material inspection system according to item 1 or 2, wherein the notification unit includes a display unit that indicates that power is not being supplied to the excitation coil.

[0139] (Item 4) The magnetic material inspection system according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the control unit determines whether or not power is being supplied to the excitation coil, and controls the system to prohibit the start of the inspection of the magnetic material if it determines that power is not being supplied to the excitation coil.

[0140] (Item 5) It further includes an input receiving unit that receives user input, The magnetic material inspection system according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the control unit controls the input receiving unit not to accept an operation input to start the inspection of the magnetic material when it determines that power is not being supplied to the excitation coil.

[0141] (Item 6) The excitation coil is configured to be switchable between an open state in which a gap is provided that allows the magnetic material to be inserted from at least one direction intersecting the direction in which the magnetic material extends, and a closed state in which it surrounds the magnetic material. The magnetic material inspection system according to item 2, wherein the power supply changeover switch is configured to stop supplying power to the excitation coil when the excitation coil is in the open state.

[0142] (Item 7) The magnetic material inspection system according to item 6, wherein even if the excitation coil is closed again after being opened, the state in which the power supply to the excitation coil is stopped is maintained, and the system is configured to supply power to the excitation coil based on the operation of the power supply changeover switch by the operator.

[0143] (Item 8) It comprises a sensor unit, a control unit, and an information processing unit. The aforementioned sensor unit is An excitation coil that excites the magnetization state of a magnetic material, A detection coil for detecting changes in the magnetic field of the magnetic material whose magnetization state has been excited by the excitation coil, It has a signal output unit that outputs a detection signal detected by the detection coil, The control unit is The system includes a transmission unit that acquires the detection signal output from the signal output unit and transmits it to the information processing unit. The aforementioned information processing unit is A receiving unit that receives the aforementioned detection signal, A control unit analyzes the received detection signal and determines whether or not power is being supplied to the excitation coil, A magnetic material inspection system comprising: a notification unit that notifies the system that power is not being supplied to the excitation coil if it is determined that power is not being supplied to the excitation coil, at least at the start of the inspection. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0144] 1 Sensor Unit 2 Control Unit 3. Information Processing Unit 4. Magnetic field application section 10 Excitation coil 11 detection coil 12. First connection section (signal output section) 14. First News Department (News Department) 15 Power supply selector switch 20. Second Control Unit (Control Unit) 22. Second Hochi Department (Hochi Department) 24 Power Source 24a, 24b power 25. First Communications Section (Transmitting Section) 32 Display section 33 Input Reception Section 34. Second Communications Section (Receiving Section) 40, 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d magnets 90 Magnetic material 100, 101 Magnetic Material Inspection System

Claims

1. An excitation coil that excites the magnetization state of a magnetic material, A detection coil for detecting changes in the magnetic field of the magnetic material whose magnetization state has been excited by the excitation coil, A control unit that acquires and analyzes the detection signal detected by the detection coil, The news department and, A power source that supplies power to the excitation coil, the control unit, and the notification unit, The system includes a power supply selector switch that, by operator operation, individually switches whether or not to supply power to the excitation coil from the power supplied from the power source to the excitation coil, the control unit, and the notification unit, The magnetic material inspection system includes a notification unit that, at least at the start of the inspection, if power is not supplied to the excitation coil, it notifies that power is not being supplied to the excitation coil.

2. The magnetic material inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit is configured to notify that power is not being supplied to the excitation coil when the power supply changeover switch is not in a state to supply power to the excitation coil.

3. The magnetic material inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit includes a display unit that indicates that power is not being supplied to the excitation coil.

4. An excitation coil for exciting the magnetization state of a magnetic material, A detection coil for detecting changes in the magnetic field of the magnetic material whose magnetization state has been excited by the excitation coil, A control unit that acquires and analyzes the detection signal detected by the detection coil, The system includes a notification unit that notifies the system that power is not being supplied to the excitation coil if power is not being supplied to the excitation coil, at least at the start of the inspection. A magnetic material inspection system comprising: a control unit that determines whether or not power is being supplied to the excitation coil, and if it determines that power is not being supplied to the excitation coil, controls the system to prohibit the start of the inspection of the magnetic material.

5. An excitation coil for exciting the magnetization state of a magnetic material, A detection coil for detecting changes in the magnetic field of the magnetic material whose magnetization state has been excited by the excitation coil, A control unit that acquires and analyzes the detection signal detected by the detection coil, At least at the start of the inspection, if power is not supplied to the excitation coil, a notification unit will notify that power is not being supplied to the excitation coil. It includes an input receiving unit that receives operation input from the operator, A magnetic material inspection system in which the control unit determines that no power is being supplied to the excitation coil and controls the input receiving unit not to accept an operation input to start the inspection of the magnetic material.

6. An excitation coil for exciting the magnetization state of a magnetic material, A detection coil for detecting changes in the magnetic field of the magnetic material whose magnetization state has been excited by the excitation coil, A control unit that acquires and analyzes the detection signal detected by the detection coil, At least at the start of the inspection, if power is not supplied to the excitation coil, a notification unit will notify that power is not being supplied to the excitation coil. A power source that supplies power to the excitation coil, The system includes a power supply selector switch that allows the operator to switch whether or not to supply power to the excitation coil from the power source, The excitation coil is configured to be switchable between an open state in which a gap is provided that allows the magnetic material to be inserted from at least one direction intersecting the direction in which the magnetic material extends, and a closed state in which it surrounds the magnetic material. A magnetic material inspection system in which the power supply changeover switch is configured to stop supplying power to the excitation coil when the excitation coil is in the open state.

7. The magnetic material inspection system according to claim 6, wherein even if the excitation coil is closed again after being in an open state, the state in which the supply of power to the excitation coil is stopped is maintained, and the system is configured to supply power to the excitation coil based on the operation of the power supply changeover switch by the operator.

8. It comprises a sensor unit, a control unit, and an information processing unit. The control unit has a power source that supplies power to the sensor unit. The aforementioned sensor unit is An excitation coil that excites the magnetization state of a magnetic material, A detection coil for detecting changes in the magnetic field of the magnetic material whose magnetization state has been excited by the excitation coil, A signal output unit that outputs a detection signal detected by the detection coil, The system includes a power supply selector switch that, by operator operation, individually switches whether or not to supply power to the excitation coil from the power supplied to the sensor unit from the power source, The control unit is The system includes a transmission unit that acquires the detection signal output from the signal output unit and transmits it to the information processing unit. The aforementioned information processing unit is A receiving unit that receives the aforementioned detection signal, A control unit analyzes the received detection signal and determines whether or not power is being supplied to the excitation coil, A magnetic material inspection system comprising: a notification unit that notifies the system that power is not being supplied to the excitation coil if it is determined that power is not being supplied to the excitation coil, at least at the start of the inspection.

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