Elevator rope tester

Abstract

To provide an elevator rope tester that can easily remove magnetic deposits. [Solution] The elevator rope tester is equipped with a magnet for magnetizing the elevator rope, and the magnet is switchable between a test state, which is a first magnetic force for magnetizing the rope, and a non-test state, which is a second magnetic force smaller than the first magnetic force.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present specification relates to an elevator rope tester.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for example, an elevator rope tester is provided with a magnet unit that magnetizes a rope (for example, Patent Document 1). Since the magnet unit has magnetic force, for example, magnetic iron sand or the like may adhere to the rope tester as an adhering substance. Incidentally, since the magnetic adhering substance is attracted to the magnet unit, it may be difficult to remove the magnetic adhering substance from the rope tester.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Accordingly, an object is to provide an elevator rope tester that can easily remove magnetic adhering substances.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0005] [1] An elevator rope tester An elevator rope tester comprising a magnet unit that magnetizes an elevator rope, The magnet unit is switchable between an inspection state in which a first magnetic force is applied to magnetize the rope, and a non-inspection state in which a second magnetic force smaller than the first magnetic force is applied.

[0006] [2] Furthermore, in the elevator rope tester according to the above [1], The aforementioned magnet section comprises a permanent magnet formed in a cylindrical shape. The magnetization direction of the permanent magnet is the radial direction of the permanent magnet. The rope tester includes a rotating means for rotating the permanent magnet about its axial direction such that the position of the N pole and S pole of the permanent magnet changes, thereby switching the magnet section between the inspection state and the non-inspection state. This configuration is also acceptable.

[0007] [3] Furthermore, in the elevator rope tester described in [2] above, The magnet portion comprises a magnetic material arranged along the outer circumference of the permanent magnet, The permanent magnet is arranged such that when the magnet portion is in the inspection state, only one of the north pole and south pole faces the magnetic material in the radial direction, while when the magnet portion is not in the inspection state, both the north pole and south pole face the magnetic material in the radial direction. This configuration is also acceptable.

[0008] [4] Furthermore, in the elevator rope tester described in [2] above, The magnet portion comprises a magnetic material arranged along the outer circumference of the permanent magnet, The aforementioned permanent magnet is A cylindrical fixed permanent magnet whose magnetization direction is radial and which is fixed to the magnetic material, The system comprises a cylindrical rotating permanent magnet whose magnetization direction is radial and which rotates with respect to the magnetic material about the axial direction, The fixed permanent magnet is arranged such that only one of its north pole and south pole faces the magnetic material in the radial direction. The rotating permanent magnet is arranged such that when the magnet portion is in the inspection state, only one of the N pole and S pole faces the magnetic material in the radial direction, while when the magnet portion is not in the inspection state, only the other of the N pole and S pole faces the magnetic material in the radial direction. This configuration is also acceptable.

[0009] [5] Furthermore, in any one of the elevator rope testers described in [2] to [4] above, The rotating means includes an operating part fixed to the permanent magnet such that the permanent magnet rotates about the axial direction when the operating part is rotated about the axial direction. The rope tester comprises a main body to which the operating unit is movably connected, When the magnet section is in the inspection state, the entire operating section overlaps with the main body in the axial view, while when the magnet section is not in the inspection state, a part of the operating section detaches from the main body in the axial view. This configuration is also acceptable.

[0010] [6] Furthermore, any one of the elevator rope testers [2] to [5] above, The rope is provided with a guide groove that extends in the axial direction, The rotating means includes an operating part fixed to the permanent magnet such that the permanent magnet rotates about the axial direction when the operating part is rotated about the axial direction. The operating section includes a groove that extends in the axial direction and contains the rope, The groove is positioned such that when the magnet is in the inspection state, its interior connects to the interior of the guide groove. This configuration is also acceptable.

[0011] [7] Furthermore, in any one of the elevator rope testers [2] to [6] above, The magnet portion comprises a first magnet portion and a second magnet portion arranged apart in the axial direction, The aforementioned permanent magnet is A first permanent magnet provided in the first magnet section and rotatable about the axial direction, The second permanent magnet is provided in the second magnetic section and is rotatable about the axial direction, The rotating means includes a connecting portion that connects the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet such that the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet integrally rotate about the axial direction as an axis. Such a configuration is also acceptable. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an overall view of a rope tester according to one embodiment, where (a) is a perspective view and (b) is a front view. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in Figure 1(a). [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of region III in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an enlarged view of a main part showing a magnet unit in an inspection state in the rope tester according to the same embodiment, where (a) is a plan view, (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line IVb-IVb in Figure 2, and (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line IVc-IVc in Figure 2. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of a main part showing the magnet unit in a non-inspection state in the rope tester according to the same embodiment, where (a) is a plan view, (b) is a cross-sectional view at the same position as Figure 4(b), and (c) is a cross-sectional view at the same position as Figure 4(c). [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a main part view of a rope tester according to another embodiment, and is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a magnet unit in an inspection state. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a main part view of the rope tester according to the same embodiment, where (a) is a plan view of Figure 6, (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIIb-VIIb of Figure 6, and (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIIc-VIIc of Figure 6. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a main part view of the rope tester according to the same embodiment, and is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the magnet unit in a non-inspection state. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a main part view of the rope tester according to the same embodiment, where (a) is a plan view of Figure 8, (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line IXb-IXb of Figure 8, and (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line IXc-IXc of Figure 8. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] In each drawing, the dimensions of components may be enlarged or reduced from their actual dimensions for the sake of clarity, and the dimensional ratios between drawings may not be consistent. Furthermore, in each drawing, some components may be omitted for the sake of clarity.

[0014] Terms including ordinal numbers such as "1st," "2nd," etc., are used to describe various components, but these terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from others, and the components are not particularly limited by these terms. Furthermore, the number of components including ordinal numbers is not particularly limited; for example, there may be only one. Also, the ordinal numbers used in the following specification and drawings may differ from the ordinal numbers described in the claims.

[0015] The following description will explain one embodiment of an elevator rope tester with reference to Figures 1 to 5. Note that the following embodiment is provided as an example to aid in understanding the configuration of the elevator rope tester, and does not limit the configuration of the elevator rope tester.

[0016] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the elevator rope tester (hereinafter also simply referred to as "rope tester") 1 is used, for example, to inspect an elevator rope X1 used in an elevator. For example, the rope tester 1 may inspect a moving rope X1, or for example, the rope tester 1 may inspect a stationary rope X1 by moving towards it.

[0017] In each figure, the first direction D1 is the extension direction D1, which is the direction in which the rope X1 being inspected extends; the second direction D2 and the third direction D3 are the first radial direction D2 and the second radial direction D3 of the rope X1 being inspected; and the first to third directions D1 to D3 are mutually orthogonal directions. Note that a direction orthogonal to a specific direction refers to a direction parallel to a virtual plane that is orthogonal to that specific direction.

[0018] The rope tester 1 comprises a main body 2 and an operating unit 3 that is movably connected to and operated by the main body 2. The main body 2 is provided with a guide groove 4 that extends in a first direction D1 to guide the rope X1. The guide groove 4 may be configured, for example, as in this embodiment, to be located at one end of the main body 2 in the second direction D2 (the side in the direction of the arrow in the second direction D2 in each figure) and to be open toward one side of the second direction D2. The operating unit 3 is provided with a groove 3a that extends in the first direction D1 and has a rope X1 placed inside it.

[0019] Furthermore, the main body 2 may also include a gripping portion 5, as in this embodiment. The gripping portion 5 may be located at the end of the main body 2 on the other side of the second direction D2 (the side opposite to the direction of the arrow in the second direction D2 in each figure), as in this embodiment. The rope tester 1 may be used by gripping the gripping portion 5, or it may be used with the gripping portion 5 fixed to the elevator device or structure by an instrument or the like.

[0020] The rope tester 1 is equipped with magnetic sections 10 and 20 for magnetizing the rope X1. The magnetic sections 10 and 20 consist of a first magnetic section 10 and a second magnetic section 20, which are arranged apart in a first direction D1. The rope tester 1 may also be equipped with a magnetic path section 6, which has magnetism, to magnetically connect the first magnetic section 10 and the second magnetic section 20, for example, as in this embodiment.

[0021] As a result, the first and second magnet sections 10, 20 and the magnetic path section 6 can work together with the rope X1 to form a ring-shaped magnetic circuit. While not particularly limited, for example, the magnetic configuration may have a permeability 100 times or more that of air.

[0022] Furthermore, the rope tester 1 may also include, for example, a magnetic flux collection unit 7 having magnetism to collect magnetic flux leaking from the rope X1, and a detection unit 8 that detects the magnetic flux collected by the magnetic flux collection unit 7 to detect the magnetic flux leaking from the rope X1, as in this embodiment. The detection unit 8 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, various magnetic sensors (Hall element, coil) that convert the magnitude of the magnetic flux into the magnitude of a voltage (current).

[0023] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the first magnet section 10 comprises a first permanent magnet 11 formed in a cylindrical shape, and magnetic materials 12 and 13 arranged along the outer circumference of the first permanent magnet 11 and possessing magnetism. The magnetization direction of the first permanent magnet 11 is the radial direction of the first permanent magnet 11. The axial direction D1 of the first permanent magnet 11 is the first direction D1. Figures 4(b) and (c) (and similarly Figures 5(b) and (c), 7(b) and (c), and 9(b) and (c)) show end views of the magnet sections 10 and 20.

[0024] The magnetic materials 12 and 13 of the first magnet section 10 may, for example, be provided with a first magnetic material 12 and a second magnetic material 13 so as to sandwich the first permanent magnet 11 in the second direction D2, as in this embodiment. The first magnetic material 12 and the second magnetic material 13 may be separated in the second direction D2 with a gap between them, as in this embodiment, or they may be separated in the second direction D2 with a non-magnetic material interposed between them, for example. The first magnetic material 12 may be placed near the bottom of the guide groove 4, as in this embodiment.

[0025] The second magnet section 20 comprises a second permanent magnet 21 formed in a cylindrical shape, and magnetic materials 22 and 23 arranged along the outer circumference of the second permanent magnet 21 and possessing magnetism. The magnetization direction of the second permanent magnet 21 is the radial direction of the second permanent magnet 21. The axial direction D1 of the second permanent magnet 21 is the first direction D1.

[0026] The magnetic materials 22 and 23 of the second magnet section 20 may, for example, include a third magnetic material 22 and a fourth magnetic material 23 so as to sandwich the second permanent magnet 21 in the second direction D2, as in this embodiment. The third magnetic material 22 and the fourth magnetic material 23 may be separated in the second direction D2 with a gap between them, as in this embodiment, or they may be separated in the second direction D2 with a non-magnetic material interposed between them, for example. The third magnetic material 22 may be placed near the bottom of the guide groove 4, as in this embodiment.

[0027] Furthermore, the rope tester 1 is equipped with a rotating means 30 for rotating the permanent magnets 11 and 21 about a first direction (the axial direction of the permanent magnets 11 and 21) D1. The rotating means 30 is equipped with a connecting part 31 that connects the first permanent magnet 11 and the second permanent magnet 21 so that the first permanent magnet 11 and the second permanent magnet 21 rotate together about the first direction D1.

[0028] The operating unit 3 is fixed to the permanent magnets 11 and 21. For example, the rotating means 30 may include a fixed shaft 32 that fixes the operating unit 3 and the first permanent magnet 11, as in this embodiment. As a result, the operating unit 3 is fixed to the first permanent magnet 11 by the fixed shaft 32, and the operating unit 3 is fixed to the second permanent magnet 21 by the connecting part 31, the first permanent magnet 11, and the fixed shaft 32. The operating unit 3 constitutes a part of the rotating means 30.

[0029] Then, when the operating unit 3 is rotated around the first direction D1, the permanent magnets 11 and 21 rotate around the first direction D1. Specifically, since the connecting unit 31 connects the first permanent magnet 11 and the second permanent magnet 21, when the operating unit 3 is rotated around the first direction D1, the first permanent magnet 11 and the second permanent magnet 21 rotate together around the first direction D1. Note that the rotation axes of the respective permanent magnets 11 and 21 coincide when viewed from the first direction D1.

[0030] Furthermore, the rope tester 1 may also include a restricting unit 40 that restricts the rotation of the operating unit 3 around the first direction D1, as in this embodiment. The restricting unit 40 may also include, as in this embodiment, a stopping unit 41 that stops the operating unit 3 in the rotational direction, and an elastic unit 42 that applies an elastic restoring force to the stopping unit 41 in the first direction D1 so that the stopping unit 41 protrudes from the main body 2 in the first direction D1.

[0031] Incidentally, the magnet units 10 and 20 can be switched between a test state, which is a first magnetic force, and a non-test state, which is a second magnetic force smaller than the first magnetic force, in order to magnetize the rope X1. Note that the magnitude of the magnetic force of the magnet units 10 and 20 is the magnitude of the surface magnetic flux density of the magnet units 10 and 20.

[0032] Here, an example of a switching mechanism for the state of the magnet sections 10 and 20 will be explained with reference to Figures 2 to 5. Note that the switching mechanism for the magnet sections 10 and 20 of the rope tester 1 is not limited to the following configuration.

[0033] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, when the operating unit 3 is in the inspection position, only the north pole of the first permanent magnet 11 faces the first magnetic material 12 radially, and only the south pole of the first permanent magnet 11 faces the second magnetic material 13 radially. As a result, only magnetic field lines from the north pole enter the first magnetic material 12, and only magnetic field lines from the south pole enter the second magnetic material 13, so the first magnet unit 10 has a large first magnetic force.

[0034] Furthermore, when the operating unit 3 is in the inspection position, only the north pole of the second permanent magnet 21 faces the third magnetic material 22 radially, and only the south pole of the second permanent magnet 21 faces the fourth magnetic material 23 radially. As a result, only magnetic field lines from the north pole enter the third magnetic material 22, and only magnetic field lines from the south pole enter the fourth magnetic material 23, so that the second magnet unit 20 has a large first magnetic force.

[0035] Therefore, when the operating unit 3 is in the inspection position, the first magnet unit 10 and the second magnet unit 20 enter the inspection state of the first magnetic force. As a result, the rope X1 can be magnetized by the first magnet unit 10 and the second magnet unit 20, and thus the rope X1 can be inspected.

[0036] Furthermore, the entire operating section 3 located at the inspection position overlaps with the main body 2 in a first-direction view D1. Since the inside of the groove 3a of the operating section 3 connects to the inside of the guide groove 4, the rope X1 guided by the guide groove 4 is positioned inside the groove 3a (see Figure 1(a)). In other words, the rope X1 is positioned across both the inside of the groove 3a and the inside of the guide groove 4.

[0037] This ensures that the magnetic parts 10 and 20 are reliably in the inspection state when inspecting the rope X1. When the guide groove 4 is guiding the rope X1 (i.e., in contact with the rope X1), the groove 3a may, for example, be guiding the rope X1 (i.e., in contact with the rope X1), or it may be separated from the rope X1.

[0038] Furthermore, when the operating unit 3 is in the inspection position, the stopping unit 41 locks the recess 3b of the operating unit 3 in the rotational direction. As a result, the operating unit 3 is prevented from rotating by the restricting unit 40, and can be held in the inspection position.

[0039] On the other hand, the operating unit 3, which is located in the inspection position, is rotated by 90° around the first direction D1 as an axis, so that the operating unit 3 is in the non-inspection position, as shown in Figure 5. At this time, since the connecting unit 31 connects the first permanent magnet 11 and the second permanent magnet 21, the first permanent magnet 11 and the second permanent magnet 21 rotate together around the first direction D1 as an axis. As a result, each permanent magnet 11, 21 rotates by 90° around the first direction D1 relative to the magnetic materials 12, 13, 22, 23.

[0040] When the operating unit 3 is in the non-inspection position, both the north and south poles of the first permanent magnet 11 face the first magnetic material 12 radially, and both the north and south poles of the first permanent magnet 11 face the second magnetic material 13 radially. As a result, magnetic field lines from both poles enter each magnetic material 12, 13, and the magnetic field is attenuated in each magnetic material 12, 13. Therefore, the first magnet unit 10 becomes a second magnetic force which is smaller than the first magnetic force.

[0041] Furthermore, when the operating unit 3 is in a non-inspection position, both the north and south poles of the second permanent magnet 21 face the third magnetic material 22 radially, and both the north and south poles of the second permanent magnet 21 face the fourth magnetic material 23 radially. As a result, magnetic field lines from both poles enter each magnetic material 22, 23, and the magnetic field is attenuated in each magnetic material 22, 23. Therefore, the second magnet unit 20 has a second magnetic force that is smaller than the first magnetic force.

[0042] As a result, when the operating unit 3 is in a non-inspection position, the first magnet unit 10 and the second magnet unit 20 enter a non-inspection state with a second magnetic force. This allows, for example, when magnetic deposits are attached near the magnet units 10 and 20, such as at the bottom of the guide groove 4, the deposits are not attracted to the magnet units 10 and 20 (or are attracted with a weak force), making it easy to remove the magnetic deposits from the rope tester 1.

[0043] In this way, the positions of the north and south poles of the permanent magnets 11 and 21 are changed as the permanent magnets 11 and 21 rotate around the first direction D1. As a result, the magnet sections 10 and 20 switch between the inspected state and the uninspected state. Moreover, since the connecting section 31 connects the first permanent magnet 11 and the second permanent magnet 21, the first permanent magnet 11 and the second permanent magnet 21 rotate together around the first direction D1. As a result, the first magnet section 10 and the second magnet section 20 switch together between the inspected state and the uninspected state.

[0044] Furthermore, while the entire operating unit 3 located in the inspection position overlaps with the main body 2 in the first direction D1 view, as shown in Figure 5(a), a portion of the operating unit 3 located in the non-inspection position is separated from the main body 2 in the first direction D1 view. This allows the state of the magnet units 10 and 20 (inspection state, non-inspection state) to be determined based on the position of the operating unit 3. For example, as in this embodiment, a portion of the operating unit 3 may protrude from the main body 2 in the third direction D3 in the first direction D1 view.

[0045] Furthermore, when the operating unit 3 is in a non-inspection position, the stopping unit 41 locks the side of the operating unit 3 in the rotational direction. As a result, the operating unit 3 is prevented from rotating by the restricting unit 40, and can be held in the non-inspection position.

[0046] Based on the above, the elevator rope tester 1 is as described in this embodiment. An elevator rope tester 1 is equipped with magnetic parts 10, 20 for magnetizing an elevator rope X1, The magnet units 10 and 20 are switchable between a test state, which is a first magnetic force, and a non-test state, which is a second magnetic force smaller than the first magnetic force, in order to magnetize the rope X1. This configuration is preferable.

[0047] With this configuration, the magnet units 10 and 20 can be switched from an inspection state, which is a first magnetic force for magnetizing the rope X1, to a non-inspection state, which is a second magnetic force smaller than the first magnetic force. This makes it possible to easily remove magnetic deposits.

[0048] Furthermore, in the elevator rope tester 1, as in this embodiment, The aforementioned magnet section 10, 20 includes a cylindrical permanent magnet 11, 21, The magnetization direction of the permanent magnets 11 and 21 is the radial direction of the permanent magnets 11 and 21. The rope tester 1 includes a rotating means 30 that rotates the permanent magnets 11 and 21 around the axial direction D1 of the permanent magnets 11 and 21 such that the magnet section 10 and 20 switches between the inspection state and the non-inspection state when the positions of the N poles and S poles of the permanent magnets 11 and 21 are changed. This configuration is preferable.

[0049] In this configuration, the permanent magnets 11 and 21 are formed in a cylindrical shape, and the magnetization direction of the permanent magnets 11 and 21 is in the radial direction of the permanent magnets 11 and 21. The rotating means 30 rotates the permanent magnets 11 and 21 around the axial direction D1 of the permanent magnets 11 and 21, thereby changing the positions of the north and south poles of the permanent magnets 11 and 21. As a result, the magnet units 10 and 20 switch between an inspection state and a non-inspection state.

[0050] Furthermore, in the elevator rope tester 1, as in this embodiment, The magnetic parts 10 and 20 include magnetic materials 12 and 22 arranged along the outer circumference of the permanent magnets 11 and 21. The permanent magnets 11 and 21 are arranged such that when the magnet parts 10 and 20 are in the inspection state, only one of the north poles and south poles faces the magnetic material 12 and 22 in the radial direction, while when the magnet parts 10 and 20 are not in the inspection state, both the north pole and south pole face the magnetic material 12 and 22 in the radial direction. This configuration is preferable.

[0051] With this configuration, when the magnet parts 10 and 20 are in the inspection state, only one of the north and south poles faces the magnetic material 12 and 22 radially, so that only magnetic field lines from one pole enter the magnetic material 12 and 22. As a result, the magnet parts 10 and 20 become a first magnetic force.

[0052] On the other hand, when the magnet parts 10 and 20 are not being inspected, both the north and south poles face the magnetic material 12 and 22 radially, so magnetic field lines from both poles enter the magnetic material 12 and 22. As a result, the magnetic field is attenuated in the magnetic material 12 and 22, and the magnet parts 10 and 20 become a second magnetic force which is smaller than the first magnetic force.

[0053] Furthermore, in the elevator rope tester 1, as in this embodiment, The rotating means 30 includes an operating part 3 fixed to the permanent magnets 11 and 21 such that the permanent magnets 11 and 21 rotate around the axial direction D1 when the operating part is rotated around the axial direction D1. The rope tester 1 comprises a main body 2 to which the operating unit 3 is movably connected, When the magnets 10 and 20 are in the inspection state, the entire operating unit 3 overlaps with the main body 2 in the axial view D1, while when the magnets 10 and 20 are not in the inspection state, a part of the operating unit 3 separates from the main body 2 in the axial view D1. This configuration is preferable.

[0054] With this configuration, since the operating unit 3 is fixed to the permanent magnets 11 and 21, when the operating unit 3 is rotated around the axial direction D1, the permanent magnets 11 and 21 also rotate around the axial direction D1. When the magnet parts 10 and 20 are in the inspection state, the entire operating unit 3 overlaps with the main body 2 when viewed from the axial direction D1, while when the magnet parts 10 and 20 are not in the inspection state, a part of the operating unit 3 detaches from the main body 2 when viewed from the axial direction D1. This makes it possible to determine the state of the magnet parts 10 and 20 based on the position of the operating unit 3.

[0055] Furthermore, the elevator rope tester 1, as in this embodiment, A guide groove 4 is provided to guide the rope X1, extending in the axial direction D1. The rotating means 30 includes an operating part 3 fixed to the permanent magnets 11 and 21 such that the permanent magnets 11 and 21 rotate around the axial direction D1 when the operating part is rotated around the axial direction D1. The operating section 3 is provided with a groove 3a that extends in the axial direction D1 and has the rope X1 positioned inside, The groove 3a is positioned such that when the magnets 10 and 20 are in the inspection state, its interior connects to the interior of the guide groove 4. This configuration is preferable.

[0056] With this configuration, when the magnets 10 and 20 are in the inspection state, the inside of the groove 3a of the operating section 3 is connected to the inside of the guide groove 4. As a result, the rope X1 guided by the guide groove 4 is positioned inside the groove 3a. Therefore, when inspecting the rope X1, the magnets 10 and 20 can be reliably put into the inspection state.

[0057] Furthermore, in the elevator rope tester 1, as in this embodiment, The magnet portions 10 and 20 comprise a first magnet portion 10 and a second magnet portion 20 that are arranged apart in the axial direction D1. The aforementioned permanent magnets 11 and 21 are A first permanent magnet 11 is provided in the first magnet section 10 and is rotatable about the axial direction D1, The second permanent magnet 21 is provided in the second magnetic section 20 and is rotatable about the axial direction D1, The rotating means 30 includes a connecting portion 31 that connects the first permanent magnet 11 and the second permanent magnet 21 so that the first permanent magnet 11 and the second permanent magnet 21 rotate together about the axial direction D1. This configuration is preferable.

[0058] With this configuration, since the connecting part 31 connects the first permanent magnet 11 and the second permanent magnet 21, the first permanent magnet 11 and the second permanent magnet 21 rotate together around the axial direction D1. As a result, the first magnet part 10 and the second magnet part 20 switch together between the inspection state and the non-inspection state.

[0059] It should be noted that the elevator rope tester 1 is not limited to the configuration of the embodiment described above, nor is it limited to the effects and benefits described above. Furthermore, it goes without saying that the elevator rope tester 1 can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, one or more of the configurations and methods described below may be arbitrarily selected and adopted in the configurations and methods of the embodiment described above.

[0060] (A) In the elevator rope tester 1 according to the above embodiment, when the magnet section 10, 20 is in inspection state, the permanent magnets 11, 21 are arranged such that only one of the N poles and S poles faces the magnetic material 12, 22 in the radial direction, while when the magnet section 10, 20 is not in inspection state, the permanent magnets 11, 21 are arranged such that both the N pole and S pole face the magnetic material 12, 22 in the radial direction. However, the elevator rope tester 1 is not limited to this configuration.

[0061] For example, when the magnet section is in inspection mode, the permanent magnet may be positioned so that only one of its poles (N or S) faces the magnetic materials 12, 22 radially, while when the magnet section is not in inspection mode, the permanent magnet may be positioned so that only the other pole (N or S) faces the magnetic materials 12, 22 radially. While not particularly limited, one example of such a configuration is shown in Figures 6 to 9.

[0062] (A-1) The configuration of the rope tester 1 shown in Figures 6 to 9 will be explained below.

[0063] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the permanent magnets 14 and 15 of the first magnet section 10 include a cylindrical fixed permanent magnet 14 whose magnetization direction is radial and which is fixed to the magnetic materials 12 and 13, and a cylindrical rotating permanent magnet 15 whose magnetization direction is radial and which is rotated around the axial direction D1 relative to the magnetic materials 12 and 13. The axial direction D1 of each permanent magnet 14 and 15 is the first direction D1.

[0064] The fixed permanent magnet 14 and the rotating permanent magnet 15 are aligned in the first direction D1. The central axes of the respective permanent magnets 14 and 15 coincide when viewed in the first direction D1. The magnetic materials 12 and 13 extend in the first direction D1 and are arranged across the fixed permanent magnet 14 and the rotating permanent magnet 15.

[0065] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, for example, the rotating means 30 may include a fixed shaft 32 that fixes the operating unit 3 and the rotating permanent magnet 15. Also, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, for example, the rope tester 1 may include a restricting unit 40 that restricts the rotation of the operating unit 3 around the first direction D1.

[0066] Incidentally, the first magnet unit 10 can be switched between a test state, which is a first magnetic force, and a non-test state, which is a second magnetic force smaller than the first magnetic force, in order to magnetize the rope X1. An example of such a switching mechanism will be explained with reference to Figures 6 to 9. Note that the switching mechanism of the first magnet unit 10 of the rope tester 1 is not limited to the following configuration.

[0067] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, when the operating unit 3 is in the inspection position, only the north poles of the fixed permanent magnet 14 and the rotating permanent magnet 15 face the first magnetic material 12 radially, and only the south poles of the fixed permanent magnet 14 and the rotating permanent magnet 15 face the second magnetic material 13 radially. As a result, only the magnetic field lines emanating from the north poles of each permanent magnet 14 and 15 enter the first magnetic material 12, and only the magnetic field lines emanating from the south poles of each permanent magnet 14 and 15 enter the second magnetic material 13, so that the first magnetic section 10 has a large first magnetic force.

[0068] Therefore, when the operating unit 3 is in the inspection position, the first magnet unit 10 enters the inspection state of the first magnetic force. As a result, the rope X1 can be magnetized, and thus the rope X1 can be inspected.

[0069] Furthermore, the entire operating unit 3 located at the inspection position overlaps with the main body 2 in the first direction D1 view. Since the inside of the groove 3a of the operating unit 3 is connected to the inside of the guide groove 4, the rope X1 guided by the guide groove 4 is positioned inside the groove 3a. Therefore, when inspecting the rope X1, the first magnet unit 10 can be reliably brought into the inspection state.

[0070] Furthermore, when the operating unit 3 is in the inspection position, the stopping parts 41, 41 of the restricting part 40 stop the recesses 3b, 3b of the operating unit 3 in the rotational direction. As a result, the rotation of the operating unit 3 is restricted, and the operating unit 3 can be held in the inspection position.

[0071] On the other hand, the operating unit 3, which is located in the inspection position, is rotated by 180° around the first direction D1 as an axis, so that the operating unit 3 is in the non-inspection position, as shown in Figures 8 and 9. As a result, the rotating permanent magnet 15 rotates by 180° around the first direction D1 relative to the magnetic materials 12, 13 and the fixed permanent magnet 14.

[0072] When the operating unit 3 is in the non-inspection position, the north pole of the fixed permanent magnet 14 and the south pole of the rotating permanent magnet 15 face each other radially with respect to the first magnetic material 12, and the south pole of the fixed permanent magnet 14 and the north pole of the rotating permanent magnet 15 face each other radially with respect to the second magnetic material 13. As a result, magnetic field lines from both poles enter each magnetic material 12 and 13, causing the magnetic field to attenuate in each magnetic material 12 and 13. Therefore, the first magnet unit 10 becomes a small second magnetic force.

[0073] As a result, when the operating unit 3 is in the non-inspection position, the first magnet unit 10 enters a non-inspection state with a second magnetic force. This prevents magnetic deposits from being attracted to the first magnet unit 10 (or from being attracted with a weak force), making it easy to remove magnetic deposits from the rope tester 1.

[0074] Furthermore, while the entire operating unit 3 located at the inspection position overlaps with the main body 2 in the first direction D1 view, as shown in Figure 9(a), a portion of the operating unit 3 located at the non-inspection position is separated from the main body 2 in the first direction D1 view. This allows the state of the first magnet unit 10 to be determined based on the position of the operating unit 3.

[0075] For example, as in this embodiment, the part of the operating section 3 covers the inside of the guide groove 4 in the first direction D1 when viewed in the first direction D1. As a result, the rope X1 cannot be guided by the guide groove 4, and therefore, inspection of the rope X1 can be prevented when the first magnet section 10 is not in an inspection state.

[0076] Furthermore, when the operating unit 3 is in a non-inspection position, the stopping parts 41, 41 of the restricting part 40 stop the recesses 3b, 3b of the operating unit 3 in the rotational direction. As a result, the rotation of the operating unit 3 is restricted, and the operating unit 3 can be held in the non-inspection position.

[0077] Thus, in the elevator rope tester 1, as shown in Figures 6 to 9, The magnetic section 10 includes a magnetic material 12 arranged along the outer circumference of the permanent magnets 14 and 15. The aforementioned permanent magnets 14 and 15 are A cylindrical fixed permanent magnet 14 whose magnetization direction is radial and which is fixed to the magnetic material 12, The system comprises a cylindrical rotating permanent magnet 15 whose magnetization direction is radial and which rotates with respect to the magnetic material 12 around an axial direction D1, The fixed permanent magnet 14 is positioned such that only one of its poles, the north pole and the south pole, faces the magnetic material 12 in the radial direction. The rotating permanent magnet 15 is positioned such that when the magnet portion 10 is in the inspection state, only one of its north and south poles faces the magnetic material 12 in the radial direction, while when the magnet portion 10 is not in the inspection state, only the other of its north and south poles faces the magnetic material 12 in the radial direction. This configuration is also acceptable.

[0078] With this configuration, when the magnet unit 10 is in the inspection state, only one of the north and south poles of the fixed permanent magnet 14 faces the magnetic material 12 in the radial direction, and the same one of the north and south poles of the rotating permanent magnet 15 faces the magnetic material 12 in the radial direction. As a result, only magnetic field lines emanating from one pole enter the magnetic material 12, and the magnet unit 10 becomes a first magnetic force.

[0079] On the other hand, when the magnet unit 10 is not being inspected, only one of the north and south poles of the fixed permanent magnet 14 faces the magnetic material 12 radially, and only the other opposite pole of the north and south poles of the rotating permanent magnet 15 faces the magnetic material 12 radially. As a result, magnetic field lines from both poles enter the magnetic material 12, causing the magnetic field to be attenuated in the magnetic material 12. Therefore, the magnet unit 10 becomes a second magnetic force which is smaller than the first magnetic force.

[0080] Furthermore, in the elevator rope tester 1 shown in Figures 6 to 9, similar to the rope tester 1 according to the above embodiment, The aforementioned magnet section 10 includes a cylindrical permanent magnet (rotating permanent magnet) 15, The magnetization direction of the permanent magnet (rotating permanent magnet) 15 is the radial direction of the permanent magnet (rotating permanent magnet) 15. The rope tester 1 includes a rotating means 30 that rotates the permanent magnet (rotating permanent magnet) 15 around the axial direction D1 of the permanent magnet (rotating permanent magnet) 15, such that the magnet section 10 switches between the inspection state and the non-inspection state when the positions of the N pole and S pole of the permanent magnet (rotating permanent magnet) 15 are changed. This is the structure.

[0081] Furthermore, in the elevator rope tester 1 shown in Figures 6 to 9, similar to the rope tester 1 according to the above embodiment, The rotating means 30 includes an operating part 3 fixed to the permanent magnet (rotating permanent magnet) 15 such that the permanent magnet (rotating permanent magnet) 15 rotates about the axial direction D1 when the operating part 3 is rotated about the axial direction D1. The rope tester 1 comprises a main body 2 to which the operating unit 3 is movably connected, When the magnet unit 10 is in the inspection state, the entire operating unit 3 overlaps with the main body 2 in the axial view D1, while when the magnet unit 10 is not in the inspection state, a part of the operating unit 3 is separated from the main body 2 in the axial view D1. This is the structure.

[0082] Furthermore, the elevator rope tester 1 shown in Figures 6 to 9 is similar to the rope tester 1 according to the above embodiment, A guide groove 4 is provided to guide the rope X1, extending in the axial direction D1. The rotating means 30 includes an operating part 3 fixed to the permanent magnet (rotating permanent magnet) 15 such that the permanent magnet (rotating permanent magnet) 15 rotates about the axial direction D1 when the operating part 3 is rotated about the axial direction D1. The operating section 3 is provided with a groove 3a that extends in the axial direction D1 and has the rope X1 positioned inside, The groove 3a is positioned such that when the magnet 10 is in the inspection state, its interior connects to the interior of the guide groove 4. This is the structure.

[0083] (B) In addition, in the elevator rope tester 1 according to the above embodiment, the magnet section 10, 20 is configured to include cylindrical permanent magnets 11, 21 whose magnetization direction is radial. Specifically, the permanent magnets 11, 21 rotate about the axial direction D1, thereby switching the magnet section 10, 20 between an inspection state and a non-inspection state. However, the elevator rope tester 1 is not limited to this configuration.

[0084] For example, the magnet section 10, 20 may be configured to include an electromagnet (for example, an electromagnetic coil). Specifically, the magnet section 10, 20 may be configured to switch between an inspection state and a non-inspection state by switching between a state in which the electromagnet is energized and a state in which the energization is stopped.

[0085] (C) Furthermore, in the elevator rope tester 1 according to the above embodiment, the rotating means 30 is configured to include an operating part 3 fixed to the permanent magnets 11 and 21 such that the permanent magnets 11 and 21 rotate around the axial direction D1 when the operating part 3 is rotated around the axial direction D1. However, the elevator rope tester 1 is not limited to this configuration.

[0086] For example, the rotating means 30 may be configured to include a drive source (e.g., a motor, a cylinder) that rotates the permanent magnets 11, 21 around the axial direction D1. In such a configuration, although not particularly limited, the rotating means 30 may be configured to include a control unit that controls the drive source and an input unit (e.g., a switch) into which operation instruction information is input to operate the drive source.

[0087] (D) Furthermore, in the elevator rope tester 1 according to the above embodiment, when the magnets 10 and 20 are in the inspection state, the entire operating unit 3 overlaps with the main body 2 in an axial view D1, while when the magnets 10 and 20 are not in the inspection state, a part of the operating unit 3 is separated from the main body 2 in an axial view D1. However, the elevator rope tester 1 is not limited to this configuration.

[0088] For example, when the magnets 10 and 20 are in the inspection state, a portion of the operating unit 3 may be detached from the main body 2 in an axial view D1, while when the magnets 10 and 20 are not in the inspection state, the entire operating unit 3 may overlap with the main body 2 in an axial view D1. Alternatively, for example, when the magnets 10 and 20 are in both the inspection and non-inspection states, a portion of the operating unit 3 may be detached from the main body 2 in an axial view D1. Alternatively, for example, when the magnets 10 and 20 are in both the inspection and non-inspection states, the entire operating unit 3 may overlap with the main body 2 in an axial view D1.

[0089] (E) In addition, in the elevator rope tester 1 according to the above embodiment, the operating unit 3 is configured to have a groove 3a that extends in the axial direction D1 and holds the rope X1 inside. However, the elevator rope tester 1 is not limited to this configuration. For example, the operating unit 3 may be configured not to have the groove 3a.

[0090] (F) Furthermore, in the elevator rope tester 1 according to the above embodiment, the rotating means 30 is configured to include a connecting part 31 that connects the first permanent magnet 11 and the second permanent magnet 21 so that the first permanent magnet 11 and the second permanent magnet 21 rotate together around the axial direction D1. The operating part 3 that is rotated to rotate the first permanent magnet 11 and the second permanent magnet 21 is one (common). However, the elevator rope tester 1 is not limited to this configuration.

[0091] For example, the first permanent magnet 11 and the second permanent magnet 21 may be separated, and each may rotate independently around the axial direction D1. The rotating means 30 may also be configured to include a first operating part that is rotated to rotate the first permanent magnet 11, and a second operating part separate from the first operating part that is rotated to rotate the second permanent magnet 21.

[0092] (G) In the elevator rope tester 1 according to the above embodiment, the permanent magnets 11 and 21 are configured to rotate around the extension direction D1 of the rope X1 being tested. However, the elevator rope tester 1 is not limited to this configuration. For example, the permanent magnets 11 and 21 may be configured to rotate around the radial direction (for example, the second radial direction D3) of the rope X1 being tested.

[0093] (H) In addition, in the elevator rope tester 1 according to the above embodiment, the operating unit 3 is movably connected to the end of the main body 2 in the first direction D1. However, the elevator rope tester 1 is not limited to this configuration. For example, the operating unit 3 may be movably connected to a part (intermediate part) away from the end of the main body 2 in the first direction D1.

[0094] (I) Furthermore, the elevator rope tester 1 according to the above embodiment is configured to inspect the rope X1 using the leakage magnetic flux method, which detects the magnetic flux leaked from the rope X1. However, the elevator rope tester 1 is not limited to this configuration.

[0095] For example, the elevator rope tester 1 may be configured to inspect the rope X1 using the total magnetic flux method, which detects the magnetic flux passing through the inside of the rope X1. Alternatively, the elevator rope tester 1 may be configured to inspect the rope X1 using both the leakage magnetic flux method and the total magnetic flux method.

[0096] (J) For example, the execution order of each step, such as the operation, procedure, step, and stage, in the method and apparatus shown in the claims, specification, and drawings can be carried out in any order, as long as the result of the previous step is not used in the later step. For example, even if "first," "next," etc. are used for convenience in the explanation, it does not mean that it is necessary to perform them in that order. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0097] 1...Elevator rope tester, 2...Main body, 3...Operating unit, 3a...Groove, 3b...Recess, 4...Guide groove, 5...Gripping unit, 6...Magnetic path, 7...Magnetic flux collection unit, 8...Detection unit, 10...First magnet unit, 11...First permanent magnet, 12...First magnetic material, 13...Second magnetic material, 14...Fixed permanent magnet, 15...Rotating permanent magnet, 20...Second magnet unit, 21...Second permanent magnet, 22...Third magnetic material, 23...Fourth magnetic material, 30...Rotating means, 31...Connecting unit, 32...Fixed shaft, 40...Restricting unit, 41...Stopping unit, 42...Elastic unit, D1...First direction (axial direction), D2...Second direction, D3...Third direction, X1...Elevator rope

Claims

1. An elevator rope tester equipped with a magnet for magnetizing elevator ropes, The magnet unit is switchable between a test state, which is a first magnetic force, and a non-test state, which is a second magnetic force smaller than the first magnetic force, in order to magnetize the rope. The aforementioned magnet section comprises a permanent magnet formed in a cylindrical shape. The magnetization direction of the permanent magnet is the radial direction of the permanent magnet. The rope tester for elevators is equipped with a rotating means for rotating the permanent magnet about the axial direction of the permanent magnet, such that the position of the north pole and south pole of the permanent magnet changes, thereby switching the magnet part between the inspection state and the non-inspection state.

2. The magnet portion comprises a magnetic material arranged along the outer circumference of the permanent magnet, The elevator rope tester according to claim 1, wherein the permanent magnet is arranged such that when the magnet portion is in the inspection state, only one of the north pole and south pole faces the magnetic material in the radial direction, while when the magnet portion is in the non-inspection state, both the north pole and south pole face the magnetic material in the radial direction.

3. The magnet portion comprises a magnetic material arranged along the outer circumference of the permanent magnet, The aforementioned permanent magnet is A cylindrical fixed permanent magnet whose magnetization direction is radial and which is fixed to the magnetic material, The system comprises a cylindrical rotating permanent magnet whose magnetization direction is radial and which rotates with respect to the magnetic material about the axial direction, The fixed permanent magnet is arranged such that only one of its poles, the north pole and the south pole, faces the magnetic material in the radial direction. The elevator rope tester according to claim 1, wherein the rotating permanent magnet is arranged such that when the magnet portion is in the inspection state, only one of the N pole and S pole faces the magnetic material in the radial direction, and when the magnet portion is in the non-inspection state, only the other of the N pole and S pole faces the magnetic material in the radial direction.

4. The rotating means includes an operating part fixed to the permanent magnet such that the permanent magnet rotates about the axial direction when the operating part is rotated about the axial direction. The rope tester comprises a main body to which the operating unit is movably connected, An elevator rope tester according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the magnet portion is in the inspection state, the entire operating portion overlaps with the main body portion in the axial view, while when the magnet portion is in the non-inspection state, a part of the operating portion detaches from the main body portion in the axial view.

5. The rope is provided with a guide groove that extends in the axial direction, The rotating means includes an operating part fixed to the permanent magnet such that the permanent magnet rotates about the axial direction when the operating part is rotated about the axial direction. The operating section includes a groove that extends in the axial direction and contains the rope, The elevator rope tester according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the groove is arranged such that when the magnet is in the inspection state, its interior connects to the interior of the guide groove.

6. The magnet portion comprises a first magnet portion and a second magnet portion arranged apart in the axial direction. The aforementioned permanent magnet is A first permanent magnet provided in the first magnetic section and rotatable about the axial direction, The second magnetic part comprises a second permanent magnet that is provided with the second magnetic part and is rotatable about the axial direction, The elevator rope tester according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the rotating means includes a connecting portion that connects the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet so that the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet rotate together about the axial direction.

Images