An Apparatus for Guiding an Ultrasonic Probe Used for Investigating a Welding Part

Abstract

The present invention relates to an ultrasonic probe transfer guidance device for inspecting a welded area. The ultrasonic probe transfer guidance device for inspecting a welded area comprises: a base (B) having an overall rectangular plate shape; a linear guidance unit (11) coupled to the base (B) so as to extend along the extension direction of the base (B); a plurality of adsorption units (13a, 13b) with one end fixed to the base (B); a plurality of adsorption guidance units (14a, 14b) each configured to adsorb or detach from the surface of an object to be inspected; and a plurality of switches (SW1, SW2) configured to operate each of the plurality of adsorption guidance units (14a, 14b).

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic probe transfer guidance device for inspecting a welded area, and specifically, to an ultrasonic probe transfer guidance device for inspecting a welded area that guides the ultrasonic probe to move along the inspection area. Background Technology

[0002] Ultrasonic testing, radiographic testing, or eddy current testing methods may be used for non-destructive testing to measure the thickness of an object or inspect its internal condition. Among such thickness measurement or non-destructive testing methods, ultrasonic testing refers to a method of transmitting ultrasound to an object to detect reflected waves, and analyzing the detected reflected waves to measure the thickness of the object or determine the presence of internal defects. For example, pores, slag, cracks, or similar defects present in the thickness of pipes or walls, or in welded joints, can be detected by ultrasonic testing. For ultrasonic testing, ultrasound must be transmitted from a transducer or probe into the interior of the object to be inspected, and reflected waves must be received. If the object to be inspected has a large volume, such as an LNG storage tank, it is advantageous to perform continuous inspection while the ultrasonic transducer moves along the surface of the object. Various devices that perform inspection while the ultrasonic transducer moves along the surface of the object in this manner are known in this field. Patent Registration No. 10-1716717 discloses a robot for inspecting weld joints in oil storage tanks that detects weld defects in the weld joints in a non-contact manner using an electromagnetic ultrasonic probe while moving along the outer surface of the oil storage tank. Additionally, Patent Registration No. 10-1864662 discloses a mobile robot for an ultrasonic probe. Inspection of weld joints or similar areas requiring inspection of various facilities, such as large LNG tanks, large oil storage tanks, or large pipes, can be performed using an ultrasonic probe. To this end, as suggested in the prior art, magnetic materials can be applied, but there may be cases where they cannot be applied depending on the material of the inspection target. For example, if the inspection target is made of 9 wt% nickel alloy steel or is not a magnetic material, it has the disadvantage that the moving means disclosed in the prior art are difficult to apply.Therefore, there is a need to develop a device for transporting an ultrasonic inspection module that can be applied to facilities made of various materials, including non-magnetic materials such as LNG storage tanks made of 9 wt% nickel alloy steel with magnetism removed. However, prior art or known technology does not disclose such a device capable of inducing the transport of an ultrasonic probe.

[0003] The present invention aims to solve the problems of the prior art and has the following objectives. Prior art literature

[0004] Prior Art 1: Patent Registration No. 10-1716717 (Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation of Chonnam National University, published March 27, 2017) Robot for inspecting welded joints of oil storage tanks using an electromagnetic ultrasonic probe Prior Art 2: Patent Registration No. 10-1864662 (Yoo Geun-min, published June 5, 2018, Yoo Geun-min) Mobile robot for an ultrasonic probe The problem to be solved

[0005] The objective of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic probe transfer guidance device for weld inspection that operates using a vacuum pump method, is structurally simple and can be stably fixed, and can be applied regardless of the material of the inspection target. means of solving the problem

[0006] According to a suitable embodiment of the present invention, an ultrasonic probe transfer guide device for inspecting a welded area comprises: a base having an overall rectangular plate shape; a linear guide unit coupled to the base so as to extend along the extension direction of the base; a plurality of adsorption units, each having one end fixed to the base; a plurality of adsorption guide units, each of which adsorbs or detaches from the surface of an object to be inspected; and a plurality of switches for operating each of the plurality of adsorption guide units.

[0007] According to another suitable embodiment of the present invention, the linear induction unit becomes a rack gear.

[0008] According to another suitable embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of adsorption induction units become vacuum pumps.

[0009] According to another suitable embodiment of the present invention, each of a plurality of adsorption units is coupled to a base by an induction tab, and the induction tab has a structure that allows gas flow along its interior. Effects of the invention

[0010] The ultrasonic probe transfer guidance device for weld inspection according to the present invention can be fixed regardless of the structural material or structure by means of a vacuum suction method and guide the movement of the ultrasonic probe. For example, the transfer guidance device according to the present invention can be applied to the inspection of a large-volume inspection target where defect inspection is required as the ultrasonic probe moves along the surface of the inspection target. The transfer guidance device according to the present invention can be applied to the inspection of welded parts of LNG storage tanks, the inspection of welded parts of large fluid transfer pipes, or the inspection of defects in various large facilities. Preferably, the transfer guidance device according to the present invention has the advantage of being applicable to the inspection of defects in LNG storage tanks made of 9 wt% nickel steel material, where magnetism is removed and moving means such as a transfer robot having a magnetic attachment structure cannot be applied, but is not limited thereto. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of an ultrasonic probe transfer guidance device for inspecting a welded area according to the present invention. FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate embodiments of a transfer guidance device according to the present invention viewed from various directions. FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate embodiments to which a transfer guidance device according to the present invention is applied. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0012] The present invention is described in detail below with reference to embodiments shown in the attached drawings, but the embodiments are for a clear understanding of the invention and the invention is not limited thereto. In the description below, components having the same reference numeral in different drawings have similar functions and are not described repeatedly unless necessary for understanding the invention, and known components are described briefly or omitted, but should not be understood as being excluded from the embodiments of the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of an ultrasonic probe transfer guidance device for inspecting a welded area according to the present invention.

[0014] Referring to FIG. 1, an ultrasonic probe transfer guide device (10) for inspecting a welded area comprises: a base (B) having an overall rectangular plate shape; a linear guide unit (11) coupled to the base (B) so as to extend along the extension direction of the base (B); a plurality of adsorption units (13a, 13b) with one end fixed to the base (B); a plurality of adsorption guide units (14a, 14b) each of which adsorbs or separates from the surface of an object to be inspected; and a plurality of switches (SW1, SW2) for operating each of the plurality of adsorption guide units (14a, 14b).

[0015] The base (B) may have a square plate shape and a structure in which at least one square hole or a similar hole is formed. A linear induction unit (11) may be attached to one side of the base (B), for example, the linear induction unit (11) may be attached to the lower part of the front side of the base (B) so as to extend along the extension direction of the base (B). The linear induction unit (11) may have various structures capable of inducing movement of the ultrasonic probe, for example, the linear induction unit (11) may be a linear rail, and a rail movement module may be attached to the ultrasonic probe so as to be coupled to the linear rail and move along the linear rail. Alternatively, the linear induction unit (11) may be a rack gear, and the ultrasonic probe may include a pinion gear that can be moved by meshing with the rack gear. The linear induction unit (11) may have various structures capable of causing the ultrasonic probe to move linearly along the length direction of the base (B), and the present invention is not limited thereto. A reference plate (12) having a square plate shape and a size smaller than that of the base (B) can be placed on the rear surface of the base (B). The reference plate (12) can be attached to the base (B) so as to be parallel to the base (B) while being separated from the rear surface of the base (B). For example, the reference plate (12) can be attached to the base (B) by at least one fastening unit. A suction unit (13a, 13b) can be attached to the rear surface of the base (B), for example, by an induction tab. One end of the induction tab can be attached to the rear surface of the base (B), and the other end of the induction tab can be attached to the suction unit (13a, 13b). The suction unit (13a, 13b) can be various means to be firmly attached to the structure to be inspected, for example, a vacuum suction means.Specifically, the adsorption units (13a, 13b) may have a structure that can be firmly attached to the periphery of the structure while having a trumpet shape or a hemispherical shape and creating a vacuum inside. The adsorption units (13a, 13b) may be made of rubber, silicone, synthetic resin, or similar materials to form a pad shape when adsorbed, but are not limited thereto. Multiple adsorption units (13a, 13b) may be attached to the base (B), and different adsorption units (13a, 13b) may be maintained at the same height by their ends on the reference plate (12). Each adsorption unit (13a, 13b) may be in a state where it can be adsorbed or separated by the adsorption induction unit (14a, 14b). For example, the adsorption induction unit (14a, 14b) may create a vacuum state for each adsorption unit (13a, 13b) or cause the vacuum state to be released. The adsorption induction unit (14a, 14b) can be, for example, a vacuum pump, and the adsorption unit (13a, 13b) can discharge internal air while in contact with the periphery surface of the structure to achieve an adsorption state. Additionally, the adsorption induction unit (14a, 14b) can inject air into the adsorption unit (13a, 13b) so that it is separated from the periphery surface of the structure while adsorbed. The adsorption induction unit (14a, 14b) can be a vacuum pump or various other means to make the adsorption unit (13a, 13b) attached to or detachable from the periphery surface of the structure, and the present invention is not limited by this. The adsorption induction units (14a, 14b) can be fixed to the rear surface of the base (B) by the reference plate (12), and for example, the adsorption induction units (14a, 14b) can be coupled to the rear surface of the base (B) by at least one fastening fixing unit formed on the reference plate (12) wrapping around the perimeter of the adsorption induction units (14a, 14b) and being coupled to the base (B).The adsorption induction unit (13) can be coupled to the rear surface of the base (B) in various ways, and the present invention is not limited thereto. The adsorption induction unit (14a, 14b) and the adsorption unit (13a, 13b) can be connected so as to be operable by an operating connection unit (16a, 16b), and the operating connection unit (16a, 16b) may include, for example, a flow tube capable of air flow. Each adsorption unit (13a, 13b) and the adsorption induction unit (14a, 14b) can be connected to each other by the flow tube, and the adsorption unit (13a, 13b) can be in an adsorbable state or a separable state by the flow of air along the flow tube. A limiting plate (FB1, FB2) may be attached to the side of each adsorption induction unit (14a, 14b), and each limiting plate (FB1, FB2) may have an L shape with its end bent backward after being extended parallel to the base (B). The limiting plate (FB1, FB2) may have the function of blocking a component located at the rear of the base (B), such as a flow tube, from protruding forward. A switch (SW1, SW2) may be installed at the backward bent portion of the limiting plate (FB1, FB2), and depending on the operation of the switch (SW1, SW2), the adsorption induction unit (14a, 14b) may be operated so that the adsorption unit (13a, 13b) becomes adsorbable or detachable. A level (19) may be installed in the central portion of the base (B) so that the horizontal state of the base (B) can be checked. Additionally, rail extension clips (17) and rail extensions (18) may be attached to both ends of the base (B). The rail extension clips (17) and rail extensions (18) may have various structures that can be combined with each other. Multiple transfer guide devices (10) may be connected to each other by rail extension clips (17) and rail extensions (18) so that the transfer guide devices (10) can be installed across the entire perimeter of a structure, such as a storage tank, having a large diameter or large volume.The rail extension clip (17) and the rail extension member (18) may have various structures that allow different transfer guide devices (10) to be connected to each other, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0016] FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate embodiments of a transfer guidance device according to the present invention viewed from various directions.

[0017] Referring to FIG. 2, the base (B) may be in the shape of a rectangular plate consisting of two short sides facing each other and two long sides connecting both ends of the two short sides, and may consist of a rear side facing the wall of the structure and a front side exposed to the front. A suction unit (13a, 13b) may be attached to the rear side of the base (B), and a transfer guide device may be fixed to the perimeter of the structure by the suction unit (13a, 13b). A pair of suction units (13a, 13b) may be arranged on both sides based on the middle part along the longitudinal direction of the base (B), and each suction unit (13a, 13b) may be made into an adsorbed state or an adsorbed release state by an adsorbed guide unit (14a, 14b), such as a vacuum pump. The adsorption induction units (14a, 14b) can be operated by switches (SW1, SW2), and for example, when switches (SW1, SW2) are turned on, the adsorption induction units (14a, 14b) are operated so that the adsorption units (13a, 13b) can be adsorbed to the perimeter surface of the structure. Also, when switches (SW1, SW2) are turned off, air is supplied from the adsorption induction units (14a, 14b) to the adsorption units (13a, 13b) so that the adsorption state can be released. Each adsorption induction unit (14a, 14b) may have a cylindrical shape overall, may include a driving means for operating a vacuum pump such as a motor, and may be operated by an independent power source such as a battery or by an external power supply. The adsorption units (13a, 13b) and the adsorption induction units (14a, 14b) can be connected by an operating connection unit (16a, 16b), and a switch (SW1, SW2) can be installed at the bent end of the limiting plate (FB1, FB2). A linear induction unit (11), such as a rack gear extending along the longitudinal direction of the base (B), can be coupled to the lower part of the front surface of the base (B).

[0018] Referring to the upper part of FIG. 3, a square plate-shaped reference plate (12) may be installed at the rear of the base (B), and an adsorption induction unit (14a, 14b) may be positioned between the reference plate (12) and the rear surface of the base (B), and the adsorption induction unit (14a, 14b) may be fixed at a predetermined position by a fixing tab connecting the edge of the rear surface of the reference plate (12) and the base (B). According to one embodiment of the present invention, each adsorption unit (13a, 13b) is coupled to the base (B) by an induction tab (34), and the induction tab (34) has a structure that allows gas flow along its interior. A control cap (32) may be formed at the front end of the adsorption induction unit (14a, 14b), such as a vacuum pump, and air flow by the adsorption induction unit (14a, 14b) may be achieved through the control cap (32). A first flow tube (35a) may extend from the control tab (32) and be connected to the operation tab (33). The operation tab (33) may be fixed to the bent portion of the limiting plate (FB1), and the operation tab (33) may have a valve structure. The operation tab (33) may be opened or closed by a switch (SW1). A second flow tube (35b) may extend from the operation tab (33) and be connected to the induction tab (34). The induction tab (34) may consist of a fixed portion, one end of which is fixed to the rear surface of the base (B), and a flow portion that extends from the fixed portion and is connected to the rear of the adsorption unit (13a). The flow portion may be a hollow structure capable of air flow and may be connected to the second flow tube (35b) to enable air flow. When the switch (SW1) is turned on, the operating tab (33) opens and the adsorption induction unit (14a) is operated, allowing the inside of the adsorption unit (13a) to be made into a vacuum. Then, when the switch (SW1) is turned off, the operation of the adsorption induction unit (13a) stops and the operating tab (33) closes, thereby allowing the adsorption unit (13a) to be separated.The adsorption induction unit (14a, 14b) can cause the adsorption unit (13a) to be in an adsorbed state or a separable state in various ways, and the present invention is not limited thereto. Additionally, the operating connection unit (16a, 16b) described above may include, but is not limited to, first and second flow tubes (35a, 35b), an operating tap (33), and an induction tap (34), and may include various means to enable the adsorption unit (13a) and the adsorption induction unit (14a) to be operated.

[0019] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate embodiments to which a transfer guidance device according to the present invention is applied.

[0020] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the method for inspecting a structure by means of an ultrasonic probe comprises the following steps: determining an inspection position to be inspected by the ultrasonic probe on the inspection target (P51); placing a transfer rail on the structure based on the inspection position (P52); operating a vacuum pump coupled to the transfer rail (P53); fixing the transfer rail to a predetermined position by the operation of the vacuum pump (P54); coupling a probe to the transfer rail (P55); detecting the inspection position as the probe moves along a rack gear (P56); obtaining inspection information regarding the inspection position (P57); controlling the position of the probe as the probe moves along a rack gear (P58); and completing the inspection and storing the detection result (P59).

[0021] The object of inspection may be, for example, a welded portion (42) of an LNG storage tank (41) made of stainless steel containing 9 wt% nickel, and a transfer device described above, corresponding to a transfer rail, may be installed above the welded portion (42) along the welded portion (42). As the transfer rail is positioned so that the rear surface of the base (B) faces the perimeter surface of the storage tank (41), the suction unit may come into contact with the perimeter surface. Multiple rails may be connected to each other by rail extension clips and rail extensions (18), and when each rail is leveled by a spirit level and the switch is turned on, the suction induction unit (14a), corresponding to a vacuum pump, is operated so that the suction unit may be fixed to the perimeter surface of the storage tank (41) (P54). When multiple rails are connected to each other and fixed at a position determined by the suction unit, the movement induction module (43) of the ultrasonic probe (44) may be coupled to the transfer rail. The movement guidance module (44) may include a movement coupler, such as a pinion gear, that is movable by engaging with a linear guidance unit (11) corresponding to a rack gear. As the movement guidance module (43) moves along the linear guidance unit (11), the ultrasonic probe moves along the weld area (42), and inspection information can be acquired (P57). The movement of the ultrasonic probe can be controlled by a control module (P58), and inspection information can be acquired at each location of the weld area (42), and the inspection can be completed and stored (P59). When the inspection is completed, the movement guidance module (43) can be separated from the transfer rail. Subsequently, the switch is turned off, and accordingly, the operation of the suction guidance unit (14a) is stopped, and the suction unit can be made detachable, and each transfer rail can be separated from the perimeter surface of the storage tank (42) in sequence. The transfer guidance device according to the present invention can be applied to the inspection of various structures by an ultrasonic probe, and the present invention is not limited thereby.

[0022] Although the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the presented embodiments, those skilled in the art may make various modifications and variations without departing from the technical spirit of the invention by referring to the presented embodiments. The present invention is not limited by such modifications and variations, but is limited only by the claims appended below. Explanation of the symbols

[0023] 11: Linear induction unit 13a, 13b: Adsorption unit 14a, 14b: Adsorption induction unit 34: Induction tab

Claims

Claim 1 A base (B) having an overall rectangular plate shape; a linear guide unit (11) coupled to the base (B) so as to extend along the extension direction of the base (B); a plurality of adsorption units (13a, 13b) with one end fixed to the base (B); a plurality of adsorption guide units (14a, 14b) each configured to adsorb or detach from the surface of an inspection target; and a plurality of switches (SW1, SW2) for operating each of the plurality of adsorption guide units (14a, 14b); a rectangular plate-shaped reference plate (12) coupled parallel to the base (B) while separated from the rear surface of the base (B) and having a size smaller than that of the base (B); and a guide tab (34) for coupling each of the plurality of adsorption units (13a, 13b) to the base (B); The ultrasonic probe transfer guide device for welding area inspection further comprises a plurality of limiting plates (FB1, FB2) coupled to the side of each adsorption guide unit (14a, 14b) in an L shape that is extended parallel to the base (B) and then has its end bent backward, wherein the plurality of adsorption guide units (14a, 14b) are vacuum pumps, the plurality of adsorption guide units (14a, 14b) are positioned between the reference plate (12) and the rear surface of the base (B) and are fixed in a predetermined position by a fixing tab connecting the edge of the reference plate (12) and the rear surface of the base (B), the plurality of switches (SW1, SW2) are each installed in the bent portions of the plurality of limiting plates (FB1, FB2), and the guide tab (34) has a structure that allows gas flow along its interior. Claim 2 An ultrasonic probe transfer guidance device for welding area inspection according to claim 1, characterized in that the linear guidance unit (11) is a rack gear. Claim 3 delete Claim 4 delete

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