JP7768022B2 - Wire Rope Inspection Equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a wire rope inspection device that detects magnetic flux in multiple wire ropes.

Conventionally, magnetic material inspection devices that detect the magnetic fields (magnetic flux) of multiple magnetic materials (wire ropes) are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

The wire rope inspection device (magnetic material inspection device) described in Patent Document 1 above is equipped with multiple detector coils that detect the magnetic flux (magnetic field) of multiple wire ropes (magnetic materials). The multiple detector coils are provided on each of the multiple wire ropes so as to detect the magnetic flux of each of the multiple wire ropes.

Patent No. 6863518 specification

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

This invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one object of this invention is to provide a wire rope inspection device that can perform inspections using a common detection unit even when the number or arrangement of multiple wire ropes to be inspected varies.

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

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

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

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

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

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

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

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

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

The wire rope W is a long, magnetic body formed by weaving (e.g., strand weaving) magnetic wire material. The wire rope W is inspected for condition (presence or absence of scratches, etc.) using a wire rope inspection device 100 to prevent breakage due to deterioration. If, as a result of measuring the magnetic flux of the wire rope W, it is determined that the degree of deterioration of the wire rope W exceeds a predetermined standard, the inspection worker replaces the wire rope. While only one wire rope W is shown in the example shown in Figure 1 for convenience, the elevator 101 is equipped with multiple wire ropes W. For example, the elevator 101 is equipped with four wire ropes W (see Figure 5).

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

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

The magnetic field application unit 10 applies a magnetic field to the multiple wire ropes W in advance, thereby aligning the direction of magnetization of each of the multiple wire ropes W. The magnetic field application unit 10 is, for example, a permanent magnet. The magnetic field application unit 10 also includes a pair of magnetic field application units 10a and 10b that are arranged on either side of the multiple wire ropes W in a direction (Z direction) perpendicular to both the Y direction in which the multiple wire ropes W are lined up and the X direction in which the wire ropes W extend. The Z direction is an example of the "second direction" in the claims.

Magnetic field application units 10a and 10b are arranged on either side of the wire rope W in the short direction (Z direction) so as to sandwich the wire ropes W together. Specifically, magnetic field application unit 10a is arranged on the Z1 side of the wire rope W. Magnetic field application unit 10b is arranged on the Z2 side of the wire rope W. Each of magnetic field application units 10a and 10b is arranged with its N pole facing the wire rope W. In other words, magnetic field application unit 10 is arranged so that the N pole of magnetic field application unit 10a facing the Z2 direction and the N pole of magnetic field application unit 10b facing the Z1 direction face each other, sandwiching the wire ropes W together. Magnetic field application units 10a and 10b are configured to apply a relatively strong magnetic field in order to uniformly align the magnetization direction of the wire rope W.

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

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

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

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

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

As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the control board 40 includes a control unit 41, a magnetic flux signal acquisition unit 42, a communication unit 43, and a memory unit 44.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As shown in FIG. 8, the holders 70a and 70b are each provided with engagement grooves 72a and 72b in the L-shaped portion along the Z direction. The engagement grooves 72a engage with the Z1 and Z2 ends of the flat upper arm member 51a. Engagement of the engagement grooves 72a of the holder 70a with the upper arm member 51a allows the holder 70a to move linearly in the Y direction relative to the upper arm member 51a. Similarly, engagement grooves 72b of the holder 70b engage with the Z1 and Z2 ends of the flat lower arm member 51b, allowing the holder 70b to move linearly in the Y direction relative to the lower arm member 51b.

Note that the movement of the holding units 70a and 70b (detector coils 31a and 31b) in the Y direction is performed while the holding units 70a and 70b are spaced apart from each of the multiple wire ropes W. Therefore, the motor 55a moves the detector coil 31a along the Y direction while the detector coil 31a is spaced apart from the wire rope W in the Z1 direction. The motor 55b moves the detector coil 31b along the Y direction while the detector coil 31b is spaced apart from the wire rope W in the Z2 direction.

(imaging unit)
2, 5, and 8, the wire rope inspection device 100 of this embodiment includes imaging units 60a and 60b. The imaging units 60a and 60b include imaging elements such as a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor or a charge coupled device (CCD) image sensor. The imaging units 60a and 60b are configured to capture an image of the wire rope W whose magnetic flux has been detected by the detection unit 30. The imaging units 60a and 60b capture an image of the wire rope W and output an imaging signal indicating the captured image of the wire rope W to the control unit 41.

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

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

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

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

9, after inspecting one wire rope W, the control unit 41 moves the detection unit 30 (detector coils 31a and 31b) to inspect the next wire rope W among the multiple wire ropes W. Specifically, the control unit 41 first controls the rotation of the motor 52 to move the upper arm member 51a and the lower arm member 51b away from each other in the Z direction, thereby moving the detector coils 31a and 31b away from the wire rope W in the Z direction. The control unit 41 then controls the rotation of the motors 55a and 55b based on the movement amount stored in the memory unit 44 to move the holders 70a and 70b along the Y direction, thereby moving the detector coils 31a and 31b to the Y-direction position of the next wire rope W. The Y-direction movements of the holders 70a and 70b do not need to be synchronized. The control unit 41 then controls the rotation of the motor 52 again to move the upper arm member 51a and the lower arm member 51b closer to each other in the Z direction. As a result, the control unit 41 moves the detector coils 31a and 31b closer to the next wire rope W in the Z direction, thereby moving the detector coils 31a and 31b to the inspection position for the next wire rope W.

The control unit 41 also performs a process to determine whether there is an abnormality in the wire rope W based on the acquired magnetic flux signal. For example, in the determination process, the control unit 41 determines whether there is an abnormality in the wire rope W by determining whether the value indicating the magnetic flux of the wire rope W obtained based on the magnetic flux signal is greater than a predetermined determination threshold value that has been set in advance and stored in the memory unit 44.

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

The control unit 41 then associates information indicating the abnormal portions determined to be abnormal in the wire rope W with captured images of the portions determined to be abnormal, and outputs this information to the elevator monitoring system via the control device 101d of the elevator 101. On a display device provided in the remote elevator monitoring system, the information indicating the abnormal portions determined to be abnormal in the wire rope W and the captured images of the portions determined to be abnormal are displayed so that they can be confirmed by an inspection operator inspecting multiple wire ropes W. The control unit 41 may also be configured to output the information indicating the abnormal portions and the captured images directly to the elevator monitoring system without going through the control device 101d of the elevator 101.

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

In addition, in the elevator 101, it is not necessary to inspect all of the multiple wire ropes W in a single inspection operation. In other words, after inspecting only one of the multiple wire ropes W, the inspection operation mode may be terminated and the elevator may switch to normal operation mode.

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

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

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

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

In addition, this embodiment has the following configuration, which provides the following additional benefits:

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

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

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

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

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

In addition, in this embodiment, the wire rope inspection device 100 includes imaging units 60a and 60b that move integrally with the detection unit 30 through operation of the drive unit 50. The imaging units 60a and 60b are configured to image the wire rope W whose magnetic flux has been detected by the detection unit 30. With this configuration, the imaging units 60a and 60b are provided to move integrally with the detection coils 31a and 31b, which move to inspect each of the multiple wire ropes W one by one. Therefore, even if the number or arrangement of the multiple wire ropes W varies, the wire ropes W can be imaged using the common imaging units 60a and 60b. Furthermore, the configuration can be simplified compared to when separate imaging units 60a and 60b are provided for each of the multiple wire ropes W to image each of the multiple wire ropes W. Furthermore, by configuring imaging units 60a and 60b to image each of multiple wire ropes W individually, the imaging range of imaging units 60a and 60b can be made smaller than when imaging multiple wire ropes W all at once. This prevents the number of pixels in the imaging elements of imaging units 60a and 60b from becoming too large, and makes it easy to image the wire rope W in which magnetic flux has been detected by imaging units 60a and 60b. As a result, the inspector performing the inspection can easily check the external condition of the wire rope W without directly visually inspecting the wire rope W.

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

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

In addition, in this embodiment, the wire rope inspection device 100 includes an excitation coil 20 that applies magnetic flux to multiple wire ropes W and a housing unit 100a that is arranged to surround the multiple wire ropes W. The excitation coil 20 is arranged in the housing unit 100a and is wound around the multiple wire ropes W separately from the detection unit 30. The control unit 41 (drive control unit) is configured to move the detection unit 30 along the Y direction (first direction) and the Z direction (second direction) using the drive unit 50 separately from the excitation coil 20, thereby moving the detection unit 30 so as to detect the magnetic flux of each of the multiple wire ropes W to which magnetic flux has been applied by the excitation coil 20 one by one. With this configuration, the excitation coil 20 is arranged to surround the multiple wire ropes W collectively. Therefore, unlike when the excitation coil 20 is configured to move in the same way as the detection unit 30, the device configuration can be prevented from becoming complicated by a configuration for moving the excitation coil 20.

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

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

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

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

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

In addition, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the pair of detector coils 31a and 31b of the detector unit 30 were moved along the Y direction (first direction) based on the movement amount stored in the memory unit 44 to move to a position in the Y direction (first direction) of one wire rope W to be inspected, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, multiple wire ropes may be imaged by the imaging unit, and the position of the wire rope to be inspected may be detected by performing image recognition processing.

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

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

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

In addition, while the above embodiment shows an example of inspecting a wire rope W installed in a double-wrap elevator 101, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be configured to inspect a wire rope installed in a single-wrap elevator. It may also be configured to inspect wire ropes other than those used in elevators, such as cranes and ropeways.

In addition, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the detection coils 31a and 31b were wound around the wire rope W to detect the magnetic flux of the wire rope W using the total magnetic flux method, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the detection unit may be configured to detect leakage magnetic flux from the outer surface of the wire rope.

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

In addition, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the excitation coil 20 is wound around the wire rope W around the outside of the detection coils 31a and 31b, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the excitation coil and the detection unit may be arranged side by side along the direction in which the wire rope extends.

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

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

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

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the magnetic field application unit 10 was configured using a permanent magnet, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the magnetic field application unit may also be configured using an electromagnet.

In addition, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the detector coils 31a and 31b were configured to detect the magnetic flux of each of the four wire ropes W, one by one, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the detector coils may be configured to detect the magnetic flux of two to three wire ropes, or may be configured to detect the magnetic flux of five or more wire ropes, one by one.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Claims (11)

a detection unit that detects magnetic flux of each of a plurality of wire ropes to be inspected that are arranged side by side along a first direction;
a drive unit that moves the detection unit;
a drive control unit that controls the operation of the drive unit,
The drive control unit is configured to move the detection unit using the drive unit along the first direction in which the multiple wire ropes are arranged, and along a second direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the direction in which the multiple wire ropes extend, thereby moving the detection unit so as to detect the magnetic flux of each of the multiple wire ropes one by one, in a wire rope inspection device. the detection unit includes a pair of detection coils arranged on both sides of one of the plurality of wire ropes along the second direction,
The wire rope inspection device of claim 1, wherein the drive control unit is configured to move the pair of detector coils of the detection unit along the first direction and the second direction using the drive unit, thereby moving the pair of detector coils so as to detect the magnetic flux of each of the multiple wire ropes one by one. The wire rope inspection device described in claim 2, wherein the drive control unit is configured to, when detecting the magnetic flux of the first wire rope, move the pair of detector coils along the first direction with the pair of detector coils spaced apart from the plurality of wire ropes, thereby moving the pair of detector coils to the position of the first wire rope in the first direction and moving each of the pair of detector coils along the second direction so as to approach the first wire rope. a storage unit configured to store in advance a movement amount of the pair of detector coils based on a separation distance between the plurality of wire ropes in the first direction;
The wire rope inspection device of claim 3, wherein the drive control unit is configured to, when detecting the magnetic flux of the one wire rope, move the pair of detector coils along the first direction based on the movement amount stored in the memory unit using the drive unit while the pair of detector coils are spaced apart from the multiple wire ropes, thereby moving the pair of detector coils to the position of the one wire rope in the first direction. an upper arm member disposed on one side of the plurality of wire ropes in the second direction and extending along the first direction in which the plurality of wire ropes are arranged;
a lower arm member disposed on the other side of the plurality of wire ropes in the second direction and extending along the first direction in which the plurality of wire ropes are arranged,
one of the pair of detector coils is disposed on the upper arm member so as to be movable along the first direction;
the other of the pair of detector coils is disposed on the lower arm member so as to be movable along the first direction,
The wire rope inspection device described in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the drive control unit is configured to move the pair of detector coils along the second direction by moving the upper arm member and the lower arm member along the second direction using the drive unit. The wire rope inspection device described in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the drive unit includes a first drive unit that moves one of the pair of detector coils along the first direction while spaced apart from the multiple wire ropes, and a second drive unit that moves the other of the pair of detector coils along the first direction while spaced apart from the multiple wire ropes. an imaging unit that moves integrally with the detection unit by operation of the drive unit;
The wire rope inspection device according to claim 1 , wherein the imaging unit is configured to image the wire rope in which magnetic flux has been detected by the detection unit. The wire rope inspection device described in claim 7, wherein the imaging unit is configured to capture images of abnormal portions of each of the plurality of wire ropes determined based on the magnetic flux of each of the plurality of wire ropes detected by the detection unit. the detection unit includes a pair of detection coils arranged on both sides of one of the plurality of wire ropes along the second direction,
The wire rope inspection device described in claim 7 or 8, wherein the imaging unit is provided at least one for each of the pair of detector coils so as to move integrally with each of the pair of detector coils by operation of the drive unit, and is configured to image the wire rope whose magnetic flux is detected by the pair of detector coils from both sides in the second direction. an excitation coil that applies magnetic flux to the plurality of wire ropes;
Further comprising a housing portion arranged to surround the plurality of wire ropes,
The excitation coil is disposed in the housing portion and wound around the plurality of wire ropes separately from the detection portion,
The wire rope inspection device of claim 1, wherein the drive control unit is configured to move the detection unit along the first direction and the second direction using the drive unit separately from the excitation coil, thereby moving the detection unit so as to detect the magnetic flux of each of the multiple wire ropes to which magnetic flux has been applied by the excitation coil, one by one. The detection unit is configured to detect magnetic flux of each of the plurality of wire ropes arranged in the elevator,
The wire rope inspection device of claim 1, wherein the drive control unit is configured to move the detection unit away from the plurality of wire ropes along the second direction using the drive unit during normal operation of the elevator, and to move the detection unit closer to the plurality of wire ropes along the second direction using the drive unit during inspection operation in which each of the plurality of wire ropes is inspected, thereby moving the detection unit to detect the magnetic flux of each of the plurality of wire ropes arranged in the elevator one by one.