DE102009052829A1 - Method and device for applying a liquid to a rope - Google Patents

Abstract

The method according to the invention for applying a liquid to a rope, in which a rope is driven with a device which comprises at least three rollers which are positively connected to the rope, at least one roller being driven by at least one motor, so that the device can be moved on the rope, the at least one motor being controllable in such a way that the device reproducibly moves to predeterminable positions on the rope, is characterized in that at least one liquid is applied to the rope at least temporarily, at least in partial areas. The method according to the invention and the device according to the invention allow an automated and unmanned examination, cleaning, repair of coating and marking of ropes, for example of suspension bridges. For example, a defect on the rope can be targeted and repaired with the device.

Description

The present invention is a method for applying a liquid to a rope and a device for applying a liquid to a rope. Methods and apparatus can be used in particular for the examination, cleaning, repair and application of coatings and for marking of supporting ropes, as they are used for example on bridges or similar structures.

Ropes or bars, which are installed stationary for the transmission of tensile forces in technical structures, such as rope or suspension bridges, are to be inspected regularly to prevent the risk to third parties and the structures themselves by unexpected ruptures of ropes or rods. For this it is often necessary to apply liquid inspection systems or indicator fluids to the ropes to detect damage or corrosion. In addition, the ropes must be cleaned, coated and marked and their coatings repaired. So far, this work has been done on ropes or rods over manned inspection equipment and aerial work platforms. Unmanned inspection devices are known, for example from the DE 203 11 395 U1 as well as the not previously published German patent application DE 10 2008 049 942.0 ,

Since in the mentioned work on the ropes or rods, in particular in suspension or rope bridges, large rope lengths are often to be inspected and processed - rope lengths of several hundred meters in length are common - the object of the following invention is to provide a method and a device, with which, even when working on ropes of great length known from the prior art disadvantages can be at least partially overcome and in particular an unmanned liquid application can be made on a rope.

This object is achieved by a method and a device having the features of the independent claims.

The respective dependent claims are directed to advantageous developments.

The inventive method for applying a liquid to a rope, in which a rope is driven by a device comprising at least three rollers which are non-positively connected to the rope, wherein at least one roller is driven by at least one motor, so that the device The rope is movable on the rope, wherein the at least one motor is controlled so that the device anfstellbar predeterminable positions on the rope reproducible, characterized by the fact that at least temporarily at least one liquid is applied at least in some areas on the rope.

An embodiment of the method according to the invention is preferred in which a rope to be inspected is driven by an inspection device which carries at least one inspection device for receiving data for characterizing the condition of the rope, wherein the inspection device comprises at least three rollers which are non-positively connected to the rope, wherein at least one roller is driven by at least one motor, so that the inspection device is movable on the rope, characterized in that the at least one motor is controllable so that the inspection device anförbarer positions on the rope reproducible anfährt and data for state characterization of Ropes are taken at least temporarily.

The inspection device may be part of the device for driving the rope according to the method according to the invention or this part of an inspection device. The term "rope" in the sense of the present invention is understood to mean an element which is suitable for absorbing tensile forces. In particular, the term "rope" includes a rope and a rod, as they are installed, for example in rope or suspension bridges and / or a plurality of ropes, which together form such a rope for a rope or suspension bridge and in particular in a pipe , preferably made of metal and / or a plastic, are guided. The device is unmanned, so it can drive automatically or remotely controlled the rope, especially in the installed state as a rope in suspension bridges. By at least three, preferably four roles, the device is in contact with the rope. In this case, a non-positive connection between the rollers and the rope is generated. Preferably, all roles are driven by a common or role-specific engine and are driven so. By driving at least one roller, the device is moved on the rope. By a corresponding control of the motor, which includes, for example, a stepper motor and / or based on data of a corresponding sensor for position determination, a reproducible control of a specific position on the rope and / or a position-resolved data acquisition takes place on the rope.

This means that, for example, after completion of a total journey of a rope of several 100 m or even more than 1 km in length, a very specific position on the rope, which can be defined for example as a distance from a cable suspension and / or a mark on the rope, approachable is to a certain defect or to more accurately inspect or treat the surface finish at that position, for example with a repair solution for a damaged coating. Thus, even with successive inspections over time occurring state changes can be observed with high precision position-resolved. In particular, it is possible to approach the position on the rope to 5 mm exactly and better again. With this method, correspondingly large cable lengths can be regularly inspected in a reproducible manner. The data for state characterization of the rope can be recorded at predetermined time and / or location intervals or continuously.

The liquid, which may consist of one or more components, may in particular be paint, coating and / or an analysis liquid with which the rope or its coating can be examined for possible defects or anomalies.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the pressing force of the rollers is controlled to the rope.

In particular, this can be done based on the slip data of the roles on the rope. The control of the contact pressure is carried out in particular depending on the surface condition of the rope and in particular its corrosion protection, which must not be damaged. The contact force of the rollers can be varied by appropriate Anpressmotoren or manually by a corresponding bias of elastic elements on the roller suspensions and the roll material.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the pendulum shear stress of the rope is less than 2% (percent) of the adhesive tensile strength of the surface layer, preferably a paint, on the rope.

• a) die Einstellung der Anpresskraft der Rollen;
• b) die Regelung der Anpresskraft der Rollen;
• c) die Auswahl des Materials der Rollen;
• d) die Einstellung der Anlagefläche der Rolle an dem Seil;
• e) die Begrenzung der Beschleunigungen und/oder Antriebskräfte;
• f) eine Dämpfung von Torkelbewegung in den Rollenlagern
• g) die Führung von Leitungen hin zu der Vorrichtung und/oder Inspektionsvorrichtung, insbesondere von mindestens einer Versorgungsleitung und/oder Datenleitung;
• h) Reinigung und Trocknung der Seiloberfläche vor den Rollen

This can be avoided that the rope is damaged by the encounter with the device and / or inspection device. Pendulum shear stresses of less than 20, in particular less than 10% or even less than 2% of the adhesive tensile strength of the surface layer on the rope are particularly preferred. The pendulum shear stress arises from the combination of the drive torque with rolling and oscillating movements of the device and / or inspection device on and / or on the rope, which leads to a shearing of the rope. The pendulum shear stress can be adjusted in particular by one of the following measures:

• a) the adjustment of the contact force of the rollers;
• b) the regulation of the pressing force of the rollers;
• c) the selection of the material of the rolls;
• d) the adjustment of the contact surface of the roller on the rope;
• e) the limitation of accelerations and / or driving forces;
• f) a damping of Storkelbewegung in the roller bearings
• g) the guidance of lines towards the device and / or inspection device, in particular of at least one supply line and / or data line;
• h) Cleaning and drying the rope surface in front of the rollers

In particular, point h will be understood to mean the mechanical cleaning of the rope by means of small brushes and wipers, which are mounted in front of the rollers.

• a) mittels Magnetfelddetektion;
• b) auf optischem Wege;
• c) durch Aufnahme von Schwingungen;
• d) durch Messung einer Schichtdicke mindestens einer oberflächennahen Schicht;
• e) Ultraschallmessungen; und
• f) Messungen der Materialhärte.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the data is recorded in at least one of the following ways:

• a) by magnetic field detection;
• b) by optical means;
• c) by absorbing vibrations;
• d) by measuring a layer thickness of at least one near-surface layer;
• e) ultrasonic measurements; and
• f) Measurements of material hardness.

Magnetic field detection is the measurement of induced magnetic fields in the cable. Under measurements by optical means, in particular the recording of data by means of one or more image recording devices, such as. B. cameras understood. The recording of the vibration modes can be done in particular by appropriately trained inertial sensors. By measuring a layer thickness of a layer near the surface, in particular the determination of the layer thickness of a paint and / or the corrosion protection layers, such. B. galvanizing on a rope understood by magnetic or eddy current method. By ultrasound measurements, the introduction of an ultrasound signal into the cable surface and measurement of its reflection at boundary layers are called whose disturbances are thus imaged. Measurements of the hardness of the material can be made, in particular, on a corrosion protection layer and / or a coat of the rope and / or underlying layers, preferably by suitably designed sensors in which a defined force is exerted on the cable with a corresponding probe on a defined surface and the corresponding deformation resistance of the material is determined.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the data is transmitted to a receiver.

This transmission can in particular be wireless, for example via the formation of a wireless network (W-LAN) or wired. The receiver may in this case preferably be formed on the bottom or on the surface of the structure to be inspected, for example the bridge. Due to the often large amount of data to be transmitted, the long transfer paths and the design of the cables usually made of steel with the corresponding electromagnetic interference, a wired transmission to the receiver is preferred. Commercially available and special network cables can be used for this purpose. Furthermore, the device and / or inspection device is preferably to be supplied with power via the same or another cable so as to save weight in the construction of the device and / or inspection device by saving the weight of the accumulators or batteries.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, location information is recorded with the data, which are correlated with the position on the cable during the recording of the data.

These may in particular be specifications of the stepping motor, for example a number of steps taken. It may also be data from an angle encoder that detects the roll rotations. Furthermore, it is alternatively or additionally possible to record calibration or calibration data of the location information, in which, for example, the distance traveled is recorded on the cable after a specific initialization and stored with it.

• a) durch Aufsprühen,
• b) durch Bepinseln und
• c) durch Aufrollen.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the application of the liquid is carried out by at least one of the following types:

• a) by spraying,
• b) by brushing and
• c) by rolling up.

The liquid application by spraying is particularly suitable for ropes with a rough or textured surface, as the liquid can also be easily introduced into small spaces on the surface of the rope. In addition, the wear of the nozzles for spraying the liquid is comparatively low. When processing a high viscosity liquid, it is preferably applied to the rope by brushing or rolling.

• a) gleichzeitiges Aufsprühen mindestens zweier Komponenten auf die Seiloberfläche;
• b) Aufsprühen der Komponenten auf die Seiloberfläche mit kurzem zeitlichem Abstand; und
• c) Vermischung in einem Mischer.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, in which the liquid consists of at least two components, the mixing of the components is carried out by at least one of the following types:

• a) simultaneous spraying of at least two components on the cable surface;
• b) spraying the components on the cable surface with a short time interval; and
• c) mixing in a mixer.

All three have in common that there is only a short amount of time between mixing the components and applying the liquid so that the components react with each other for at most a short time before being applied to the surface of the rope. For example, a drying of the liquid is prevented. Depending on the properties of the liquid, such as viscosity or reactivity, an appropriate type of mixing is used, such as mixing in a mixer for very viscous liquids, for which spraying is difficult.

• a) Untersuchungen des Seils;
• b) Reinigung des Seils;
• c) Reparatur von Beschichtungen des Seils;
• d) Auftrag von Beschichtungen auf das Seil; und
• e) Markierung des Seils.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the liquid is suitable for at least one of the following purposes:

• a) investigations of the rope;
• b) cleaning the rope;
• c) repair of coatings of the rope;
• d) applying coatings to the rope; and
• e) Marking the rope.

For example, two-color examination systems are used to detect cracks in the rope. Here, two different liquids are successively applied to the rope, which react with each other and can show cracks in welds by a color change. Furthermore, indicator liquids are used which react with deposits or corrosion products on the rope and also indicate these by color change.

To clean ropes find, for example, water, which is added, if necessary, with cleaning additives, surfactants and / or Lösemittelgeschmische application.

The method according to the invention is also suitable for repairing coatings and for applying coatings to the rope. For this purpose, several layers and components of an applied anti-corrosion and paint system can be applied in one or more components to the cable surface at predefinable positions in one or more operations in larger areas. Be treated in this way either individual sections which may be limited in length and circumference of the rope or the entire rope.

Furthermore, with the method according to the invention, several layers or components of a paint system can be applied at selected positions in one or more operations in points or lines for marking or inscribing the cables on their surfaces.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, a device for applying a liquid to a rope is proposed, comprising at least three rollers, by means of which the cable is to be driven with the device, wherein at least one roller is driven by a motor, so that the device on Rope is movable, wherein a control means is formed, by means of which the motor is controlled so that predeterminable positions on the rope are reproducible approachable, characterized in that at least one application means is formed, by means of which at least one liquid can be applied to the rope.

In particular, this device may be part of an inspection device or an inspection device part of this device, wherein the inspection device for inspecting ropes comprises at least three rollers, by means of which the rope to be inspected with the inspection device is to drive and at least one inspection device for receiving data for state characterization of the rope. At least one roller is drivable by a motor, so that the inspection device is movable on the rope. According to the invention a control means is formed, by means of which the motor is controlled so that predeterminable positions on the rope are reproducibly approached.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention and / or inspection device pressing means for pressing the rollers are formed on the rope.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the contact pressure of the contact pressure on the rope is adjustable.

• a) mindestens ein Sensor zur Messung selbst- oder fremdinduzierter lokalen Magnetfelder;
• b) mindestens eine Kamera zur Aufnahme optischer Daten;
• c) mindestens ein Schwingungsaufnehmer;
• d) mindestens ein Sensor zur Bestimmung einer Schichtdicke mindestens einer oberflächennahen Schicht;
• e) mindestens ein Ultraschallsensor; und
• f) mindestens ein Sensor zur Messung der Materialhärte.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the device and / or inspection device, at least one of the following inspection devices is formed:

• a) at least one sensor for measuring self-induced or foreign-induced local magnetic fields;
• b) at least one camera for recording optical data;
• c) at least one vibration sensor;
• d) at least one sensor for determining a layer thickness of at least one near-surface layer;
• e) at least one ultrasonic sensor; and
• f) at least one sensor for measuring the material hardness.

A sensor for measuring self-induced or externally induced local magnetic fields, a so-called magnetic induction measuring device, is a device by means of which a magnetic field can be induced in the rope to be inspected, which is subsequently measured. Disturbances of the existing or induced homogeneous magnetic field may indicate wire breaks in the rope. Preferably, the device and / or inspection device comprises a plurality of cameras and in particular several types of cameras, preferably with a kind of cameras a positionally accurate image, preferably a lower resolution, in particular for simultaneously transmitting and / or viewing the data for immediate local inspection of the rope during the Driving at higher speed is shown and recorded. A second type of camera is designed for the high-resolution optical inspection of the rope in exact position after the drive.

• a) mindestens eine Spritzanlage;
• b) mindestens eine Düse;
• c) mindestens eine Zweikomponentendüse;
• b) mindestens ein Pinsel und
• c) mindestens eine Walze.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the device and / or inspection device, at least one of the following application means is formed:

• a) at least one spray booth;
• b) at least one nozzle;
• c) at least one two-component nozzle;
• b) at least one brush and
• c) at least one roller.

The spray unit and the nozzle are preferably used for liquids with low viscosity. The two-component nozzle is suitable for simultaneously applying two liquid components with low viscosity to the surface of the rope. For liquids of higher viscosity, a brush and / or a roller are preferably used.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the device and / or inspection device, at least one tank for receiving a liquid is formed.

It can be formed several tanks for different liquid components, so that when driving on and inspecting the rope, the liquid just needed can be immediately selected and used without having to make an exchange on the device.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the device and / or inspection device, at least one conveying means is provided for conveying the at least one liquid which is connected to the tank and the at least one application means.

The term conveying means compressors for the production of compressed air, membrane and / or peristaltic pumps, as well as hose systems with valves understood. These are advantageously suitable for carrying the entrained liquids from the tank to the corresponding application agent.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the device and / or inspection device, a mixer for mixing at least two liquids is formed.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the device and / or inspection device, the mixer is designed as a flow-tube mixer.

The details and advantages disclosed for the method according to the invention are transferable and applicable to the device and / or inspection device according to the invention and vice versa. In the following the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, without being limited to the details and advantages drawn there. They show schematically:

1 a first sectional view of a device according to the invention on a rope intended for liquid application,

2 a second sectional view of a device according to the invention on a rope,

3 a first sectional view of an inspection device on a rope to be inspected, and

4 a second sectional view of an inspection device on a rope.

1 shows a cross section of a device according to the invention 2 , This serves to apply at least one liquid to the surface of a rope 1 , For example, a rope of a rope or suspension bridge. The device 2 is about roles 3 , which are formed of soft rubber, frictionally with the particular liquid intended for the rope 1 connected. By driving a roller 3 through a corresponding engine 16 especially 4 it can be seen, the rope can 1 with the device 2 be driven. The device 2 contains as an order 5 . 6 a nozzle 5 as well as a roller 6 that apply a liquid to the rope 1 can be applied. The nozzle 5 is about a mixer 4 and about funding 8th with the tank 7 connected so that the entrained liquid from the tank 6 to the nozzle 5 is transportable.

2 shows a further cross section of a device according to the invention 2 , This is compared to 1 with two nozzles 5 fitted.

The 3 and 4 each show an inspection device 2 to inspect a rope 1 , On a gauge carrier 9 is at least one inspection device 10 educated. These inspection devices 10 include cameras 11 and magnetic field measuring devices 12 , The roles 3 are in wheel suspensions 13 supported. The through the inspection equipment 10 and especially the cameras 11 and magnetic field measuring devices 12 supplied data are in a measurement evaluation 14 evaluated and possibly transmitted to a receiver, not shown. Further, a control means 15 formed, by means of which the engine 16 for driving the rollers 3 is monitored and controlled. The control means 15 include position counter for determining location information, so that this with the by the inspection equipment 10 supplied data can be correlated and stored, and optionally thrust sensors.

The method according to the invention and the device according to the invention 2 allow an automated and unmanned investigation, cleaning, repair of coating and marking of ropes, for example, from suspension bridges. Thus, for example, a defect on the rope with the device can be specifically approached and repaired.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

rope

2

contraption

3

roll

4

mixer

5

jet

6

roller

7

tank

8th

funding

9

Meters carrier

10

inspection equipment

11

cameras

12

magnetic field measuring equipment

13

suspension

14

Measurement analysis means

15

control means

16

engine

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 20311395 U1 [0002]
• DE 102008049942 [0002]

Claims (10)

Method for applying a liquid to a rope ( 1 ), where a rope ( 1 ) with a device ( 2 ), which has at least three rollers ( 3 ), which frictionally with the rope ( 1 ), at least one roller ( 3 ) is driven by at least one motor, so that the device ( 2 ) on the rope ( 1 ), wherein the at least one motor is controllable such that the device ( 2 ) predeterminable positions on the rope ( 1 ) anfährt reproduzierbar, characterized in that at least at times at least a liquid at least in some areas on the rope ( 1 ) is applied. Method according to claim 1, wherein the application of the liquid to the rope ( 1 ) by at least one of the following types: a) by spraying; b) by brushing and c) by rolling up. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid consists of at least two components, wherein the mixing of the components is carried out by at least one of the following types: a) simultaneous spraying of at least two components on the cable surface; b) spraying the components on the cable surface with a short time interval; and c) mixing in a mixer ( 4 ). Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the liquid is suitable for at least one of the following purposes: a) investigations of the rope; b) cleaning the rope; c) repair of coatings of the rope; d) applying coatings to the rope; and e) Marking the rope. Contraption ( 2 ) for applying a liquid to a rope ( 1 ), comprising at least three roles ( 3 ), by means of which the rope ( 1 ) with the device ( 2 ), at least one roller ( 3 ) is drivable by a motor, so that the device ( 2 ) on the rope ( 1 ) is movable, wherein a control means is formed, by means of which the motor is controlled so that predeterminable positions on the rope ( 1 ) are reproducibly approachable, characterized in that at least one order means ( 5 . 6 ) is formed by means of the at least one liquid on the rope ( 1 ) is orderable. Contraption ( 2 ) according to claim 5, wherein at least one of the following order means ( 5 . 6 ) is formed: a) at least one spray system; b) at least one nozzle ( 5 ); c) at least one two-component nozzle; b) at least one brush and c) at least one roller ( 6 ). Contraption ( 2 ) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein at least one tank ( 7 ) is formed for receiving a liquid. Contraption ( 2 ) according to claim 6, wherein at least one conveying means ( 8th ) is designed to promote the at least one liquid which is connected to the tank ( 7 ) and the at least one order means ( 5 . 6 ) connected is. Contraption ( 2 ) according to one of claims 5 to 8, in which a mixer ( 4 ) is formed for mixing at least two liquid components. Contraption ( 2 ) according to claim 9, wherein the mixer ( 4 ) is designed as a flow-tube mixer.

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