ROPE INSPECTION DEVICE AND WORK MACHINE INCLUDING SAME

A rope inspection device according to the present invention is attached to a work machine that has a machine body, a rising/lowering body capable of rising/lowering relative to the machine body, a winch, and a rope which is led out from the winch and suspended from a tip end of the rising/lowering body and which is connected to a load to be suspended. The rope inspection device includes: a rope inspection instrument capable of inspecting a deterioration state of the rope; and a support unit which is attached to the tip end of the rising/lowering body and which supports the rope inspection instrument such that the rope inspection instrument can follow movement in the horizontal direction of the rope which is suspended from the tip end.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a rope inspection device and a work machine including the same.

BACKGROUND ART

A crane that can hoist a load to be suspended is conventionally known as a work machine. The crane includes a machine body, a rising/lowering body capable of rising/lowering relative to the machine body, a suspended load rope suspended from a tip end of the rising/lowering body and connected to a load to be suspended, and a suspended load winch for winding and unwinding the suspended load rope. The crane further includes a rising/lowering rope and a rising/lowering winch. The rising/lowering rope is connected to a tip end of the rising/lowering body via a guy link or the like, and when the rising/lowering winch winds and unwinds the rising/lowering rope, the rising/lowering body rises/lowers relative to the machine body. In such a crane, the rope may be deteriorated or damaged with long-term work.

Patent Literature 1 discloses a technique in which the rising/lowering rope is coated with paint, and the color and peeling of the paint are photographed by a camera fixed to the top of a gantry to determine the life of the rope.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

Patent Literature 1: JP H7-117989 A

In the technique described in Patent Literature 1, since the camera as a rope inspection device is fixed to the top of the gantry, it is not possible to accurately inspect deterioration of the suspended load rope suspended from the tip end of the rising/lowering body. In the technique, the distance between the camera and the rope varies in response to work of the crane, particularly rising/lowering of a boom, and therefore, the technique has a problem of difficulty in accurately detecting deterioration of the rope.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a rope inspection device that can accurately detect deterioration of a suspended load rope used in a work machine, and a work machine including the same.

Provided by the present invention is a rope inspection device attached to a work machine that has a machine body, a rising/lowering body capable of rising/lowering relative to the machine body, a winch, and a rope which is led out from the winch and suspended from a tip end of the rising/lowering body and which is connected to a load to be suspended. The rope inspection device includes: a rope inspection instrument capable of inspecting a deterioration state of the rope; and a support unit which is attached to the tip end of the rising/lowering body and which supports the rope inspection instrument such that the rope inspection instrument can follow movement in a horizontal direction of the rope which is suspended from the tip end.

Also provided by the present invention is a work machine. The work machine includes a machine body, a rising/lowering body capable of rising/lowering relative to the machine body, a winch, a rope which is led out from the winch and suspended from a tip end of the rising/lowering body and which is connected to a load to be suspended, and the rope inspection device described above attached to the tip end of the rising/lowering body.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

First Embodiment

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.FIG.1is a side view of a crane1(work machine) according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Note that hereinafter, each drawing indicates directions of “up”, “down”, “left”, “right”, “front”, and “rear”, but the directions are indicated for convenience of describing the structure of the crane1according to each embodiment, and do not limit a moving direction, a use mode, and the like of the crane according to the present invention.

The crane1includes an upper slewing body12, a lower travelling body14, a boom16, a jib18, a lower spreader19A, an upper spreader19B, a pair of left and right boom guy lines20, a gantry21, a boom raising/lowering rope22, a boom raising/lowering winch30, a main winding winch34, an auxiliary winding winch35, a counterweight40, and a pair of left and right backstops45. The crane1further includes ropes51and52, a main hook53, an auxiliary hook54, a strut55, a pair of left and right strut guy lines56, and a pair of left and right jib guy lines57. Note that in the following description, the pair of left and right members have the left and right structures that are same, and therefore one of the left and right structures will be described.

The upper slewing body12constitutes a crane body (machine body) of the crane1, and is supported by the lower travelling body14so as to be slewable about a slewing center axis extending in an up-down direction. The lower travelling body14can travel on a travelling surface such as a ground G.

The boom16is supported by the upper slewing body12to be capable of rising/lowering. Specifically, the boom16includes a boom base end16P and a boom tip end16Q. The boom base end16P is supported turnably in a rising/lowering direction about a boom rotation center axis horizontal to the upper slewing body12. The boom tip end16Q is disposed on the side opposite to the boom base end16P in a longitudinal direction. In the present embodiment, a boom foot16S included in the boom base end16P is turnably supported by a shaft support part not illustrated of the upper slewing body12. As an example, the boom16is a so-called lattice type, and is configured by coupling a plurality of boom members to each other. The structure of the boom16is not limited to this, and may be a box-like structure or a telescopic structure. The position for supporting the boom16is not limited to the front side of the upper slewing body12, and may be the rear side. A pair of left and right backstops45are supported on the back surface of the boom16. These backstops45each abut against the upper slewing body12in a standing posture of the boom16(work posture of the crane1). This abutment restricts the boom16from being blown backward by strong wind or the like.

The jib18is supported turnably in a rising/lowering direction about a turn center axis horizontal to the boom tip end16Q of the boom16. The jib18includes a jib base end18P and a jib tip end18Q. Note that the jib18constitutes the rising/lowering body of the present invention together with the boom16. The rising/lowering body can rise/lower relative to the upper slowing body12.

The lower spreader19A is connected to the tip end of the gantry21and has a lower sheave block not illustrated. In the lower sheave block, a plurality of sheaves are arrayed in the width direction (left-right direction).

The upper spreader19B is disposed at a predetermined interval in front of the lower spreader19A. The upper spreader19B is connected to the boom tip end16Q via the boom guy line20. The upper spreader19B includes an upper sheave block not illustrated. In the upper sheave block, a plurality of sheaves are arrayed in the width direction (left-right direction).

The pair of left and right boom guy lines20are disposed at intervals to each other in the left-right direction orthogonal to the paper surface ofFIG.1. A rear end of each of the boom guy lines20is connected to the upper spreader19B, and a front end of each of the boom guy lines20is removably connected to the boom tip end16Q. The boom guy line20may have any structure such as a guy link (metal plate material), a guy rope, or a guy wire (metal wire material).

The gantry21is supported by the upper slewing body12at the rear of the boom16. As illustrated inFIG.1, the gantry21is configured by two structures (a compression member21A and a tension member21B) forming a substantially triangular shape between the gantry21and the upper slewing body12. The tension member21B extends substantially vertically upward from the rear end of the upper slewing body12. The compression member21A connects the upper end of the tension member21B and a substantially center part of the upper slewing body12along an oblique direction. The gantry21supports the boom16from the rear such that the boom16is capable of rising/lowering.

The boom raising/lowering rope22is led out from the boom raising/lowering winch30, hung on the sheave disposed at the tip end of the tension member21B, and then wound a plurality of times between the lower sheave block of the lower spreader19A and the upper sheave block of the upper spreader19B. Note that the tip end of the boom raising/lowering rope22after being wound around the lower sheave block and the upper sheave block is fixed to the tip end (upper end) of the gantry21.

The boom raising/lowering winch30is disposed on the upper slewing body12. By winding and unwinding the boom raising/lowering rope22, the boom raising/lowering winch30changes the distance between the lower sheave block of the lower spreader19A and the upper sheave block of the upper spreader19B, and raises/lowers the boom16while turning the boom16relative to the gantry21.

The main winding winch34(winch) winds up and winds down a load to be suspended by the rope51(suspended load rope). Regarding this main winding, the boom tip end16Q of the boom16is provided with a main winding point sheave. The main hook53connected to the load to be suspended is coupled to the rope51led out from the main winding winch34and suspended from the main winding point sheave. Therefore, when the main winding winch34winds up or winds out the rope51, the main hook53is wound up or wound down.

Similarly, the auxiliary winding winch35(winch) winds up and winds down the load to be suspended by the rope52(suspended load rope). Regarding this auxiliary winding, the tip end of the jib18is provided with an auxiliary winding point sheave. The auxiliary hook54connected to the load to be suspended is coupled to the rope52led out from the auxiliary winding winch35and suspended from an auxiliary winding point. Then, when the auxiliary winding winch35winds up or winds out the rope52, the auxiliary hook54for the load to be suspended coupled to the terminal of the rope52is wound up or wound down.

The counterweight40is loaded on the rear of the upper slewing body12in order to adjust the balance of the crane1.

The strut55is supported turnably in the rising/lowering direction to the jib base end18P of the jib18. The strut55functions as a pillar supporting the jib18from the rear. The tip end of the strut55is connected to a longitudinal center of the boom16by a strut guy line56and is connected to the jib tip end18Q of the jib18by the jib guy line57.

FIGS.2,3, and4are a side view, a front view, and a plan view of a rope inspection device7of the crane1according to the present embodiment.FIG.4corresponds to a view viewed along an arrow IV-IV ofFIG.3. Note that inFIGS.2to4, in order to facilitate the explanation, each direction is indicated in a state where the jib18inFIG.1is lowered so as to extend horizontally.

The jib18includes a point sheave18S and a sheave rotation shaft18A. The point sheave18S includes an outer peripheral surface that is disposed at the jib tip end18Q and supports the rope52. The sheave rotation shaft18A rotatably supports the point sheave18S. As illustrated inFIG.3, the sheave rotation shaft18A is supported by a pair of left and right frame parts of the jib18. The point sheave18S is supported at the center part of left and right of the sheave rotation shaft18A.

The crane1further includes the rope inspection device7. In the present embodiment, the rope inspection device7is provided at the tip end of the jib18, and inspects a deterioration and damage degree of the rope52. The rope inspection device7is removable with respect to the jib tip end18Q of the jib18. The rope inspection device7includes a rope deterioration detection instrument70(rope inspection instrument) and a support unit7S (FIG.2).

The rope deterioration detection instrument70can inspect a deterioration state of the rope52. In the present embodiment, the rope deterioration detection instrument70has a cylindrical shape (tubular shape), and receives the rope52in an internal space of the cylindrical shape along the up-down direction. The rope deterioration detection instrument70generates a magnetic field in the internal space, and detects deterioration of the rope52by a change in the magnetic field. At this time, since the rope deterioration detection instrument70has a tubular shape, the state of the entire circumference of the rope52can be measured. A cylindrical inner peripheral surface of the rope deterioration detection instrument70may be attached with a resin member or the like for enhancing the slidability of the rope52. Note that the mechanism by which the rope deterioration detection instrument70detects deterioration of the rope52is not limited to the above magnetic one, and may be a mechanical one or an optical one. The rope deterioration detection instrument70is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and may have another tubular shape, or a plate shape, a cuboid shape, or the like dispose to face the rope52.

The support unit78is attached to the jib tip end18Q of the jib18. The support unit7S supports the rope deterioration detection instrument70such that the rope deterioration detection instrument70can follow movement in the horizontal direction of the rope52suspended from the jib tip end18Q. The support unit7S includes a support frame71, a support body72, a pair of left and right support cables73, and a pair of left and right cable fixing parts74.

As illustrated inFIGS.3and4, the support frame71is a member extending long in the left-right direction, and is configured by joining a plurality of steel materials extending long in the front-rear direction or the left-right direction. The support frame71includes a pair of left and right frame connection parts71A (FIG.4) and a pair of left and right frame supported parts71B. Each of the frame connection parts71A is a part connected to the support body72of the support frame71. A long hole71A1(FIG.3) extending in the left-right direction is formed in each of the frame connection parts71A. Each of the frame supported parts71B is supported by the support cable73by being connected to a tip end connection part73A of the support cable73. Note that the tip end connection part73A of the support cable73is swingably connected to the frame supported part71B.

The support body72is fixed to the support frame71and supports the rope deterioration detection instrument70. In the present embodiment, the support body72supports the rope deterioration detection instrument70having a tubular shape so as to surround the rope deterioration detection instrument along a horizontal plane. In other words, the support body72(FIG.4) supports the rope deterioration detection instrument so as to sandwich the rope deterioration detection instrument70from front and rear as well as left and right. The support body72includes a pair of left and right support walls72A each having a U shape in plan view inFIG.4. Each of the support walls72A is provided with a pin hole facing the long hole71A1. Therefore, on the both left and right sides, in a state where each of the support walls72A receives the frame connection part71A of the support frame71, a connection pin71P is inserted into the long hole71A1of the frame connection part71A and the pin hole of the support wall72A, thereby connecting the support frame71and the support body72.

The support body72includes eight guide rollers72R. As illustrated inFIGS.3and4, four guide rollers72R are rotatably supported each of above and below the rope deterioration detection instrument70in the support body72. These rollers have a function of guiding the rope52such that the rope52passes through the cylindrical center part of the rope deterioration detection instrument70.

Note that the support body72constitutes a support mechanism of the present invention together with the above-described support frame71. The support mechanism is connected to the tip ends of the pair of support cables73and supports the rope deterioration detection instrument70.

The pair of left and right support cables73are each suspended from the jib tip end18Q of the jib18. The tip end connection part73A is disposed at the tip end of the support cable73(FIG.3), and a base end connection part73B is disposed at the base end of the support cable73.

The cable fixing part74is fixed to each of the left and right frames of the jib18(FIG.3) on the rear side of the sheave rotation shaft18A (FIG.2). The cable fixing part74includes a fixing bolt74A, a nut74B, and a fixing protrusion74C. The fixing protrusion74C is a columnar member fixed to the frame of the jib18. A bolt hole is formed in the fixing protrusion74C. As illustrated inFIG.3, the fixing bolt74A is fastened to the bolt hole in a state where the base end connection part73B of the support cable73and the nut74B are sandwiched between the fixing bolt74A and the fixing protrusion74C, whereby the pair of left and right support cables73are supported by the jib tip end18Q. At this time, the base end connection part73B is supported swingably in the front-rear direction about the fixing bolt74A.

Furthermore, the jib tip end18Q of the jib18includes an overwound limit switch80, an overwound limit cable81(detection cable), and a cable connection plate82.

The overwound limit switch80is attached to the jib tip end18Q of the jib18. In the present embodiment, the overwound limit switch80is attached to an immediately rear side part of the cable fixing part74on the right side. The overwound limit cable81is a cable led out from the overwound limit switch80. The cable connection plate82is a plate member attached to a tip end of the overwound limit cable81, and a hole part for receiving the rope52is opened in a center thereof. Note that the cable connection member exemplified by the cable connection plate82is not limited to a plate shape, and may have another form such as a ring shape, a cylindrical shape, a rectangular shape, and a shape in which two rings of upper and lower are coupled by a rod-shaped coupling member.

When in the state illustrated inFIG.2, the auxiliary winding winch35(FIG.1) continues winding up the rope52in response to the operation of a worker, the auxiliary hook54eventually pushes up the cable connection plate82. As a result, the tension of the overwound limit cable81is weakened, and the overwound limit switch80detects the change. The overwound limit switch80detects an overwound state of the rope52and inputs a signal corresponding to the detection result to a control unit not illustrated of the crane1. As a result, the worker can grasp the overwound state of the rope52.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the support unit8S supports the rope deterioration detection instrument70such that the rope deterioration detection instrument70can inspect the rope52suspended from the tip end of the jib18. In particular, the support unit7S supports the rope deterioration detection instrument70such that the rope deterioration detection instrument70can follow movement in the horizontal direction of the rope52. Therefore, even when the jib18rises/lowers relative to the boom16and the upper slewing body12or even when the rope52swings with the jib tip end18Q of the jib18as a fulcrum, the rope deterioration detection instrument70can move following the rope52, and thus the rope52can be stably inspected.

In particular, in the present embodiment, since the support mechanism that supports the rope deterioration detection instrument70is supported by the pair of support cables73, the rope deterioration detection instrument70can swing with the jib tip end18Q of the jib18as a fulcrum so as to follow movement of the rope52.

At this time, since the base end connection parts73B of the pair of support cables73are supported by the cable fixing part74including the fixing bolt74A, it is not necessary to weld the support cable73to the jib tip end18Q of the jib18, and the rope inspection device7can be easily attached. Therefore, the rope inspection device7can be attached afterward also to the crane1that does not have the conventional rope inspection device7.

The support mechanism includes the support frame71connected to the tip ends of the pair of support cables73, and the support body72fixed to the center of the support frame71and supporting the rope deterioration detection instrument70. According to such a configuration, in a state where the support frame71is supported by the pair of support cables73, the support body72can stably support the rope deterioration detection instrument70at the center of the support frame71. As a result, the support mechanism is prevented from tilting due to the weight of the rope deterioration detection instrument70.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, since the rope deterioration detection instrument70has a tubular shape that receives the rope52, the rope deterioration detection instrument70) and the rope52do not greatly separate from each other, and the deterioration state of the rope52can be stably inspected.

In the present embodiment, since the connection pin71P connecting the support frame71and the support body72is inserted into the long hole71A1, the support body72can relatively move left and right by the stroke of the long hole71A1with respect to the support frame71when the rope52swings to the left and right. Therefore, the rope deterioration detection instrument70sandwiched between the rope52and the support body72is suppressed from being applied with a large load.

Note that inspection of the rope52by the rope inspection device7may be performed during work of the crane1, or may be performed after end or before start of the work. In the present embodiment, since it is possible to constantly monitor the rope52, it is possible to prevent damage of the rope52due to overlooking from becoming severe as compared with a case of visual inspection and confirmation by the worker.

Furthermore, it is desirable that the rope inspection device7be removable with respect to the jib18. In this case, since the rope inspection device7can be removed from the jib18during disassembly and transportation of the crane1, the members constituting the jib18can be transported within the transport restriction height of the transport vehicle. In a case where an immediate inspection is unnecessary such as a case where the rope52that is unused is prepared and attached, the weight of the jib18at the time of work can be reduced by performing work with the rope inspection device7removed from the jib18.

In the present embodiment, since the rope deterioration detection instrument70can inspect the rope52suspended from the point sheave18S, inspection of the rope52can be easily performed even in a configuration where no other idler sheave exists at the tip end of the jib18. Since it is not necessary to provide a dedicated sheave in order to guide the rope52to the rope deterioration detection instrument70, it is possible to inspect the rope52while preventing a significant weight increase of the jib tip end18Q of the jib18.

Second Embodiment

Next, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that in the present embodiment, differences from the first embodiment described above will be mainly described (the same applies to the embodiments described later).FIG.5is a front view of the rope inspection device7of the crane1according to the present embodiment.

In the present embodiment, the base ends of the pair of left and right support cables73of the rope inspection device7are supported respectively by both ends of the sheave rotation shaft18A. Specifically, the both ends of the sheave rotation shaft18A are disposed so as to protrude outward in the left-right direction relative to each frame of the jib18. A bolt hole not illustrated is formed in an end surface of the sheave rotation shaft18A. As a result, as illustrated inFIG.5, the base end connection part73B of the support cable73and the nut74B are interposed between the fixing bolt74A and the end surface of the sheave rotation shaft18A, and when the fixing bolt74A is fastened, the support cable73is supported by the cable fixing part74. Note that the base end connection part73B is supported by the cable fixing part74so as to be swingable about the rotation center axis of the sheave rotation shaft18A.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the sheave rotation shaft18A can have a function of rotatably supporting the point sheave18S and a function of supporting the support cable73. Therefore, the cost and weight of the mechanism attached to the jib tip end18Q can be reduced as compared with those of the first embodiment described above. Since the fulcrum of the rope52and the fulcrum in swinging of the rope deterioration detection instrument70can be disposed at close positions, the rope deterioration detection instrument70can stably follow movement of the rope52.

Third Embodiment

Next, the third embodiment of the present invention will be described.FIGS.6,7, and8are a side view, a front view, and a perspective view of the rope inspection device7of the crane1according to the present embodiment.

The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the rope inspection device7has the function of the cable connection plate82. Specifically, as illustrated inFIG.7, the overwound limit switch80is supported via a support part80S by a frame on the right side of the jib18. The frame supported parts71B supported by the both ends of the support frame71are set so as to extend inward longer than that in the first embodiment. The tip end connection part73A of the support cable73is turnably connected to the pair of left and right frame supported parts71B, and the tip end of the overwound limit cable81is fixed to the frame supported part71B of the right side.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the support frame71(support mechanism) includes the frame supported part71B (detection cable connection part) connected to the tip end connection part73A (tip end) of the support cable73. As a result, the support frame71can have a function of supporting the rope deterioration detection instrument70and a function as a connection destination of the overwound limit cable81of the overwound limit switch80. As a result, since the cable connection plate82in the first embodiment described above can be reduced, the structure of the tip end of the jib18can be reduced in weight.

In particular, in the present embodiment, as illustrated inFIGS.7and8, the rope inspection device7, the overwound limit switch80, and the overwound limit cable81can be accommodated in a space in the up-down direction between the tip end of the jib18and the support frame71. When the rope52is overwound, the main hook53pushes up the support frame71, whereby the overwound limit switch80can stably detect the overwound state. At this time, since the rope deterioration detection instrument70is supported by the support body72disposed on an upper surface of the support frame71, the main hook53is prevented from colliding with the rope deterioration detection instrument70.

Fourth Embodiment

Next, the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.FIG.9is a front view of the rope inspection device7of the crane1according to the present embodiment.FIG.10is an assembly process diagram of the rope inspection device7according to the present embodiment, and corresponds to a view viewed along an arrow X-X ofFIG.9. The present embodiment is characterized in that the support unit7S of the rope inspection device7can be separated left and right. Specifically, as illustrated inFIGS.9and10, the support frame71includes left and right first frame part71M and second frame part71N, and a pair of front and rear outer connection parts71R disposed therebetween.

As illustrated in the part (A) ofFIG.10, the support body72can be separated into a first support body72P and a second support body72Q, and the rope deterioration detection instrument70supported by the support body72can be separated into a first detection part70P and a second detection part70Q. The first detection part70P is integrated with the first support body72P, and the second detection part70Q is integrated with the second support body72Q.

As illustrated in the part (B) ofFIG.10, the first support body72P and the second support body72Q are connected to each other such that the first detection part70P and the second detection part70Q sandwich the rope52. At this time, the first support body72P and the second support body72Q are connected by a pin not illustrated. Next, as illustrated in the part (C) ofFIG.10, the first support body72P and the second support body72Q are connected by the connection pin71P to the frame connection parts71A of the first frame part71M and the second frame part71N, respectively. Finally, as illustrated in the part (D) ofFIG.10, the pair of front and rear outer connection parts71R are connected to the first frame part71M and the second frame part71N, respectively, so as to sandwich the support body72from front and rear. As a result, the rope deterioration detection instrument70can accommodate the rope52in a state where the support frame71and the support body72support the rope deterioration detection instrument70.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the rope deterioration detection instrument70can be separated into two inspection parts, and includes an inspection instrument opening/closing part (the first detection part70P and the second detection part70Q) that opens/closes so as to internally receive the rope52along the horizontal direction. Therefore, even in a state where the auxiliary hook54(FIG.1) is attached to the tip end of the rope52, the rope52can be easily inserted into the internal space of the rope deterioration detection instrument70having a tubular shape. Therefore, the rope inspection device7can be easily attached to the jib tip end18Q of the jib18.

Furthermore, the support frame71and the support body72(support mechanism) include a support opening/closing part (the first frame part71M, the second frame part71N, the first support body72P, and the second support body72Q) that opens/closes so as to receive, along the horizontal direction, the rope deterioration detection instrument70accommodating the rope52. Therefore, it is possible to easily and stably support the rope deterioration detection instrument70by opening/closing the support opening/closing part of the support mechanism. As a result, similarly to the above, the rope inspection device7can be easily attached to the jib tip end18Q of the jib18.

Note that in the present embodiment, an aspect in which the rope deterioration detection instrument70, the support frame71, and the support body72are each separated into two members, but the present invention is not limited to this. The rope deterioration detection instrument70, the support frame71, and the support body72may each have a structure that opens/closes such that the rope deterioration detection instrument70receives the rope52and the support frame71and the support body72can receive the rope deterioration detection instrument70. As an example, the first support body72P and the second support body72Q may open/close by turning about a turning center axis extending in the up-down direction to internally receive the rope52. An aspect in which the rope deterioration detection instrument70, the support frame71, and the support body72are each separated into three or more members can be adopted.

Fifth Embodiment

Next, the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described.FIGS.11,12, and13are a side view, a front view, and a plan view of a rope inspection device of a crane according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, as illustrated inFIG.12, the support body72supports the rope deterioration detection instrument70such that the rope deterioration detection instrument70is disposed below the support frame71. Furthermore, the support unit7S of the rope inspection device7further includes a buffer body90that is disposed below the rope deterioration detection instrument70and mitigates an impact applied to the rope deterioration detection instrument70. The buffer body90is connected to and supported by a lower end of the support body72. As illustrated inFIG.13, the buffer body90has a cylindrical shape (tubular shape) and is disposed so as to surround (so as to accommodate) the rope52.

In the present embodiment, since the rope deterioration detection instrument70is disposed below the support frame71, the center of gravity of the rope inspection device7is easily stabilized even in a state where the support mechanism (the support frame71and the support body72) is suspended from the jib tip end18Q of the jib18, and the behavior of the rope inspection device7is suppressed from hindering the work of the crane1using the rope52. Furthermore, since the buffer body90is provided below the rope deterioration detection instrument70, the auxiliary hook54and the load to be suspended are prevented from colliding with the rope deterioration detection instrument70with a large impact due to overwinding of the rope52, and damage to the rope deterioration detection instrument70is prevented.

In particular, in the present embodiment, since the centers of gravity of the support body72and the rope deterioration detection instrument70are disposed below the tip end connection part73A of the support cable73, the posture of the rope inspection device7is easily stabilized, and the rope deterioration detection instrument70can stably inspect the rope52.

Note that also in the present embodiment, similarly to the fourth embodiment described above, the rope deterioration detection instrument70, the support frame71, and the support body72may have an opening/closing structure, and may internally easily accommodates the rope52. In this case, the buffer body90may similarly include a buffer body opening/closing part that can receive the rope52along the horizontal direction. When the buffer body90has a cylindrical shape, the buffer body90ofFIG.13may separate (open/close) in a semicircular shape, and may internally receive the rope52.

According to such a configuration, since the buffer body90has a cylindrical shape surrounding the rope52, it is possible to stably receive an impact from the auxiliary hook54or the load to be suspended. Even in a state where the auxiliary hook54is attached to the tip end of the rope52, the rope52can be easily inserted into the buffer body90.

The rope inspection device7according to each of the embodiments of the present invention and the crane1including the same have been described above. According to the crane1including the rope inspection device7as described above, even when the rising/lowering body including the jib18rises/lowers relative to the upper slewing body12or even when the rope52swings with the jib tip end18Q of the jib18as a fulcrum, the rope deterioration detection instrument70can move following the rope52, and therefore inspection of the rope52can be stably performed. Note that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. In the present invention, modified embodiments as follows are possible.

(1) The embodiments described above have been described with an aspect in which the rope inspection device7is attached to the jib18, but the rising/lowering body attached with the rope inspection device7is not limited to the jib18, and may be the boom16. The rope that is an inspection target by the rope inspection device7is not limited to the rope52ofFIG.1, and may be the rope51led out from the main winding winch34.

(2) The configurations and features of the embodiments described above can be combined with one another.

(3) The embodiments described above has been described using the crane1illustrated inFIG.1, but the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied also to a crane having another structure. That is, the crane applied with the present invention may be a general-purpose crane including a lattice mast in place of the gantry, and each winch may be disposed on the lattice mast or the boom. The crane applied with the present invention may be a large crane having a structure to raise/lower the boom by raising and lowering of a box mast. Furthermore, the crane applied with the present invention may have a front strut and a rear strut. The travelling structure of the lower travelling body14may be a crawler or a tire, or a fixed lower body may be provided in place of the lower travelling body14. The work machine according to the present invention is not limited to a crane, and may be other aspects.

(4) The embodiment described above has been described with an aspect in which the rope inspection device7includes the pair of support cables73, but the structure for supporting the rope deterioration detection instrument70is not limited to the cable structure. As an example, an arc-shaped rail may be disposed at the tip end of the jib18, and the support frame71and the support body72(support mechanism) that support the rope deterioration detection instrument70may swing along the rail. Also in this case, since the rope deterioration detection instrument70can follow movement and swing of the rope52, the rope52can be stably inspected.

Provided by the present invention is a rope inspection device attached to a work machine that has a machine body, a rising/lowering body capable of rising/lowering relative to the machine body, a winch, and a rope which is led out from the winch and suspended from a tip end of the rising/lowering body and which is connected to a load to be suspended. The rope inspection device includes: a rope inspection instrument capable of inspecting a deterioration state of the rope; and a support unit which is attached to the tip end of the rising/lowering body and which supports the rope inspection instrument such that the rope inspection instrument can follow movement in a horizontal direction of the rope which is suspended from the tip end.

According to the present configuration, the support unit supports the rope inspection instrument such that the rope inspection instrument can inspect the rope suspended from the tip end of the rising/lowering body. In particular, the support unit supports the rope inspection instrument such that the rope inspection instrument can follow movement in the horizontal direction of the rope. Therefore, even when the rising/lowering body rises/lowers relative to the machine body or even when the rope swings with the tip end of the rising/lowering body as a fulcrum, the rope inspection instrument can move following the rope, and therefore inspection of the rope can be stably performed.

In the above configuration, the support unit may include a pair of left and right support cables suspended from the tip end of the rising/lowering body, and a support mechanism connected to the tip ends of the pair of support cables and supporting the rope inspection instrument.

According to the present configuration, since the support mechanism supporting the rope inspection instrument is supported by the pair of support cables, the rope inspection instrument can swing with the tip end of the rising/lowering body as a fulcrum so as to follow movement of the rope.

In the above configuration, the rising/lowering body may include a sheave disposed at the tip end and including an outer peripheral surface supporting the rope, and a sheave rotation shaft rotatably supporting the sheave, and the base ends of the pair of left and right support cables may be respectively supported by both ends of the sheave rotation shaft.

According to the present configuration, the sheave rotation shaft can have a function of rotatably supporting the sheave and a function of supporting the support cable. Since the fulcrum of the rope and the fulcrum of the rope inspection instrument can be disposed at close positions, the rope inspection instrument can stably follow movement of the rope.

In the above configuration, the rising/lowering body may include an overwound limit switch attached to the tip end and a detection cable led out from the overwound limit switch, and the support mechanism may further include a detection cable connection part connected to a tip end of the detection cable.

According to the present configuration, the support mechanism can have a function of supporting the rope inspection instrument and a function as a connection destination of the detection cable of the overwound limit switch.

In the above configuration, the support mechanism may include a support frame connected to the tip ends of the pair of support cables, and a support body fixed to a center of the support frame and supporting the rope inspection instrument.

According to the present configuration, the support body can stably support the rope inspection instrument at the center of the support frame in a state where the support frame is supported by the pair of support cables. As a result, the support mechanism is prevented from tilting due to the weight of the rope inspection instrument.

In the above configuration, the rope inspection instrument may have a cylindrical internal space that receives, along an up-down direction, the rope suspended from the tip end of the rising/lowering body.

According to the present configuration, since the rope inspection instrument has a tubular shape involving the rope, the rope inspection instrument and the rope do not greatly separate from each other, and the deterioration state of the rope can be stably inspected.

In the above configuration, the rope inspection instrument may include an inspection instrument opening/closing part that opens/closes so as to receive the rope into the internal space along a horizontal direction.

According to the present configuration, even in a state where the tip end of the rope is attached with the hook, the rope can be easily inserted into the internal space of the tubular rope inspection instrument.

In the above configuration, the support mechanism may further includes a support opening/closing part that supports the rope inspection instrument so as to surround the rope inspection instrument along a horizontal plane, and that opens/closes so as to receive the rope inspection instrument along a horizontal direction.

According to the present configuration, the rope inspection instrument can be easily and stably attached by opening/closing the support opening/closing part of the support mechanism.

In the above configuration, the support body may support the rope inspection instrument such that the rope inspection instrument is disposed below the support frame, and the support unit may further include a buffer body disposed below the rope inspection instrument and mitigating an impact applied to the rope inspection instrument.

According to the present configuration, since the rope inspection instrument is disposed below the support frame, the center of gravity of the rope inspection device is easily stabilized even in a state where the support mechanism is suspended from the tip end of the rising/lowering body, and the behavior of the rope inspection device is suppressed from hindering the work of the work machine using the rope. Furthermore, since the buffer body is provided below the rope inspection instrument, the hook and the load to be suspended are prevented from colliding with the rope inspection instrument with a large impact due to overwinding of the rope, and damage to the rope inspection instrument is prevented.

In the above configuration, the buffer body may have a tubular shape surrounding the rope, and may include a buffer body opening/closing part that can receive the rope along a horizontal direction.

According to the present configuration, since the buffer body has a tubular shape surrounding the rope, it is possible to stably receive an impact from the hook and the load to be suspended. Even in a state where the tip end of the rope is attached with the hook, the rope can be easily inserted into the buffer body.

A work machine according to another aspect of the present invention includes a machine body, a rising/lowering body capable of rising/lowering relative to the machine body, a winch, a rope which is led out from the winch and suspended from a tip end of the rising/lowering body and which is connected to a load to be suspended, and the rope inspection device described in any one of the above attached to the tip end of the rising/lowering body.

According to the present configuration, since the rope inspection instrument can move following the rope even when the rising/lowering body rises/lowers relative to the machine body or even when the rope swings with the tip end of the rising/lowering body as a fulcrum, inspection of the rope can be stably performed.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a rope inspection device that can accurately detect deterioration of a suspended load rope used in a work machine, and a work machine including the same.