JP2007310611A - System for monitoring and diagnosing equipment using bearing - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system for monitoring and diagnosing equipment using bearings that enables a company producing and selling bearings to remotely monitor and diagnose the bearings for their life situations including deterioration of bearing lubricant, while enabling a customer company to perform accurate diagnosis, proper stocking, replacement and budgeting, and enabling the company producing and selling them to forecast orders and reduce stock. <P>SOLUTION: In the monitoring and diagnosing system, a bearing 4 incorporated into the equipment 3 of a customer company is provided with sensors 5 for detecting its status, and its detection information s1 is sent to a line 9. The office 1 of the company producing and selling the bearing 4 is provided with a diagnostic means 14 for receiving, accumulating and analyzing the sensor information s1 sent to diagnose the bearing 4 for its deteriorated status and predict its life, and a diagnostic result information sending means 16 for sending diagnostic result information s5 to the line 9. The office 2 of the customer company is provided with a diagnostic result information receiving means 31 for receiving the diagnostic result information s5 sent. The sensors 5 include a sensor for detecting deterioration of the lubricant of the bearing 4. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a monitoring / diagnosis system for equipment using bearings, in which a bearing manufacturer monitors and diagnoses the life status of a bearing in a state of being incorporated in a machine or facility at a remote location.

  In the case of a machine in which a bearing is used in a large size, a remote place, or a machine that cannot be stopped, it is necessary to regularly perform a large-scale maintenance work, and early replacement of the bearing is also necessary. Further, when a sudden failure occurs, a large damage occurs, so it is desired to grasp the driving situation as accurately as possible.

For example, many rolls are used in steel mills, paper mills, and the like, and roll support bearings are used to support them. Since this type of roll support bearing is a relatively large bearing, steel mills, paper mills, and the like monitor the life of the bearings as equipment management by using a vibration sensor or the like. Based on the life status obtained as a result of monitoring, a parts replacement plan is made, a request is made to a bearing manufacturer for an estimate, and the order is confirmed after checking the inventory, price, and delivery date.
Monitoring and diagnosis similar to those described above are carried out in other various production lines, automobiles in the transportation industry, railway maintenance factories, various plants, and the like. In addition, when the diagnosis cannot be performed in-house, the engineer of the bearing manufacturing and sales company may be called on site to make the diagnosis.

On the other hand, it is known that if the lubricant inside the bearing deteriorates, the rolling element will be lubricated poorly and the life of the bearing will be shortened. Therefore, a criterion for judgment at an earlier stage is desired.
However, since the deterioration of the lubricant depends on various factors such as the load state, rotational speed, and usage time of the bearing, sensors that monitor the lubricant state regularly or in real time, Even if other sensors are installed, it is difficult to judge the bearing status by looking at only the signal.
In addition, depending on the environment in which the bearing is used, there are cases where conditions such as rust are likely to occur, and a sensor that detects these environmental conditions is also desired.

As a technology that meets such a demand, the following mechanical part monitoring / diagnosis / sales system (Patent Document 1) has been proposed.
In this machine part monitoring / diagnosis / sales system, a sensor is provided on a machine part centering on a bearing incorporated in a customer's machine, and the sensor information is transmitted via a line. In the production and sales company, the sensor information is diagnosed by a diagnostic means. In accordance with the diagnosis result, diagnosis result information including product information such as the price of the replacement machine part and delivery date information is transmitted to the line. The customer company transmits the agreement information to the diagnosis result information with the product information.
As a result, companies using machine parts can obtain product information of machine parts at the same time as accurate diagnosis results of machine parts, thereby ensuring quick ordering and delivery. In addition, companies that produce and sell machine parts can reduce inventories through advance orders and improve efficiency through appropriate production planning.
JP 2001-356808 A

  In the system disclosed in Patent Document 1, the case where the detection target of the sensor is temperature, vibration, and an image is illustrated. However, there is a case where it is desired to detect another phenomenon depending on the equipment or machine using the bearing. However, Patent Document 1 does not mention a configuration for predicting / detecting an abnormal state of a mechanical part such as a bearing using a sensor that detects a phenomenon other than temperature, vibration, and an image.

  An object of the present invention is to use a sensor for detecting deterioration of a bearing lubricant as one of the sensors for detecting the state of the bearing, so that a bearing production lubricant can be used by a bearing production and sales company in a remote place. Bearings that can monitor and diagnose the life status including deterioration status, enable accurate diagnosis, appropriate inventory, replacement, and budget for client companies, and allow production and sales companies to forecast orders and reduce inventory It is to provide a monitoring / diagnosis system for equipment used.

The monitoring / diagnosis system for equipment using bearings according to the present invention is a monitoring / diagnosis system for equipment using bearings (4), and the state of the bearing (4) incorporated in the equipment (3) of the customer company. One or a plurality of sensors (5) for detecting the sensor, sensor information transmitting means (10) for transmitting the detection information of the sensor (5) as it is or processing to the line (9), and the bearing (4) Sensor information receiving means (13) for receiving the sensor information (s1) transmitted in the line (9) provided in the business office (1) of the production and sales, and sensor information (13) received by this means (13) s1) is accumulated / analyzed, diagnosis means (14) for diagnosing the deterioration state of the bearing (4) and life prediction, and diagnosis result information for transmitting the diagnosis result information of the diagnosis means (14) to the line (9) Transmission means (16) and the customer A diagnosis result information receiving means (31) for receiving the diagnosis result information (s5) provided in the business establishment (2) and transmitted to the line (9), and the bearing (4) as the sensor (5) It includes a sensor for detecting deterioration of the lubricant.
According to this configuration, the life factor of the bearing (4) incorporated in the machine (3) of the customer company is detected by the sensor (5), and the sensor information (s1) is produced and sold via the line (9). Sent to the company diagnostic means (14). The term “life” as used in this specification includes not only the natural life due to proper use but also the life due to abnormalities such as object collision. The diagnosis means (14) diagnoses the life status of the bearing (4) from the received sensor information (s1). The diagnosis result information is sent to the customer company via the line (9). For this reason, the bearing (4) of the customer company can be diagnosed by the diagnostic means (14) in the office (1) of the remote manufacturing and sales company. The manufacturing and sales company is a specialized manufacturer of the bearing (4) and has a large amount of handling, so even if a high-accuracy diagnostic device is used, there is no waste, the amount of information is abundant, and accurate diagnosis can be performed. For this reason, the company using the bearing (4) can achieve accurate diagnosis, proper inventory, replacement, and budget. In addition, the production and sales company of the bearing (4) can predict orders and reduce inventory.
In particular, the sensor for detecting the life-related factor of the bearing (4) includes a sensor for detecting deterioration of the lubricant in the bearing (4). Can be detected. Also, by accumulating the sensor information (s1), it is possible to comprehensively analyze the deterioration state of the lubricant and the occurrence state of temperature rise, vibration, etc., and more accurate life prediction and deterioration detection are possible.
In addition, since the system stores a large number of cases as a database, it is possible to make a complicated situation judgment that cannot be predicted by a single customer or case alone. By constructing a database together with additional information such as the surrounding environment, it is possible to analyze the correspondence with performance degradation after classifying the usage conditions in more detail, and to further improve the reliability.

  In the present invention, the sensor (5) for detecting the deterioration of the lubricant in the bearing (4) determines the amount of wear powder contained in the lubricant from any of optical characteristics, electrical conductivity, dielectric constant, and magnetic permeability. It may be detected by such measurement.

  In the present invention, the sensor (5) for detecting the deterioration of the lubricant of the bearing (4) detects the amount of moisture that has entered the lubricant by measuring any one of optical characteristics, electrical conductivity, and dielectric constant. It may be what you do. Further, the sensor (5) for detecting the deterioration of the lubricant of the bearing (4) may detect the degree of oxidation of the lubricant by measuring the dielectric constant.

  In this invention, as the sensor (5), in addition to the sensor for detecting the deterioration of the lubricant in the bearing (4), an environmental sensor for detecting the environment such as salinity and moisture, and the vibration state and temperature of the bearing, respectively. Sensors for detection may be provided, and the sensor information transmitting means (10) may transmit detection signals of these sensors. In the case of this configuration, the usage conditions of the bearing (4) can be classified in more detail, and then a correspondence analysis with the performance deterioration of the bearing (4) can be performed, and the reliability of the detection result can be further increased.

  A monitoring / diagnosis system for equipment using bearings according to the present invention is a monitoring / diagnosis system for equipment using bearings, and includes one or a plurality of sensors for detecting the state of a bearing incorporated in the equipment of a customer company. Sensor information transmitting means for transmitting the sensor detection information as it is or processing to the line, and sensor information reception for receiving the sensor information transmitted in the line provided in the business office of the company that produces and sells the bearing Means, storing and analyzing sensor information received by the means, diagnosing means for diagnosing the deterioration state of the bearing and predicting the life, and diagnosing result information transmitting means for transmitting the diagnosing result information of the diagnosing means to the line, Diagnostic result information receiving means for receiving the diagnostic result information transmitted to the line, provided at each of the customer company's office and the production / sales company's office; Since the sensor includes a sensor that detects the deterioration of the bearing lubricant, the bearing production and sales company can monitor and diagnose the life status of the customer company including the bearing lubricant deterioration condition at a remote location. The client company can achieve accurate diagnosis, proper inventory, exchange, and budget, and the production and sales company can forecast orders and reduce inventory.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 to 3 show this monitoring / diagnosis system for equipment using bearings. Among these, FIG. 1 shows a large concept, and FIG. 2 is an explanatory view of a medium concept mainly showing information flow between business divisions. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a more detailed conceptual configuration of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 3, this monitoring / diagnosis system monitors and diagnoses the bearing 4 of the machine 3 in the business company 2 of the customer company at the business office 1 of the bearing production and sales company, and provides diagnostic result information. This is a system to which product information is attached to and sent to the establishment 2 of the client company. One or a plurality of types of sensors 5 are provided for each bearing 4 to be monitored and diagnosed. The sensor 5 is a sensor that detects a life-related factor of the bearing 4, for example, a lubricant deterioration detection sensor, an environmental sensor (moisture sensor or salinity sensor) that detects an environment such as salinity and moisture, a vibration sensor, and a temperature sensor. Etc. In this case, the plurality of types of sensors 5 always include a lubricant deterioration detection sensor. When the environment in which the bearing 4 is installed is in a state where there is a lot of moisture or salt, the bearing 4 is easily corroded and the progress speed of the deterioration is increased. Therefore, as the sensor 5 other than the lubricant deterioration detecting sensor, It is desirable to provide an environmental sensor such as a sensor. Thereby, the surrounding environment where the bearing 4 is placed can be monitored.
In addition to this, the sensor 5 other than the lubricant deterioration detection sensor may be an image pickup device for picking up an image of the bearing 4, or may be a rotation sensor, a speed sensor, a preload detection sensor, or the like.

  The bearing 4 to be monitored and diagnosed is, for example, a rolling bearing. The machine 3 uses the above-described bearing 4, and particularly uses a plurality of bearings 4. For example, steel machines, paper machines, aircrafts, railways, automobiles, production lines and maintenance lines thereof. Alternatively, various plants such as a power plant may be used. The machine 3 referred to here may be a single machine or the entire production and maintenance facility in which a plurality of machines are gathered. The machine 3 may use a plurality of shafts 6 such as roll shafts, and the bearing 4 may support each shaft 6.

  As a specific example, when the machine 3 is a papermaking machine, as shown in FIG. 9, a large number of rolls 7 are used in each process machine, and both ends of the roll shaft 6 (FIG. 10) of these rolls 7 are used. The bearing 4 that supports is a monitoring and diagnosis target. The bearing 4 is a bearing having a rolling element 4c between the inner and outer rings 4a and 4b. In the example of FIG. 10, the sensor 5 is installed in a housing 8 in which the bearing 4 is installed.

FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view when the bearing 4 to be monitored is a sensor-equipped bearing used in a railway vehicle bearing unit. The railcar bearing unit in this case includes the sensor-equipped bearing 4 and an oil drainer 62 and a rear lid 63 which are accessory parts provided on both sides of the inner ring 64 respectively. The bearing 4 is composed of a roller bearing, specifically, a double row tapered roller bearing. The split type inner rings 64 and 64 provided for the rollers 66 and 66 in each row, the integral type outer ring 65, and the rollers 66 and 66. 66 and a retainer 67.
The rear lid 63 is attached to the axle 70 on the center side with respect to the bearing 4 and is in sliding contact with the outer peripheral oil seal 68. The oil drainer 62 is attached to the axle 70 and has an oil seal 69 in sliding contact with the outer periphery. A lubricant is sealed inside the bearing 4 by both oil seals 68 and 69 disposed at both ends of the bearing 4, and dust and water resistance are ensured.

  The sensor 5 is a lubricant deterioration detection sensor, is attached to the inner surface of the oil seal 69 and is arranged near the end surface of the cage 67. The wiring cable 54 of the sensor 5 is drawn out of the bearing through the insertion hole provided in the seal case 56 of the oil seal 69. Through this wiring cable 54, power is supplied from outside the bearing to the sensor 5 and detection signals are taken out from the bearing. The sensor 87 is a temperature sensor or vibration sensor that detects the internal temperature or vibration state of the bearing 4, and is attached to the inner diameter surface of the center portion of the outer ring 65 of the bearing 4. The wiring cable 55 of the sensor 5 </ b> A is drawn out of the bearing through the insertion hole provided in the outer ring 65. Through this wiring cable 55, power is supplied from outside the bearing to the sensor 5A and detection signals are taken out from the bearing. The insertion portion of each of the line cables 54 and 55 is subjected to waterproofing / oilproofing treatment, thereby preventing moisture, dust and the like from entering the bearings from the attachment portions of the sensors 5 and 87.

In FIG. 3, the customer company's office 2 is provided with sensor information transmitting means 10 for transmitting information (raw data) detected by the sensor 5 or sensor information s1 which is information obtained by processing this information to the line 9. . The line 9 may be a public line such as a telephone line network or a dedicated line.
The sensor information transmission means 10 includes an information collection unit 11 that collects detection information of each sensor 5 provided for the plurality of bearings 4, and the information collected by the information collection unit 11 is sent to the line 9 as the sensor information s 1. And an information transmission unit 12 for transmission.
The sensor information transmitting means 10 may be any means as long as it can send the detection information of the sensor 5 to the line 9. Even if the sensor information transmitting means 10 is an electronic device limited to a predetermined function, a computer such as a personal computer or other general-purpose information processing equipment It may be. In addition, the sensor information transmission unit 10 is not limited to a single device, and may be a device in which a plurality of devices are connected. When the sensor information transmission means 10 includes the information collection unit 11 and the information transmission unit 12, for example, a data collector that is an electronic device is used for the information collection unit 11, and another electronic device is used for the information transmission unit 12. A controller may be used. The sensor information transmitting means 10 preferably has storage means for storing the sensor information s1 obtained from the sensor 5. This storage means may be provided in either the information collection unit 11 or the information transmission unit 12 or may be provided separately from these.
The information sent from the sensor 5 to the sensor information sending means 10 and the sensor information s1 sent from the sensor information sending means 10 to the line 9 should be in a format according to a predetermined standard, for example, a standard determined by the production and sales company 1. Is preferred.

The establishment 1 of the production and sales company has sensor information receiving means 13 for receiving the sensor information s1 transmitted to the line 9, and diagnostic means 14 for diagnosing the life status of the bearing 4 from the sensor information s1 received by the means 13. And provide. Further, the product information adding means 15 for adding the product information to the diagnosis result information s2 according to the diagnosis result information s2, and the diagnosis result information transmitting means 16 for transmitting the diagnosis result information s5 to which the product information is added to the line 9. Is provided.
The establishment 1 of the production and sales company is collectively referred to as one establishment, but may be a group of a plurality of establishments. Here, the description will be made separately for the establishment 1A of the engineering / research department and the establishment 1B of the sales / production department. The business / production department 1B is specifically divided into a sales department and a production factory, and a plurality of sales departments are provided.
The sensor information receiving means 13 and the diagnosis means 14 are provided in the technical / research department office 1A in the production / sales company office 1, and the product information addition means 15 and the diagnosis result information transmission means 16 are in the business / production department. Provided at the station 1B. The business establishment 1B of the sales / production department is further provided with an order processing means 24, an approval means 27, and a diagnosis result utilizing production plan support means 28.

  The sensor information receiving means 13 is means for receiving the sensor information s1 from the sensor information transmitting means 10 in the customer company office 2 via the line 9, and the information received from the line 9 is sent to any customer company office. It is a means that can be received by distinguishing whether the information is transmitted from 2. That is, the sensor information receiving unit 13 functions as an information management interface. The sensor information receiving means 13 may be a general-purpose information processing device having a communication function such as a computer or a dedicated electronic device. The sensor information receiving means 13 preferably has sensor information storage means (not shown) for storing the received sensor information s1.

Various forms of information transmission / reception between the sensor information transmission unit 10 and the sensor information reception unit 13 can be employed. For example, the forms shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C can be employed. The example of FIG. 5A is a form in which sensor information s1 is constantly transmitted. The continuous transmission may be transmitted during all hours of 24 hours a day, or may be transmitted constantly only during the operating hours of the customer company office 2 or the production sales company office 1. . In the case of constant transmission, diagnosis by the diagnostic means 14 is always possible in real time.
FIG. 5B shows a form for periodic transmission. In this case, the sensor information s1 is transmitted at the time set by the transmission time setting unit 17 provided in the sensor information transmission unit 10. The regular transmission interval may be set in accordance with the time and machine operating time, for example, once at a predetermined time of the day, or the transmission interval time may be set like every other hour. . In the case of regular transmission, it is preferable that the sensor information s1 is transmitted not only when the transmission is set but also when a predetermined machine abnormality occurs. The predetermined machine abnormality is, for example, a case where the machine 3 in which the bearing 4 is used has been urgently stopped, and the sensor information transmission means 10 can recognize the machine abnormality time from the abnormality signal generated by the control device of the machine 3. .
FIG. 3C shows a form in which sensor information s1 is transmitted in response to a transmission request. The sensor information transmitting unit 10 and the sensor information receiving unit 13 are capable of bidirectional communication. In this example, a transmission request is sent from the sensor information receiving means 13 to place the line 9 in the connected state, and the sensor information sending means 10 sends the sensor information s1. In this case, the sensor information transmitting means 10 is provided with a compressed data generating means 18 for processing information obtained from the sensor 5 into compressed data, and transmits the sensor information s1 as the compressed data.

In FIG. 3, the diagnostic means 14 is a means for diagnosing the life status of the bearing 4 from the sensor information s <b> 1 received by the sensor information receiving means 13. The diagnosis unit 14 preferably includes, as diagnosis result information, a determination result as to whether or not the bearing 4 can be normally used and a determination result of a usable period when the bearing 4 is usable.
The diagnosis means 14 uses information on the model-specific specifications of the bearing 4 registered in the database 19 for diagnosis. The diagnosis means 14 further uses information on diagnosis cases registered in the database 19 for diagnosis. In the database 19, diagnosis cases are registered for each type of bearing 4. Thus, for example, by regularly registering information on a large number of diagnosis cases in the database 19 on a regular basis, for example, the database 19 is gradually evolved by further providing feedback on the bearing status. Therefore, the reliability of the diagnosis result is gradually improved, and it is possible to accurately perform a complicated situation judgment that cannot be predicted by information of a single customer company or a case alone. Although the specification information and the diagnosis example of the bearing for each model are illustrated as being registered in the same database 19, they may be registered in a separately provided database.
The diagnosis unit 14 may further use the usage environment information of the bearing 4 registered in the database 20 for diagnosis, or may use customer information for diagnosis. The usage environment information is, for example, information such as what rotational speed, load, and usage frequency the bearing 4 is used in, and what kind of surrounding environment such as dust is used. The customer information is information unique to the customer company. For example, when there is a request for a reference value for diagnosis, the customer information is information on the request.

The diagnosis means 14 receives the sensor information s1 and automatically determines whether or not at least the bearing 4 can be normally used. And an artificial diagnosis unit 22 that adds the result of the diagnosis or corrects the result of the diagnosis by the person. It is preferable that the determination device 21 outputs a determination result of a usable period when it can be used in addition to a determination result of whether or not it can be normally used.
The determination device 21 may be a determination-dedicated electronic device or a general-purpose computer. The human diagnostic unit 22 displays information such as a vibration waveform corresponding to the sensor information s1 so as to be recognized by human eyes and ears so that human diagnosis can be performed, This means is capable of inputting corrections, and is configured by a computer or the like. For example, the additional diagnosis result does not appear as a determination result in the determiner 21, but is a content that can be diagnosed by an operator, and may be added to the diagnosis result as a comment or the like.

For example, when the sensor information s1 is vibration information, a waveform analyzer or a frequency analyzer is used as the determiner 21. When the sensor information s1 is temperature information, it is used as a means for comparing with the set value. The determination device 21 may be a means for comprehensively determining the result of analyzing a plurality of types of sensor information s1 such as vibration information and temperature information.
The criterion used in the determiner 21 may be a reference value set in the determiner 21 or a criterion registered in the database 19.

  FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram of an example of waveform analysis by the determiner 21. The sensor information s1 including the defect signal shown in FIG. 4A is divided into a main signal shown in FIG. 1B and a defect signal shown in FIG. Life determination is performed from this defect signal.

For example, one of the following methods can be adopted as to which bearing 4 is currently being diagnosed by the diagnostic means 14.
The model information of the bearing 4 transmitted along with the sensor information s1 is used.
In this case, it is possible to recognize the individual bearings 4 by the diagnostic means 14 by adding information for identifying which machine part 4 of which machine 3 of which customer company's office 2 is located. .
A management function as to which model the sensor information s1 to be diagnosed or received from now on is given to the diagnostic means 14 or the sensor information receiving means 13, and the sensor information s1 input to the diagnostic means 14 is given select. In this case, the management function provided in the diagnosis unit 14 or the sensor information reception unit 13 may manage up to which position of the bearing 4 of which machine 3 of the business office 2 of which customer company.

The merchandise information adding means 15 is means for generating merchandise information related to the bearing 4 to be diagnosed according to the diagnosis result information of the diagnosis means 14 and adding this merchandise information to the diagnosis result information. The product information to be added includes price information and delivery date information. The merchandise information adding means 15 is registered with model-specific inventory information (including the number of inventory and inventory location), price information, and delivery date information registered in the database 23. The database 23 preferably includes production plan information, and the product information adding means 15 sets delivery date information to be added as product information from the delivery date information included in the production plan information when there is no stock.
The merchandise information adding means 15 may use the merchandise information to be added as estimation information including ordering inquiry information.
When the diagnosis result information indicating that the bearing 4 can be repaired is given from the diagnostic means 14 to the product information adding means 15 when the bearing 4 can be repaired instead of being replaced, the product information adding means 15 The repair information registered in is added as product information.

The diagnosis result information for adding product information generated by the product information adding means 15 is sent from the diagnosis result information transmitting means 16 to the line 9.
The diagnosis result information transmitting means 16 provided in the business / production department office 1B transmits the diagnosis result information to which the product information is added. Separately, the engineering / research department office 1A is provided. It is also possible to provide a diagnostic result information transmitting means (not shown) in the apparatus and transmit the diagnostic result information of the diagnostic means 14 as it is to the customer company via the line 9.

The establishment 2 of the customer company is provided with diagnosis result information receiving means 31 in the facility management unit 30 and the like, and the product information addition / diagnosis result information sent from the production result sales company diagnosis result information sending means 24 to the line 9 is received. Receive. The diagnosis result information receiving means 31 has an order processing unit 32, and can output the agreement information s6 to the line 9 for the estimate information included in the product information of the received diagnosis result information s5. The agreement information s6 is received by the order receiving means 24. The order processing means 24 transmits delivery arrangement information to the product storage unit 25 in accordance with the order contents of the agreement information s6. The product storage unit 25 is a factory, a distribution channel warehouse, an agent warehouse, or the like. The merchandise storage unit 25 delivers the bearing 4 as a merchandise to the customer company's office 2 by truck or the like according to the received arrangement information.
After delivery, a decision is made between the decision-making means 27 of the customer company and the production / sales company. This decision may be a decision based on electronic information. In addition, approval may be made through an external approval organization 29 such as a bank.

  The diagnosis result utilization production plan support means 28 is a means that is provided in the production department (production management department) and generates demand forecast information for each model obtained by statistically processing the diagnosis result information of the diagnosis means 14.

  FIG. 4 shows the relationship with the production / sales company establishment 1 when there are a plurality of establishments 2 of the customer company. The establishment 2 of the customer company and the establishment 1 of the production / sales company are generally many-to-one as shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 shows a hardware configuration example of the monitoring / diagnosis system for the equipment using bearings. In the establishment 1A of the engineering / research department of the production / sales company, the determination device 21, the plurality of computers 52, 53, and the databases 19, 20 form a local area network. 33, connected via a router 34 and a hub 35, and managed by a web server 36. The databases 19 and 20 are composed of a computer 37 and a mass storage means 38. The sensor information receiving means 13 of FIG. 3 is configured by the router 34, the hub 35, the web server 36, and the like. The diagnostic means 14 is configured by a computer 52 or the like.
The main sales department in the business office 1B of the sales / production department of the production / sales company forms a local area network with a plurality of computers 39, 40, the database 23, and the like. Are connected via a hub 43 and managed by a web server 44. The computer 39 and 40 constitute the product information adding means 15, the diagnosis result information transmitting means 16, the order receiving means 24, and the approval means 27 shown in FIG.

One of the business establishments 2 of the customer company configures a local area network with a plurality of computers 46 and a controller or the like serving as the sensor information transmitting means 10, and is connected to the line 9 via a terminal adapter 47, a router 48 and a hub 49. And are managed by the web server 50. The computer 46 constitutes diagnostic result information receiving means 31.
The other one of the business offices 2 of the customer company is that the controller which becomes the sensor information transmitting means 10 is directly connected to the line 9 and the diagnosis result information receiving means 31 is constituted by the computer 51 directly connected to the line 9. Is done.

The processing flow in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. Detection information of the sensor 5 that monitors the bearing 4 of the customer company is transmitted to the line 9 as sensor information s1 by the sensor information transmitting means 10 (FIG. 7A). The sensor information s1 includes component specifying data such as a component model and a component usage location.
This sensor information s1 is received by the sensor information receiving means 13 of the production and sales company 1 and diagnosed by the diagnosis means 14. Registration information in the databases 19 and 20 is used for diagnosis. The diagnosis result information s2 (FIG. 7B) includes the part identification information, the usable / unusable distinction, and the usable period when it is usable. If necessary, the human diagnostic information Is added.
The product information adding unit 15 adds the product information s3 and the ordering inquiry information s4 to the diagnosis result information s2 with reference to the database 23. The merchandise information s3 includes price information and delivery date information. The order inquiry information s4 includes information for prompting input of intention confirmation whether the order is placed or on hold, and information for asking for a desired delivery date.
The product information addition / diagnosis result information s5, to which the diagnosis result information s2, the product information s3, and the order inquiry information s4 are added, is transmitted to the line 9 by the diagnosis result information transmitting means 16.

At the customer company, the product information addition / diagnosis result information s5 is received by the diagnosis result information receiving means 31, the information s5 is examined, and the agreement processing unit 32 transmits the agreement information s6 to the line 9. The agreement information s6 is order information, and includes information that conveys the intention of ordering and information on a desired delivery date.
The agreement information s6 is received and processed by the order receiving processing unit 24, and delivered and approved as described above.

Although the above description has been described as product information addition / diagnosis result information s5 for one of the bearings 4, in general, the product information addition / diagnosis result information s5 is for a plurality of bearings as illustrated in FIG. The product information addition / diagnosis result information group consisting of a table or a list is transmitted from the diagnosis result information transmitting means 16. In addition, the agreement information s6 may be returned by adding ordering intention information and desired delivery date information to a group of product information addition / diagnosis result information groups, or a plurality of product information addition / diagnosis results. The information group may be re-edited by the customer company and returned.
Further, in the present invention, the diagnosis result information transmitting means may always transmit the diagnosis result information to the line without adding the product information, and transmit the estimated information including the product information for several days. .

According to the monitoring / diagnosis system for equipment using bearings of the present invention, the customer company can obtain the product information of the bearing 4 at the same time as the accurate diagnosis result of the bearing 4 in this way, and ensure quick ordering and delivery. And the cost of monitoring and diagnosing the bearing 4 can be reduced. The production and sales company of the bearing 4 can reduce the inventory by the advance order and can improve the efficiency by the appropriate production plan.
Since the sensor 5 for detecting the life-related factor of the bearing 4 includes a sensor for detecting the deterioration of the lubricant of the bearing 4, the deterioration of the internal state of the bearing 4 is detected before symptoms such as temperature rise and vibration occur. be able to. Further, by accumulating the sensor information s1, it is possible to comprehensively analyze the deterioration state of the lubricant and the occurrence state of temperature rise, vibration, and the like, and more accurate life prediction and deterioration detection are possible.
Here, the judgment criteria are the databases 19 and 20 stored on the manufacturer side, that is, on the production and sales company side. As described in the problem, since various factors act on the life diagnosis, it is necessary to accumulate a large number of sensor signals and their elapsed time and make a comprehensive judgment using them. This determination is carried out based on data from the machine 3 used by various customers, and requires manufacturer databases 19 and 20 and determination criteria.
Databases 19 and 20 are gradually evolved by adopting a configuration that constantly collects data and continues to provide feedback on the situation, and the reliability of the diagnostic results is gradually improved, which is required by customer facilities. Accurate determination is possible.
The collected databases 19 and 20 and judgment criteria can be dropped into each customer's equipment, and the monitoring method / diagnosis standard specific to the equipment can be made. In addition, the best combination method of various sensor signals can be proposed according to the usage situation of the customer, and the reliability of the product can be improved.

  FIG. 12 shows a principle configuration diagram of an example of the lubricant deterioration detection sensor 5. The lubricant deterioration detection sensor 5 includes a light-emitting side and a light-receiving side optical fiber 103 and 104 having their one ends 103a and 104a facing the lubricant 102 to be detected, and the light-emitting and light-receiving side optical fibers 103 and 104, respectively. The light emitting unit 105 and the light receiving unit 106 connected to the ends 103b and 104b, respectively, and a determination unit 107 that detects deterioration of the lubricant 102 based on the detection output of the light receiving unit 106. The lubricant 102 to be detected is a lubricant sealed inside the bearing 4. One ends 103 a and 104 a of the light-emitting and light-receiving optical fibers 103 and 104 facing the lubricant 102 are arranged to face each other with the lubricant 102 interposed therebetween.

  FIG. 13 shows a configuration example of the lubricant deterioration detection sensor 5. The light emitting unit 105 is composed of a light emitting element such as an LED, and the other end 103b of the light emitting side optical fiber 103 is opposed to the light emitting surface of the light emitting element. The light receiving unit 106 includes a light receiving element such as a photodiode, and the other end 104b of the optical fiber 104 on the light receiving side is disposed opposite to the light receiving surface of the light receiving element. Further, condensing lenses 111A to 111D are disposed at the end portions 103a, 103b, 104a, and 104b of the optical fibers 103 and 104 on the light emitting side and the light receiving side, respectively. The lens may be provided only at one end of one of the optical fibers 103 and 104, for example. Circuits that serve as the light emitting unit 105, the light receiving unit 106, and the determination unit 107 are mounted on the same circuit board 108. A detection signal from the determination unit 107 is output from the wiring cable 109.

  In this lubricant deterioration detection sensor 5, the light emitting side and light receiving side optical fibers 103, 104 respectively disposed opposite to the lubricant 102, the one ends 103a, 104a, and the condensing lenses 111B, 111C serve as the detection unit 100. The parts excluding the detection unit 100, that is, the other ends 103b and 104b of the optical fibers 103 and 104, the condensing lenses 111A and 111D, the light emitting unit 105, the light receiving unit 106, and the determination unit 107 are installed outside the bearing 4. The

  In addition to LEDs, incandescent bulbs, semiconductor laser diodes, ELs, organic ELs, fluorescent tubes, and the like can be used as the light emitting elements that serve as the light emitting unit 105. In addition to the photodiode, a phototransistor, a CDS, a solar cell, a photomultiplier tube, or the like can be used as the light receiving element serving as the light receiving unit 106.

In the lubricant deterioration detection sensor 5 configured as described above, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 105 passes through the light collecting side condensing lens 111A, the optical fiber 103, and the condensing lens 111B, and the lubricant in the bearing 4 is used. 102 and further detected by the light receiving unit 106 via the light collecting lens 111C, the optical fiber 104, and the light collecting lens 111D on the light receiving side. Thus, the amount of transmitted light that has passed through the lubricant 102 decreases as the amount of foreign matter such as iron powder (wear powder) contained in the lubricant 102 increases. Therefore, the determination means is based on the amount of transmitted light detected by the light receiving unit 106. 107 can estimate the content of foreign matter in the lubricant 102.
In the bearing 4 in which the lubricant 102 is encapsulated, iron powder (wear powder) generated with use of the bearing 4 is mixed into the lubricant 102 as a main factor of deterioration of the lubricant 102. By estimating the content of foreign matter mixed in the lubricant 102 by the determination means 107, the deterioration state of the lubricant 102 can be detected.

In particular, in the lubricant deterioration detection sensor 5, the one ends 103a and 104a of the light-emitting and light-receiving optical fibers 103 and 104 are opposed to the lubricant 102 to be detected, and the other ends 103b and 104b of the optical fibers 103 and 104 are opposed to the other ends 103b and 104b. Since the light emitting unit 105 and the light receiving unit 106 are connected, the light emitting unit 105, the light receiving unit 106, the condensing lenses 111A and 111D, and the determination unit 107 are connected to the one ends 103a and 104a of the optical fibers 103 and 104 and the condensing lens 111B. , 111C can be arranged away from the detection unit 100, and the deterioration state of the lubricant 102 can be detected stably without being affected by electrical noise and temperature changes. Moreover, since the detection part 100 can be comprised compactly, when using, for example for the deterioration detection of the lubricant 102 sealed inside the bearing 4, it can be installed in the inside of the bearing 4 with a simple and compact structure. Furthermore, the detection unit 100 does not become a factor that hinders the movement of the lubricant 102, the lubricant 102 can be stably supplied to the detection unit 100, and the degree of freedom of arrangement of the detection unit 100 inside the bearing 4 is increased.
Further, since the ends 103a and 104a of the optical fibers 103 and 104 on the light emitting side and the light receiving side serve as the detection unit 100 of the lubricant 102, the cross-sectional area of the measurement site of the lubricant 102 can be reduced, and even the lubricant 102 with high viscosity can be used. It is easy to enter the detection unit 100 and the detection is stabilized accordingly.

  FIG. 14 shows another configuration example of the lubricant deterioration detection sensor 5. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 13, the lubricant deterioration detection sensor 5 includes end portions 103 a and 104 a facing the lubricant 102 in the light-emitting and light-receiving optical fibers 103 and 104 via mirrors 112 </ b> A and 112 </ b> B. This is opposed to the lubricant 102. Specifically, a mirror 112A is provided at one end 103a of the light-emitting side optical fiber 103 so that light emitted from the one end is bent at a right angle and incident on the lubricant 102. Further, a mirror 112B is provided at one end 104a of the optical fiber 104 on the light receiving side so that the light transmitted through the lubricant 102 through the mirror 112A is bent at a right angle and incident on the one end 104a of the optical fiber 104. Each of these mirrors 112A and 112B is covered with a transparent cover 113A and 113B together with one end 103a and 104a of each corresponding optical fiber 103 and 104 to prevent the mirrors 112A and 112B from becoming dirty. In this case, the detection part 100 is comprised by the one end 103a, 104a of each optical fiber 103,104, mirror 112A, 112B, and transparent cover 113A, 113B.

  As described above, when the end portions 103a and 104a facing the lubricant 102 in the optical fibers 103 and 104 are opposed to the lubricant 102 via the mirrors 112A and 112B, the end portions 113a and 104a of these optical fibers 103 and 104 are arranged. Since 104a does not have to be directly opposed to the lubricant 102, the degree of freedom of the orientation of the ends 103a and 104a of the optical fibers 103 and 104 is increased when the detector 100 is mounted inside the bearing 4. The detection unit 100 can be attached to the four seal portions, or can be attached while being inserted into the lubricant 102.

  FIG. 15 shows another configuration example of the lubricant deterioration detection sensor 5. For example, in the configuration example shown in FIG. 14, the lubricant deterioration detection sensor 5 is a unit in which the light emitting unit 105, the light receiving unit 106, and the determination unit 107 are installed and integrated with the detection unit 100 in, for example, a housing 114. Other configurations are the same as those in the configuration example of FIG.

  As described above, when the light emitting unit 105, the light receiving unit 106, and the determination unit 107 are integrated with the detection unit 100, the optical fibers 103 and 104 are connected to the bearing 4 in detecting the deterioration of the lubricant 102 sealed inside the bearing 4. Wiring from inside to outside is unnecessary, and the lubricant deterioration detecting sensor 5 can be easily installed.

  FIG. 16 shows still another configuration example of the lubricant deterioration detection sensor 5. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 13, the lubricant deterioration detection sensor 5 is configured to lubricate the light receiving side optical fiber 104 by reflecting light from one end facing the lubricant 102 of the light emitting side optical fiber 103 by the reflecting member 115. Each one end of both optical fibers 103 and 104 and the reflection member 115 are arranged so as to be incident on one end facing the agent 102. The light emitting unit 105, the light receiving unit 106, and the determination unit 107 are integrated with the detection unit 100 by being installed in, for example, the housing 114.

As described above, when light emitted from one end of the light-emitting side optical fiber 103 is incident on one end of the light-receiving side optical fiber 104 via the reflecting member 115, the one ends of both optical fibers 103 and 104 are not arranged to face each other. Therefore, the degree of freedom of the direction of each one end is increased, and for example, the detection unit 100 can be attached to the seal portion of the bearing 4 or can be attached in a state of being inserted into the lubricant 102.
Further, since the light emitting unit 105, the light receiving unit 106, and the determination unit 107 are integrated with the detection unit 100, the optical fibers 103 and 104 are connected to the bearing 4 in the detection of deterioration of the lubricant 102 sealed inside the bearing 4. Wiring from the inside to the outside becomes unnecessary, and the lubricant deterioration detection sensor 5 can be easily installed.

  FIG. 17 shows still another configuration example of the lubricant deterioration detection sensor 5. This lubricant deterioration detection sensor 5 does not use an optical fiber, and a lubricant 102 to be detected is interposed between the light emitting unit 105 and the light receiving unit 106 arranged to face each other, and the lubricant 102 exits from the light emitting unit 105 and passes through the lubricant 102. The light to be detected is detected by the light receiving unit 106. The light-emitting unit 105, the light-receiving unit 106, and the circuit serving as the determination unit 107 that detects the deterioration of the lubricant 102 based on the detection output of the light-receiving unit 106 are mounted on the same circuit board 108. The light emitting unit 105, the light receiving unit 106, and the determination unit 107 are installed and integrated in a housing 114, and the housing 114 is provided with a concave portion 114 a that houses the lubricant 102.

  FIG. 18 shows still another configuration example of the lubricant deterioration detection sensor 5. In the lubricant deterioration detection sensor 5, the light emitting unit 105 and the light receiving unit 106 are arranged at an angle, and the light emitted from the light emitting unit 105 is scattered and reflected by the surface of the lubricant 102 and enters the light receiving unit 106. And determination means 107. The light emitting unit 105, the light receiving unit 106, and the circuit serving as the determination unit 107 are mounted on the same circuit board 108. The determination unit 107 estimates foreign matter contained in the lubricant 102 from the change in the output of the light receiving unit 106 due to the change in the amount of light entering the light receiving unit 106.

In the lubricant deterioration detection sensor 5, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 155 is scattered and reflected by the surface of the lubricant 102, and a part of the scattered and reflected light is detected by the light receiving unit 106. If the content of foreign matter such as iron powder contained in the lubricant 102 increases, the amount of scattered and reflected light on the surface of the lubricant 102 decreases. Therefore, the determination means 107 determines the lubricant from the amount of scattered and reflected light detected by the light receiving unit 106. The amount of foreign matter contained in 102 can be estimated.
In the case of the lubricant 102 enclosed in the bearing, a main factor of the deterioration is that wear powder such as iron powder generated with the use of the bearing is mixed. By estimating the content of the wear powder as described above by the determination means 107, the deterioration state of the lubricant 102 can be determined.

  FIG. 19 shows the basic configuration of still another lubricant deterioration detection sensor 5. The lubricant deterioration detection sensor 5 includes a magnetic circuit 117 composed of an annular core 118 having a gap 118 a in part and a permanent magnet 119, and a magnetic sensor 120 disposed in the magnetic circuit 117. The core 118 is obtained by dividing a rectangular annular core base material, in which the gap 118a is formed in part, at a middle portion thereof into two core divided bodies 118A and 118B. The two core divided bodies 118A, The magnetic circuit 117 is configured by sandwiching the permanent magnet 119 between the divided end portions of 118B. The gap 118a of the core 118 is a gap through which the sample 102 to be detected can enter. The sample 102 in this case is a lubricant sealed inside the bearing 4. The permanent magnet 119 gives a magnetic field to the core 118 by being sandwiched between the two core divided bodies 118A and 118B. The magnetic sensor 120 measures the magnetic permeability of the sample (lubricant) 102 that has entered the gap 118a. For example, a Hall element is used. In addition, as the magnetic sensor 120, an MR sensor, a GMR sensor, an MI sensor, or the like may be used. A detection signal of the magnetic sensor 120 is output to the outside through the cable 121. The magnetic sensor 120 is disposed in the gap 118a in the magnetic circuit 117 of FIG.

  FIG. 20 shows a magnetic circuit equivalent to the magnetic circuit 117 in FIG. The magnetic circuit 117 </ b> A in this case is configured by winding a toroidal core 118 having a gap 118 a in part and a coil 122 around the toroidal core 118. In this magnetic circuit 117 </ b> A, a magnetic field is applied to the toroidal core 118 by causing a direct current to flow through the coil 122. That is, the coil 122 constitutes an electromagnet equivalent to the permanent magnet 119 in the magnetic circuit 117 in FIG. Also in this magnetic circuit 117A, by arranging the magnetic sensor 120 and the sample 102 as in FIG. 19, the magnetic permeability of the sample 102 can be measured by the magnetic sensor 120.

Next, the operation principle of lubricant deterioration detection by the lubricant deterioration detection sensor 5 of FIG. 19 will be described with reference to the magnetic circuit 117A of FIG.
In the magnetic circuit 117A of FIG. 20, if the length of the gap 118a is d, the relative permeability of air in the gap 118a is μe, the average length of the magnetic path of the toroidal core 118 is L, and the relative permeability is μ, Between the magnetic flux density B of 118a and the magnetomotive force NI of the coil 122,
NI = (B / μe) d + (B / μ) L (1)
The relationship holds. However, there will be no leakage of magnetic flux and it shall be uniform.
Next, when the sample 102 having a relative permeability μu is uniformly packed in the gap 118a, the gap between the magnetic flux density Bu and the magnetomotive force N1 of the coil 122 is
NI = (Bu / μu) d + (Bu / μ) L (2)
The relationship holds.
Here, μ is a value of 1000 or more, and μe and μu are values close to 1, so
μe << μ (3)
μu << μ (4)
The relationship holds.
Therefore, the above formulas (1) and (2) can be simplified as the following formulas (5) and (6), respectively.
NI = (B / μe) d (5)
NI = (Bu / μu) d (6)
From these equations (5) and (6),
μu = (Bu / B) μe (7)
The relationship is guided. Furthermore, since μe is a value close to approximately 1, Equation (7) is
μu = (Bu / B) (8)
Is approximated.

  Therefore, if the magnetic flux density B when the sample 102 is not inserted into the gap 118a is measured in advance by the magnetic sensor 120 and the magnetic flux density Bu when the sample 102 is inserted is measured, the sample 102 is obtained from the relationship of Expression (8). Can be estimated. Further, when it is desired to obtain a more accurate magnetic permeability μu, the magnetic permeability μu can be obtained directly from the relationship of the equations (1) and (2) without simplifying the equations (5) to (8). good.

  The magnetic permeability detection operation principle described above is based on the magnetic circuit 117A shown in FIG. 20, but the magnetic circuit 117A is equivalent to the magnetic circuit 117 in the lubricant deterioration detection sensor 5 shown in FIG. The lubricant deterioration detection sensor 5 can be applied as it is. That is, also in the lubricant deterioration detection sensor 5 of FIG. 19, the magnetic flux density B when the lubricant as the sample 102 does not enter the gap 118 a of the magnetic circuit 117 (for example, before being incorporated into the bearing 4) is preliminarily measured by the magnetic sensor 120. When the lubricant deterioration detection sensor 5 is incorporated in the bearing 4 in advance, the lubricant is installed so that the lubricant inside the bearing enters the gap 118a. Thus, the magnetic permeability of the lubricant that is the sample 102 is obtained by fitting the magnetic flux density B measured in advance and the magnetic flux density Bu measured by the magnetic sensor 120 in the state of being incorporated in the bearing 4 to the equation (8). μu can be estimated. Further, since the magnetic permeability μu of the lubricant has a predetermined correlation with the content of iron powder contained in the lubricant, the content of the iron powder of the lubricant can be estimated from the magnetic permeability μu of the lubricant. From this, the deterioration of the lubricant can be estimated. The estimation process is performed by transmitting the output of the magnetic sensor 120 to a determination circuit (not shown).

In the lubricant deterioration detection sensor 5 of FIG. 19, the magnetic circuit 117 is configured by sandwiching the permanent magnet 119 between two core divided bodies 118A and 118B obtained by dividing a rectangular annular core base material, as shown in FIG. Alternatively, a magnetic circuit 117A configured by winding a coil 122 serving as an electromagnet equivalent to the permanent magnet 119 around the toroidal core 118 may be used.
Further, as shown in FIG. 21, the magnetic circuit 117 may be configured by dividing the toroidal core 118 into two core divided bodies 118A and 118B and sandwiching the permanent magnet 119 between these core divided bodies 118A and 118B. In this case, the magnetic sensor 120 may be interposed between the split end portion of the one core divided body 118 </ b> A and the permanent magnet 119. If the magnetic sensor 120 is arranged in this manner, the magnetic sensor 120 does not intervene in the gap 118a, so that the lubricant can easily enter the gap 118a.

  As described above, the lubricant deterioration detection sensor 5 has a gap 118a in a part thereof, a core 118 through which the lubricant in the bearing can enter, and a permanent magnet 119 (or a magnetic field applied to the core 118). A coil 121) that is wound around a core 118 to constitute an electromagnet, and a magnetic sensor that is disposed in a magnetic circuit 117 (117A) constituted by the core 118 and measures the magnetic permeability of the lubricant that has entered the gap 118a. 120, it is possible to detect the deterioration state of the lubricant inside the bearing in real time with a simple structure, which can be miniaturized and is inexpensive.

  It is known that the permanent magnet 119 and the magnetic sensor 120, which are components of the lubricant deterioration detection sensor 5, change in characteristics due to changes in temperature. That is, the magnetic force of the permanent magnet 119 changes due to a change in temperature, and the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor 120 changes. Therefore, in order to correct such a temperature change, a temperature sensor 123 is provided on the bearing 4 as shown in FIG. 19, and a temperature correction means 124 for correcting the measurement value of the magnetic sensor 120 by the detection value of the temperature sensor 123 is provided. It may be provided. The temperature sensor 123 may be provided in a detection device housing incorporating the core 118, the permanent magnet 119, and the magnetic sensor 120, or may be provided in an outer ring of the bearing 4 apart from the detection device housing. When the temperature correction means 124 is provided in this way, detection errors due to temperature changes in the lubricant deterioration detection sensor 5 and its vicinity can be corrected, and detection accuracy can be improved.

  FIG. 22 is a circuit diagram showing the principle configuration of still another lubricant deterioration detection sensor 5. The lubricant deterioration detection sensor 5 includes a sensor head 125 that directly detects the deterioration of the lubricant, and a processing unit 126 that processes the detection signal of the sensor head 125 and estimates the deterioration of the lubricant. As shown in FIG. 23, the sensor head 125 includes a differential transformer 127 formed by winding one primary coil 130 and two secondary coils 131 and 132 around a magnetic core 129, and two differential transformers 127. The next coils 131 and 132 are provided with a bridge circuit 128 formed by individually connecting resistors 133 and 134 in series as shown in FIG. The primary coil 130 is connected to an oscillator 135 that allows an alternating current to flow. The oscillation frequency of the oscillator 135 is preferably set to a value close to the self-resonance frequency of the differential transformer 127 from the viewpoint of efficiency.

The magnetic core 129 of the differential transformer 127 is formed in an E shape with the three core leg portions 129a to 129c as shown in FIG. 23, and the core leg portion 129a around which the primary coil 130 is wound is formed. A detection gap 136 is provided between the tip and the tip of the core leg portion 129b around which the one secondary coil 131 serving as a detection secondary coil is wound. Further, a gap for comparison is provided between the tip of the core leg 129a around which the primary coil 130 is wound and the tip of the core leg 129c around which the other secondary coil 132 serving as the secondary coil for comparison is wound. 137 is provided.
The detection gap 136 is positioned so that the lubricant inside the bearing is interposed in a state where the lubricant deterioration detection sensor 5 is mounted inside the bearing. In the comparison gap 137, a sample for comparison is interposed, and the lubricant deterioration detection sensor 5 is mounted inside the bearing so that no lubricant is present inside the bearing, or the lubricant inside the bearing is not present. Cover with a cover (not shown) or the like so as not to intervene. As the comparative sample, a new lubricant, air, resin, or the like is used, so that the permeability of the comparative gap 137 is not changed.

  In the sensor head 125 configured as described above, when an alternating current is passed through the primary coil 130 by the oscillator 135, an alternating voltage is induced in the two secondary coils 131 and 132 by electromagnetic induction. At that time, the detection is caused by the difference between the magnetic permeability of the lubricant interposed in the detection gap 136 corresponding to the secondary coil 131 and the magnetic permeability of the comparative sample interposed in the comparison gap 137 corresponding to the secondary coil 132. The impedance of the secondary coil 131 for use changes, and there is a difference between the alternating voltage induced in the secondary coil for detection 131 and the alternating voltage induced in the secondary coil 132 for comparison. As a result, by extracting the difference as an AC detection signal from the bridge circuit 128, the deterioration of the lubricant to be inspected, that is, the change in permeability due to the increase in the content of wear powder made of iron powder, is highly accurate. Is detected.

  The processing means 126 of the lubricant deterioration detection sensor 5 includes an amplifier 138 that amplifies a minute detection signal of the sensor head 125, a detection circuit 139 that converts the amplified AC detection signal into a DC signal, and a constant DC signal. A low-pass filter 140 that smoothes the voltage and a comparator 141 that compares the output with a predetermined reference value.

Next, the operation of detecting the deterioration of the lubricant in the bearing 4 equipped with the lubricant deterioration detection sensor 5 will be described. In the sensor head 125 of the lubricant deterioration detection sensor 5, when an alternating current flows from the oscillator 135 to the primary coil 130 of the differential transformer 127, an alternating voltage is induced in the two secondary coils 131 and 132 by electromagnetic induction. . When the deterioration of the lubricant inside the bearing proceeds, the iron powder contained in the lubricant increases, so the magnetic permeability of the detection gap 136 changes. As a result, the impedance of the detection secondary coil 131 in the sensor head 125 changes, and there is a difference between the AC voltage induced in the detection secondary coil 131 and the AC voltage induced in the comparison secondary coil 132. Arise. This AC voltage difference is input to the amplifier 138 of the processing means 126 as a detection signal of the sensor head 125. The AC detection signal is amplified by the amplifier 138, the amplified AC detection signal is converted into a DC signal by the detection circuit 139, and the DC signal is further smoothed to a constant voltage by the low-pass filter 140. Further, the detected output is compared with a predetermined reference value (threshold value) by the comparator 141, and when the reference value is exceeded, the comparator 141 outputs a determination signal indicating that the deterioration has exceeded the predetermined reference value. In this case, the reference value (threshold value) may be fixed, but may be changed by a variable resistor or the like, and may be variably set from the outside. Note that the comparator 141 may be omitted, and the output of the low-pass filter 140 may be used as a detection signal.
In this way, deterioration of the lubricant (increase in iron powder contained in the lubricant) can be detected in real time with high accuracy.

The resistors 133 and 134 constituting the bridge circuit 128 in the sensor head 125 may be fixed resistors. However, if one of them is a variable resistor and the bridge circuit 128 is balanced, lubrication with higher sensitivity is possible. The deterioration of the agent can be detected.
Further, an adjustment coil (not shown) is wound around one of the two secondary coils 131 and 132, and the current flowing through this coil is adjusted, so that the bridge circuit 128 is balanced. good. In this case, the sensitivity may be increased by slightly shifting the adjustment.

  Further, an adjustment capacitor 142 may be added to the comparison secondary coil 132 of the bridge circuit 128 in the sensor head 125 as shown in FIG. In this case, the sensitivity can be further improved by adjusting the capacitance of the capacitor 142. In some cases, it is better to add the adjustment capacitor 142 to the detection secondary coil 131. Further, the lubricant deterioration detection sensor 5 or a temperature sensor (not shown) for detecting the temperature in the vicinity of the lubricant deterioration detection sensor 5, and the output of the bridge circuit 125 is corrected using the detected value of the temperature sensor. A temperature correction means for performing the above may be provided separately. In this case, the detection error due to the temperature change of the lubricant deterioration detection sensor 5 can be corrected, and the detection accuracy can be improved.

  FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view showing still another configuration example of the lubricant deterioration detection sensor 5. The lubricant deterioration detection sensor 5 includes a first detection unit 143 that measures the characteristics of the reference lubricant 102A sealed by the sealing means, and a second sensor that measures the characteristics of the lubricant 102 that is a deterioration detection target. A detection unit 144 and comparison means 148 for detecting deterioration of the lubricant by comparing the output signals of the first and second detection units 143 and 144 are provided.

  In the figure, the first detection unit 143 is disposed on one side of the circuit board 145, and the second detection unit 144 is disposed on the other side of the circuit board 145. The reference lubricant 102A detected by the first detection unit 143 is housed in a deterioration protection case 146 as a sealing means on one side of the circuit board 145 on which the first detection unit 143 is disposed, and foreign matter enters from the outside. It is designed to prevent oxidation and component evaporation. The second detection unit 144 is exposed to the lubricant 102 to be detected. The circuit board 145 is also mounted with a drive circuit 147 for each of the detection units 143 and 144 and electric circuit components constituting the comparison means 148, and these electric circuit components are covered with the protection means 149. . The protection means 149 includes an oil-resistant metal or resin case part or a resin part using a resin mold, and an electric shield processing part (not shown). The electrical shield processing part may be provided in the resin part or may be provided separately from the case part and the like. The determination signal from the comparison unit 148 is output from the wiring cable 150 to the outside. In addition, power is supplied to the lubricant deterioration detection sensor 5 from the outside via the wiring cable 150.

  FIG. 26 shows an example of the second detection unit 144 that detects the dielectric constant, resistivity, and the like. In this example, a pair of comb-shaped electrodes 151A and 151B are arranged opposite to each other on the circuit board 145 to form the second detection unit 144, and the capacitance, electrical resistance, and the like between the electrodes 151A and 151B are measured. Has been. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 26B, when the lubricant 102 to be detected for deterioration exists on the electrodes 151A and 152B, the electrical characteristics such as the dielectric constant, volume resistivity, and capacitance of the lubricant 102 are detected. can do. In this case, although the first detection unit 143 is not shown, the configuration is the same as that of the second detection unit 144 shown in FIG. 26, and the reference lubricant 102A is sealed on the surface by the deterioration protection case 146 of FIG. Is done.

FIG. 27 shows an example of the second detection unit 144 configured to detect dielectric constant, magnetic permeability, and the like. In this example, the coil 152 is arranged on the circuit board 145 to constitute the second detection unit 144, and the dielectric constant or the magnetic permeability is measured. As a result, if there is a lubricant that is subject to deterioration detection on the coil 152, the magnetic permeability of the lubricant can be detected. It is also possible to detect a change in dielectric constant by forming an electrode pattern in which a part of the coil is cut. In this case, the first detection unit 144 is not shown, but has the same configuration as the second detection unit 144 shown in FIG. 26, and the reference lubricant 102A is sealed on its surface by the deterioration protection case 146 of FIG. Is done.
In the configuration for detecting the magnetic permeability, if the coils 152 on the front and back sides of the circuit board 145 are placed coaxially, interference increases.

In the lubricant deterioration detection sensor 5 configured in this way, the measured value of the reference lubricant 102A (FIG. 25) that is not deteriorated by the first detection unit 143 and the lubrication of the deterioration detection target by the second detection unit 144. In order to compare with the measured value of the agent 102, in the initial state, calibration is performed so that the output signal of the differential amplifier circuit constituting the comparing means 148 becomes zero. When the lubricant 102 subject to deterioration detection deteriorates, a deviation from the measured value of the reference lubricant 102 </ b> A occurs, and a difference signal is output from the differential amplifier circuit of the comparison unit 148. In this case, since the characteristics of the lubricant 102 subject to deterioration detection are compared with the characteristics of the reference lubricant 102A that is not subject to deterioration such as oxidation, the reference is always not affected by changes in the measurement environment such as temperature changes. Deviation from the lubricant 102A can be detected. Further, since the reference lubricant 102A is secured in a state where it hardly deteriorates, changes in the lubricant 102 due to oxidation, component leakage, evaporation, etc. can be detected over a long period of time. Thereby, it is possible to accurately detect the deterioration state of the lubricant 102 to be detected for deterioration.
In this case, it is desirable that the reference lubricant 102A and the lubricant 102 to be detected for deterioration be arranged as close as possible. With such a close arrangement, both lubricants 102A and 102 are affected in the same way when there is a temperature change or a change in the power supply environment, so the output signal is not affected by the temperature change or the change in the power supply environment, and is stable. It is possible to detect the deterioration of the lubricant.

  The first and second detection units 143 and 144 may be arranged on separate circuit boards. However, as in this case, the first detection unit 143 and the first detection unit 143 are provided on both front and back surfaces of the same circuit board 145. When the second detection unit 144 is arranged separately, the lubricant deterioration detection sensor 5 can be configured in a compact manner and can be easily incorporated into the bearing.

Still another configuration example of the lubricant deterioration detection sensor 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 28 shows a schematic configuration of the bearing 4 on which the lubricant deterioration detection sensor 5 is mounted. This sensor-equipped bearing 4 is provided with an inner ring 4a and an outer ring 4b that are rotatable relative to each other via a rolling element 4c, and a pair of seals 153 and 154 that seal both ends of an annular space between the inner and outer rings 4a and 4b. A pair of detection electrode patterns 155 and 156 provided on the entire inner surface which is a bearing space side surface of one of the seals 153, and the condition in the bearing connected to the electrode patterns 155 and 156 This includes a lubricant deterioration detection sensor 5 configured with a detection circuit 157 for detecting the above. The sensor-equipped bearing 4 is a deep groove ball bearing, and the rolling element 4c is held by a cage 4d.
29A and 29B are a plan view and a cross-sectional view of an example in which annular electrode patterns 155 and 156 are provided concentrically with the seal 153 on the entire inner surface of the ring-shaped seal 153.

  FIG. 30 shows the principle configuration of the lubricant deterioration detection sensor 5. In this lubricant deterioration detection sensor 5, the electrostatic capacity of the lubricant 102 in the bearing 4 sandwiched between both electrode patterns 155 and 156 is measured by the detection circuit 157, and the lubricant 102 is determined from the measured electrostatic capacity. Detects the amount of water that has entered or mixed in. That is, for example, when moisture is mixed in the lubricant 102 sandwiched between the electrode patterns 155 and 156, the dielectric constant of water is high, and the capacitance increases in proportion to the amount of moisture mixed as shown in FIG. Therefore, the amount of water mixed in the lubricant 102 can be detected from the measured capacitance. According to the lubricant deterioration detection sensor 5, not only the moisture that has entered the bearing from the outside of the bearing 4 but also the moisture content of the lubricant 102 enclosed in the bearing can be detected.

  In the above description, the capacitance of the lubricant 102 sandwiched between the electrode patterns 155 and 156 is measured by the detection circuit 157, but the electrical resistance is measured instead of the capacitance. Also good. In this case, since the electrical resistance decreases as the amount of water mixed in the lubricant 102 increases, the amount of water mixed in the lubricant 102 can be detected from the measured electrical resistance value.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the big concept of the monitoring and diagnostic system of the bearing using equipment apparatus concerning one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the concept in the monitoring / diagnosis system. It is a block diagram of a conceptual configuration of the monitoring / diagnosis system. It is a block diagram of a conceptual structure which shows the example of many-to-one connection of the monitoring / diagnosis system. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a hardware configuration example of the monitoring / diagnosis system. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of various transmission / reception forms of the sensor information in the same system. It is explanatory drawing of the example of the content of each information in the system. It is content example explanatory drawing of each merchandise information addition / diagnosis result information group in the system. It is composition explanatory drawing of the example of a machine containing the bearing used as the object of monitoring and diagnosis. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of the bearing and sensor used as monitoring and a diagnostic object. It is explanatory drawing which shows the other example of arrangement | positioning of the bearing and sensor used as monitoring and a diagnostic object. It is a principle block diagram of an example of the lubricant deterioration detection sensor mounted in a bearing equipped electronic component. It is a schematic block diagram of an example of a lubricant deterioration detection sensor. It is a schematic block diagram of the other example of a lubricant deterioration detection sensor. It is a schematic block diagram of further another example of the lubricant deterioration detection sensor. It is a schematic block diagram of further another example of the lubricant deterioration detection sensor. It is a schematic block diagram of further another example of the lubricant deterioration detection sensor. It is a schematic block diagram of further another example of the lubricant deterioration detection sensor. It is a principle block diagram of the further another example of a lubricant deterioration detection sensor. It is a block diagram of another magnetic circuit equivalent to the magnetic circuit in the same lubricant deterioration detection sensor. It is a schematic block diagram of further another example of the lubricant deterioration detection sensor. It is a circuit diagram which shows the principle structure of the further another example of a lubricant deterioration detection sensor. It is a top view which shows the differential transformer in the same lubricant degradation detection sensor. It is a circuit diagram which shows the principle structure of the further another example of a lubricant deterioration detection sensor. It is sectional drawing which shows the specific structure of the further another example of a lubricant deterioration detection sensor. (A) is a principal part top view of an example of the 2nd detection part in the same lubricant degradation detection sensor, (B) is II sectional view taken on the line in (A). It is a top view of other examples of the 2nd detection part in the same lubricant degradation detection sensor. It is a schematic block diagram of the bearing with a sensor carrying the further another example of a lubricant deterioration detection sensor. (A) is a top view of an example of the electrode pattern of the lubricant deterioration detection sensor in the bearing, and (B) is a sectional view of the same. It is a principle block diagram of the same lubricant deterioration detection sensor. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the electrostatic capacitance of the lubrication agent pinched | interposed between the electrode patterns in the same lubricant deterioration detection sensor, and the moisture content of a lubrication agent. It is explanatory drawing of the example of a waveform analysis in a determination device.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Production and sales company establishment 2 ... Customer company establishment 3 ... Machine 4 ... Bearing 5 ... Sensor 9 ... Line 10 ... Sensor information transmission means 11 ... Information collection part 12 ... Information transmission part 13 ... Sensor information reception means 14 ... Diagnosis means 16 ... Diagnosis result information transmission means 31 ... Diagnosis result information reception means

Claims (5)

  It is a monitoring / diagnosis system for equipment that uses bearings, and one or more sensors that detect the state of bearings installed in equipment of customer companies and the detection information of these sensors as they are. Sensor information transmitting means for transmitting to the line, sensor information receiving means for receiving the sensor information transmitted by the line provided in the business office of the company that produces and sells the bearing, and storing the sensor information received by this means Diagnostic means for analyzing and diagnosing the deterioration state of the bearing and predicting the life, diagnostic result information transmitting means for transmitting the diagnostic result information of the diagnostic means to the line, the business of the customer company and the business of the company that produces and sells And a diagnostic result information receiving means for receiving diagnostic result information respectively transmitted to the line and detecting deterioration of the bearing lubricant as the sensor. Monitoring diagnostic system of the bearing using equipment which comprises a capacitor.   2. The sensor according to claim 1, wherein the sensor for detecting deterioration of the lubricant of the bearing detects the amount of wear powder contained in the lubricant by measuring any one of optical characteristics, electrical conductivity, dielectric constant, and magnetic permeability. Monitoring / diagnosis system for bearing equipment.   2. The bearing according to claim 1, wherein the sensor for detecting deterioration of the lubricant of the bearing detects the amount of moisture that has entered the lubricant by measuring any one of optical characteristics, electrical conductivity, and dielectric constant. Monitoring / diagnosis system for equipment used.   2. The monitoring / diagnosis system for bearing-use equipment according to claim 1, wherein the sensor for detecting deterioration of the lubricant of the bearing detects the degree of oxidation of the lubricant by measuring a dielectric constant. 5. The sensor according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is not only a sensor that detects deterioration of the lubricant in the bearing, but also an environmental sensor that detects an environment such as salt and moisture, and a vibration state of the bearing. And a sensor for detecting temperature, and the sensor information transmitting means transmits a detection signal of each sensor.

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