JP2008082741A - Fragment detection sensor - Google Patents

Fragment detection sensor Download PDF

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JP2008082741A
JP2008082741A JP2006260531A JP2006260531A JP2008082741A JP 2008082741 A JP2008082741 A JP 2008082741A JP 2006260531 A JP2006260531 A JP 2006260531A JP 2006260531 A JP2006260531 A JP 2006260531A JP 2008082741 A JP2008082741 A JP 2008082741A
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capacitance
detection sensor
flat plates
debris
flat plate
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JP4716965B2 (en
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Toru Takahashi
亨 高橋
Tomoumi Ishikawa
智海 石河
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NTN Corp
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NTN Corp
NTN Toyo Bearing Co Ltd
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Priority to JP2006260531A priority Critical patent/JP4716965B2/en
Priority to PCT/JP2007/000963 priority patent/WO2008038407A1/en
Priority to EP07805818A priority patent/EP2071364B1/en
Priority to US12/311,312 priority patent/US8018237B2/en
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Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To detect the fragment of the material mixed in the liquid characterized in the ceramic, non-metallic, non-magnetic and non-conductive materials. <P>SOLUTION: A fragment detection sensor which is a detector for detecting the fragment mixed in the liquid includes: two opposite flat plates 5 and 7; a flat plate moving mechanism 9 for nipping the fragment between two flat plates 5 and 7 by moving at least one flat plate 7 between the two flat plates 5 and 7 toward the opposing direction; and a measurement/determination means 16. The measurement/determination means 16 determines the existence, magnitude or accumulated amount of the fragment, by the distance between the above flat plates 5 and 7. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

この発明は、潤滑油などの液体中に混入した非電導性の破片を検出する破片検出センサに関する。   The present invention relates to a fragment detection sensor for detecting non-conductive fragments mixed in a liquid such as lubricating oil.

従来、自動車や航空機、ヘリコプタ等の潤滑油中に、エンジンやトランスミッション、軸受等の摩耗や破損によって生じた金属破片あるいは金属紛が混入していることを検出する装置として、メタルチェックセンサあるいはオイルチェックセンサあるいはデブリスセンサなどと呼ばれる金属片検出装置が提案されている（特許文献１〜５）。
このような金属片検出装置は、エンジンやギアボックス、軸受等の各種装置の健全性を検査する手段として使用され、検査対象の装置の各部位における劣化の情報をこれらの部位に破壊的な故障が生じる前に得ることが出来る。
特開昭５５−０５２９４３号公報 特開昭６１−２５３４５５号公報 特開２０００−３２１２４８号公報 特許２７０３５０２号公報 特許２８６５８５７号公報 Conventionally, a metal check sensor or an oil check has been used as a device for detecting that metal fragments or metal particles generated by wear or damage of engines, transmissions, bearings, etc. are mixed in lubricating oil for automobiles, aircraft, helicopters, etc. Metal piece detection devices called sensors or debris sensors have been proposed (Patent Documents 1 to 5).
Such metal piece detection devices are used as means for inspecting the soundness of various devices such as engines, gearboxes, bearings, etc., and information on deterioration in each part of the device to be inspected is a destructive failure in these parts. Can be obtained before it occurs.
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 55-052943 JP-A-61-253455 JP 2000-32248 A Japanese Patent No. 2703502 Japanese Patent No. 2865857

現在、特に航空機用ジェットエンジンにおいて、その小型化と高速化が求められている。従来より、航空機用ジェットエンジンの主軸用軸受では、その転動体に金属材料が用いられてきたが、現状の転動体材料では更なる高速化が困難な状況にある。高速化に耐えうるためには、軸受の転動体を窒化珪素（Si3N4 ）等を原材料とするセラミック玉やセラミックころとする必要がある。また、ジェットエンジン用軸受にセラミック玉やセラミックころを適用した場合、大きく性能が向上し、ひいてはジェットエンジンの効率が向上し、環境負荷を軽減できる可能性がある。
一方、従来の金属片検出装置では、金属材料あるいは磁性材料あるいは導電性材料の破片のみ検出が可能であり、非金属、非磁性、非導電性を特徴とするセラミック材の検出は不可能であった。したがって、例えばセラミック製の転動体を使用した軸受の場合には、破壊的な故障が生じる前に、金属片検出装置を用いて転動体の劣化や損傷に関する情報を得ることができない。そのため、現状ではこの様な構成の軸受は、用途が限定された航空機にしか使用されていない。 At present, there is a demand for miniaturization and high speed particularly in aircraft jet engines. Conventionally, in bearings for main shafts of aircraft jet engines, metal materials have been used for the rolling elements. However, it is difficult to achieve higher speeds with the current rolling element materials. In order to withstand high speed, the rolling elements of the bearing need to be ceramic balls or rollers made of silicon nitride (Si3N4) or the like. In addition, when ceramic balls or ceramic rollers are applied to the jet engine bearing, the performance is greatly improved, and consequently the efficiency of the jet engine is improved, which may reduce the environmental load.
On the other hand, conventional metal piece detection devices can detect only metal, magnetic or conductive material fragments, and cannot detect ceramic materials characterized by non-metal, non-magnetic and non-conductivity. It was. Therefore, for example, in the case of a bearing using a ceramic rolling element, it is impossible to obtain information on deterioration or damage of the rolling element using the metal piece detection device before a destructive failure occurs. Therefore, at present, the bearing having such a configuration is used only for aircraft having limited applications.

この発明の目的は、液体中に混入したセラミック材等の非金属，非磁性，非導電性を特徴とする材料の破片を検出することができる破片検出センサを提供することである。   An object of the present invention is to provide a debris detection sensor that can detect debris of a material characterized by non-metal, non-magnetic, and non-conductive properties such as a ceramic material mixed in a liquid.

この発明の破片検出センサは、液体中に混入する破片を検出するセンサであって、２つの対面する平板と、これら２つの平板のうちの少なくとも一つの平板を対面方向に動かして上記２つの平板に破片を挟み込ませる平板移動機構と、前記２つの平板間の距離を測定することで、前記破片の有無、大きさ、または蓄積量を検出する測定・判定手段とを有する。
この構成によると、２つの平板のうちの一つの平板を動作させて、２つの平板間の静電容量を測定し、その測定値から破片の有無あるいは大きさや蓄積量を判定するようにしているので、検査対象である潤滑油等の液体中に混入した破片の状態（破片の有無や破片の大きさ）を推定できる。
また、上記破片検出センサを自動車，航空機，ヘリコプタ等に組み込んだ場合、潤滑油中に混入した破片の状態をモニターすることができるため、故障の前兆あるいは故障の診断を行い、運転の停止や部品交換が必要なことを知らせることができる。また、検出した情報により、劣化や損傷から破壊的な故障が生じる前にその情報を得ることができる。 The debris detection sensor according to the present invention is a sensor for detecting debris mixed in a liquid, and is configured to move two facing flat plates and at least one of the two flat plates in a facing direction to move the two flat plates. And a measuring / determining means for detecting the presence / absence, size, or accumulation amount of the fragments by measuring the distance between the two plates.
According to this configuration, one of the two flat plates is operated, the capacitance between the two flat plates is measured, and the presence / absence, size, or accumulation amount of debris is determined from the measured value. Therefore, it is possible to estimate the state of fragments (the presence or absence of fragments and the size of the fragments) mixed in a liquid such as lubricating oil to be inspected.
In addition, when the above debris detection sensor is incorporated in an automobile, aircraft, helicopter, etc., it is possible to monitor the state of debris mixed in the lubricating oil. Can inform you that a replacement is necessary. In addition, the detected information can be obtained before a destructive failure occurs due to deterioration or damage.

この発明において、前記測定・判定手段は、前記２つの平板間の距離を静電容量で測定するものであっても良い。静電容量によると、簡単な構成で精度良く２つの平板間の距離を測定することができる。   In the present invention, the measurement / determination means may measure the distance between the two flat plates by a capacitance. According to the capacitance, it is possible to accurately measure the distance between two flat plates with a simple configuration.

この発明において、前記測定手段は、交流電流を印加して、インピーダンスを測定することにより前記静電容量を推定するものとしても良い。インピーダンス測定によると、簡単な構成で精度良く測定できる。   In this invention, the measuring means may estimate the capacitance by applying an alternating current and measuring impedance. According to the impedance measurement, it can be measured with a simple configuration with high accuracy.

この発明において、前記測定手段は、前記静電容量の変化を周波数の変化に変換する発振器と、この発振器の発振する周波数から前記静電容量を推定する周波数対応容量推定手段とでなるものであっても良い。このように発振器および周波数対応容量推定手段を設けた場合、精度良く検出することができる。   In the present invention, the measurement means includes an oscillator that converts the change in capacitance into a change in frequency, and a frequency-corresponding capacitance estimation means that estimates the capacitance from the oscillation frequency of the oscillator. May be. As described above, when the oscillator and the frequency-corresponding capacity estimation means are provided, detection can be performed with high accuracy.

この発明において、前記測定手段は、前記２つの平板間に充電および放電を繰り返し生じさせる充放電手段と、その充電および放電の繰り返しにおける過度現象によって生じる充放電時間より前記静電容量を推定する充放電時間対応静電容量推定手段とでなるものであっても良い。充放電時間対応静電容量推定手段を設けた場合も、精度良く検出することができる。   In the present invention, the measuring means is a charging / discharging means that repeatedly causes charging and discharging between the two flat plates, and a charging / discharging time that estimates the capacitance from a charging / discharging time caused by an excessive phenomenon in the repeated charging and discharging. It may consist of a discharge time corresponding capacitance estimation means. Even when a charge / discharge time-corresponding capacitance estimation means is provided, detection can be performed with high accuracy.

この発明において、前記平板移動機構として、直動アクチュエータを用いても良い。直動アクチュエータを用いると、回転駆動源を用いる場合と異なり、回転を直線運動に変換する機構が不要で、破片検出センサを簡素でコンパクトな構成とできる。   In the present invention, a linear motion actuator may be used as the flat plate moving mechanism. When a linear actuator is used, unlike the case where a rotational drive source is used, a mechanism for converting rotation into linear motion is not required, and the fragment detection sensor can be configured simply and compactly.

この発明の場合、前記直動アクチュエータは、電磁式または油圧式または空圧式のものであっても良い。   In the case of the present invention, the linear actuator may be an electromagnetic type, a hydraulic type or a pneumatic type.

この発明の破片検出センサは、液体中に混入する破片を検出するセンサであって、２つの対面する平板と、これら２つの平板のうちの少なくとも一つの平板を対面方向に動かして上記２つの平板に破片を挟み込ませる平板移動機構と、前記２つの平板間の距離を測定することで、前記破片の有無、大きさ、または蓄積量を検出する測定・判定手段を有するものとしたため、液体中に混入したセラミック材等の非金属、非磁性、非導電性を特徴とする材料の破片を検出することができ、検出した情報により、劣化や損傷から破壊的な故障が生じる前にその情報を得ることができる。   The debris detection sensor according to the present invention is a sensor for detecting debris mixed in a liquid, and is configured to move two facing flat plates and at least one of the two flat plates in a facing direction to move the two flat plates. Since it has a plate moving mechanism that sandwiches a piece into the plate and a measurement / judgment means for detecting the presence, size, or accumulated amount of the piece by measuring the distance between the two plates, It is possible to detect non-metallic, non-magnetic, non-conducting material fragments such as mixed ceramic materials and obtain the information before the destructive failure occurs from deterioration or damage by the detected information be able to.

この発明の一実施形態を図１ないし図６と共に説明する。図１は、この実施形態の破片検出センサの概略構成図を示す。この破片検出センサは、検査対象である液体中に混入する非金属，非磁性，非導電性を特徴とする材料の破片を検出するセンサであって、互いに対面する２つの平板５，７と、これら２つの平板５，７のうちの少なくとも一つの平板を対面方向に動かして２つの平板５，７間に破片１３（図３）を挟み込ませる平板移動機構９と、前記２つの平板５，７間の距離を測定することで、前記破片１３の有無、大きさ、または蓄積量を検出する測定・判定手段１６とを備える。この破片検出センサの場合、潤滑油が検査対象の液体とされる。   An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration diagram of a fragment detection sensor of this embodiment. This debris detection sensor is a sensor for detecting debris of a material characterized by non-metal, non-magnetic, and non-conductivity mixed in a liquid to be inspected, and two flat plates 5, 7 facing each other; A flat plate moving mechanism 9 that moves at least one of the two flat plates 5 and 7 in a facing direction to sandwich a broken piece 13 (FIG. 3) between the two flat plates 5 and 7, and the two flat plates 5 and 7. And measuring / determining means 16 for detecting the presence / absence, size, or accumulation amount of the debris 13 by measuring the distance between them. In the case of this debris detection sensor, the lubricating oil is the liquid to be inspected.

前記２つの平板５，７と平板移動機構９はセンサユニット１に組み込まれる。このセンサユニット１は、検査対象である潤滑油を流す油路４ａが貫通して設けられたベース部材４を有し、油路４ａの一端には給油配管２が接続され、油路４ａの他端には排油配管３が接続されている。この場合、潤滑油は、給油配管２の油路２ａからベース部材４の油路４ａを経由し、排油配管３の油路３ａに流れる。例えば、給油配管２はエンジンやギアボックス、軸受等で使用された潤滑油が収集される配管に接続され、排油配管３はオイルタンクへの配管に接続される。   The two flat plates 5 and 7 and the flat plate moving mechanism 9 are incorporated in the sensor unit 1. This sensor unit 1 has a base member 4 provided with an oil passage 4a through which lubricating oil to be inspected flows, and an oil supply pipe 2 is connected to one end of the oil passage 4a. An oil drain pipe 3 is connected to the end. In this case, the lubricating oil flows from the oil path 2 a of the oil supply pipe 2 through the oil path 4 a of the base member 4 to the oil path 3 a of the oil discharge pipe 3. For example, the oil supply pipe 2 is connected to a pipe for collecting lubricating oil used in an engine, a gear box, a bearing, and the like, and the oil drain pipe 3 is connected to a pipe to an oil tank.

２つの平板５，７のうちの一つの平板５は導電性材料からなる固定平板であって、ベース部材４の油路４ａの途中において、絶縁材料からなる平板固定部材６を介してベース部材４に電気的に絶縁された状態で固定されている。固定平板５は、その表面が油路４ａ内に臨む向きとなるように配置される。   One flat plate 5 of the two flat plates 5 and 7 is a fixed flat plate made of a conductive material. The base member 4 is interposed in the middle of the oil passage 4a of the base member 4 via a flat plate fixing member 6 made of an insulating material. It is fixed in an electrically insulated state. The fixed flat plate 5 is arranged so that the surface thereof faces the oil passage 4a.

平板移動機構９はプッシュプルソレノイド等からなる直動アクチュエータであって、その可動軸９ａが前記ベース部材４の油路４ａの貫通方向に直交する方向に進退自在となるように、アクチュエータ固定部材１０を介してベース部材４に固定されている。直動アクチュエータ９の可動軸９ａの先端部には、絶縁材料からなる平板固定部材８を介して、前記２つの平板５，７のうちの他の一つの平板７が電気的に絶縁された状態で固定されている。この平板７は、直動アクチュエータ９の可動軸９ａと一体に進退自在とされた可動平板であって、固定平板５と同様に導電性材料からなり、ベース部材４を貫通して油路４ａ内に臨み、固定平板５に対面する。ここでは直動アクチュエータ９としてプッシュプルソレノイドを使用した例を示しているが、直動アクチュエータであれば、その種類は問わない。たとえば、電動モータとボールネジを組み合わせたものでも良いし、空圧や油圧を使用したものでも良い。直動アクチュエータ９を動作させると、その可動軸９ａに平板固定部材８を介して設置された可動平板７が進退して、固定平板５に近づいたり、離れたりする。   The flat plate moving mechanism 9 is a linear motion actuator composed of a push-pull solenoid or the like, and an actuator fixing member 10 so that the movable shaft 9a can advance and retract in a direction perpendicular to the penetrating direction of the oil passage 4a of the base member 4. It is being fixed to the base member 4 via. A state in which the other flat plate 7 of the two flat plates 5 and 7 is electrically insulated from the tip of the movable shaft 9a of the linear actuator 9 via a flat plate fixing member 8 made of an insulating material. It is fixed with. The flat plate 7 is a movable flat plate that can be moved forward and backward integrally with the movable shaft 9a of the linear actuator 9. The flat plate 7 is made of a conductive material in the same manner as the fixed flat plate 5, and penetrates the base member 4 to enter the oil passage 4a. To face the fixed flat plate 5. Here, an example in which a push-pull solenoid is used as the linear actuator 9 is shown, but any type of linear actuator can be used. For example, a combination of an electric motor and a ball screw may be used, or an air pressure or hydraulic pressure may be used. When the linear actuator 9 is operated, the movable flat plate 7 installed on the movable shaft 9 a via the flat plate fixing member 8 advances and retreats, and approaches or moves away from the fixed flat plate 5.

直動アクチュエータ９の可動軸９ａは、その後端部に固定されたばね受け部材１１とアクチュエータ固定部材１０との間に介在させた圧縮ばね１２により、進出方向に付勢される。
図１は、直動アクチュエータ９に電源を投入した状態を示し、このとき可動軸９ａは圧縮ばね１２を圧縮させて後退しており、可動平板７は固定平板５から離れた位置にある。一方、直動アクチュエータ９に電源を投入していない状態では、図２のように、電源投入時に圧縮された圧縮ばね１２が復元する力によって、可動平板７が固定平板５に接触する位置まで進出する。可動平板７と固定平板５とが接触した状態で、可動平板７には圧縮ばね１２による予圧が与えられているので、可動平板７と固定平板５とは一定の圧力で接触した状態となる。 The movable shaft 9a of the linear actuator 9 is urged in the advancing direction by a compression spring 12 interposed between a spring receiving member 11 fixed to the rear end portion and the actuator fixing member 10.
FIG. 1 shows a state in which power is supplied to the linear actuator 9. At this time, the movable shaft 9 a is retracted by compressing the compression spring 12, and the movable flat plate 7 is located away from the fixed flat plate 5. On the other hand, in a state where the power is not applied to the linear actuator 9, as shown in FIG. 2, the force is restored by the compression spring 12 that is compressed when the power is turned on, and the movable plate 7 moves to a position where it contacts the fixed plate 5. To do. Since the movable plate 7 and the fixed plate 5 are in contact with each other, the movable plate 7 is preloaded by the compression spring 12, so that the movable plate 7 and the fixed plate 5 are in contact with each other at a constant pressure.

測定・判定手段１６は、静電容量測定手段１４と判定手段１５とでなる。静電容量測定手段１４は、可動平板７と固定平板５との間の静電容量を測定する手段であり、静電容量測定手段１４の入力端子である電極１４ａ、１４ｂがそれぞれ可動平板７と固定平板５に接続される。判定手段１５は、静電容量測定手段１４の測定値から潤滑油中の破片１３（図３）の状態を判断する手段であり、例えば測定値と判定結果とを関係を定めたテーブルまたは演算式の判定規則を有し、その判定規則と測定値とを比較して破片の有無、大きさ、または蓄積量等につき、判定結果を出力するものである。   The measurement / determination unit 16 includes a capacitance measurement unit 14 and a determination unit 15. The capacitance measuring means 14 is a means for measuring the capacitance between the movable flat plate 7 and the fixed flat plate 5, and the electrodes 14 a and 14 b that are input terminals of the capacitance measuring means 14 are respectively connected to the movable flat plate 7 and the movable flat plate 7. Connected to the fixed plate 5. The determination means 15 is a means for determining the state of the debris 13 (FIG. 3) in the lubricating oil from the measurement value of the capacitance measurement means 14, for example, a table or an arithmetic expression that defines the relationship between the measurement value and the determination result. The determination rule is compared with the measured value, and the determination result is output for the presence / absence, size, accumulated amount, etc. of the fragments.

次に、この破片検出センサにより潤滑油中の破片を検出する動作を説明する。
上記したように、直動アクチュエータ９に電源を投入すると、図１のように可動軸９ａが後退して、その可動軸９ａに平板固定部材８を介して設置された可動平板７が固定平板５から離れる。このとき、可動軸９ａに固定されたばね受け部材１１とアクチュエータ固定部材１０のと間に設置された圧縮ばね１２は、圧縮される。 Next, an operation for detecting fragments in the lubricating oil by the fragment detection sensor will be described.
As described above, when the linear actuator 9 is powered on, the movable shaft 9a moves backward as shown in FIG. 1, and the movable flat plate 7 installed on the movable shaft 9a via the flat plate fixing member 8 is fixed to the fixed flat plate 5. Get away from. At this time, the compression spring 12 installed between the spring receiving member 11 fixed to the movable shaft 9a and the actuator fixing member 10 is compressed.

次に、検査対象の液体として、エンジン，ギアボックス，軸受等に使用されている潤滑油を給油配管２の油路２ａからベース部材４の油路４ａ内を経由して排油配管３の油路３ａに流し、この状態のもとに、直動アクチュエータ９への電源の投入を停止すると、圧縮ばね１２の復元力により可動軸９ａと一体に可動平板７が固定平板５に接近する方向に進出する。
このとき、ベース部材４の油路４ａを流れる潤滑油中に、図３に示すように、エンジンやギアボックス、軸受等の摩耗や破損によって生じたセラミック材等の非金属、非磁性、非導電性を特徴とする材料の破片１３が混入していると、この破片１３が可動平板７と固定平板５との間に挟み込まれる。これにより、可動平板７と固定平板５との間には、破片１３の厚み分だけギャップｄが生じる。このギャップｄにより、２つの平板５，７間には静電容量Ｃが形成される。 Next, as the liquid to be inspected, the lubricating oil used in the engine, gearbox, bearing, etc. is passed through the oil passage 2a of the oil supply piping 2 and the oil passage 4a of the base member 4 to the oil in the oil discharge piping 3. In this state, when the application of power to the linear actuator 9 is stopped, the movable flat plate 7 approaches the fixed flat plate 5 integrally with the movable shaft 9a by the restoring force of the compression spring 12. Advance.
At this time, in the lubricating oil flowing through the oil passage 4a of the base member 4, as shown in FIG. 3, a non-metallic, non-magnetic, non-conductive material such as a ceramic material caused by wear or damage to the engine, gear box, bearing, etc. If a piece 13 of a material having a characteristic is mixed, the piece 13 is sandwiched between the movable flat plate 7 and the fixed flat plate 5. Thereby, a gap d is generated between the movable flat plate 7 and the fixed flat plate 5 by the thickness of the debris 13. Due to the gap d, a capacitance C is formed between the two flat plates 5 and 7.

ところで、一般的に、平行平板間の静電容量Ｃは
Ｃ＝εo εr Ｓ／ｄ ……（１）
となることが知られている。すなわち、静電容量Ｃ［Ｆ］は、真空中の誘電率εo （8.854 ×10-12 ［Ｆ／ｍ］）と潤滑油の誘電率εr と平行平板の面積Ｓ［ｍ2 ］とを掛け合わせたものを、平行平板間のギャップｄ［ｍ］で割った値となる。この実施例の場合、潤滑油の誘電率εr と平行平板の面積Ｓは一定となるため、静電容量Ｃの値は平行平板間つまり可動平板７と固定平板５の間のギャップｄに依存する。
そこで、２つの平板５，７間の静電容量Ｃを前記静電容量測定手段１４で測定することにより、平板５，７間のギャップｄの値を検出し、その値により破片１３の大きさや蓄積量を推定することが出来る。 By the way, in general, the capacitance C between the parallel plates is C = εo εr S / d (1)
It is known that That is, the capacitance C [F] is obtained by multiplying the dielectric constant εo in vacuum (8.854 × 10 -12 [F / m]) by the dielectric constant εr of the lubricating oil and the area S [m 2 ] of the parallel plate. The value obtained by dividing the above by the gap d [m] between the parallel plates. In this embodiment, since the dielectric constant εr of the lubricating oil and the area S of the parallel plate are constant, the value of the capacitance C depends on the gap d between the parallel plates, that is, between the movable plate 7 and the fixed plate 5. .
Therefore, the capacitance C between the two flat plates 5 and 7 is measured by the capacitance measuring means 14, and the value of the gap d between the flat plates 5 and 7 is detected. Accumulated amount can be estimated.

一方、２つの平板５，７間に破片１３がない場合、潤滑油による極微小な膜によるギャップｄが形成されるか、もしくは平板５，７同士が接触する。潤滑油による極微小なギャップｄの場合、静電容量Ｃは破片１３を挟み込んだ場合と比較するとかなり大きな値を示す。また、平板５，７同士が接触した場合、導通状態となる。したがって、これらの値から破片１３の有無を判別できる。破片１３の有無あるいは大きさや蓄積量の判定は、静電容量測定手段１４の測定値に基づき、判定手段１５で判定される。静電容量測定手段１４には、電気容量計などの計測器を用いることができる。   On the other hand, when there is no debris 13 between the two flat plates 5 and 7, a gap d is formed by a very small film of lubricating oil, or the flat plates 5 and 7 are in contact with each other. In the case of the extremely small gap d due to the lubricating oil, the electrostatic capacity C shows a considerably large value as compared with the case where the debris 13 is sandwiched. Further, when the flat plates 5 and 7 are in contact with each other, the conductive state is established. Therefore, the presence or absence of the fragments 13 can be determined from these values. The determination of the presence / absence or size of the fragments 13 and the accumulated amount is determined by the determination unit 15 based on the measurement value of the capacitance measurement unit 14. A measuring instrument such as a capacitance meter can be used for the capacitance measuring means 14.

図４は、図１の破片検出センサにおける測定・判定手段１６の構成要素である静電容量測定手段１４の一構成例を示す。この静電容量測定手段１４は、直列接続した発振器２０と電流測定手段２１とでなり、発振器２０から可動平板７と固定平板５に交流電流を流し、平板５、７間の静電容量Ｃをインピーダンスに換算して電流測定手段２１で測定する。この場合、測定したインピーダンスから静電容量Ｃを求めることもできる。その他の構成は図１の場合と同様である。   FIG. 4 shows a configuration example of the capacitance measuring means 14 which is a component of the measuring / determining means 16 in the fragment detection sensor of FIG. This capacitance measuring means 14 is composed of an oscillator 20 and a current measuring means 21 connected in series, and an alternating current is passed from the oscillator 20 to the movable flat plate 7 and the fixed flat plate 5 so that the capacitance C between the flat plates 5 and 7 is obtained. It is converted into impedance and measured by the current measuring means 21. In this case, the capacitance C can also be obtained from the measured impedance. Other configurations are the same as those in FIG.

図５は、図１の破片検出センサにおける測定・判定手段１６の構成要素である静電容量測定手段１４の他の構成例を示す。この静電容量測定手段１４は、ＯＰアンプ３２で構成した発振器３０と、この発振器３０の発振周波数から静電容量を推定する周波数対応容量推定手段３１とでなり、測定した発振器３０の周波数から平板５，７間の静電容量Ｃを推定する。この場合の発振器３０はリラクセーションオシレータ（relaxation oscillator ）と呼ばれ、ＯＰアンプ３２に抵抗３３Ｒa ，３３Ｒb ，３３Ｒt 、およびコンデンサ３３Ｃt を接続して構成される。抵抗３３Ｒa ，３３Ｒb ，３３Ｒt の抵抗値をＲa ，Ｒb ，Ｒt 、コンデンサ３３Ｃt の静電容量をＣt とすると、発振周波数ｆは、およそ、
ｆ＝１／（２Ｒt Ｃt ） ……（２）
となることが知られている。ここでは、前記発振器３０のコンデンサ３３Ｃt が平板５，７間の静電容量Ｃに置き換えられることで、その静電容量Ｃが推定される。 FIG. 5 shows another configuration example of the capacitance measuring unit 14 which is a component of the measuring / determining unit 16 in the fragment detection sensor of FIG. The capacitance measuring means 14 includes an oscillator 30 constituted by an OP amplifier 32 and a frequency corresponding capacity estimating means 31 for estimating the capacitance from the oscillation frequency of the oscillator 30. A flat plate is obtained from the measured frequency of the oscillator 30. The capacitance C between 5 and 7 is estimated. The oscillator 30 in this case is called a relaxation oscillator and is configured by connecting resistors 33Ra, 33Rb, 33Rt and a capacitor 33Ct to an OP amplifier 32. If the resistance values of the resistors 33Ra, 33Rb, 33Rt are Ra, Rb, Rt, and the capacitance of the capacitor 33Ct is Ct, the oscillation frequency f is approximately
f = 1 / (2Rt Ct) (2)
It is known that Here, the capacitance C is estimated by replacing the capacitor 33Ct of the oscillator 30 with the capacitance C between the flat plates 5 and 7.

図６は、図１の破片検出センサにおける測定・判定手段１６の構成要素である静電容量測定手段１４のさらに他の構成例を示す。この静電容量測定手段１４は、充放電手段４０と、その充電および放電の繰り返しにおける過度現象によって生じる充放電時間より静電容量を推定する充放電時間対応静電容量推定手段４１とでなる。充放電手段４０は、充電抵抗４２と充電スイッチ４３の直列回路部を被測定静電容量Ｃt に直列接続すると共に、放電スイッチ４４と放電抵抗４５の直列回路部を被測定静電容量Ｃt に並列接続した回路である。充放電時間対応静電容量推定手段４１は、充放電手段４０での充放電電圧を監視する電圧測定手段４６と、この電圧測定手段４６が監視する電圧が規定電圧になるまでの時間を測定することにより、被測定静電容量Ｃt を推定する判断手段４７とでなる。   FIG. 6 shows still another configuration example of the capacitance measuring unit 14 which is a component of the measuring / determining unit 16 in the fragment detection sensor of FIG. The capacitance measuring unit 14 includes a charging / discharging unit 40 and a charge / discharge time-corresponding capacitance estimating unit 41 that estimates a capacitance from a charging / discharging time caused by an excessive phenomenon in charging and discharging. The charging / discharging means 40 connects the series circuit portion of the charging resistor 42 and the charging switch 43 in series with the measured capacitance Ct, and parallels the series circuit portion of the discharging switch 44 and the discharging resistor 45 with the measured capacitance Ct. It is a connected circuit. The charge / discharge time-corresponding capacitance estimation means 41 measures the voltage measurement means 46 for monitoring the charge / discharge voltage in the charge / discharge means 40 and the time until the voltage monitored by the voltage measurement means 46 reaches a specified voltage. Thus, the judgment means 47 for estimating the capacitance Ct to be measured is formed.

この場合、例えば、充電スイッチ４３をオンにして充電を開始し、被測定静電容量Ｃt の充電電圧を電圧測定手段４６で監視して、その充電電圧が規定電圧になるまでの充電時間を判断手段４７で測定することにより、被測定静電容量Ｃt を推定できる。または、予め所定電圧まで充電させた被測定静電容量Ｃt に対して、放電スイッチ４４をオンにして放電を開始し、被測定静電容量Ｃt の放電電圧を電圧測定手段４６で監視して、その放電電圧が規定電圧になるまでの放電時間を判断手段４７で測定することにより、被測定静電容量Ｃt を推定できる。ここでは、前記被測定静電容量Ｃt が平板５，７間の静電容量Ｃに置き換えられることで、その静電容量Ｃが推定される。   In this case, for example, the charging switch 43 is turned on to start charging, the charging voltage of the capacitance Ct to be measured is monitored by the voltage measuring means 46, and the charging time until the charging voltage reaches the specified voltage is determined. By measuring by means 47, the measured capacitance Ct can be estimated. Alternatively, with respect to the measured capacitance Ct that has been charged to a predetermined voltage in advance, the discharge switch 44 is turned on to start discharging, and the discharge voltage of the measured capacitance Ct is monitored by the voltage measuring means 46. By measuring the discharge time until the discharge voltage reaches the specified voltage by the judging means 47, the measured capacitance Ct can be estimated. Here, the capacitance Ct is estimated by replacing the capacitance Ct to be measured with the capacitance C between the flat plates 5 and 7.

このように、この実施形態の破片検出センサでは、可動平板７を動作させ、可動平板７と固定平板５の間の静電容量Ｃを静電容量測定手段１４で測定し、この静電容量測定手段１４の測定値から破片１３の有無あるいは大きさや蓄積量を判定手段１５で判定するようにしたため、潤滑油中に混入した破片１３の状態を推定できる。
また、上記破片検出センサを自動車，航空機，ヘリコプタ等に組み込んだ場合、潤滑油中に混入した破片の状態をモニターすることができるため、故障の前兆あるいは故障の診断を行い、運転の停止や部品交換が必要なことを知らせることができ、安全性が向上する。また、機械部品の寿命や経年変化を予測できるため、部品の無駄な交換や遅れた交換がなくなり、経済性が向上する。 As described above, in the fragment detection sensor of this embodiment, the movable plate 7 is operated, and the capacitance C between the movable plate 7 and the fixed plate 5 is measured by the capacitance measuring means 14, and this capacitance measurement is performed. Since the determination means 15 determines the presence / absence, size, or accumulation amount of the fragments 13 from the measured value of the means 14, the state of the fragments 13 mixed in the lubricating oil can be estimated.
In addition, when the above debris detection sensor is incorporated in an automobile, aircraft, helicopter, etc., it is possible to monitor the state of debris mixed in the lubricating oil. It is possible to inform that replacement is necessary, and safety is improved. In addition, since the life and aging of machine parts can be predicted, there is no need for unnecessary or delayed replacement of parts, thereby improving economy.

図７は、この発明の破片検出センサの他の実施形態を示す。この実施形態では、図１に示す実施形態において、判定手段１５の次段に記録手段５０を追加して、潤滑油中に混入した破片１３の状態をリアルタイムでモニタできるようにしたものである。静電容量測定手段１４は、図４〜図６に示したいずれのものを用いても良い。なお、判定手段１５は、静電容量測定手段１４により測定された静電容量の変動の値が所定の閾値を超えたことで、不具合が発生したと判定するものであっても良い。   FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the fragment detection sensor of the present invention. In this embodiment, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a recording means 50 is added to the next stage of the judging means 15 so that the state of the debris 13 mixed in the lubricating oil can be monitored in real time. Any one of the capacitance measuring means 14 shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 may be used. Note that the determination unit 15 may determine that a problem has occurred because the value of the variation in capacitance measured by the capacitance measurement unit 14 exceeds a predetermined threshold.

この発明の第１の実施形態にかかる破片検出センサの電源投入時の概略構成図である。It is a schematic block diagram at the time of power activation of the fragment detection sensor concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention. 同破片検出センサの電源投入停止時の概略構成図である。It is a schematic block diagram at the time of the power supply stop of the same fragment detection sensor. 同破片検出センサの検出動作の説明図である。It is explanatory drawing of the detection operation of the same fragment detection sensor. 同破片検出センサにおける静電容量測定手段として一構成例を用いた場合の検出動作の説明図である。It is explanatory drawing of the detection operation at the time of using one structural example as an electrostatic capacitance measurement means in the fragment detection sensor. 同破片検出センサにおける静電容量測定手段の他の構成例を示す回路図である。It is a circuit diagram which shows the other structural example of the electrostatic capacitance measurement means in the same fragment detection sensor. 同破片検出センサにおける静電容量測定手段のさらに他の構成例を示す回路図である。It is a circuit diagram which shows the further another structural example of the electrostatic capacitance measurement means in the fragment detection sensor. この発明の他の実施形態にかかる破片検出センサの電源投入時の概略構成図である。It is a schematic block diagram at the time of power activation of the fragment detection sensor concerning other embodiment of this invention.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

５…固定平板
７…可動平板
９…直動アクチュエータ（平板移動機構）
１３…破片
１４…静電容量測定手段
１５…判定手段
１６…測定・判定手段
３０…発振器
３１…周波数対応容量推定手段
４０…充放電手段
４１…充放電時間対応静電容量推定手段 5 ... Fixed flat plate 7 ... Movable flat plate 9 ... Linear motion actuator (flat plate moving mechanism)
13 ... Fragment 14 ... Capacitance measurement means 15 ... Determination means 16 ... Measurement / determination means 30 ... Oscillator 31 ... Frequency corresponding capacity estimation means 40 ... Charge / discharge means 41 ... Charge / discharge time correspondence capacitance estimation means

Claims (7)

液体中に混入する破片を検出するセンサであって、２つの対面する平板と、これら２つの平板のうちの少なくとも一つの平板を対面方向に動かして上記２つの平板に破片を挟み込ませる平板移動機構と、前記２つの平板間の距離を測定することで、前記破片の有無、大きさ、または蓄積量を検出する測定・判定手段を有する破片検出センサ。   A sensor for detecting debris mixed in a liquid, comprising two opposing flat plates, and a flat plate moving mechanism for moving the at least one of the two flat plates in a facing direction to sandwich the debris between the two flat plates And a debris detection sensor having measurement / determination means for detecting the presence / absence, size, or accumulation amount of the debris by measuring a distance between the two flat plates. 請求項１において、前記測定・判定手段は、前記２つの平板間の距離を静電容量で測定するものである破片検出センサ。   2. The debris detection sensor according to claim 1, wherein the measurement / determination means measures a distance between the two flat plates by a capacitance. 請求項２において、前記測定手段は、交流電流を印加して、インピーダンスを測定することにより前記静電容量を推定するものである破片検出センサ。   3. The debris detection sensor according to claim 2, wherein the measuring unit estimates the capacitance by applying an alternating current and measuring an impedance. 請求項２において、前記測定手段は、前記静電容量の変化を周波数の変化に変換する発振器と、この発振器の発振する周波数から前記静電容量を推定する周波数対応容量推定手段とでなる破片検出センサ。   3. The debris detection according to claim 2, wherein the measurement means includes an oscillator that converts the change in capacitance into a change in frequency, and a frequency-corresponding capacitance estimation means that estimates the capacitance from the oscillation frequency of the oscillator. Sensor. 請求項２において、前記測定手段は、前記２つの平板間に充電および放電を繰り返し生じさせる充放電手段と、その充電および放電の繰り返しにおける過度現象によって生じる充放電時間より前記静電容量を推定する充放電時間対応静電容量推定手段とでなる破片検出センサ。   In Claim 2, the said measurement means estimates the said electrostatic capacitance from the charging / discharging means which repeatedly produces charge and discharge between the said 2 flat plates, and the charging / discharging time which arises by the transient phenomenon in the repetition of the charge and discharge. A debris detection sensor comprising a charge / discharge time-capable capacitance estimation means. 請求項１ないし請求項５のいずれか１項において、前記平板移動機構として、直動アクチュエータを用いた破片検出センサ。   6. A debris detection sensor according to claim 1, wherein a linear motion actuator is used as the flat plate moving mechanism. 請求項６において、前記直動アクチュエータは、電磁式または油圧式または空圧式のものである破片検出センサ。
7. The debris detection sensor according to claim 6, wherein the linear motion actuator is of an electromagnetic type, a hydraulic type or a pneumatic type.
JP2006260531A 2006-09-26 2006-09-26 Debris detection sensor Expired - Fee Related JP4716965B2 (en)

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PCT/JP2007/000963 WO2008038407A1 (en) 2006-09-26 2007-09-05 Broken piece detecting sensor
EP07805818A EP2071364B1 (en) 2006-09-26 2007-09-05 Broken piece detecting sensor
US12/311,312 US8018237B2 (en) 2006-09-26 2007-09-05 Broken piece detecting sensor

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2014194351A (en) * 2013-03-28 2014-10-09 Toshiba Corp Automatic analyzer

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JPS5552943A (en) * 1978-10-13 1980-04-17 Technical Dev Co Inc Lubricating oil debris supervisory device
JPS58218602A (en) * 1982-06-14 1983-12-19 Sharp Corp Dimension measuring device
JPS603576A (en) * 1983-06-07 1985-01-09 インタ−ナショナル　ビジネス　マシ−ンズ　コ−ポレ−ション Detecting system of particle
JP2005274575A (en) * 2004-03-23 2005-10-06 Lockheed Martin Corp Optical flow cell for tribology system

Patent Citations (4)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS5552943A (en) * 1978-10-13 1980-04-17 Technical Dev Co Inc Lubricating oil debris supervisory device
JPS58218602A (en) * 1982-06-14 1983-12-19 Sharp Corp Dimension measuring device
JPS603576A (en) * 1983-06-07 1985-01-09 インタ−ナショナル　ビジネス　マシ−ンズ　コ−ポレ−ション Detecting system of particle
JP2005274575A (en) * 2004-03-23 2005-10-06 Lockheed Martin Corp Optical flow cell for tribology system

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2014194351A (en) * 2013-03-28 2014-10-09 Toshiba Corp Automatic analyzer

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