JP2020034473A - Method and device for predicting life of fan motor - Google Patents

Abstract

To precisely predict the life of a fan motor.SOLUTION: The method for predicting the life of a fan motor includes: an information acquisition step S1 of temporally acquiring one of the temperature of a fan motor during the operation of the fan motor and temperature-related information, the temperature-related information including a parameter which affects the temperature of the fan motor; a temperature estimation step S2 of estimating the temperature of the fan motor on the basis of the temperature-related information; and a life calculation step S3 of calculating the life of the fan motor on the basis of the temperature of the fan motor. In the life calculation step S3, the temperature of the fan motor is divided into a plurality of temperature zones and the operation time of the fan motor is calculated for each temperature zone (S31) and the life of the fan motor is calculated on the operation time (S32).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to a fan motor life prediction method and a fan motor life prediction apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, techniques for predicting the life or failure of a fan motor have been known (for example, see Patent Documents 1 to 3). The life and performance deterioration of the fan motor are affected by the temperature of the fan motor. Patent Literatures 1 to 3 predict the life or failure of a fan motor based on the temperature of the fan motor.

JP 2012-087720 A JP 2015-167436 A JP 2017-070125 A

  The relationship between fan motor life and temperature is not a simple relationship such as monotonically increasing or decreasing, but varies from temperature zone to temperature zone. Patent Literatures 1 to 3 do not consider the difference between the temperature zones in which the temperature affects the life, and thus have a disadvantage that the prediction accuracy of the life is insufficient.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide a fan motor life prediction method and a fan motor life prediction apparatus capable of accurately predicting the life of a fan motor. .

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following means.
One aspect of the present invention is to acquire a temperature or temperature-related information of the fan motor over time during operation of the fan motor, and the temperature-related information includes a parameter that influences the temperature of the fan motor. A temperature estimating step of estimating the temperature of the fan motor based on the temperature-related information acquired in the information acquiring step; and a temperature of the fan motor acquired in the information acquiring step or estimated in the temperature estimating step. And calculating a life of the fan motor based on the temperature of the fan motor.In the life calculation step, the temperature of the fan motor is classified into a plurality of temperature zones, The operating time of the fan motor in each of the above is calculated, and the life of the fan motor is calculated based on the operating time. A life prediction method calculating fan motor.

According to this aspect, in the information acquisition step, the temperature of the fan motor or the temperature-related information is acquired with time during the operation of the fan motor. When the temperature-related information is obtained, the temperature of the fan motor is estimated from the temperature-related information in the temperature estimating step.
In the next life calculation step, the temperature of the fan motor is classified into a plurality of temperature zones, and the operating time of the fan motor in each temperature zone is calculated. The life of the fan motor is affected by the state of the lubricant sealed in the bearing of the fan motor, and the state of the lubricant changes according to the temperature. Therefore, the influence of the lubricant on the life of the fan motor can be evaluated for each temperature band based on the operating time in each temperature band, and the life of the fan motor can be accurately predicted.

In the above aspect, the plurality of temperature zones include a first temperature zone, a second temperature zone, and a third temperature zone, and the first temperature zone is a standard temperature range suitable for use of the fan motor. The second temperature zone is a temperature range in which the life of the fan motor is extended as compared with the case where the fan motor is used in the first temperature zone, and the third temperature zone is the first temperature zone. The temperature range may be such that the life of the fan motor is shortened as compared with the case where a fan motor is used.
According to this configuration, the operating temperature range of the fan motor is divided into a plurality of temperature zones based on whether the life of the fan motor is extended or shortened. Therefore, the amount of increase or decrease in the life of the fan motor can be estimated from the operation time in each temperature zone, and the life of the fan motor can be more accurately predicted.

In the above aspect, the second temperature zone may be a temperature range in which lubrication performance of the lubricant of the fan motor is higher than lubrication performance of the lubricant in the first temperature zone.
According to this configuration, the temperature zone in which the life of the fan motor is extended can be appropriately determined based on the lubrication performance of the lubricant.

In the above aspect, the third temperature zone includes at least one of a high temperature zone higher than the first temperature zone and a low temperature zone lower than the first temperature zone, and the high temperature zone includes: A first high-temperature zone; and a second high-temperature zone, which is a temperature range higher than the first high-temperature zone. The lubricating performance of the agent is a temperature range in which the lubricating performance is lower than the lubricating performance of the lubricant in the first temperature zone, and the second high temperature zone is a temperature range in which the lubricant deteriorates due to a high temperature. Good.
According to this configuration, the third temperature zone in which the life of the fan motor is shortened is appropriately determined based on the lubrication performance and deterioration of the lubricant, and in each of the first high temperature zone, the second high temperature zone, and the low temperature zone. The effect of the state of the lubricant on the life can be accurately evaluated.

In the above aspect, the temperature-related information may include at least one of a temperature of the object to be cooled and a temperature around the fan motor as the parameter.
The object to be cooled is an object to be cooled by a cooling fan driven by a fan motor. The temperature of the fan motor is affected by the temperature of the object to be cooled and the ambient temperature of the fan motor. Therefore, the temperature of the fan motor can be estimated based on at least one of the temperature of the object to be cooled and the temperature around the fan motor.

In the above aspect, the temperature-related information may include operation information of the object to be cooled as the parameter.
The temperature of the fan motor is affected by the temperature of the object to be cooled, and the temperature of the object to be cooled depends on the operating conditions of the object to be cooled. Therefore, the temperature of the fan motor can be estimated based on the operation information of the object to be cooled. Further, by using the operation information, the temperature of the fan motor can be estimated without using a device such as a sensor for detecting the temperature of the object to be cooled.

In the above aspect, the temperature-related information may include operation information of the fan motor as the parameter.
The temperature of the fan motor depends on the operating conditions of the fan motor. Therefore, the temperature of the fan motor can be estimated based on the operation information of the fan motor.

In the above aspect, the temperature-related information may further include information on an arrangement of the fan motor with respect to the object to be cooled.
The influence of the temperature of the cooling object on the temperature of the fan motor differs depending on the arrangement of the fan motor with respect to the cooling object. For example, when an object to be cooled is arranged on the upstream side of an airflow generated by a cooling fan and a fan motor is arranged on the downstream side, the temperature of the object to be cooled greatly affects the fan motor. On the other hand, when the object to be cooled is arranged downstream of the airflow and the fan motor is arranged upstream, the influence of the temperature of the object to be cooled on the fan motor is small. Therefore, by further considering the information on the arrangement of the fan motor with respect to the object to be cooled, the temperature of the fan motor can be more accurately estimated, and the life can be more accurately predicted.

In the above aspect, in the life calculation step, the life may be calculated from a prediction formula using the operating time in each of the plurality of temperature zones as a variable, and the prediction formula may be optimized by machine learning.
According to this configuration, the life of the fan motor can be more accurately predicted.

In the above aspect, in the information obtaining step, information on impurities contained in the surrounding environment of the fan motor is obtained with time, and in the life calculating step, the life of the fan motor is calculated based on the information on the impurities. You may.
The life of the fan motor is affected by impurities in the surrounding environment of the fan motor. Therefore, the lifetime can be more accurately predicted by further considering the information on the impurities.

  Another aspect of the present invention is an information acquisition unit that acquires the temperature or temperature-related information of the fan motor over time during operation of the fan motor, and the temperature-related information includes a parameter that affects the temperature of the fan motor. A temperature estimating unit that estimates the temperature of the fan motor based on the temperature-related information acquired by the information acquiring unit; and a temperature estimation unit that estimates the temperature of the fan motor or the temperature estimating unit acquired by the information acquiring unit. A life calculating unit that calculates the life of the fan motor based on the calculated temperature of the fan motor, the life calculating unit classifies the temperature of the fan motor into a plurality of temperature zones, A fan motor life prediction device that calculates an operation time of the fan motor in each band and calculates a life of the fan motor based on the operation time.

In the above aspect, the fan motor may be provided in a machine tool, and the information acquiring unit, the temperature estimating unit, and the life calculating unit may be provided in a numerical control device of the machine tool.
According to this configuration, the function of estimating the life of the fan motor in the machine tool can be incorporated in the numerical controller of the machine tool.

In the above aspect, the fan motor may be provided in a machine tool, and the information acquisition unit, the temperature estimating unit, and the life calculating unit may be provided in a control device different from the numerical control device of the machine tool. Good.
According to this configuration, it is not necessary to change the numerical control device of the machine tool. Therefore, it is possible to add a function of estimating the life of the fan motor while maintaining the state of the numerical controller of the machine tool that is already operating.

In the above aspect, the control device may be communicably connected to each of the plurality of machine tools, and may manage the plurality of machine tools.
According to this configuration, the life of the fan motors provided in each of the plurality of machine tools can be predicted and the life of the plurality of fan motors can be unified by one controller. Thereby, convenience can be improved.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, there exists an effect that the life of a fan motor can be accurately predicted.

1 is an overall configuration diagram of a fan motor life prediction device and a machine tool according to an embodiment of the present invention. Prediction equation of life (1) Each equation _L R2 in _{(T 2, t 2),} L R3 (T 3, t 3), L R4 (T 4, t 4), L R5 (T 5, t 5) FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of the embodiment. Prediction equation of life (1) Each equation _L R2 in _{(T 2, t 2),} L R3 (T 3, t 3), L R4 (T 4, t 4), L R5 (T 5, t 5) FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining another example of the embodiment. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for estimating the life of a fan motor according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an overall configuration diagram of a modification of the life prediction device and the machine tool of FIG. 1. FIG. 8 is an overall configuration diagram of another modification of the life prediction device and the machine tool of FIG. 1. FIG. 8 is an overall configuration diagram of another modification of the life prediction device and the machine tool of FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of another modification of the life prediction device and the machine tool of FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of another modification of the life prediction device and the machine tool of FIG. 1. It is a figure showing an example of arrangement of a cooling object and a fan motor. It is a figure showing other examples of arrangement of a cooling object and a fan motor. FIG. 8 is an overall configuration diagram of another modification of the life prediction device and the machine tool of FIG. 1.

A fan motor life estimating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention and a machine tool 10 including the same will be described with reference to the drawings.
As shown in FIG. 1, a fan motor life prediction device 1 according to the present embodiment is provided in a numerical control device 11 of a machine tool 10. The machine tool 10 includes a cooling fan 13 that cools an object 12 to be cooled. The numerical controller 11 controls each part of the machine tool 10 including a fan motor 14 of the cooling fan 13. The cooling object 12 is a device that generates heat in the machine tool 10, such as a motor such as a spindle, an amplifier for the motor, or the numerical controller 11. The life prediction device 1 predicts the life of the fan motor 14.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the life estimation device 1 includes an information acquisition unit 2 that acquires temperature-related information of the fan motor 14, a temperature estimation unit 3 that estimates the temperature of the fan motor 14 based on the temperature-related information, A life calculator 4 for calculating the life of the fan motor 14 based on the estimated temperature.

  The numerical control device 11 includes a processor 11A such as a CPU, and a storage unit 11B having a RAM, a ROM, a nonvolatile memory, and the like. The information acquisition unit 2, the temperature estimation unit 3, and the life calculation unit 4 are provided in the processor 11A. The storage unit 11B stores a life prediction program 11C. That is, the functions described later of the information acquisition unit 2, the temperature estimation unit 3, and the life calculation unit 4 are realized by the processor 11A executing the processing according to the life prediction program 11C.

  The temperature-related information includes a parameter that affects the temperature of the fan motor 14. In the present embodiment, the parameter is the temperature of the object 12 to be cooled. There is a correlation between the temperature of the cooling object 12 and the temperature of the fan motor 14 such that the higher the temperature of the cooling object 12 is, the higher the temperature of the fan motor 14 is. A temperature sensor 15 for detecting the temperature of the cooling object 12 is provided at or near the cooling object 12.

The information acquisition unit 2 acquires operation information of the fan motor 14 from the fan motor 14 over time. The operation information includes information relating to the operation time of the fan motor 14, for example, information on / off of the fan motor 14.
The information acquiring unit 2 acquires the temperature of the cooling object 12 from the temperature sensor 15 over time during the operation of the fan motor 14 based on the operation information of the fan motor 14. In many cases, the machine tool 10 is equipped with a temperature sensor 15 in order to prevent the object 12 to be cooled from being overheated. The temperature sensor 15 may be provided as standard equipment in the machine tool 10 or may be a dedicated sensor provided in the life estimating device 1.
The operation information and the temperature-related information acquired by the information acquisition unit 2 are stored in the storage unit 11B.

The temperature estimating unit 3 estimates the temperature of the fan motor 14 from the temperature of the cooling object 12 acquired by the information acquiring unit 2. For example, a relational expression representing a relationship between the temperature of the cooling object 12 and the temperature of the fan motor 14 is stored in the storage unit 11B. The relational expression is obtained experimentally, for example. The temperature estimating unit 3 calculates the temperature of the fan motor 14 from the relational expression using the temperature of the cooling object 12. The calculated temperature of the fan motor 14 is stored in the storage unit 11B.
As described above, the temperature of the object to be cooled 12 is acquired over time while the fan motor 14 is operating. Therefore, temperature data representing the time change of the temperature of the operating fan motor 14 is obtained by the temperature estimating unit 3, and the temperature data is stored in the storage unit 11B.

The life calculation unit 4 reads the temperature data of the fan motor 14 from the storage unit 11B, and calculates the operating time of the fan motor 14 in each of the plurality of temperature zones from the temperature data. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the operating temperature range in which the fan motor 14 can be used is divided into five temperature zones R ₁ , R ₂ , R ₃ , R ₄ , and R ₅ .

The temperature zone (first temperature zone) R ₁ is a temperature range under standard operating conditions of the fan motor 14.
Temperature range (second temperature range) R ₂ is the optimum temperature range for operation of the fan motor 14. In the temperature range R _2, the viscosity decreases of grease sealed in the bearing of the fan motor 14 (lubricant), lubricating performance is improved by grease. Accordingly, operation of the fan motor 14 at a temperature zone R ₂ causes prolongation of life of the fan motor 14.

Temperature zone (third temperature zone, the first high temperature zone) R ₃ is a higher temperature range than the temperature range R _1. In the temperature range R _3, the viscosity of the grease becomes too low, the lubricating performance of the grease is reduced. Accordingly, operation of the fan motor 14 at a temperature zone R ₃ causes reduction in the life of the fan motor 14.
Temperature zone (the third temperature zone, a second high temperature zone) R ₄ is a higher temperature range than the temperature range R _3. In the temperature range R _4, grease is altered by high temperatures. Accordingly, operation of the fan motor 14 at a temperature zone R _4, compared with the temperature zone R _3, causing a greater reduction in the life of the fan motor 14.
Temperature zone (the third temperature range, low temperature zone) R ₅ is a lower temperature range than the temperature range R _1. In the temperature range R _5, the viscosity of the grease increases, the load of the fan motor 14 is increased. Accordingly, operation of the fan motor 14 at a temperature range R ₅ causes reduction in the life of the fan motor 14.

The life calculation unit 4 classifies the temperatures in the temperature data into five temperature zones R ₁ , R ₂ , R ₃ , R ₄ , and R ₅ . Next, the lifetime calculator 4, the sum of the operating time of the fan motor 14 at a temperature range R _1, calculates the total operating time t ₁ at the temperature range R _1. Similarly, the life calculation unit 4 sums up the operation times of the fan motor 14 in the respective temperature zones R ₂ , R ₃ , R ₄ , and R ₅ , and calculates the total operation times t ₂ , t ₃ , t ₄ , and t ₅ . calculate. Next, the life calculation unit 4 calculates the remaining life L _rest of the fan motor 14 from the following prediction formula (1).
_{L rest = L init - (t} 1 + t 2 + t 3 + t 4 + t 5) + L R2 (T 2, t 2) -L R3 (T 3, t 3) -L R4 (T 4, t 4) -L R5 (T ₅ , t ₅ ) (1)

L _init is a standard lifetime of the fan motor 14, assuming that continued to use the fan motor 14 at a temperature range R _{1.
L R2 (T 2, t 2} ) , the fan motor 14 is a calculation formula for obtaining the amount of increase in life span due to the running temperature _{T 2} for a time _{t 2} in the range of temperature zones _{R 2.}
L _R3 (T ₃ , t ₃ ) is a calculation formula for calculating the amount of reduction in life due to the fan motor 14 operating for the time t ₃ at the temperature T ₃ within the range of the temperature zone R ₃ .
L _R4 (T ₄ , t ₄ ) is a calculation formula for calculating the amount of reduction in life due to the fan motor 14 operating for the time t ₄ at the temperature T ₄ within the range of the temperature zone R ₄ .
L _R5 (T ₅ , t ₅ ) is a calculation formula for calculating the amount of reduction in life due to the fan motor 14 operating for the time t ₅ at the temperature T ₅ within the range of the temperature zone R ₅ .

L _init is stored in the storage unit 11B in advance. Formula _{L R2 (T 2, t 2} ), L R3 (T 3, t 3), L R4 (T 4, t 4), L R5 (T 5, t 5) , respectively, were obtained experimentally Which is stored in the storage unit 11B in advance. Each of the calculation formulas L _R2 (T ₂ , t ₂ ), L _R3 (T ₃ , t ₃ ), L _R4 (T ₄ , t ₄ ), and L _R5 (T ₅ , t ₅ ) is obtained by using machine learning. It may be optimized.

FIG. 2 shows an example of the calculation formulas L _R2 (T ₂ , t ₂ ), L _R3 (T ₃ , t ₃ ), L _R4 (T ₄ , t ₄ ), and L _R5 (T ₅ , t ₅ ). I have. In this example, the amount of increase or decrease in life is constant in the corresponding temperature zones R ₂ , R ₃ , R ₄ , and R ₅ .

FIG. 3 shows another example of the calculation formulas L _R2 (T ₂ , t ₂ ), L _R3 (T ₃ , t ₃ ), L _R4 (T ₄ , t ₄ ), and L _R5 (T ₅ , t ₅ ). Is shown. In this example, the amount of increase or decrease in the life continuously changes with respect to the temperature T in each of the temperature zones R ₂ , R ₃ , R ₄ , and R ₅ . In the example of FIG. 3, in the temperature range R _2, increase the life of curvilinearly changes in other temperature zone R _3, R _4, R _5, reduction of service life is changing linearly. Each formula _{L R2 (T 2, t 2} ), L R3 (T 3, t 3), L R4 (T 4, t 4), L R5 (T 5, t 5) , based on the experimental results, etc. Can be changed.

Next, a method of estimating the life of the fan motor 14 by the life estimating apparatus 1 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 4, the method for estimating the life of the fan motor 14 according to the present embodiment includes an information acquisition step S1 for acquiring temperature-related information and operation information of the fan motor 14, and a fan motor 14 based on the temperature-related information. Temperature estimation step S2 for estimating the temperature of the fan motor 14, and a life calculation step S3 for calculating the life of the fan motor 14 based on the estimated temperature of the fan motor 14.

In step S <b> 1, the information acquisition unit 2 acquires operation information over time from the fan motor 14 and acquires the temperature of the cooling object 12 from the temperature sensor 15 over time as temperature-related information.
Next, in step S2, the temperature estimating unit 3 calculates an estimated temperature of the fan motor 14 from the temperature of the cooling object 12 at each time when the fan motor 14 is operating. Thereby, the temperature data of the operating fan motor 14 is obtained.

Next, in step S3, the life calculation unit 4, the temperature range _R 1 a temperature more in temperature _data, R _2, R _3, R 4, classified into _{R 5,} each of the temperature zones _{R 1, R} 2, R _{3, R} 4, operating time _t 1 of the fan motor 14 at _{R 5, t 2, t 3} , t 4, t 5 is calculated (step S31). Next, the life calculation unit 4 calculates the remaining life L _rest of the fan motor 14 from the operation times t ₁ , t ₂ , t ₃ , t ₄ , and t ₅ based on the prediction formula (1) (step S32).

After step S3, the user may be notified of the remaining life L _rest of the fan motor 14 calculated by the life prediction device 1 by the notification unit. The notification unit is, for example, a display device connected to the numerical control device 11.

  The life of the fan motor 14 is affected by the temperature of the fan motor 14. Specifically, when the temperature of the fan motor 14 changes, the state of grease in the bearing of the fan motor 14 changes, and as a result, the operating state of the fan motor 14 such as the rotation speed, current, and voltage changes. Various operating conditions of the fan motor 14 up to that point affect the life of the fan motor 14. Further, the relationship between the life of the fan motor 14 and the temperature is not a simple relationship such as monotonically increasing or monotonically decreasing.

According to the present embodiment, the operating temperature range in which the fan motor 14 can be used is divided into a plurality of temperature zones R ₁ , R ₂ , R ₃ , R ₄ , R ₅ based on the state of grease, and each temperature zone R _The amount of increase or decrease in the life of the fan motor 14 is calculated from the operation times t ₁ , t ₂ , t ₃ , t ₄ , and t _{5 at 1} , R ₂ , R ₃ , R ₄ , and R ₅ . As described above, the remaining life L _rest of the fan motor 14 can be accurately predicted by integrating the increased and decreased lifespans evaluated for each temperature zone.
Further, the life of the fan motor 14 is predicted by an arithmetic process using the temperature-related information and the operation information. That is, it is not necessary to add a special device to the machine tool 10. Therefore, the life of the fan motor 14 can be predicted at low cost.

In the present embodiment, the information acquisition unit 2 acquires the temperature of the cooling object 12, but may acquire the temperature of the fan motor 14 instead.
For example, a temperature sensor is installed on or near the fan motor 14, and the information acquisition unit 2 acquires the temperature of the fan motor 14 from the temperature sensor over time. In this case, the life calculation unit 4 calculates the life L _rest based on the temperature of the fan motor 14 acquired by the information acquisition unit 2. Therefore, the temperature estimating unit 3 may be omitted.
As described above, the life L _rest can be more accurately predicted based on the temperature of the fan motor 14 directly detected by the temperature sensor.

In the present embodiment, the information acquisition unit 2 acquires the temperature of the cooling object 12, but instead or in addition to this, acquires the operation information (parameter) of the cooling object 12. Is also good.
The operation information of the cooling object 12 includes current, voltage, operation time, power consumption, and the like. The temperature of the cooling object 12 depends on the heat value of the cooling object 12, and the heat value of the cooling object 12 can be estimated from the operation information of the cooling object 12. Therefore, the temperature estimating unit 3 can estimate the temperature of the fan motor 14 from the operation information of the cooling object 12. As described above, by using the operation information, the temperatures of the cooling object 12 and the fan motor 14 can be estimated without the need for a device such as a sensor.

  In the present embodiment, the temperature of the fan motor 14 is estimated based on the temperature of the cooling object 12, but the temperature of the fan motor 14 is affected instead of or in addition to the temperature of the cooling object 12. Alternatively, the temperature of the fan motor 14 may be estimated based on other parameters.

The life prediction device 1 shown in FIG. 5 estimates the temperature of the fan motor 14 based on the temperature (parameter) of the environment where the fan motor 14 is installed.
The temperature of the environment is, for example, the temperature in the control panel where the cooling object 12 and the fan motor 14 are installed. A temperature sensor 16 for detecting the temperature of the surrounding environment of the fan motor 14 is provided around the fan motor 14 (for example, in a control panel). The information acquisition unit 2 acquires a temperature from the temperature sensor 16.
The temperature of the fan motor 14 is affected by the temperature of the surrounding environment. Therefore, the temperature estimating unit 3 can estimate the temperature of the fan motor 14 based on the temperature of the surrounding environment of the fan motor 14 detected by the temperature sensor 16.

6 estimates the temperature of the fan motor 14 based on the operation information of the fan motor 14 and the operation information of the peripheral device 17.
The peripheral device 17 is a device arranged around the object to be cooled 12. For example, the peripheral device 17 is an electronic component such as a transformer and a reactor fixed to the same switchboard as the cooling object 12. The peripheral device 17 may be a lighting device or another motor. Alternatively, the peripheral device 17 may be a drive mechanism that generates frictional heat, such as a ball screw and a linear guide.

  The information acquisition unit 2 acquires operation information of the fan motor 14 from the fan motor 14. The operation information (parameters) of the fan motor 14 includes a current, a voltage, an operation command, an operation time, and the like. The information acquisition unit 2 acquires operation information of the peripheral device 17 from the peripheral device 17 of the fan motor 14. The operation information (parameter) of the peripheral device 17 includes a current, a voltage, an operation command, an operation time, and the like.

  The amount of heat generated by the fan motor 14 and the peripheral device 17 depends on operating conditions (for example, current, voltage, and operating time). Further, the temperature of the fan motor 14 is affected by the temperature of the peripheral device 17. Therefore, the temperature estimating unit 3 can estimate the temperature of the fan motor 14 based on the operation information of the fan motor 14 and the operation information of the peripheral device 17.

  In the present embodiment, the life prediction device 1 is provided in the numerical control device 11 of the machine tool 10, but the life prediction device 1 may be provided in a control device different from the numerical control device 11. . 7 to 9 show a modification of the installation place of the life estimation device 1.

The life predicting device 1 shown in FIG. 7 is provided in another control device 20 connected to the numerical control device 11. The control device 20 is, for example, a computer or a centralized control panel arranged outside the machine tool 10. The control device 20 may be a control device such as a microcomputer installed inside the machine tool 10. The life prediction device 1 acquires temperature-related information and operation information from the numerical control device 11. The life prediction device 1 may directly acquire the temperature-related information and the operation information from the temperature sensors 15 and 16, the fan motor 14, the peripheral device 17, and the like without using the numerical controller 11.
According to the modification of FIG. 7, it is not necessary to change the program stored in the storage unit 11B of the numerical control device 11. Therefore, the life prediction device 1 can be easily added to the machine tool 10 already installed in a factory or the like.

The life prediction device 1 in FIG. 8 is provided in one numerical control device 11 of a plurality of machine tools 10A and 10B. The numerical controller 11 is connected to the controller 18 of another machine tool 10B and monitors the other machine tool 10B.
The life prediction device 1 predicts the life of the fan motor 14 provided in the machine tool 10A. Further, the life prediction device 1 acquires temperature-related information and operation information from the control device 18 of another machine tool 10B, and predicts the life of the fan motor 14 provided in the other machine tool 10B. The life expectancy predicting apparatus 1 may obtain temperature-related information and operation information directly from the temperature sensors 15 and 16, the fan motor 14, the peripheral device 17, and the like in another machine tool 10 </ b> B without mediation of the control device 18. Good.

The life prediction device 1 shown in FIG. 9 is provided in a control device 30 communicably connected to numerical control devices 110A and 110B of a plurality of machine tools 10A and 10B. The control device 30 is connected to a plurality of machine tools 10A, 10B via a computer arranged outside the plurality of machine tools 10A, 10B, or a communication network (for example, LAN, WAN, or the Internet). It is a connected server. The control device 30 monitors the plurality of machine tools 10A and 10B. The life prediction device 1 acquires temperature-related information and operation information from the numerical controllers 110A and 110B of the plurality of machine tools 10A and 10B, and obtains the life of the fan motor 14 provided in the plurality of machine tools 10A and 10B. Predict.
According to the modification of FIG. 9, for example, the life of the fan motors 14 in a plurality of machine tools 10A and 10B operating in a factory can be centrally managed by one controller 30.

In the above embodiments and the modifications, the temperature estimating unit 3 may estimate the temperature of the fan motor 14 in further consideration of the arrangement of the fan motor 14 with respect to the cooling object 12.
For example, a user interface is connected to the numerical control device 11 provided with the life estimating device 1, and a user inputs information on the arrangement of the fan motor 14 to the numerical control device 11 using the user interface. The input information is stored in the storage unit 11B. The information acquisition unit 2 acquires information on the arrangement of the fan motor 14 from the storage unit 11B.

  FIG. 10 shows a case where the object to be cooled 12 is arranged on the suction side of the cooling fan 13. In this arrangement, the fan motor 14 is located downstream of the airflow W generated by the cooling fan 13 with respect to the cooling object 12. Therefore, the temperature of the fan motor 14 is easily affected by the temperature of the cooling object 12.

  FIG. 11 shows a case where the object to be cooled 12 is arranged on the blowing side of the cooling fan 13. In this arrangement, the fan motor 14 is located on the upstream side of the airflow W with respect to the object 12 to be cooled. Therefore, although the heat of the cooling object 12 is transmitted to the fan motor 14 to some extent because the fan motor 14 is arranged in the same atmosphere as the cooling object 12, the temperature of the fan motor 14 is lower than that of the arrangement of FIG. In addition, it is hardly affected by the temperature of the cooling object 12.

  The temperature estimating unit 3 is configured such that when the fan motor 14 is disposed on the downstream side with respect to the cooling target 12, compared to when the fan motor 14 is disposed on the upstream side with respect to the cooling target 12. , The temperature of the fan motor 14 is estimated so that the temperature of the fan motor 14 becomes higher. Thereby, the temperature of the fan motor 14 can be more accurately estimated.

In the above embodiments and modifications, the life calculating unit 4 may calculate the remaining life L _rest further considering information on impurities contained in the surrounding environment of the fan motor 14.
FIG. 12 shows an example of the life estimating apparatus 1 further including the impurity sensor 19. The impurities are dust, oil, moisture, and the like contained in the air around the fan motor 14. The impurity sensor 19 is a hygrometer, a particle counter, an odor sensor, or the like. The impurity sensor 19 is installed around the fan motor 14 and measures the amount or number of impurities per unit volume contained in the environment around the fan motor 14. The information acquisition unit 2 acquires a measured value of an impurity from the impurity sensor 19.

When the influence of the temperature of the fan motor 14 and the influence of the impurities on the remaining life L _rest are independent of each other (there is no correlation), the life calculating unit 4 calculates the remaining life from the following prediction formula (1 ′), for example. The life L _rest is calculated. In the prediction equation _{(1 '), L Ck (} t k) , the fan motor 14, under certain impurities conditions Ck, during time _{t k,} a calculation formula for obtaining the amount of decrease in lifetime due to the operation. Like L _R2 (T ₂ , t ₂ ), L _Ck (t _k ) is acquired experimentally, for example, and stored in the storage unit 11B in advance.

When the influence of the temperature of the fan motor 14 and the influence of the impurities on the remaining life L _rest are mutually dependent (there is a correlation), the life calculation unit 4 calculates the remaining life from the following prediction formula (1 ″), for example. calculating the L _rest. predicted formula _{(1 "), L Ck (} T j, t k) , the fan motor 14, in particular impurities conditions Ck and under temperature _{T j,} during the time _{t k,} and operation This is a calculation formula for calculating the amount of reduction in the life due to this. Like L _R2 (T ₂ , t ₂ ), L _Ck (T _j , t _k ) is, for example, experimentally acquired and stored in the storage unit 11B in advance.

Cutting oil and cutting powder adhere and gradually accumulate on the fan motor 14 that continues to operate in the machine tool 10. When using the cleaning liquid in the machine tool 10, the fan motor 14 continues to be exposed to high humidity. Such an impurity in the environment causes a reduction in the life of the fan motor 14. Therefore, the remaining life L _rest of the fan motor 14 can be more accurately predicted by further considering the impurity information.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Life prediction apparatus 2 Information acquisition part 3 Temperature estimation part 4 Life calculation part 10, 10A, 10B Machine tool 11, 110A, 110B Numerical control device 12 Cooling object 13 Cooling fan 14 Fan motor 15, 16 Temperature sensor 17 Peripheral equipment 19 impurity sensor 18,20,30 controller _{R 1, R 2, R 3} , R 4, R 5 temperature zones

Claims (14)

Information acquisition step of acquiring the temperature or temperature-related information of the fan motor over time during operation of the fan motor, wherein the temperature-related information includes a parameter that affects the temperature of the fan motor;
A temperature estimating step of estimating the temperature of the fan motor based on the temperature-related information acquired in the information acquiring step;
Based on the temperature of the fan motor obtained in the information obtaining step or the temperature of the fan motor estimated in the temperature estimating step, a life calculating step of calculating the life of the fan motor,
In the life calculating step, the temperature of the fan motor is classified into a plurality of temperature zones, the operating time of the fan motor in each of the plurality of temperature bands is calculated, and the life of the fan motor is calculated based on the operating time. A method for estimating the life of a fan motor that calculates The plurality of temperature zones include a first temperature zone, a second temperature zone, and a third temperature zone,
The first temperature zone is a standard temperature range suitable for use of the fan motor;
The second temperature zone is a temperature range in which the life of the fan motor is extended as compared with a case where the fan motor is used in the first temperature zone,
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the third temperature zone is a temperature range in which the life of the fan motor is reduced as compared with a case where the fan motor is used in the first temperature zone. 3.   The life of the fan motor according to claim 2, wherein the second temperature zone is a temperature range in which the lubrication performance of the lubricant of the fan motor is higher than the lubrication performance of the lubricant in the first temperature zone. Forecasting method. The third temperature zone includes at least one of a high temperature zone higher than the first temperature zone and a low temperature zone lower than the first temperature zone,
The high temperature zone includes a first high temperature zone and a second high temperature zone that is a temperature range higher than the first high temperature zone,
The first high temperature zone is a temperature range in which the lubrication performance of the lubricant in the fan motor is lower than the lubrication performance of the lubricant in the first temperature zone due to a decrease in the viscosity of the lubricant of the fan motor,
The method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the second high temperature zone is a temperature range in which the lubricant deteriorates due to a high temperature.   The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the temperature-related information includes at least one of a temperature of an object to be cooled and a temperature around the fan motor as the parameter.   The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the temperature-related information includes, as the parameter, operation information of an object to be cooled.   The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the temperature-related information includes operation information of the fan motor as the parameter.   The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the temperature-related information further includes information on an arrangement of the fan motor with respect to an object to be cooled.   9. The service life calculating step according to claim 1, wherein the service life is calculated from a prediction formula using the operating time in each of the plurality of temperature zones as a variable, and the prediction formula is optimized by machine learning. The method for estimating the life of a fan motor according to any one of the above. In the information obtaining step, information on impurities contained in the surrounding environment of the fan motor is obtained over time,
The method for estimating the life of a fan motor according to claim 1, wherein in the life calculating step, the life of the fan motor is calculated based on the information on the impurities. An information acquisition unit that acquires the temperature or temperature-related information of the fan motor over time during operation of the fan motor, and the temperature-related information includes a parameter that affects the temperature of the fan motor.
A temperature estimating unit that estimates the temperature of the fan motor based on the temperature-related information acquired by the information acquiring unit;
A life calculating unit that calculates a life of the fan motor based on the temperature of the fan motor obtained by the information obtaining unit or the temperature of the fan motor estimated by the temperature estimating unit;
The life calculation unit classifies the temperature of the fan motor into a plurality of temperature zones, calculates an operation time of the fan motor in each of the plurality of temperature bands, and calculates a life of the fan motor based on the operation time. Life prediction device for fan motor that calculates The fan motor is provided on a machine tool,
The fan motor life prediction device according to claim 11, wherein the information acquisition unit, the temperature estimation unit, and the life calculation unit are provided in a numerical control device of the machine tool. The fan motor is provided on a machine tool,
The fan motor life prediction device according to claim 11, wherein the information acquisition unit, the temperature estimation unit, and the life calculation unit are provided in a control device different from a numerical control device of the machine tool.   The fan motor life predicting device according to claim 13, wherein the control device is communicably connected to each of the plurality of machine tools and manages the plurality of machine tools.

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