Method for calculating evaporation amount of lubricant, calculation device, and program

Abstract

A method for calculating the amount of evaporation of a lubricant inside a mechanical device to the outside, the method comprising: a calculation step for calculating the amount of evaporation of the lubricant using a calculation formula defined by parameters including a container shape parameter, a physical property parameter of the lubricant, an environmental parameter around the lubricant, and a time parameter, the container shape parameter is specified by modeling a structure in the mechanical device into a container for accommodating the lubricant; and an output step for outputting the evaporation amount calculated in the calculation step.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a method of calculating an evaporation amount of a lubricant, a calculation device, and a program. BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventionally, in mechanical devices such as bearing devices and sliding devices, a lubricant is used for the purpose of reducing friction and the like during operation. The amount of the lubricant in the mechanical device can vary depending on the device structure, the passage of time, and the like. In the case where the amount of the lubricant has changed, the operation of the mechanical device can be affected, and therefore it is important to manage the amount of the lubricant in the mechanical device in order to cause the mechanical device to operate properly.

[0003] For example, in Patent Literature 1, a structure is disclosed in which, in an open-type rolling bearing, an oil plating is provided to prevent the intrusion of lubricating oil into a bearing space. According to such a structure, in Patent Literature 1, the variation in the amount of the lubricant in the bearing space is suppressed, the lubrication state of the bearing space is maintained, and the variation in torque is suppressed.

[0004] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0005] PATENT LITERATURE

[0006] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-107588 SUMMARY

[0007] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0008] The present application relates to a method of calculating an evaporation amount of a lubricant, a calculation device, and a program.

[0009] In view of the above-described problems, it is an object of the present application to provide a method of calculating an evaporation amount of a lubricant in a mechanical device.

[0010] MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0011] To solve the above-described problems, the present application has the following structure. That is, a calculation method is a calculation method of an evaporation amount of a lubricant in a mechanical device to the outside, the calculation method having:

[0012] The calculation steps involve using a formula defined by parameters including container shape parameters, physical property parameters of the lubricant, environmental parameters surrounding the lubricant, and time to calculate the evaporation rate of the lubricant. The container shape parameters are defined by modeling the structure within the mechanical device as a container holding the lubricant.

[0013] The output step outputs the evaporation amount calculated in the calculation step.

[0014] Furthermore, another aspect of the present invention has the following structure: a calculation device for calculating the amount of lubricant evaporating from within a mechanical device to the outside, the calculation device comprising:

[0015] The calculation unit calculates the evaporation rate of the lubricant using a formula that includes parameters such as container shape parameters, physical property parameters of the lubricant, environmental parameters surrounding the lubricant, and time. The container shape parameters are defined by modeling the structure within the mechanical device as a container holding the lubricant.

[0016] The output unit outputs the evaporation amount calculated in the calculation unit.

[0017] Alternatively, another aspect of the present invention has the following structure: a program that causes a computer to perform the following steps:

[0018] The calculation steps involve using a formula defined by parameters including container shape parameters, physical property parameters of the lubricant, environmental parameters surrounding the lubricant, and time, to calculate the amount of lubricant evaporating to the outside. The container shape parameters are defined by modeling the internal structure of the mechanical device as a container holding the lubricant.

[0019] The output step outputs the evaporation amount calculated in the calculation step.

[0020] Invention Effects

[0021] According to the present invention, it is possible to calculate the amount of lubricant evaporated within a mechanical device. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a conceptual diagram used to illustrate the variation in the amount of lubricant according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the measurement results of a lubricant according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 3 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the measurement results of a lubricant according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram used to illustrate the application of the calculation method of an embodiment of the present invention to a rolling bearing.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a model diagram used to illustrate the application of the calculation method of one embodiment of the present invention to a rolling bearing.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a model diagram used to illustrate the application of the calculation method of one embodiment of the present invention to a rolling bearing.

[0028] Figure 7 This is a graph illustrating an example of the measurement results of the variation of a rolling bearing based on a calculation method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 8 This is a block diagram illustrating a structural example of an information processing apparatus capable of executing a computational method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments described below are for illustrating one embodiment of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, all structures described in each embodiment are not necessarily essential for solving the technical problem of the present invention. Additionally, in the accompanying drawings, the same structural elements are indicated by the same reference numerals.

[0031] <First Embodiment>

[0032] The first embodiment of the present invention will now be described. It should be noted that, in this embodiment, a rolling bearing is used as an example of a mechanical device that contains lubricant and is used for operation. However, the invention is not limited to this; as will be described later, any device that has a path for lubricant evaporation and outflow to the outside can be used.

[0033] In the case of rolling bearings, an open structure is envisioned, forming a path to the external space around the lubricant. Examples of rolling bearing types include deep groove ball bearings, angular contact ball bearings, tapered roller bearings, cylindrical roller bearings, and self-aligning roller bearings. Other mechanical devices utilizing lubricants include gear mechanisms, speed reduction devices, rotating devices such as windmills, sliding devices that perform sliding actions, and motors; the present invention can also be applied to these devices.

[0034] [Changes in the amount of lubricant]

[0035] Figure 1This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the change in the amount of lubricant in the mechanical device of this embodiment. The lubricant in this embodiment is designed to evaporate over time. Furthermore, the lubricant is designed to be contained within a container of a predetermined shape. Figure 1 In the example, a cylindrical container is used as an illustration.

[0036] exist Figure 1 In the diagram, the vertical axis represents the height of the lubricant level, with the bottom of the container as the reference. Furthermore, the lubricant level at the initial time (t=0) is set as z0, and the lubricant level after time t is set as z... t Additionally, using z out This represents the height of the opening of the container holding the lubricant. That is, the lubricant evaporates over time and flows out from the opening of the container. As a result, after time t, the liquid level changes from z0 to z... t change.

[0037] Figure 1 The relationship between the liquid level and time can be expressed by the following equation (1).

[0038] [Mathematical Formula 1]

[0039]

[0040] M: Molecular weight of the lubricant [g / mol]

[0041] D: Diffusion coefficient [m] 2 / s]

[0042] ρ: Density of the lubricant [g / m³] 3 ]

[0043] R: Gas constant [J·K] -1 mol -1 ]

[0044] T: Temperature [K]

[0045] P vap : Saturated vapor pressure at temperature T [Pa]

[0046] t: time [s]

[0047] z t : Liquid level height at time t [m]

[0048] z0: Liquid level at the initial time [m]

[0049] z: Liquid level height at any time [m] (z t <z<z0)

[0050] z out Height of the container opening [m]

[0051] S(z): Cross-sectional area of ​​the container at point z [m] 2 ]

[0052] In addition, the relationship between the amount of lubricant evaporation and time can be expressed by the following equation (2).

[0053] [Mathematical Formula 2]

[0054]

[0055] w: Evaporation rate [g]

[0056] ρ: Density of the lubricant [g / m³] 3 ]

[0057] z t : Liquid level height at time t [m]

[0058] z0: Liquid level at the initial time [m]

[0059] z: Liquid level height at any time [m] (z t <z<z0)

[0060] S(z): Cross-sectional area of ​​the container at point z [m] 2 ]

[0061] The changes in liquid level and the amount of evaporation are predicted using equations (1) and (2). It should be noted that in this embodiment, the vaporization of lubricant flowing out of the container is referred to as "evaporation". On the other hand, even if the lubricant is in a vaporized state, it is treated as unevaporated if it remains in the container.

[0062] Furthermore, when the amount of lubricant evaporation is small, that is, when the drop in the lubricant level is negligible, i.e., under the conditions shown in the following formula (3), formulas (1) and (2) can be combined into the following formula (4).

[0063] [Mathematical Formula 3]

[0064]

[0065] [Mathematical Formula 4]

[0066]

[0067] w: Evaporation rate [g]

[0068] z out Height of the container opening [m]

[0069] z0: Liquid level at the initial time [m]

[0070] M: Molecular weight of the lubricant [g / mol]

[0071] D: Diffusion coefficient [m] 2 / s]

[0072] R: Gas constant [J·K] -1 mol -1 ]

[0073] T: Temperature [K]

[0074] P vap : Saturated vapor pressure at temperature T [Pa]

[0075] t: time [s]

[0076] z: Liquid level height at any time [m] (z t <z<z0)

[0077] S(z): Cross-sectional area of ​​the container at point z [m] 2 ]

[0078] In Equation (4), we focus on three parts. First, in Equation (4), the following part is a parameter related to the shape of the container holding the lubricant (hereinafter referred to as the "container shape parameter").

[0079] [Mathematical Formula 5]

[0080]

[0081] Additionally, in equation (4), “MDP” vap The part “RT” is a parameter related to the physical properties of the lubricant vapor (hereinafter referred to as “physical property parameter”). And in Equation (4), the part “RT” is a parameter related to the environment surrounding the lubricant (hereinafter referred to as “environmental parameter”).

[0082] That is, in equation (4), the amount of lubricant evaporation can be calculated by determining the dimensions of the container holding the lubricant and the physical properties of the lubricant, which are predetermined in advance. In this embodiment, equations (1) and (2) are referred to as "approximation-free equations", and equation (4) is referred to as "approximation equations", and the measurement results of each are explained. It should be noted that the non-approximation equation and the approximation equation also include parameters representing time, and more specifically, parameters representing the time elapsed since the reference.

[0083] It should be noted that, in the absence of an approximation, the right side of equation (1) represents the container shape parameter, and the left side represents the physical property parameter and the environmental parameter.

[0084] Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 This diagram illustrates the comparison between calculated and measured values ​​of the method described in this embodiment, using two container shapes as examples. Hexane is used as the lubricant, and the test temperature is set to 25°C.

[0085] Figure 2 (a) shows an example of the shape of a container holding lubricant. Figure 2 In the example of the container shown in (a), the main body is cylindrical, and the opening is cylindrical with a radius smaller than that of the main body. The radius of the main body is r1, and the radius of the opening is r0 (< r1). Furthermore, the height of the main body is L1, and the height to the top of the container is L0 (> L1). Therefore, the length of the opening in the height direction is L0 - L1. Additionally, a lubricant is contained inside the container, and the initial lubricant level is z0 (< L1). For simplicity, the thickness of the container is ignored here.

[0086] Figure 2 (b) is based on Figure 2 (a) shows a graph illustrating an example of calculated and measured values ​​based on the method of this embodiment. Figure 2 In (b), the vertical axis represents evaporation [g], and the horizontal axis represents time [h]. Data point (plot) 201 represents the measured value. Dashed line 202 represents the calculated value based on the above equation (3). Solid line 203 represents the calculated value based on the above equations (1) and (2).

[0087] like Figure 2 As shown, according to the method of this embodiment, the amount of evaporation over time can be calculated with high accuracy for measured values.

[0088] Figure 3 (a) shows another example of the shape of a container holding lubricant. Figure 3 In the example of the container shown in (a), the main body, such as a triangular flask, has a conical shape that tapers towards the opening, while the opening, in contrast, has a conical shape that widens towards the top. The radius of the container's base is r2, the radius of the portion connecting the main body and the opening is r1 (< r2), and the radius of the container's opening is r0 (> r1). Furthermore, the height of the main body is L1, and the height to the top of the container is L0 (> L1). Therefore, the length of the opening in the height direction is L0 - L1. Additionally, a lubricant is contained within the container, and the initial lubricant level is z0 (< L1). For simplicity, the thickness of the container is ignored here.

[0089] Figure 3 (b) is based on Figure 3(a) shows a graph illustrating an example of calculated and measured values ​​based on the method of this embodiment. Figure 3 In (b), the vertical axis represents the evaporation rate [g], and the horizontal axis represents the time [h]. Data point 301 represents the measured value. Dashed line 302 represents the calculated value based on the above equation (3). Solid line 303 represents the calculated value based on the above equations (1) and (2).

[0090] and Figure 2 Similarly, the method of this embodiment can be applied even when the shape of the container changes, and the amount of evaporation over time can be calculated with high accuracy for the measured values.

[0091] [Examples of applications to mechanical devices]

[0092] An example of applying the above calculation method to a mechanical device will be explained. Here, a rolling bearing will be used as an example of the mechanical device to be predicted.

[0093] Figure 4 This is a conceptual diagram of a rolling bearing used to calculate the evaporation rate of the lubricant in this embodiment. (As shown...) Figure 4 As shown in (a), the rolling bearing 400 is configured to include an outer ring 401, an inner ring 402, rolling elements 403, a retainer 404, a seal 405, and lubricant 406. Lubricant 406 is filled to reduce friction between the outer ring 401 and the rolling elements 403, and between the inner ring 402 and the rolling elements 403, and to provide lubrication. Furthermore, the seal 405 is configured to prevent debris and other impurities from entering the interior of the rolling bearing 400. A gap is provided between the seal 405 and the inner ring 402 for its rotational operation, through which the lubricant 406 can flow to the outside, i.e., it can evaporate.

[0094] It should be noted that in this embodiment, an example is shown where the inner ring 402 is a rotating wheel and the outer ring 401 is a fixed wheel, but the opposite structure is also possible. Alternatively, the seal 405 may be provided on the inner ring 402 side, with a gap provided between the outer ring 401 and the seal 405.

[0095] Figure 4 (b) is a diagram illustrating a model of the container holding the lubricant 406 in the rolling bearing 400. In this embodiment, as shown by frame 410, the portion within the rolling bearing 400 surrounded by the outer ring 401, the inner ring 402, and the seal 405 is conceived as the main body of the container. Furthermore, as shown by frame 411, the gap formed between the inner ring 402 and the seal 405 is conceived as the opening of the container. Figure 4In the simplified representation, the area of ​​the gap formed between the inner ring 402 and the seal 405 is equivalent to the area of ​​the uppermost part of the container opening.

[0096] Figure 5 This is an enlarged representation of a portion of the inner ring 402 and seal 405 in a rolling bearing 400. Here, an example of a single-row deep groove ball bearing (model: 608) is shown. Figure 5 As indicated by the arrow in (a), a flow path (opening) for lubricant is formed in the gap between the inner ring 402 and the seal 405, through which the lubricant flows out to the outside. Figure 5 (b) is based on Figure 4 (a) Figure 5 (a) is a diagram derived from modeling the shape of the container. This example is similar to... Figure 2 Same as shown in (a).

[0097] Figure 6 This is another example, enlarged view of a portion of the inner ring 402 and seal 405 in the rolling bearing 400. Here, an example of a single-row deep groove ball bearing (model: 6203) is shown. The shape of the flow path (opening) formed between the inner ring 402 and the seal 405 is similar to... Figure 5 The examples are different. Figure 6 (b) is based on Figure 4 (a) Figure 6 (a) is a diagram derived by modeling the shape of the container. The shape of the opening differs from... Figure 5 The model is modeled in a way that corresponds to the changes in the radius and length of the flow path, setting the radius r0, r1, r2 and the length L0, L1, L2.

[0098] Modeling means that the shape parameters of the container can be specified based on the structure of the mechanical device of the object being predicted.

[0099] [Example of test results]

[0100] Figure 7 Based on Figure 5 and Figure 6 The model of the rolling bearing shown is used to illustrate the graphs of calculation results and measured values ​​based on the method of this embodiment. Figure 7 In the figure, the vertical axis represents the evaporation rate (the ratio of evaporation to the initial total amount of lubricant), and the horizontal axis represents time [h]. In this example, the calculation results without approximation based on the above equations (1) and (2) are shown.

[0101] The test conditions were as follows. In this example, an organic solvent was used as a lubricant to ignore changes in physical properties caused by oxidation. Additionally, the rolling bearings used in the test were set to a stationary state.

[0102] (Physical properties of organic solvents)

[0103] Organic solvent: hexane

[0104] Molecular weight: 86.18 [g / mol]

[0105] Saturated vapor pressure (21℃): 1.7×10 4 [Pa]

[0106] Saturated vapor pressure (25℃): 2.0 × 10⁻⁶ 4 [Pa]

[0107] Collision diameter: 0.53 nm

[0108] (Test environment and physical properties)

[0109] Environment: Air

[0110] Molecular weight: 28.96 [g / mol]

[0111] Collision diameter: 0.3617 nm

[0112] Atmospheric pressure: 1.01325 × 10⁻⁶ 5 [Pa]

[0113] Temperature: Room temperature [°C]

[0114] Figure 7 (a) corresponds to Figure 5 An example of a single-row deep groove ball bearing (model: 608) is shown. Here, the results are shown with a room temperature of 21 [°C]. Solid line 701 shows the calculation results based on the method of this embodiment. Data point 702 shows the measured value of evaporation. Additionally, Figure 7 (b) corresponds to Figure 6 An example of a single-row deep groove ball bearing (model: 6203) is shown. Here, an example with a room temperature of 25°C is shown. Solid line 711 shows the calculation results based on the method of this embodiment. Data point 712 shows the measured value of evaporation.

[0115] like Figure 7 As shown, it can predict the amount of lubricant evaporation with high accuracy.

[0116] The method of this embodiment can measure the evaporation rate of a lubricant contained in a manufactured mechanical device. As another application, it can also be used in the design of mechanical devices to predict the evaporation rate in order to meet the conditions for a target evaporation rate. Therefore, the method of this embodiment is not particularly limited in terms of the type of device used or the timing of its application.

[0117] Whether to use equations (1) and (2) as non-approximation forms or equation (4) as approximation forms can be switched based on the conditions under which the calculation is performed. For example, when higher accuracy is required, non-approximation forms can be used.

[0118] According to equation (4) above, the reciprocal of the integral of the cross-sectional area of ​​the path is used in the container shape parameters. Therefore, if the path becomes narrower, the parameter becomes larger, and the effect of a narrower path is greater. For example, in the design of mechanical devices, if the goal is to reduce the evaporation of lubricant, the gap between the seal and the inner ring can be designed in a way that the flow path of the lubricant becomes narrower, that is, in a way that the container shape parameters become larger.

[0119] [Device Structure]

[0120] Figure 8 This diagram illustrates a structural example of an information processing apparatus capable of measuring or predicting the evaporation of lubricant in a mechanical device using the method of this embodiment. The information processing apparatus 800 is configured to include a processing unit 801, a storage unit 802, an external interface (IF) 803, a display unit 804, an operation unit 805, and a communication unit 806. The information processing apparatus 800 can be configured as either a general-purpose information processing device such as a PC (Personal Computer) or a dedicated device.

[0121] The processing unit 801 may be composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Microprocessor), DSP (Digital Single Processor), or dedicated circuitry. The storage unit 802 is composed of volatile and non-volatile storage media such as HDD (Hard Disk Drive), ROM (Read Only Memory), and RAM (Random Access Memory), and can perform various information input and output according to instructions from the processing unit 801. The processing unit 801 can implement the aforementioned calculation method by reading and executing the program, application program, and various data of the calculation method of this embodiment from the storage unit 802.

[0122] In the storage unit 802, for example, the calculation formulas shown in equations (1), (2), and (4) above are maintained, along with various parameters of the mechanical device that are the object of measurement. More specifically, container shape parameters, physical property parameters, environmental parameters, etc., are maintained.

[0123] External IF803 is an interface for connecting to external devices. For example, when using the method of this embodiment for measurement, it can be connected to sensors for measuring information such as temperature and atmospheric pressure in the surrounding environment of the object being measured. Display unit 804 is a unit for outputting the results obtained by the method of this embodiment, and outputs them to the user according to the instructions from processing unit 801. Operation unit 805 is a unit for accepting parameter input and various instruction input from the user. Communication unit 806 is a network interface for communicating with external devices, and can be configured to output the results obtained by the method of this embodiment to the outside.

[0124] For example, in this embodiment, as described above, both approximation-free and approximation formulas can be used. Therefore, the user can also input a switching instruction via the operation unit 805 to enable calculations using any of these formulas. Alternatively, it can be configured to receive multiple modeled dimensional information about the mechanical device of the object being measured and the area around the lubricant via the operation unit 805 and the communication unit 806.

[0125] Based on the structure of this embodiment, a method for calculating the evaporation amount of lubricant within a mechanical device can be provided.

[0126] <Other Implementation Methods>

[0127] In addition, in this invention, it can also be achieved by using a network or storage medium to provide a program or application for implementing the functions of one or more of the above embodiments to a system or device, and one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read out the program and execute it.

[0128] Alternatively, it can be implemented using circuits that perform more than one function (e.g., ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array)).

[0129] Thus, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Those skilled in the art can combine the various structures of the embodiments with each other, make changes based on the description in the specification and known technologies, and apply them as part of the intended content of the present invention, which is included within the scope of protection.

[0130] As stated above, the following matters are disclosed in this specification.

[0131] (1) A calculation method for calculating the amount of lubricant evaporating from a mechanical device to the outside, the calculation method having:

[0132] The calculation steps involve using a formula defined by parameters including container shape parameters, physical property parameters of the lubricant, environmental parameters surrounding the lubricant, and time to calculate the evaporation rate of the lubricant. The container shape parameters are defined by modeling the structure within the mechanical device as a container holding the lubricant.

[0133] The output step outputs the evaporation amount calculated in the calculation step.

[0134] Based on this structure, a method for calculating the amount of lubricant evaporation within a mechanical device can be provided.

[0135] (2) The calculation method as described in (1), wherein,

[0136] The calculation formula is defined by the following formula.

[0137] [Mathematical Formula 6]

[0138]

[0139] w: Evaporation mass [g]

[0140] M: Molecular weight of the lubricant [g / mol]

[0141] D: Diffusion coefficient [m] 2 / s]

[0142] ρ: Density of the lubricant [g / m³] 3 ]

[0143] R: Gas constant [J·K] -1 mol -1 ]

[0144] T: Temperature [K]

[0145] P vap : Saturated vapor pressure at temperature T [Pa]

[0146] t: time [s]

[0147] z t : Liquid level height at time t [m]

[0148] z0: Liquid level at the initial time [m]

[0149] z: Liquid level height at any time [m] (z t <z<z0)

[0150] z out Height of the container opening [m]

[0151] S(z): Cross-sectional area of ​​the container at point z [m] 2 ]

[0152] Based on this structure, the amount of lubricant evaporation within a mechanical device can be calculated with greater precision.

[0153] (3) The calculation method as described in (1), wherein,

[0154] The calculation formula is defined by the following formula.

[0155] [Mathematical Expression 7]

[0156]

[0157] w: Evaporation mass [g]

[0158] z out Height of the container opening [m]

[0159] z0: Liquid level at the initial time [m]

[0160] M: Molecular weight of the lubricant [g / mol]

[0161] D: Diffusion coefficient [m] 2 / s]

[0162] R: Gas constant [J·K] -1 mol -1 ]

[0163] T: Temperature [K]

[0164] P vap : Saturated vapor pressure at temperature T [Pa]

[0165] t: time [s]

[0166] z: Liquid level height at any given time [m]

[0167] S(z): Cross-sectional area of ​​the container at point z [m] 2 ]

[0168] Based on this structure, the amount of lubricant evaporation within a mechanical device can be calculated using a simpler formula.

[0169] (4) The calculation method as described in any one of (1) to (3), wherein,

[0170] The evaporation rate of the lubricant is the amount that flows out of the container.

[0171] Based on this structure, the amount of evaporation can be calculated by taking into account the lubricant that vaporizes and remains in the device.

[0172] (5) The calculation method as described in any one of (1) to (4), wherein,

[0173] The mechanical device is any one of a rolling bearing, a rotating device, and a sliding device.

[0174] Based on this structure, the evaporation rate can be calculated for various mechanical devices that use lubricants.

[0175] (6) A method for designing a mechanical device, which is a method for designing a mechanical device using any one of (1) to (5), the method comprising:

[0176] The acceptance step involves accepting the specification of container shape parameters, which are defined by modeling the structure within the mechanical device as a container for holding the lubricant.

[0177] Based on this structure, the amount of lubricant evaporation can be taken into account during the design phase of the mechanical device.

[0178] (7) A method for measuring the evaporation amount of a lubricant, wherein the method is a method for measuring the evaporation amount of a lubricant in a mechanical device using the calculation method described in any one of (1) to (5), the method comprising:

[0179] The acquisition step involves acquiring environmental parameters surrounding the lubricant in the mechanical device, physical property parameters of the lubricant, and time parameters.

[0180] According to this structure, the amount of lubricant evaporation inside an existing mechanical device can be measured without actual measurement.

[0181] (8) A calculating device for calculating the amount of lubricant evaporating from a mechanical device to the outside, the calculating device having:

[0182] The calculation unit calculates the evaporation rate of the lubricant using a formula that includes parameters such as container shape parameters, physical property parameters of the lubricant, environmental parameters surrounding the lubricant, and time. The container shape parameters are defined by modeling the structure within the mechanical device as a container holding the lubricant.

[0183] The output unit outputs the evaporation amount calculated in the calculation unit.

[0184] Based on this structure, a device can be provided for calculating the amount of lubricant evaporation within a mechanical device.

[0185] (9) A program that causes a computer to perform the following steps:

[0186] The calculation steps involve using a formula defined by parameters including container shape parameters, physical property parameters of the lubricant, environmental parameters surrounding the lubricant, and time, to calculate the amount of lubricant evaporating to the outside. The container shape parameters are defined by modeling the internal structure of the mechanical device as a container holding the lubricant.

[0187] The output step outputs the evaporation amount calculated in the calculation step.

[0188] This structure enables the calculation of the amount of lubricant evaporating within a mechanical device.

[0189] Various embodiments have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is certainly not limited to the examples described. Those skilled in the art will readily conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims, and these should also be understood to fall within the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the constituent elements of the above embodiments can be combined arbitrarily without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0190] It should be noted that this application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-088047, filed on May 29, 2023, the contents of which are referenced in this application.

[0191] Industrial availability

[0192] This invention has the effect of calculating the amount of lubricant evaporation in mechanical devices. For example, it can be used in mechanical devices such as rolling bearings, rotating devices, sliding devices, and motors, especially in devices with a path for lubricant evaporation and outward flow, for calculating and measuring the amount of lubricant evaporation, and for designing mechanical devices.

[0193] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0194] 400 Rolling bearing; 401 Outer ring; 402 Inner ring; 403 Rolling element; 404 Retainer; 405 Seal; 406 Lubricant; 800 Information processing device; 801 Processing unit; 802 Storage unit; 803 External IF; 804 Display unit; 805 Operation unit; 806 Communication unit.

Claims

1. A calculation method for calculating the amount of lubricant evaporating from a mechanical device to the outside, the calculation method having: The calculation steps involve using a formula defined by parameters including container shape parameters, physical property parameters of the lubricant, environmental parameters surrounding the lubricant, and time to calculate the evaporation rate of the lubricant. The container shape parameters are defined by modeling the structure within the mechanical device as a container holding the lubricant. The output step outputs the evaporation amount calculated in the calculation step.

2. The calculation method as described in claim 1, wherein, The calculation formula is defined by the following formula: [Mathematical Formula 1] w: Evaporation mass [g] M: Molecular weight of the lubricant [g / mol] D: Diffusion coefficient [m] 2 / s] ρ: Density of the lubricant [g / m³] 3 ] R: Gas constant [J·K] -1 mol -1 ] T: Temperature [K] P vap : Saturated vapor pressure at temperature T [Pa] t: time [s] z t : Liquid level height at time t [m] z0: Liquid level at the initial time [m] z: Liquid level height at any time [m] (z t <z<z0) z out Height of the container opening [m] S(z): Cross-sectional area of ​​the container at point z [m] 2 ] .

3. The calculation method as described in claim 1, wherein, The calculation formula is defined by the following formula: [Mathematical Formula 2] w: Evaporation mass [g] z out Height of the container opening [m] z0: Liquid level at the initial time [m] M: Molecular weight of the lubricant [g / mol] D: Diffusion coefficient [m] 2 / s] R: Gas constant [J·K] -1 mol -1 ] T: Temperature [K] P vap : Saturated vapor pressure at temperature T [Pa] t: time [s] z: Liquid level height at any given time [m] S(z): Cross-sectional area of ​​the container at point z [m] 2 ] .

4. The calculation method as described in claim 1, wherein, The evaporation rate of the lubricant is the amount that flows out of the container.

5. The calculation method as described in claim 1, wherein, The mechanical device is any one of a rolling bearing, a rotating device, and a sliding device.

6. A method for designing a mechanical device, comprising using the calculation method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the method comprising: The acceptance step involves accepting the specification of container shape parameters, which are defined by modeling the structure within the mechanical device as a container for holding the lubricant.

7. A method for measuring the evaporation amount of a lubricant, wherein the method is a method for measuring the evaporation amount of a lubricant within a mechanical device using the calculation method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the method comprising: The acquisition step involves acquiring environmental parameters surrounding the lubricant in the mechanical device, physical property parameters of the lubricant, and time parameters.

8. A calculating device for calculating the amount of lubricant evaporating from a mechanical device to the outside, the calculating device comprising: The calculation unit calculates the evaporation rate of the lubricant using a formula that includes parameters such as container shape parameters, physical property parameters of the lubricant, environmental parameters surrounding the lubricant, and time. The container shape parameters are defined by modeling the structure within the mechanical device as a container holding the lubricant. The output unit outputs the evaporation amount calculated in the calculation unit.

9. A program that causes a computer to perform the following steps: The calculation steps involve using a formula defined by parameters including container shape parameters, physical property parameters of the lubricant, environmental parameters surrounding the lubricant, and time, to calculate the amount of lubricant evaporating to the outside. The container shape parameters are defined by modeling the internal structure of the mechanical device as a container holding the lubricant. The output step outputs the evaporation amount calculated in the calculation step.

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