Lubricant degradation prediction system

Abstract

This system provides a lubricant degradation prediction system that more accurately predicts the degree of lubricant degradation. [Solution] The lubricating oil degradation prediction system 1 comprises an equipment database 211 that records equipment identification information of equipment using lubricating oil, a recommended oil type and recommended operating time recommended by the equipment manufacturer, an oil database 212 that records oil types and degradation functions for calculating the degradation index of lubricating oil for each oil type, and a processing unit 23. Based on the equipment database 211, the processing unit 23 identifies the recommended oil type A10 and recommended operating time of 1000 hours corresponding to the user equipment identification information M0001, identifies the degradation function FAa10(t) of the recommended oil type A10 based on the oil database 212, and calculates a calibrated degradation function FAa10'(t) by calibrating the degradation function FAa10(t) of the recommended oil type A10 based on the recommended oil type A10, the user-used oil type A11, the recommended operating time of 1000 hours, and the user operating time of 800 hours.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lubricating oil deterioration prediction system.

Background Art

[0002] For industrial machines such as hydraulic pumps and injection molding machines, various types of oils are used to reduce friction between parts. In this specification, the oil used to properly operate such industrial machines is collectively referred to as lubricating oil.

[0003] In this specification, an industrial machine is a mechanical device installed in a factory or workplace. An industrial machine is also a machine that assists or substitutes for difficult or impossible tasks for humans at various industrial sites, including the chemical industry, construction industry, manufacturing factories, and other manufacturing sites. Industrial machines include boilers, prime movers, chemical machines, mining machines, transportation machines, environmental devices, plastic machines, machine tools, industrial robots, wind and hydraulic machines, generators, power transmission devices, and commercial washing machines, and are diverse. For example, as a plastic molding machine, industrial machines include injection molding machines, extrusion molding machines, blow molding machines, compression molding machines, foam molding machines, and vacuum molding machines.

[0004] The lubricating oil used in such industrial machines is also called industrial lubricating oil. Lubricating oils have various types according to their purposes, such as reducing friction between parts of industrial machines, controlling friction, transmitting power, protecting machines, and insulating. Lubricating oils include hydraulic oils, cylinder oils, general-purpose / multi-purpose oils, gear oils, spindle oils, compressor oils, pump oils, turbine oils, refrigeration oils, heat transfer oils, sliding surface oils, bearing oils, electrical insulating oils, and greases. These lubricating oils have various grades depending on the usage environment such as kinematic viscosity and temperature. Thus, the types and properties of lubricating oils also vary depending on the usage purpose and conditions.

[0005] Patent Document 1 discloses a lubricant quality control support system for managing the quality of lubricants whose performance may deteriorate over time, comprising a server, a testing department terminal, and at least one customer service terminal, all connected via a communication line. The customer service terminal receives a test request from a customer and transmits the test request data related to the request to the server for storage. The testing department terminal compares the test sample identification data attached to the test sample sent by the customer with the test request data and contract data with the customer stored on the server, and stores the test result data of the test sample on the server so that the customer service terminal can inquire about it.

[0006] Patent Document 2 discloses a lubricant sales system suitable for selling lubricants by weight. The lubricant sales system includes a sales unit mounted on a transport vehicle equipped with multiple tanks storing multiple types of lubricants, and a main server that is communicatively connected to the sales unit. The sales unit is detachably connected to one of the multiple tanks and has a discharge mechanism that discharges the lubricant from the tank, and is configured to transmit tank identification information of the tank connected to the discharge mechanism and the amount of lubricant discharged from the tank to the main server. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-207104 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-126386 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] Incidentally, the properties of lubricating oil can deteriorate over time depending on the period of use, the operating rate of the machinery used, and the environment. Furthermore, lubricating oil continues to deteriorate even when not in use. Deterioration of lubricating oil can reduce the performance of industrial machinery (reduced productivity, worsening yield, etc.) and can cause production stoppages due to machinery failures. Such serious problems can result in significant economic losses. It is necessary to replace the lubricating oil before serious problems occur, and lubricating oil management is important. Lubricating oil management includes proper lubrication, leakage prevention, and deterioration countermeasures.

[0009] Factors that cause lubricant degradation include, for example, the inclusion of impurities such as water and wear particles, thermal oxidation degradation due to heat and air (oxygen), and the decomposition of lubricant components. As a result, the viscosity of the lubricant changes, sludge is generated, and the lubricant components are consumed, leading to lubricant degradation.

[0010] Proper management of lubricant degradation enables stable operation of industrial machinery, extending its lifespan. Thus, managing lubricant degradation can directly impact the productivity of factories and businesses that install industrial machinery.

[0011] However, managing the degradation of lubricating oil is not easy. Frequently extracting lubricating oil from industrial machinery and analyzing its degradation is costly. Management requires manpower, effort, experience, specialized skills (know-how), and expertise. Choosing the optimal lubricating oil for the industrial machinery is also important. Furthermore, changing lubricating oil is costly. Changing lubricating oil requires manpower and is burdensome. During maintenance such as changing lubricating oil, industrial machinery must be shut down, which can result in economic losses for factories and businesses. Therefore, it is preferable to change lubricating oil as few times and at the lowest possible cost.

[0012] This disclosure aims to provide a lubricant degradation prediction system that more accurately predicts the degree of lubricant degradation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] A lubricant degradation prediction system according to one aspect of this disclosure is: A device database that records device identification information that can identify devices using lubricating oil, the recommended oil type recommended by the manufacturer of the device, and the recommended operating time in association with these information. An oil database that records oil types and a degradation function, recorded for each oil type, which changes based on at least one of the following factors: acid value, viscosity, sludge, metal content, and water content, for calculating the degradation index of the lubricating oil. An acquisition unit that acquires information from the user, A processing unit, and The acquisition unit acquires from the user user device identification information that identifies the user device used by the user, the type of user oil used by the user, and the user operating time. The aforementioned processing unit, Based on the aforementioned device database, the recommended oil type and recommended operating time corresponding to the user device identification information are identified. Based on the aforementioned oil database, the degradation function of the recommended oil type is identified, Based on the recommended oil type and the user-used oil type, and the recommended operating time and the user operating time, a calibrated degradation function is calculated by calibrating the degradation function of the recommended oil type.

[0014] A lubricant degradation prediction system relating to another aspect of this disclosure is: A device database that records device identification information that can identify devices using lubricating oil, the recommended oil type recommended by the manufacturer of the device, and the recommended operating time in association with these information. An oil database that records oil types and a degradation function, recorded for each oil type, which changes based on at least one of the following factors: acid value, viscosity, sludge, metal content, and water content, for calculating the degradation index of the lubricating oil. A usable oil database records the device identification information, usable oil types that are usable with the device and different from the recommended oil type, and usable operating time and usable degradation function recorded for each usable oil type, in association with the above. An acquisition unit that acquires information from the user, A processing unit, and The acquisition unit acquires, from the user, user device identification information for identifying the user device used by the user, the type of oil used by the user, and the user operation time. The processing unit identifies the available oil types, the available operation time, and the available deterioration function corresponding to the user device identification information based on the available oil database. calculates a calibrated available deterioration function obtained by calibrating the available deterioration function based on the difference between the available oil type and the user - used oil type and the difference between the available operation time and the user operation time.

Advantages of the Invention

[0015] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a lubricant deterioration prediction system that more accurately predicts the degree of deterioration of the lubricant.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a lubricant deterioration prediction system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a lubricant deterioration prediction system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the processing executed by the lubricant deterioration prediction system of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an example of an input screen displayed on the display unit of the terminal of FIG. 2. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an example of the device database of FIG. 2. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an example of the oil database of FIG. 2. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a general change over time in the acid value of the lubricant. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the calculated first replacement number and the second replacement number. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an example of a calculation result output screen displayed on the display unit of the terminal. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a block diagram of the lubricating oil degradation prediction system related to a modified example. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a flowchart of the process performed by the lubricant degradation prediction system for modified examples. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is an example of the available oil database shown in Figure 10. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. For the sake of clarity, the descriptions of components having the same reference numerals as those already described in the description of the embodiments will be omitted.

[0018] Figure 1 is an overall configuration diagram of the lubricant degradation prediction system 1 according to this disclosure. As shown in Figure 1, the lubricant degradation prediction system 1 includes a lubricant degradation prediction server 2 connected to factories X, Y, and Z via a network N. The lubricant degradation prediction system 1 further includes at least one device 3 that uses lubricant, installed in each factory, a factory communication unit 4 that is communicatively connected to the lubricant degradation prediction server 2, and at least one terminal 5 that outputs information received from the lubricant degradation prediction server 2. Factories X, Y, and Z are examples of sales destinations.

[0019] This disclosure relates to a system suitably used for so-called subscription sales of lubricants. A lubricant vendor enters into a contract with a user for a predetermined period, such as five years, and during the contract period, replaces the lubricant as needed to maintain its condition. Traditionally, to check the deterioration of the lubricant, the vendor would receive the lubricant being used and analyze its properties. However, this disclosure aims to maintain the condition of the lubricant with the minimum necessary number of replacements by predicting its deterioration. The method and system are described in detail below.

[0020] The lubricant degradation prediction server 2 is operated by the lubricant supplier. The lubricant supplier sells lubricants used in the equipment 3 installed in each factory. The equipment 3 installed in multiple factories is diverse, and the lubricant supplier handles a wide variety of lubricants suitable for each piece of equipment 3. Details of the lubricant degradation prediction server 2 will be described later.

[0021] Device 3 is an industrial machine that uses lubricating oil, and includes, for example, an injection molding machine, a turbine, and a hydraulic pump. In this example, factory X has one injection molding machine 3A as device 3. Factory Y has multiple industrial machines as device 3, including injection molding machines 3A, 3B, and 3C. Factory Z has an injection molding machine 3C and a turbine 3D as device 3. Although the injection molding machine 3A in factory X and the injection molding machine 3A in factory Y are the same industrial machine, they each use different types of lubricating oil. The injection molding machine 3A in factory X and the injection molding machine 3C in factory Z are different industrial machines, and each uses different types of lubricating oil.

[0022] The factory communication unit 4 is configured to communicate with the lubricant degradation prediction server 2 via the network N. A factory communication unit 4 is provided in each of factories X, Y, and Z. As in this example, each factory may have one factory communication unit 4, or multiple factory communication units 4 may be provided.

[0023] Terminal 5 is a device operated by the corresponding factory manager. Terminal 5 may be, for example, a stationary device, or a portable device that can be carried by the user, such as a smartphone or tablet. Terminal 5 is configured to receive information regarding the deterioration state of lubricating oil from the lubricating oil deterioration prediction server 2 via the factory communication unit 4 and to output the received information. As an output format, Terminal 5 displays the information from the lubricating oil deterioration prediction server 2 on the display unit 51 of Terminal 5. The output format of Terminal 5 may also be printing or notification. The factory communication unit 4 and Terminal 5 may be provided as separate and different configurations as in this embodiment, or they may be integrated into a single device.

[0024] (First Embodiment) Next, the configuration of the lubricating oil degradation prediction system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. Figure 2 is a block diagram of the lubricant degradation prediction system 1. In Figure 2, factory X is shown as an example of a sales destination. The configurations of factories Y and Z are the same as those of factory X, so their explanations are omitted.

[0025] As shown in Figure 2, factory X is equipped with an injection molding machine 3A, a factory communication unit 4, and a terminal 5. Terminal 5 has a display unit 51. The display unit 51 of terminal 5 displays the input screen for the lubricant degradation prediction server 2, as well as the prediction results received from the lubricant degradation prediction system 1.

[0026] The lubricant degradation prediction server 2 comprises a recording unit 21, a server communication unit 22, and a processing unit 23. The recording unit 21 includes an equipment database 211 and an oil database 212.

[0027] The device database 211 is configured to record device identification information that can identify devices that use lubricating oil, the recommended oil type recommended by the manufacturer of the device, and the recommended operating time recommended by the manufacturer of the device. For example, the device database 211 records the device identification information of an injection molding machine 3A that uses lubricating oil, the recommended oil type recommended by the manufacturer of the injection molding machine 3A, and the recommended operating time recommended by the manufacturer of the injection molding machine 3A, all in association with each other. Further details of the device database 211 will be described later.

[0028] The oil database 212 is configured to record oil types and degradation functions recorded for each oil type. Details of the oil database 212 and degradation functions will be described later.

[0029] The server communication unit 22 is connected to the factory communication unit 4 of factory X via network N, enabling communication. The server communication unit 22 is configured to acquire information from the user via the factory communication unit 4. Specifically, the server communication unit 22 is configured to acquire user equipment identification information, user oil type used, and user operating time from the user of factory X via network N. The server communication unit 22 is an example of an acquisition unit.

[0030] User equipment identification information is information that identifies the user equipment used by a user. In this example, the user equipment at factory X is injection molding machine 3A, and the user equipment identification information is information that identifies injection molding machine 3A. User oil type is the type of lubricating oil used by the user in the user equipment. User operating time is the amount of time the user equipment is operated per predetermined period, such as operating time per month.

[0031] The server communication unit 22 is further configured to transmit the acquired information to the processing unit 23. In addition, the server communication unit 22 is configured to transmit information about lubricating oil calculated by the lubricating oil degradation prediction server 2 to the factory communication unit 4.

[0032] The processing unit 23 includes a recommendation information identification unit 231, a degradation function identification unit 232, a degradation function calibration unit 233, a replacement count calculation unit 234, and a cost calculation unit 235.

[0033] The recommendation information identification unit 231 is configured to identify the recommended oil type and recommended operating time corresponding to the user device identification information from the user device identification information received by the server communication unit 22, based on the device database 211. As described above, the device database 211 records the device identification information, recommended oil type, and recommended operating time in association with each other, so the processing unit 23 can identify the recommended oil type and recommended operating time corresponding to the received device identification information by referring to the device database 211. The more specific operation of the recommendation information identification unit 231 will be described later.

[0034] The degradation function identification unit 232 is configured to identify the degradation function of the recommended oil type based on the oil database 212. As described above, the oil database 212 records the relationship between oil type and the degradation function of that oil type, so the processing unit 23 can identify the degradation function corresponding to the identified recommended oil type by referring to the oil database 212. The more specific operation of the degradation function identification unit 232 will be described later.

[0035] The degradation function calibration unit 233 is configured to calculate a calibrated degradation function by calibrating the degradation function of the recommended oil type based on the recommended oil type, the user-used oil type, the recommended operating time, and the user's operating time. In other words, the degradation function calibration unit 233 is configured to calibrate the degradation function of the recommended oil type identified by the degradation function identification unit 232, taking into account the recommended oil type and recommended operating time identified by the recommendation information identification unit 231, and the user-used oil type and user operating time received by the server communication unit 22. In this way, the degradation function of the recommended oil type is calibrated, and a calibrated degradation function is calculated.

[0036] The replacement count calculation unit 234 is configured to calculate the number of lubrication oil replacements based on the calibrated degradation function calculated by the degradation function calibration unit 233. In this embodiment, the number of lubrication oil replacements refers to the number of times the lubrication oil needs to be replaced within a predetermined contract period. The replacement count calculation unit 234 calculates a first replacement count by applying the recommended replacement count recommended by the equipment manufacturer based on the calibrated degradation function. In addition, the replacement count calculation unit 234 calculates a second replacement count by applying the user's user replacement count based on the calibrated degradation function.

[0037] The cost calculation unit 235 is configured to calculate costs based on the number of replacements calculated by the replacement count calculation unit 234. The cost is the cost required for the use, management, and maintenance of the lubricant within a predetermined contract period. The cost can vary significantly depending on the number of lubricant replacements during the predetermined contract period. For example, the more times the lubricant is replaced during the predetermined contract period, the higher the cost will be, as the cost of each replacement will be added. The cost calculation unit 235 calculates the first cost when the recommended oil type is used during the contract period, based on the first number of replacements calculated by the replacement count calculation unit 234. Furthermore, the cost calculation unit 235 calculates the second cost when the user's preferred oil type is used during the contract period, based on the second number of replacements calculated by the replacement count calculation unit 234.

[0038] Next, we will explain the processes performed by the lubricant degradation prediction system 1. Figure 3 is a flowchart of the process performed by the lubricant degradation prediction system 1. As shown in Figure 3, first, the user at factory X logs in to begin communication with the lubricant degradation prediction server 2 (step S11). Specifically, the user at factory X enters their username and password into terminal 5 to access the lubricant degradation prediction server 2.

[0039] After logging in, the user enters user information on the input screen 50 of terminal 5. Figure 4 shows an example of the input screen 50 displayed on the display unit 51 of terminal 5. As shown in Figure 4, for example, the user enters M0001 in the user device identification information field 501 as the user device identification information for injection molding machine 3A. The user enters A11 in the user oil type field 502 as the type of lubricating oil used in injection molding machine 3A. Furthermore, the user enters 800 hours in the user operating time field 503 as the operating time of injection molding machine 3A per month. After entering the information, the user presses the confirmation button 504. The entered information is transmitted from the factory communication unit 4 to the server communication unit 22 via the network N. In this way, the lubricating oil degradation prediction server 2 obtains the user information (step S12).

[0040] Upon acquiring user information, the lubricant degradation prediction server 2 identifies recommended information (step S13). Specifically, the recommended information identification unit 231 identifies the recommended oil type and recommended operating time corresponding to the user device identification information M0001 from the acquired user device identification information M0001, based on the device database 211.

[0041] Here, we will explain the details of the device database 211. Figure 5 shows an example of the device database 211. The device database 211 may contain further information, or it may contain only some of the items shown in Figure 5.

[0042] As shown in Figure 5, the device database 211 records device identification information, recommended oil type, and recommended operating time in association with each identification number. Device identification information is information that can identify a device that uses lubricating oil. In this embodiment, the device identification information for injection molding machine 3A is M0001. The recommended oil type is the oil type recommended by the manufacturer of the device that uses lubricating oil. In this embodiment, the recommended oil type is A10, which is the oil type recommended by the manufacturer of injection molding machine 3A. The recommended operating time is the operating time of the device per predetermined period, as recommended by the manufacturer of the device that uses lubricating oil. In this embodiment, the monthly operating time of injection molding machine 3A recommended by the manufacturer of injection molding machine 3A is 1000 hours. The device database 211 records not only the user device identification information M0001 for injection molding machine 3A, but also the device identification information, recommended oil type, and recommended operating time of other devices.

[0043] In this embodiment, the recommendation information identification unit 231 refers to the device database 211 and identifies the recommended oil type A10 and the recommended operating time of 1000 hours from the acquired user device identification information M0001.

[0044] Once the recommended oil type A10 is identified, the lubricating oil degradation prediction server 2 identifies the degradation function for the identified recommended oil type A10 (step S14). Specifically, the degradation function identification unit 232 identifies the degradation function corresponding to the identified recommended oil type A10 based on the oil database 212.

[0045] Here, we will explain the details of oil database 212. Figure 6 shows an example of an oil database 212. The oil database 212 may contain further information, or it may contain only some of the items shown in Figure 6.

[0046] As shown in Figure 6, the oil database 212 records multiple degradation functions for each type of oil. Each of these degradation functions is used to calculate the degradation index of the lubricating oil. More specifically, a degradation function is a function that shows the change over time of a physical quantity that indicates the properties of the lubricating oil. The physical quantity that indicates the properties of the lubricating oil is at least one of the following: acid value, viscosity, sludge, metal content, and water content. For example, in the oil database 212, the degradation functions for lubricating oil of type A01 are recorded as follows: degradation function FAa01 which shows the change over time of the acid value of the lubricating oil; degradation function FAb01 which shows the change over time of the viscosity of the lubricating oil; degradation function FAc01 which shows the change over time of the sludge; degradation function FAd01 which shows the change over time of the metal content; and degradation function FAe01 which shows the change over time of the water content.

[0047] In this embodiment, for the sake of brevity, it is assumed that the degradation function identification unit 232 identifies FAa10, the degradation function of the acid value of the recommended oil type A10, as the degradation function corresponding to the identified recommended oil type A10. However, the degradation index of the lubricating oil may be calculated based on other degradation functions, or it may be calculated based on the average value of the calculation results obtained using multiple degradation functions.

[0048] Next, we will explain the details of the degradation function. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the general change in the acid value of lubricating oil over time. In Figure 7, the timing when the equipment starts using the lubricating oil is defined as the start of use. The acid value of the lubricating oil at the start of use is defined as the initial value. As shown in the solid line graph of Figure 7, as the operating time increases from the start of use, the acid value of the lubricating oil decreases from the initial value due to the consumption of antioxidants and corrosion inhibitors contained in the lubricating oil. As the operating time increases further, the acid value of the lubricating oil increases due to reactions with oxygen in the air, and continues to rise above the initial value. When the acid value of the lubricating oil reaches the replacement threshold, it is time to replace the lubricating oil.

[0049] The degradation function of the acid value of a lubricating oil, which exhibits such changes over time, can be expressed as a functional determined by the operating time t and the severity coefficients s1, s2, and s3. The severity coefficient is a coefficient that indicates the severity per unit time of the equipment in which the lubricating oil is used. For example, the degradation function FAa01 of the acid value of the recommended oil type A10 lubricating oil is expressed as shown in equation (1) below, where t is the operating time and the coefficients a, b, and c are functions of the severity coefficients s1, s2, and s3. (Math 1) FAa10(t)=at 2 *bt+c (1) a = a(s1, s2, s3) b=b(s1, s2, s3) c=c(s1, s2, s3)

[0050] Severity coefficient s1 is a constant determined, for example, by comparing the recommended operating time with the user's operating time. Severity coefficient s2 is a constant determined, for example, by comparing the recommended oil type with the user's oil type. Severity coefficient s3 is a constant determined, for example, by comparing the recommended operating temperature with the user's operating temperature, and in this embodiment, assuming that the equipment is used at the same temperature, severity coefficient s3 is set to zero.

[0051] Returning to Figure 3, we will continue the explanation of the processes performed by the lubricant degradation prediction server 2. When the recommended oil type A10 is identified by the recommended information identification unit 231, the degradation function identification unit 232 identifies the degradation function FAa10(t) of the identified recommended oil type A10 based on the oil database 212 (step S14).

[0052] Once the degradation function FAa10(t) for the recommended oil type A10 is identified, the lubricant degradation prediction server 2 calibrates the degradation function FAa10(t) for the recommended oil type A10 and calculates the calibrated degradation function (step S15). Specifically, the degradation function calibration unit 233 calibrates the degradation function FAa10(t) for the recommended oil type A10 based on the recommended oil type A10 and the user-used oil type A11, as well as the recommended operating time of 1000 hours and the user operating time of 800 hours.

[0053] In this embodiment, the severity coefficient s1 of the identified degradation function FAa10(t) is a constant determined by comparing, for example, a recommended operating time of 1000 hours with a user operating time of 800 hours. The degradation function calibration unit 233 determines the severity coefficient s1 by comparing the recommended operating time of 1000 hours identified by the recommendation information identification unit 231 with the user operating time of 800 hours obtained by the server communication unit 22. Similarly, the degradation function calibration unit 233 determines the severity coefficient s2 by comparing the recommended oil type A10 identified by the recommendation information identification unit 231 with the user-used oil type A11 obtained by the server communication unit 22. In this way, the degradation function calibration unit 233 calculates FAa10'(t) as a calibrated degradation function.

[0054] For example, with respect to the severity coefficient s1, the manufacturer's recommended operating time for injection molding machine 3A is 1000 hours, while the user's operating time is a relatively short 800 hours. Therefore, the deterioration of the lubricating oil progresses relatively slowly, and as shown in the dashed line graph in Figure 7, the slope of the deterioration function graph represented by equation (1) is also relatively gentle.

[0055] For example, the severity coefficient s2 takes into account the ease with which the acid value increases as a property of the lubricating oil. For instance, suppose that the acid value increase of the user-used oil A11 progresses relatively slowly compared to the acid value increase of the manufacturer-recommended oil A10 for injection molding machine 3A. In this case, the deterioration of the lubricating oil progresses relatively slowly, and the slope of the deterioration function graph represented by equation (1) is also relatively gentle, as shown by the dashed line graph in Figure 7.

[0056] Once the calibrated degradation function FAa10'(t) is calculated, the lubricant degradation prediction server 2 calculates the number of replacements based on the calculated calibrated degradation function FAa10'(t) (step S16). Specifically, the replacement count calculation unit 234 calculates the first replacement count, which indicates the number of replacements required within a predetermined contract period, by applying the recommended replacement count recommended by the manufacturer of the injection molding machine 3A based on the calibrated degradation function FAa10'(t). In addition, the replacement count calculation unit 234 calculates the second replacement count, which indicates the number of replacements required within the same contract period, by applying the user's user replacement count based on the calibrated degradation function FAa10'(t). For example, the predetermined contract period is 5 years.

[0057] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the calculated first and second replacement cycles. As shown in Figure 8, during a 5-year contract period, the first replacement cycle when applying the recommended replacement cycle recommended by the manufacturer of injection molding machine 3A is, for example, 3.7 times. On the other hand, during a 5-year contract period, the second replacement cycle when applying the user's own replacement cycle is, for example, 2.8 times.

[0058] Once the number of replacements is calculated, the lubricant degradation prediction server 2 calculates the cost based on the calculated number of replacements (step S17). Specifically, the cost calculation unit 235 calculates the first cost when the recommended oil type A10 is used during the contract period, based on the first number of replacements calculated by the number of replacements calculation unit 234. Furthermore, the cost calculation unit 235 calculates the second cost when the user uses oil type A11 during the contract period, based on the second number of replacements calculated by the number of replacements calculation unit 234.

[0059] Once the first and second costs are calculated, the server communication unit 22 of the lubricant degradation prediction server 2 transmits the calculated first and second replacement cycles, along with the calculated first and second costs, to the factory communication unit 4 of factory X. Furthermore, the processing unit 23 of the lubricant degradation prediction server 2 displays the first replacement cycles and first costs together, as well as the second replacement cycles and second costs together, on the display unit 51 of the terminal 5 of factory X (step S18).

[0060] Figure 9 shows an example of the calculation result output screen 59 displayed on the display unit 51 of terminal 5. As shown in Figure 9, two replacement counts, the first replacement count and the second replacement count, are displayed, along with two costs, the first cost and the second cost. In this way, the user at factory X, the customer, can understand the number of replacements and costs of the lubricant being used by checking the display unit 51 of terminal 5.

[0061] As described above, the lubricating oil degradation prediction system 1 of the first embodiment includes an equipment database 211 that records equipment identification information capable of identifying equipment using lubricating oil, a recommended oil type recommended by the equipment manufacturer, and a recommended operating time in association with the equipment database 212 that records the oil type and a degradation function recorded for each oil type, which changes based on at least one of the acid value, viscosity, sludge, metal content, and moisture content for calculating the degradation index of the lubricating oil, a server communication unit 22 that acquires information from the user, and a processing unit 23. The server communication unit 22 acquires from the user user equipment identification information M0001 that identifies the injection molding machine 3A used by the user, user oil type A11 used by the user, and user operating time of 800 hours. Based on the equipment database 211, the processing unit 23 identifies the recommended oil type A10 and recommended operating time of 1000 hours that correspond to the user equipment identification information M0001. Based on the oil database 212, the processing unit 23 identifies the degradation function FAa10(t) of the recommended oil type A10. The processing unit 23 calculates a calibrated degradation function FAa10'(t) by calibrating the degradation function FAa10(t) of the recommended oil type A10, the user-used oil type A11, the recommended operating time of 1000 hours, and the user operating time of 800 hours.

[0062] With this configuration, the degradation function FAa10(t) corresponding to the recommended oil type A10 recommended by the manufacturer of the injection molding machine 3A can be converted to a calibrated degradation function FAa10'(t) by taking into account the user's oil type A11 and user operating time of 800. Since a calibrated degradation function FAa10'(t) corresponding to the user's actual usage is calculated, the degradation index of the lubricating oil being used can be calculated more accurately.

[0063] Furthermore, the processing unit 23 calculates the number of replacements based on the calibrated degradation function FAa10'(t). Therefore, compared to predicting the number of replacements based on the degradation function FAa10(t) before calibration, it is possible to predict a more accurate number of replacements that corresponds to the actual usage of the user.

[0064] The processing unit 23 calculates the cost based on the calculated number of replacements. The cost required for work that occurs during the contract period can vary greatly depending on the number of times the lubricant is replaced. According to this embodiment, it is possible to predict the number of replacements more accurately, making it easier to estimate the cost. Also, when the contract period is relatively long, such as several years, it is easier to incorporate the costs for the contract period over the long term compared to predicting the cost and making purchasing procedures each time the lubricant is replaced, and the burden on the user is reduced as they do not have to make purchasing procedures each time.

[0065] The processing unit 23 calculates the first replacement cycle by applying the recommended replacement cycle recommended by the manufacturer of the injection molding machine 3A, based on the calibrated degradation function FAa10'(t), and calculates the first cost based on the first replacement cycle. Furthermore, the processing unit 23 calculates the second replacement cycle by applying the user's user replacement cycle based on the calibrated degradation function FAa10'(t), and calculates the second cost based on the second replacement cycle. According to this embodiment, it is easy to compare by calculating two replacement cycles and two costs.

[0066] The lubricant degradation prediction system 1 further includes a display unit 51. The processing unit 23 displays the first replacement cycle and the first cost together on the display unit 51, as well as the second replacement cycle and the second cost together. Since two replacement cycles and two costs are displayed, the user can easily compare and confirm them visually.

[0067] Furthermore, the lubricant degradation prediction system 1 may determine a grade based on the calculated number of replacements and calculate the cost based on the determined grade. For example, the grade is Gold if the number of replacements is less than the first threshold number, Blonde if the number of replacements is more than the second threshold number, and Silver if the number of replacements is between the first and second threshold numbers. If the grade is determined to be Gold based on the number of replacements calculated by the replacement count calculation unit 234, the cost calculation unit 235 may calculate the cost lower or apply a discount compared to the cost if the grade is determined to be any other grade. The discount may be applied for a predetermined period or at the next replacement timing. With this configuration, an incentive can be provided to encourage the user to continue using their preferred type of oil over the long term.

[0068] While embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, it goes without saying that the technical scope of this disclosure should not be interpreted restrictively by the description of these embodiments. These embodiments are merely examples, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications to the embodiments are possible within the scope of the invention described in the claims. The technical scope of this disclosure should be determined based on the scope of the invention described in the claims and the scope of its equivalents.

[0069] (modified version) Next, a modified example of the lubricating oil degradation prediction system 1A will be described with reference to Figures 10 to 12. Figure 10 is a block diagram of the modified lubricating oil degradation prediction system 1A. In the configuration shown in Figure 10, components identical to those in Figure 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0070] As shown in Figure 10, the lubricant degradation prediction server 2A includes an available oil database 213 in addition to the device database 211 and the oil database 212. The available oil database 213 is configured to record device identification information, available oil types that are available for use in the device but are different from the recommended oil type, and the available operating time and available degradation function recorded for each available oil type, in association with each other.

[0071] In this modified version, the above-described lubricant sales system can be applied even if the lubricant supplier does not carry the recommended lubricant type for the user's equipment. Although the recommended lubricant type has a specified manufacturer and characteristic component ratio, there are other lubricants with properties similar to the recommended lubricant type. Therefore, in this modified version, even if the lubricant supplier does not carry the recommended lubricant type itself, a lubricant type with properties similar to the recommended lubricant type is presented to the user as a usable lubricant type.

[0072] The lubricating oil degradation prediction server 2A has an available information identification unit 236. The available information identification unit 236 is configured to identify the usable operating time and degradation function of usable oil types based on the usable oil database 213. As described above, the usable oil database 213 records the usable operating time and usable degradation function associated with each usable oil type, so once a usable oil type is identified, the available information identification unit 236 can identify the usable operating time and usable degradation function corresponding to that usable oil type.

[0073] Figure 11 is a flowchart of the processes performed by the modified lubricant degradation prediction system 1A. In the processes shown in Figure 11, the same reference numerals are used for processes that are the same as those shown in Figure 3, and their explanations are omitted.

[0074] Steps S11 to S12 in Figure 11 are the same as steps S11 to S12 in Figure 3. Upon obtaining user information, the lubricating oil degradation prediction server 2A identifies the usable oil type, usable operating time, and usable degradation function corresponding to the obtained user device identification information M0001 based on the usable oil database 213 (step S23).

[0075] Here, we will describe the details of the available oil database 213. Figure 12 shows an example of an available oil database. The available oil database 213 may include further information, or it may include only some of the items shown in Figure 12.

[0076] As shown in Figure 12, the usable oil database 213 records the following information for each identification number: equipment identification information, usable oil type, usable operating time, and degradation function. The usable oil type is an oil type that can be used with the equipment used by the user and is different from the recommended oil type. In this modified example, the usable oil type that can be used with the injection molding machine 3A and is different from the recommended oil type A10 is A19.

[0077] Furthermore, the usable oil database 213 records the usable operating time and usable degradation function for each usable oil type, in association with each other. The usable operating time is the operating time of the equipment per predetermined period recommended by the lubricant supplier that sells the usable oil type. In this example, the monthly operating time of the injection molding machine 3A recommended by the supplier that sells usable oil type A19 is 700 hours. The usable degradation function is a function that shows the time-dependent physical changes in the properties of the usable oil type lubricant, and is a function used to calculate the degradation index of the usable oil type lubricant. Here, as with oil database 212, the degradation functions for usable oil type A19 are recorded as follows: degradation function FAa19, which shows the change in the acid value of the lubricating oil over time; degradation function FAb19, which shows the change in the viscosity of the lubricating oil over time; degradation function FAc19, which shows the change in sludge over time; degradation function FAd19, which shows the change in metal content over time; and degradation function FAe19, which shows the change in water content over time.

[0078] Furthermore, the usable oil database 213 records not only the user equipment identification information M0001 for the injection molding machine 3A, but also the equipment identification information of other equipment, their usable oil types, their usable operating time, and their degradation functions.

[0079] In this example, for the sake of brevity, it is assumed that the usable information identification unit 236 identified the usable degradation function FAa19 of the acid value of usable oil type A19 as the degradation function corresponding to the identified usable oil type A19.

[0080] In this way, the usable oil type A19, usable operating time of 700 hours, and usable degradation function FAa19(t) corresponding to the acquired user device identification information M0001 are identified (step S21 in Figure 11).

[0081] Once the usable degradation function FAa19(t) for usable oil type A19 is identified, the lubricant degradation prediction server 2A calculates a calibrated usable degradation function FAa'19(t) by calibrating the usable degradation function FAa19(t) based on the differences between usable oil type A19 and user-used oil type A11, and the differences between usable operating time of 700 hours and user operating time of 800 hours (step S22).

[0082] In this example, the severity coefficient s1 of the identified usable degradation function FAa19(t) is a constant determined by comparing, for example, 700 hours of usable operating time with 800 hours of user operating time. The degradation function calibration unit 233 determines the severity coefficient s1 by comparing the 700 hours of usable operating time identified by the usable information identification unit 236 with the 800 hours of user operating time obtained by the server communication unit 22. Similarly, the degradation function calibration unit 233 determines the severity coefficient s2 by comparing the usable oil type A19 identified by the usable information identification unit 236 with the user-used oil type A11 obtained by the server communication unit 22. In this way, the degradation function calibration unit 233 calculates FAa19'(t) as the calibrated degradation function.

[0083] Once the calibrated degradation function FAa19'(t) is calculated, the lubricant degradation prediction server 2A calculates the number of replacements based on the calculated calibrated degradation function FAa19'(t) (step S16). Specifically, the replacement count calculation unit 234 calculates the third replacement count, which indicates the number of replacements required within a predetermined contract period, by applying the number of usable replacements recommended by the lubricant supplier of usable oil type A19 based on the calibrated degradation function FAa19'(t). The third replacement count is, for example, 2.4 times.

[0084] Once the number of replacements is calculated, the lubricant degradation prediction server 2A calculates the cost based on the calculated number of replacements (step S17). Specifically, the cost calculation unit 235 calculates the third cost for using recommended oil type A10 during the contract period, based on the third number of replacements calculated by the replacement count calculation unit 234.

[0085] Once the second and third costs are calculated, the server communication unit 22 of the lubricant degradation prediction server 2A transmits the calculated second and third replacement cycles, along with the calculated second and third costs, to the factory communication unit 4 of factory X. Furthermore, the processing unit 23 of the lubricant degradation prediction server 2A displays the second replacement cycle and second cost together, as well as the third replacement cycle and third cost together, on the display unit 51 of the terminal 5 of factory X (step S18).

[0086] As described above, the modified lubricant degradation prediction system 1A comprises: an equipment database 211 that records equipment identification information capable of identifying equipment using lubricant, a recommended oil type recommended by the equipment manufacturer, and a recommended operating time in association with the equipment; an oil database 212 that records the oil type and a degradation function recorded for each oil type, which changes based on at least one of the acid value, viscosity, sludge, metal content, and moisture content, for calculating the degradation index of the lubricant; an usable oil database 213 that records equipment identification information, usable oil types that are usable in the equipment and different from the recommended oil type, and usable operating time and usable degradation function recorded for each usable oil type in association with the equipment identification information; a server communication unit 22 that acquires information from the user; and a processing unit 23. The server communication unit 22 acquires from the user user equipment identification information M0001 that identifies the injection molding machine 3A used by the user, user oil type A11 used by the user, and user operating time of 800 hours. The processing unit 23 identifies the usable oil type A19, the usable operating time of 700 hours, and the usable degradation function FAa19(t) corresponding to the user equipment identification information M0001, based on the usable oil database 213. Based on the differences between the usable oil type A19 and the user's used oil type A11, and the differences between the usable operating time of 700 hours and the user's operating time of 800 hours, the processing unit 23 calculates a calibrated usable degradation function FAa19'(t) by calibrating the usable degradation function FAa19(t).

[0087] The usable oil type A19 recommended by the lubricant supplier and the recommended oil type A10 recommended by the manufacturer of the injection molding machine 3A may differ. In such cases, according to this modification, the usable degradation function FAa19(t) corresponding to the usable oil type A19 recommended by the lubricant supplier can be used to calculate a calibrated degradation function FAa19'(t) by taking into account the user's used oil type A11 and user operating time of 800. Since a calibrated degradation function FAa19'(t) corresponding to the user's actual usage is calculated, the degradation index of the lubricant for the usable oil type recommended by the lubricant supplier can be calculated more accurately.

[0088] While embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, it goes without saying that the technical scope of this disclosure should not be interpreted restrictively by the description of these embodiments. These embodiments are merely examples, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications to the embodiments are possible within the scope of the invention described in the claims. The technical scope of this disclosure should be determined based on the scope of the invention described in the claims and the scope of its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0089] 1.1A Lubricant Degradation Prediction System 2.2A Lubricant Degradation Prediction Server 21 Records Section 211 Device Database 212 Oil Database 213 Available Oil Database 22 Server Communication Section 23 Processing Unit 231 Recommended Information Identification Section 232 Degradation Function Identification Section 233 Degradation Function Calibration Section 234 Replacement Count Calculation Unit 235 Cost Calculation Department 236 Usable information identification part 3 equipment 3A,3C injection molding machine 3D Turbine 4. Factory Communications Department 5 devices 51 Display section 50 Input screen 501 User device identification information field 502 User-Used Fuel Type Column 503 User Driving Time Column 504 Confirm button 59 Calculation Result Output Screen A01 Oil type A10 Recommended oil type A11 User-specified fuel type A19 Usable oil types FAa01,FAa10,FAa19,FAb01,FAb19,FAc01,FAc19,FAd01,FAd19,FAe01,FAe19 Degradation function s1, s2, s3 Severity coefficients FAa19 Available Degradation Functions FAa10', FAa19' Calibrated Degradation Function FAa19' Calibrated and usable degradation function

Claims

1. A device database that records device identification information that can identify devices using lubricating oil, the recommended oil type recommended by the manufacturer of the device, and the recommended operating time in association with these information. An oil database that records oil types and a degradation function, recorded for each oil type, which changes based on at least one of the following factors: acid value, viscosity, sludge, metal content, and water content, for calculating the degradation index of the lubricating oil. An acquisition unit that acquires information from the user, A processing unit, and The acquisition unit acquires from the user user device identification information that identifies the user device used by the user, the type of user oil used by the user, and the user operating time. The aforementioned processing unit, Based on the aforementioned device database, the recommended oil type and recommended operating time corresponding to the user device identification information are identified. Based on the aforementioned oil database, the degradation function of the recommended oil type is identified, A lubricant degradation prediction system that calculates a calibrated degradation function by calibrating the degradation function of the recommended oil type based on the recommended oil type and the user-used oil type, the recommended operating time and the user operating time.

2. The lubricant degradation prediction system according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit calculates the number of replacements based on the calibrated degradation function.

3. The lubricating oil deterioration prediction system according to claim 2, wherein the processing unit calculates the cost based on the calculated number of replacements.

4. The lubricant deterioration prediction system according to claim 2, wherein the processing unit determines a grade based on the calculated number of replacements and calculates the cost based on the determined grade.

5. The aforementioned processing unit, Based on the aforementioned calibrated degradation function, the first replacement cycle is calculated by applying the recommended replacement cycle recommended by the manufacturer of the device. Based on the aforementioned first number of replacements, the first cost is calculated, Based on the aforementioned calibrated degradation function, the user's number of user replacements is applied to calculate the second replacement count. The lubricant deterioration prediction system according to claim 1, which calculates a second cost based on the second number of replacements.

6. It also includes a display unit, The lubricating oil deterioration prediction system according to claim 5, wherein the processing unit displays the first replacement count and the first cost together on the display unit, and also displays the second replacement count and the second cost together.

7. A device database that records device identification information that can identify devices using lubricating oil, the recommended oil type recommended by the manufacturer of the device, and the recommended operating time in association with these information. An oil database that records oil types and a degradation function, recorded for each oil type, which changes based on at least one of the following factors: acid value, viscosity, sludge, metal content, and water content, for calculating the degradation index of the lubricating oil. A usable oil database records the device identification information, usable oil types that are usable with the device and different from the recommended oil type, and usable operating time and usable degradation function recorded for each usable oil type, in association with each of these. An acquisition unit that acquires information from the user, A processing unit, and The acquisition unit acquires from the user user device identification information that identifies the user device used by the user, the type of user oil used by the user, and the user operating time. The aforementioned processing unit, Based on the aforementioned usable oil database, the usable oil type, usable operating time, and usable degradation function corresponding to the user device identification information are identified. A lubricant degradation prediction system that calculates a calibrated usable degradation function by calibrating the usable degradation function based on the difference between the usable oil type and the user-used oil type, and the difference between the usable operating time and the user operating time.

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