Wear inspection device and ship

Abstract

A wear inspection device (20) is provided on a ship provided with power transmission units (13a, 13b) and journal bearings (5p-5s), the power transmission units (13a, 13b) transmitting rotational driving force to a propulsion propeller, and the journal bearings (5p-5s) rotatably supporting the power transmission units (13a, 13b), and performs an inspection relating to wear of the journal bearings (5p-5s). A wear inspection device (20) is provided with a housing (4) and distance sensors (21p-21s). The housing (4) surrounds the power transmission parts (13a, 13b). The journal bearings (5p-5s) are provided in the housing (4). The distance sensors (21p-21s) are attached to the housing (4) and measure the distance from the reference point to the outer peripheral surfaces of the power transmission sections (13a, 13b) in the radial direction of the power transmission sections (13a, 13b) in a non-contact manner.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for inspecting wear of a journal bearing in a ship including a propulsion propeller, a power transmission unit that transmits a rotational driving force to the propulsion propeller, and a journal bearing that rotatably supports the power transmission unit. Background Art

[0002] In a ship, a power transmission unit (for example, a propeller shaft) that transmits a rotational driving force to a propulsion propeller is rotatably supported by a journal bearing. The wear of the journal bearing is inspected.

[0003] Patent document 1 discloses a technique for measuring the wear amount of a stern tube bearing (journal bearing) by a wear gauge. In patent document 1, the wear amount is measured as follows. The wear gauge is mounted in a mounting hole provided on the housing of the stern tube. On this basis, the gauge rod of the wear gauge is moved toward the outer peripheral surface of the propeller propulsion shaft and contacts the outer peripheral surface. The wear amount of the stern tube bearing is calculated based on the movement amount of the gauge rod at this time.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-83409

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-161116 Summary of the invention

[0008] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] However, as described above, when measuring the wear amount of the journal bearing using a wear gauge, a measurement operation is required, that is, during measurement, the wear gauge needs to be installed in the mounting hole of the housing and the gauge rod of the wear gauge needs to be moved toward the outer peripheral surface of the propeller propulsion shaft.

[0010] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to enable inspection of wear of a journal bearing supporting a power transmission portion of a propeller for propulsion of a ship to be performed without performing an operation of moving a gauge rod of a wear gauge.

[0011] Solutions for solving problems

[0012] The wear inspection device of the present invention is provided on a ship having a propulsion propeller, a power transmission unit and a journal bearing, and is a device for performing inspections related to the wear of the journal bearing. The power transmission unit transmits a rotational driving force to the propulsion propeller, and the journal bearing rotatably supports the power transmission unit. The wear inspection device is provided as follows:

[0013] a housing surrounding the power transmission portion and provided with the journal bearing; and

[0014] The distance sensor is mounted on the housing and measures the distance from a reference point to the outer peripheral surface of the power transmission part in the radial direction of the power transmission part as a target distance in a non-contact manner.

[0015] Furthermore, according to the present invention, there is provided a ship equipped with the above-mentioned wear inspection device.

[0016] Effects of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, a distance sensor is installed in a housing that surrounds a power transmission part of a propeller for propulsion of a ship and is provided with a journal bearing, and the distance sensor measures the distance to the outer peripheral surface of the power transmission part. Therefore, the wear amount of the journal bearing can be confirmed based on the measured value. In addition, the distance sensor performs the measurement on the power transmission part in a non-contact manner, so there is no need for the operation and action of moving the gauge rod of the wear gauge and making the front end contact with the outer peripheral surface of the power transmission part as in the past. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram showing a propeller device installed in a ship.

[0019] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 II-II cross-sectional view.

[0020] Figure 3 It is a block diagram showing the structure of the wear inspection device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 4 : is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the wear inspection device according to Modification Example 1.

[0022] Figure 5 : is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a wear inspection device according to Modification Example 3.

[0023] Figure 6 : is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a wear inspection device according to Modification Example 4.

[0024] Figure 7 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a wear inspection device according to Modification Example 9. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. In each of the drawings, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0026] The wear inspection device of the embodiment of the present invention is a device for performing inspections related to the wear of a journal bearing, which journal bearing rotatably supports a power transmission unit that transmits a rotational driving force to a propeller for propulsion of a ship. The wear inspection device of the present embodiment is provided in a propeller device of a ship. The propeller device includes a propeller for propulsion of a ship, and the propeller is rotationally driven.

[0027] (Configuration example of propeller device)

[0028] Figure 1 It is a schematic configuration diagram showing a propeller device 10 provided in a ship. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Section II-II in FIG.

[0029] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the propeller device 10 may be a double counter-rotating propeller device, which includes a propeller 1a on the front side (bow side) and a propeller 1b on the rear side (stern side) as propulsion propellers, and these propellers 1a and 1b are rotated in opposite directions. The double counter-rotating propeller device 10 also includes an outer shaft 2a, an inner shaft 2b, a drive device 3, a housing 4, and journal bearings 5p, 5q, 5r, and 5s.

[0030] The outer shaft 2a has an internal space. The internal space penetrates the outer shaft 2a in the axial direction of the outer shaft 2a. The front propeller 1a is coupled to the stern end of the outer shaft 2a.

[0031] The inner shaft 2b is coaxially arranged with the outer shaft 2a so as to penetrate the inner space of the outer shaft 2a. The rear propeller 1b is coupled to the stern end of the inner shaft 2b.

[0032] The outer shaft 2 a and the inner shaft 2 b extend from the machinery room 19 in the hull 6 to the outside of the hull 6 through the stern tube 7 provided in the hull 6 toward the stern side.

[0033] The driving device 3 causes the outer shaft 2a and the inner shaft 2b to rotate in opposite directions. Figure 1 In the example of FIG. 1 , the drive device 3 has a first drive source 3a that rotates the outer shaft 2a via gears 11, 12, an outer shaft output gear 13a, and a gear coupling 14, and a second drive source 3b that rotates the inner shaft 2b via gears 15, 16 and an inner shaft output gear 13b. The inner shaft output gear 13b is coupled to the inner shaft 2b via a sleeve shaft coupling 18.

[0034] The housing 4 surrounds a power transmission unit (in Figure 2 In the example, the outer shaft output gear 13a and the inner shaft output gear 13b). In addition, Figure 2In the embodiment, the housing 4 has a portion surrounding the outer shaft output gear 13a and a portion surrounding the inner shaft output gear 13b. The housing 4, the drive device 3, the gears 11, 12, 15, 16, the outer shaft output gear 13a, the inner shaft output gear 13b and the gear coupling 14 are arranged in a machine room 19 of the ship.

[0035] like Figure 2 In this way, the journal bearings 5p to 5s are provided in the housing 4, and the power transmission part (in Figure 2 In the example of the outer shaft output gear 13a and the inner shaft output gear 13b) are rotatably supported. Figure 2 In the example, the journal bearings 5p and 5q rotatably support the outer shaft output gear 13a, which is a power transmission part for transmitting the rotational driving force to the front propeller 1a, and the journal bearings 5r and 5s rotatably support the inner shaft output gear 13b, which is a power transmission part for transmitting the rotational driving force to the rear propeller 1b.

[0036] exist Figure 2 In the example of FIG. 4 , the housing 4 includes an outer housing portion 4a on which journal bearings 5q and 5r are mounted, and an inner housing portion 4b located inside the outer housing portion 4a and on which journal bearings 5p and 5s are mounted. Lubricating oil is supplied to the journal bearings 5p to 5s. Figure 2 In the example, lubricating oil is present on the inner side of the outer shell part 4a and the inner side of the inner shell part 4b.

[0037] In addition, since the contra-rotating propeller device 10 is described in, for example, Patent Document 2, a more detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

[0038] (Structure of wear inspection device)

[0039] like Figure 2 As described above, the wear inspection device 20 of the present embodiment includes distance sensors 21p to 21s mounted on the housing 4. In addition, the housing 4 may be a component of the wear inspection device 20. Each distance sensor 21p to 21s measures the distance from a reference point to the outer peripheral surface of the power transmission part (the outer shaft output gear 13a or the inner shaft output gear 13b) in a radial direction of the power transmission part in a non-contact manner. In addition, the radial direction may be a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis C of the power transmission part 13a, 13b. The rotation axis C may be oriented in a horizontal direction or a direction close to the horizontal direction.

[0040] In addition, each distance sensor 21p~21s can measure the distance from the upper reference point to the lower outer peripheral surface of the power transmission part 13a, 13b in the radial direction toward the vertical direction (or the direction inclined relative to the vertical direction) of the power transmission part 13a, 13b in a non-contact manner.

[0041] exist Figure 2 In the example of FIG. 1 , the distance sensors 21p and 21q measure the distance from the reference point to the outer peripheral surface of the outer output gear 13a as the power transmission unit in the radial direction of the outer output gear 13a (hereinafter referred to as the target distance related to the power transmission unit 13a) in a non-contact manner. The outer peripheral surface may be the outer peripheral surface of the outer output gear 13a where no teeth meshing with the gear 12 are formed.

[0042] The distance sensors 21r and 21s measure the distance from the reference point to the outer peripheral surface of the inner shaft output gear 13b in the radial direction of the inner shaft output gear 13b as the power transmission part (hereinafter also referred to as the target distance related to the power transmission part 13b) in a non-contact manner. The outer peripheral surface may be the outer peripheral surface of the inner shaft output gear 13b where no teeth meshing with the gear 16 are formed.

[0043] Each distance sensor 21p to 21s may be, for example, an eddy current displacement sensor. In this case, the outer peripheral surface of the power transmission part 13a, 13b is formed by a material (for example, metal) that generates eddy currents due to the magnetic field generated by the coil 31a described later of the eddy current displacement sensor. Each distance sensor 21p to 21s as an eddy current displacement sensor includes a sensor head 31, a measuring part 32, and an electric wire 33 (for example, a cable).

[0044] The sensor head 31 is mounted on the housing 4 in a manner facing the outer peripheral surface of the power transmission parts 13a, 13b in the radial direction of the corresponding power transmission parts 13a, 13b. The front end of the sensor head 31 can be configured to be close to the outer peripheral surface of the power transmission parts 13a, 13b. On the inner side of the housing 4, lubricating oil for the journal bearings 5p, 5q, 5r, 5s exists between the sensor head 31 and the outer peripheral surface of the power transmission parts 13a, 13b. The sensor head 31 is provided with a coil 31a. The coil 31a can be provided at the front end of the sensor head 31 on the side of the power transmission parts 13a, 13b.

[0045] The measuring unit 32 supplies an alternating current to the coil 31a via the electric wire 33. The coil 31a generates an alternating magnetic field due to the supplied alternating current. As a result, an eddy current corresponding to the distance from the sensor head 31 (coil 31a) to the outer peripheral surface of the power transmission parts 13a and 13b is generated in the power transmission parts 13a and 13b. The impedance (or voltage) of the coil 31a changes according to the size of the eddy current. The measuring unit 32 measures the object distance related to the power transmission parts 13a and 13b based on the impedance (or voltage) of the coil 31a. Here, the object distance can be the distance from the front end of the sensor head 31 as the above-mentioned reference point to the outer peripheral surface of the power transmission parts 13a and 13b.

[0046] The distance sensors 21q, 21r and the housing 4 are configured so that the distance sensors 21q, 21r can be attached to and detached from the housing 4 (outer housing portion 4a). Figure 2 As shown, an external thread is formed on the outer peripheral surface of each sensor head 31 of the distance sensors 21q and 21r, and a through hole 4c is formed on the outer shell part 4a, which penetrates the outer shell part 4a in the radial direction of the power transmission parts 13a and 13b. An internal thread is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 4c. The distance sensors 21q and 21r can be detachably mounted on the shell 4 by screwing the external thread of the outer peripheral surface of each sensor head 31 of the distance sensors 21q and 21r into the internal thread of the corresponding through hole 4c. With such a structure, the distance sensors 21q and 21r can be loaded and unloaded relative to the shell 4.

[0047] The sensor heads 31 of the distance sensors 21p and 21s are arranged in the inner housing portion 4b. The journal bearings 5p and 5s and the sensor heads 31 of the distance sensors 21p and 21s are mounted in the inner housing portion 4b. The inner housing portion 4b is provided with a through hole 4d which penetrates the inner housing portion 4b in the radial direction of the inner shaft output gear 13b.

[0048] Regarding the distance sensors 21p and 21s, a tubular member 34 is mounted on the outer housing portion 4a. The tubular member 34 is arranged in the through hole 4e of the outer housing portion 4a. The through hole 4e penetrates the outer housing portion 4a in the radial direction of the power transmission portion 13a and 13b. The electric wires 33 from each sensor head 31 of the distance sensors 21p and 21s pass through the inside of the tubular member 34 and extend to the measuring portion 32 outside the outer housing portion 4a. The tubular member 34 prevents the electric wires 33 from contacting the housing 4. In addition, the electric wires 33 can be fixed to the tubular member 34.

[0049] Figure 3 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the wear inspection device 20 of the present embodiment. Figure 3 As shown, the wear inspection device 20 may include rotation speed sensors 22 a and 22 b , measurement value acquisition units 23 a and 23 b , a data generation unit 24 , a storage unit 25 , a replacement time prediction unit 26 , and a notification unit 27 .

[0050] The rotation speed sensors 22a and 22b detect the rotation speed (for example, the number of revolutions per unit time) of the power transmission parts 13a and 13b. Figure 2 and Figure 3In the example of FIG. 1 , the rotation speed sensor 22a detects the rotation speed of the power transmission unit (outer shaft output gear 13a) that transmits the rotational driving force to the front propeller 1a, and the rotation speed sensor 22b detects the rotation speed of the power transmission unit (inner shaft output gear 13b) that transmits the rotational driving force to the rear propeller 1b. In addition, since known sensors (such as optical sensors) can be used as the rotation speed sensors 22a and 22b, their detailed description is omitted.

[0051] The measurement value acquisition unit 23a outputs the object distances related to the power transmission unit 13a measured by the distance sensors 21p and 21q respectively when the rotation speed (detected rotation speed) detected by the rotation speed sensor 22a is the set speed for measurement (hereinafter also referred to as the object state) as the evaluation measurement value. Similarly, the measurement value acquisition unit 23b outputs the object distances related to the power transmission unit 13a measured by the distance sensors 21r and 21s respectively when the rotation speed (detected rotation speed) detected by the rotation speed sensor 22b is the set speed for measurement (hereinafter also referred to as the object state) as the evaluation measurement value. Figure 3 In the configuration example, the measured value acquisition units 23a and 23b output the above-mentioned evaluation measured values ​​to the data generation unit 24. The above-mentioned target state refers to the case where the first condition that the detected rotation speed is the set speed is satisfied.

[0052] In addition, the distance sensors 21p and 21q can operate in a manner of measuring the object distance related to the power transmission unit 13a at each time point and outputting the object distance to the measurement value acquisition unit 23a, and the measurement value acquisition unit 23a can extract the object distance outputted from the distance sensors 21p and 21q in the object state as the evaluation measurement value output. Similarly, the distance sensors 21r and 21s can operate in a manner of measuring the object distance related to the power transmission unit 13b at each time point and outputting the object distance to the measurement value acquisition unit 23b, and the measurement value acquisition unit 23b can extract the object distance outputted from the distance sensors 21r and 21s in the object state as the evaluation measurement value output.

[0053] In addition, as described above, the process for acquiring the evaluation measurement value (hereinafter referred to as the evaluation measurement value acquisition process) can be started, for example, as follows. The measurement value acquisition units 23a and 23b can start the evaluation measurement value acquisition process by inputting a measurement command to the measurement value acquisition units 23a and 23b by operating an appropriate operation unit. The person can repeatedly input such a measurement command to the measurement value acquisition units 23a and 23b at intervals (for example, regularly).

[0054] Alternatively, the measured value acquisition unit 23a may automatically start the evaluation measured value acquisition process every time a set period (e.g., one day, one week, or one month) has passed. In this case, the measured value acquisition units 23a and 23b may also have a timer for determining whether the set period has passed, or may be configured to receive information about the elapsed time from other devices.

[0055] The measurement value acquisition units 23a and 23b can wait until the rotation speed detected by the corresponding rotation speed sensors 22a and 22b reaches the set speed for measurement when starting the measurement value acquisition process for evaluation. After the rotation speed detected by the corresponding rotation speed sensors 22a and 22b reaches the set speed for measurement, the object distances related to the power transmission units 13a and 13b measured by the distance sensors 21p, 21q, 21r, and 21s as described above are extracted and output as measurement values ​​for evaluation.

[0056] The distance sensors 21p to 21s may be always operated. Alternatively, the measured value acquisition units 23a and 23b may operate the distance sensors 21p to 21s when starting the evaluation measured value acquisition process.

[0057] Every time the measurement value for evaluation is output from the measurement value acquisition units 23a and 23b, the data generation unit 24 generates measurement data in which the measurement value for evaluation is associated with the time point (eg, date or time) output from the measurement value acquisition units 23a and 23b.

[0058] The data generation unit 24 may have a function of counting time points (such as date or date and time) or a function of receiving the current time point (such as date or date and time) from other devices, and the data generation unit 24 may generate the above-mentioned measurement data based on such time points.

[0059] The storage unit 25 stores the measurement data generated by the data generation unit 24. That is, each time the data generation unit 24 generates the measurement data, it stores the measurement data in the storage unit 25. The storage unit 25 may be a storage area in a storage device such as a memory or a hard disk.

[0060] The replacement period prediction unit 26 predicts the future replacement period of the journal bearing 5p, 5q, 5r or 5s corresponding to each of the distance sensors 21p, 21q, 21r, and 21s based on the plurality of measurement data corresponding to the distance sensor stored in the storage unit 25. The plurality of measurement data may be generated based on a plurality of evaluation measurement values ​​outputted by the corresponding distance sensors 21p, 21q, 21r or 21s at different time points. In addition, the journal bearing 5p, 5q, 5r or 5s corresponding to the distance sensor refers to a journal bearing whose wear amount is represented by the evaluation measurement value from the distance sensor (the same below). In this case, in one example, the journal bearing 5p, 5q, 5r or 5s corresponding to the distance sensor may be the journal bearing closest to the distance sensor among the plurality of journal bearings supporting the power transmission unit 13a, 13b in the axial direction parallel to the rotation axis C (hereinafter also referred to as the axial direction) (the same below).

[0061] Whenever measurement data is newly generated by the data generating unit 24 and stored in the storage unit 25, the replacement period prediction unit 26 can newly predict the replacement period of the journal bearing 5p, 5q, 5r or 5s corresponding to the measurement data (i.e., the distance sensor 21p, 21q, 21r or 21s that outputs the above-mentioned evaluation measurement value of the measurement data). In this case, the replacement period prediction unit 26 can newly predict the replacement period of the journal bearing based on a plurality of measurement data corresponding to the journal bearing stored in the storage unit 25 up to the time of the new prediction.

[0062] The replacement period prediction unit 26 can predict the period when the wear amount of each journal bearing 5p, 5q, 5r, 5s reaches a set amount as the above-mentioned replacement period of the journal bearing. Here, the wear amount can be the difference between the evaluation measurement value and the set initial value. The set initial value can be a measurement value obtained when the journal bearing 5p, 5q, 5r, 5s starts to be used. For example, the replacement period prediction unit 26 can predict the evaluation measurement values ​​(or the above-mentioned wear amount of the journal bearing) at each future time point based on a plurality of interrelated groups of time points and evaluation measurement values ​​in a plurality of measurement data corresponding to the journal bearing, such as by using extrapolation or other methods, and predict the replacement period of the journal bearing based on the predicted evaluation measurement values ​​(or the above-mentioned wear amount) at each future time point.

[0063] The notification unit 27 notifies a person or a terminal device of the replacement period (or the replacement period and the above-mentioned wear amount) of each journal bearing 5p, 5q, 5r, 5s predicted by the replacement period prediction unit 26. In the case of notifying a person, the notification unit 27 may be a display that notifies the person by displaying the replacement period (or the replacement period and the above-mentioned wear amount). In the case of notifying a terminal device, the notification unit 27 notifies the terminal device by sending the replacement period (or the replacement period and the above-mentioned wear amount) to the terminal device via wireless communication or wired communication. In this case, the terminal device may display the received replacement period (or the replacement period and the above-mentioned wear amount) on its display.

[0064] The notification unit 27 can notify a person or a terminal device of the replacement period of each of the journal bearings 5p, 5q, 5r, and 5s. In addition, whenever a new replacement period is predicted by the replacement period prediction unit 26, the notification unit 27 can notify a person or a terminal device of the new replacement period.

[0065] (Effects of this embodiment)

[0066] Distance sensors 21p to 21s are installed on the housing 4 provided for supporting the journal bearings 5p to 5s of the power transmission parts 13a and 13b, and the distance sensors 21p to 21s measure the distance to the outer peripheral surface of the power transmission parts 13a and 13b. Therefore, the wear amount of the journal bearings 5p to 5s can be confirmed based on the measured value. In addition, since the distance sensors 21p to 21s perform the measurement on the power transmission parts 13a and 13b without contact, there is no need to move the gauge rod of the wear gauge to make its front end contact with the outer peripheral surface of the power transmission part as in the past.

[0067] In addition, in Patent Document 1, a plug structure for preventing oil leakage while allowing the gauge rod to move is provided, but in this embodiment, the gauge rod of the wear gauge does not need to move during measurement. Therefore, a structure for preventing oil leakage while allowing the gauge rod to move is not required.

[0068] The distance sensors 21p to 21s are eddy current displacement sensors that measure distances using changes in magnetic fields, and therefore can perform measurements without being affected by lubricating oil. That is, lubricating oil (e.g., splashes of lubricating oil) for the journal bearings 5p to 5s exists between the front end of the sensor head 31 and the outer peripheral surfaces of the power transmission parts 13a and 13b. The distance sensors 21p to 21s can measure the distance to the outer peripheral surfaces with high accuracy without being affected by the lubricating oil.

[0069] In the journal bearings 5p~5s (sliding bearings), the power transmission parts 13a and 13b float relative to the journal bearings 5p~5s by an amount corresponding to the thickness of the oil film of the lubricating oil. The thickness of the oil film depends on the rotation speed of the power transmission parts 13a and 13b. Therefore, based on the rotation speed detected by the rotation speed sensors 22a and 22b, the measurement value acquisition parts 23a and 23b output the object distance related to the power transmission parts 13a and 13b measured by the distance sensors 21p~21s when the rotation speed of the power transmission parts 13a and 13b is the set speed for measurement as the evaluation measurement value. Therefore, since the change in the oil film thickness caused by the difference in the rotation speed can be suppressed, the deviation of the measurement value of the object distance can be reduced.

[0070] In addition, the above-mentioned set speed may refer to a predetermined speed range in which such an effect can be obtained (however, the above-mentioned set speed may also refer to a single value).

[0071] In the present embodiment, the measurement value acquisition units 23a and 23b repeatedly output the above-mentioned evaluation measurement values ​​at intervals (for example, each time a set period has passed). Each time the measurement value acquisition units 23a and 23b output the evaluation measurement values, the data generation unit 24 generates measurement data obtained by correlating the evaluation measurement values ​​and the time point at which the evaluation measurement values ​​are measured, and stores the measurement data in the storage unit 25. The replacement period prediction unit 26 predicts the future replacement period (for example, day or month) of the journal bearings 5p, 5q, 5r, and 5s based on the measurement data stored in the storage unit 25. The notification unit 27 notifies the predicted replacement period. Therefore, it is easy to replace the journal bearings 5p, 5q, 5r, and 5s at an appropriate time. As a result, for example, the life of the journal bearings 5p to 5s can be achieved, and damage to the journal bearings 5p to 5s and other related components can be prevented.

[0072] The distance sensors 21q and 21r and the housing 4 are configured so that the distance sensors 21q and 21r can be attached to and detached from the housing 4. Therefore, even if the distance sensors 21q and 21r fail, the distance sensors 21q and 21r can be replaced without disassembling the housing 4.

[0073] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and it is self-evident that various changes can be made within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. For example, any one of the following changes 1 to 9 can be used alone, or two or more of the changes 1 to 9 can be used in combination. In this case, the points not described below may be the same as those described above.

[0074] (Change Example 1)

[0075] Figure 41 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the wear inspection device 20 according to Modification Example 1. Figure 4 As shown, the wear inspection device 20 according to the first modification further includes rotation angle sensors 35a and 35b.

[0076] The rotation angle sensors 35a and 35b detect the rotation angles (rotation phases) of the power transmission units 13a and 13b. Figure 4 In the example of FIG. 1 , the rotation angle sensor 35a detects the rotation angle of the power transmission unit (outer shaft output gear 13a) that transmits the rotational driving force to the front propeller 1a, and the rotation angle sensor 35b detects the rotation angle of the power transmission unit (inner shaft output gear 13b) that transmits the rotational driving force to the rear propeller 1b. In addition, since a known sensor (such as a magnetic encoder) can be used as the rotation angle sensors 35a and 35b, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0077] The measurement value acquisition unit 23a outputs the object distance related to the power transmission unit 13a measured by the distance sensors 21p and 21q at the time point (hereinafter referred to as the object time point) when the rotation speed detected by the rotation speed sensor 22a is the set speed for measurement and the rotation angle (detected rotation angle) detected by the rotation angle sensor 35a is the set rotation angle for measurement as the evaluation measurement value. Similarly, the measurement value acquisition unit 23b outputs the object distance related to the power transmission unit 13b measured by the distance sensors 21r and 21s at the time point (hereinafter referred to as the object time point) when the rotation speed detected by the rotation speed sensor 22b is the set speed for measurement and the rotation angle (detected rotation angle) detected by the rotation angle sensor 35b is the set rotation angle for measurement as the evaluation measurement value. The above-mentioned object time point refers to the time when the second condition that the detected rotation angle is the set rotation angle is satisfied.

[0078] According to the first modification, the rotation angle sensors 35a and 35b detect the rotation angle of the power transmission parts 13a and 13b, and the measurement value acquisition parts 23a and 23b repeatedly output the object distances related to the power transmission parts 13a and 13b measured by the distance sensors 21p to 21s at the time point when the rotation angle detected by the rotation angle sensor 35b is the set rotation angle for measurement as the evaluation measurement value at intervals (for example, every time a set period passes). Thus, the distance between the constant circumferential position on the outer peripheral surface of the power transmission parts 13a and 13b and the reference point is output from the measurement value acquisition parts 23a and 23b as the evaluation measurement value. Therefore, the change of the evaluation measurement value caused by the difference in the circumferential position on the outer peripheral surface of the power transmission parts 13a and 13b is prevented, and the wear amount and replacement period with high reliability can be obtained for the journal bearings 5p to 5s.

[0079] In addition, the above-mentioned set rotation angle may refer to a predetermined rotation angle range in which such an effect can be obtained (however, the above-mentioned set rotation angle may also refer to a single value).

[0080] In addition, in the modification example 1, the rotation speed sensors 22a and 22b may be omitted. In this case, the measurement value acquisition unit 23a outputs the object distance related to the power transmission unit 13a measured by the distance sensors 21p and 21q at the time point when the rotation angle detected by the rotation angle sensor 35a is the set rotation angle for measurement as the evaluation measurement value. Similarly, the measurement value acquisition unit 23b outputs the object distance related to the power transmission unit 13b measured by the distance sensors 21r and 21s at the time point when the rotation angle detected by the rotation angle sensor 35b is the set rotation angle for measurement as the evaluation measurement value.

[0081] (Change Example 2)

[0082] In the above-mentioned embodiment or modification 1, the measurement value acquisition unit 23a, 23b may output the evaluation measurement value to the notification unit 27 in addition to or instead of outputting the evaluation measurement value to the data generation unit 24. In this case, the notification unit 27 notifies the person or terminal device of the evaluation measurement value received from the measurement value acquisition unit 23a, 23b. In the case of notifying a person, the notification unit 27 may also be a display that notifies the person by displaying the evaluation measurement value. In the case of notifying a terminal device, the notification unit 27 notifies by sending the evaluation measurement value to the terminal device via wireless communication or wired communication. In this case, the terminal device may also display the received evaluation measurement value on its display. Thus, the wear amount can be known from the displayed evaluation measurement value.

[0083] In this modification example 2, when each measured value acquisition unit 23a, 23b also outputs the evaluation measured value to the data generation unit 24, the data generation unit 24, the storage unit 25, the replacement time prediction unit 26, and the notification unit 27 in the above-mentioned embodiment can also function as described above. Alternatively, in this modification example 2, the data generation unit 24, the storage unit 25, and the replacement time prediction unit 26 can also be omitted.

[0084] (Change Example 3)

[0085] Figure 5 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the wear inspection device 20 according to Modification Example 3. Figure 5As shown, the wear inspection device 20 may further include a wear amount calculation unit 28 relative to the above-mentioned embodiment, modification example 1 or modification example 2. For each of the distance sensors 21p, 21q, 21r, and 21s, whenever the measurement value acquisition unit 23a or 23b outputs the measurement value from the distance sensor as the evaluation measurement value, the wear amount calculation unit 28 calculates the wear amount of the journal bearing 5p, 5q, 5r, or 5s corresponding to the distance sensor based on the evaluation measurement value and the set initial value. The set initial value may be a measurement value obtained by the distance sensor when the journal bearing starts to be used. In addition, the wear amount calculated here may be the difference between the evaluation measurement value and the set initial value.

[0086] The wear amount calculation unit 28 outputs the calculated wear amount to the notification unit 27. For example, for each of the distance sensors 21p, 21q, 21r, 21s, that is, for each of the corresponding journal bearings 5p, 5q, 5r, 5s, the wear amount calculation unit 28 outputs the wear amount data obtained by correlating the identification information of the journal bearing with the calculated wear amount to the notification unit 27. The notification unit 27 notifies a person or a terminal device of the wear amount (e.g., wear amount data) received from the wear amount calculation unit 28. In the case of notifying a person, the notification unit 27 may also be a display that notifies a person by displaying the wear amount (e.g., wear amount data). In the case of notifying a terminal device, the notification unit 27 notifies by sending the wear amount (e.g., wear amount data) to the terminal device via wireless communication or wired communication. In this case, the terminal device may display the received wear amount (e.g., wear amount data) on its display.

[0087] According to Modification 3, the wear amount of the journal bearing can be known without performing an operation or action of moving the gauge rod of the wear gauge so that the tip thereof contacts the outer peripheral surface of the power transmission portion.

[0088] In the third modification, one or both of the rotation speed sensors 22a, 22b and the rotation angle sensors 35a, 35b may be omitted. In the case where both the rotation speed sensors 22a, 22b and the rotation angle sensors 35a, 35b are omitted, the measurement value acquisition units 23a, 23b may be omitted, and the wear amount calculation unit 28 may calculate the wear amount of the journal bearing 5p, 5q, 5r or 5s corresponding to each of the distance sensors 21p, 21q, 21r, 21s based on the measurement value from the distance sensor and the set initial value. In this case, the wear amount calculation unit 28 outputs the calculated wear amount to the notification unit 27 in the same manner as described above. For example, for each of the journal bearings 5p, 5q, 5r, 5s, the wear amount calculation unit 28 outputs the wear amount data obtained by correlating the identification information of the journal bearing with the calculated wear amount to the notification unit 27. The operation of the notification unit 27 in this case is the same as described above. In this case, the distance sensors 21p to 21s and the wear amount calculation unit 28 may automatically start executing the above-mentioned operation every time a set period (for example, one day, one week, or one month) passes, or may start executing the above-mentioned operation by a person operating an appropriate operation unit.

[0089] In addition, in the modification example 3, the above-mentioned data generation unit 24, storage unit 25, and replacement time prediction unit 26 may or may not be omitted.

[0090] (Change Example 4)

[0091] The wear inspection device 20 of Modification 4 may further include a determination unit 29 and a control device 51 in comparison with the above-described embodiment or any one of Modifications 1 to 3. Figure 6 This is a configuration example of the wear inspection device 20 according to the fourth modification, and shows a case where a wear amount calculation unit 28, a determination unit 29, and a control device 51 are further provided in comparison with the second modification.

[0092] The wear inspection device 20 of the modification example 4 further includes a wear amount calculation unit 28 . In this modification example 4, the function of the wear amount calculation unit 28 is the same as that of the modification example 3. However, the wear amount calculation unit 28 outputs the calculated wear amount to the determination unit 29 .

[0093] The determination unit 29 determines whether the wear amount received from the wear amount calculation unit 28 exceeds the threshold value for each of the distance sensors 21p, 21q, 21r, and 21s (i.e., for each of the corresponding journal bearings 5p, 5q, 5r, and 5s). As a result, when the wear amount exceeds the threshold value, the notification unit 27 notifies this fact. For example, the notification unit 27 may make the notification by emitting light from a predetermined light source or by making a predetermined sound from a speaker. Alternatively, the notification unit 27 may make the notification based on the warning data.

[0094] When making a notification based on the warning data, the determination unit 29 generates warning data indicating that the wear amount of the journal bearings 5p, 5q, 5r, 5s exceeds the threshold value, and outputs the warning data to the notification unit 27. The warning data may include identification information of the journal bearings.

[0095] The notification unit 27 notifies a person or a terminal device of the warning data received from the determination unit 29. In the case of notifying a person, the notification unit 27 may also be a display that notifies the person by displaying the warning data. In the case of notifying a terminal device, the notification unit 27 notifies by sending the warning data to the terminal device via wireless communication or wired communication. In this case, the terminal device may display the received warning data on its display.

[0096] By notifying the notification unit 27 that the wear amount exceeds the threshold as described above, it is possible to know that the journal bearing should be replaced or that the time for replacing the journal bearing is approaching even without performing any operation or action to move the gauge rod of the wear gauge to bring its front end into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the power transmission part.

[0097] In addition, the determination unit 29 determines whether the wear amount received from the wear amount calculation unit 28 exceeds the allowable value for each of the distance sensors 21p, 21q, 21r, and 21s (that is, for each of the corresponding journal bearings 5p, 5q, 5r, and 5s). As a result, when the wear amount exceeds the allowable value, the determination unit 29 outputs a signal indicating this to the control device 51. Thereby, the control device 51 controls the driving device 3 of the propulsion propeller so that the rotation speed of the propulsion propellers 1a and 1b becomes less than the set rotation speed (for example, by reducing the rotation speed of the propulsion propellers 1a and 1b).

[0098] At this time, the control device 51 can control the driving device 3 (the first driving source 3a or the second driving source 3b) of the propulsion propeller so that the rotational speed of the propulsion propeller 1a or 1b corresponding to the wear amount becomes lower than the set rotational speed, or can control the driving device 3 (the first driving source 3a and the second driving source 3b) of the propulsion propeller so that the rotational speed of both the propulsion propellers 1a and 1b becomes lower than the set rotational speed.

[0099] The allowable value is greater than the above threshold value. For example, the threshold value may be 0.2 mm and the allowable value may be 0.3 mm, but the threshold value and the allowable value are not limited to these values.

[0100] As described above, when the wear amount of the journal bearings 5p, 5q, 5r, 5s exceeds the allowable value, damage to the propulsion propellers 1a, 1b and related parts can be suppressed by setting the rotation speed of the propulsion propellers 1a, 1b to a set rotation speed or less.

[0101] In Modification 4, only one of the threshold value and the allowable value described above may be used.

[0102] When only the threshold value among the above-mentioned threshold value and the allowed value is used, the processing using the above-mentioned allowed value is not performed, thereby omitting the structure for performing the processing. When only the allowed value is used, the processing using the above-mentioned threshold value is not performed, thereby omitting the structure for performing the processing.

[0103] (Change Example 5)

[0104] In the above, the propeller device 10 to which the wear inspection device 20 is applied is a double counter-rotating propeller device having two propellers 1a and 1b, but it may also be a propeller device having one propeller. In this case, in the above, the front propeller 1a and the outer shaft 2a may be respectively renamed as a propeller and a propeller shaft (a shaft coupled to the propeller), the propeller shaft being rotationally driven by an appropriate driving source, and the power transmission part 13a being the propeller shaft or a component coupled to the propeller shaft. In addition, in this case, the above-mentioned inner shaft 1b and the parts associated with the inner shaft 1b (power transmission part 13b, journal bearings 7r, 7s, distance sensors 21r, 21s, etc.) may not be provided.

[0105] (Change Example 6)

[0106] In the present invention, the distance sensor can be arranged at a position for measuring the distance between the outer peripheral surface of the power transmission part that transmits the rotational driving force to the propeller for propulsion of the ship and the reference point. For example, the distance sensor can also be installed in a sealed housing (such as a stern tube) connected to the stern tube. Figure 1In this case, the housing of the journal bearing to be inspected for wear may be a stern tube integrally combined with the seal housing. In this case, the seal housing and the stern tube constitute the "housing of the journal bearing" of the present invention. The "housing of the journal bearing" of the present invention may be a structure composed of a plurality of components integrally combined with each other to surround the power transmission part as in this case, or may be a single component surrounding the power transmission part.

[0107] (Change Example 7)

[0108] Each distance sensor can also measure the distance of an object on both sides of the journal bearing in the direction of the rotation axis C (for example, Figure 2 In the embodiment, each distance sensor 21p, 21q may also measure the object distance on both sides of the journal bearing 5q). In this case, as described above, the evaluation measurement value from the two distance sensors with the largest change relative to the respective set initial values ​​may be used. For example, in the above embodiment, the data generation unit 24 may also generate the above measurement data of the journal bearing based on the larger evaluation measurement value, and the above wear amount calculation unit 28 may also generate the wear amount data of the journal bearing based on the larger evaluation measurement value.

[0109] (Change Example 8)

[0110] In the above embodiment, the wear inspection device 20 is provided for both the front and rear propellers 1a and 1b, but it may be a structure for inspecting the wear of the journal bearing that rotatably supports the power transmission unit that transmits the rotational driving force to one of the front and rear propellers 1a and 1b. For example, the wear inspection device 20 may be a structure for inspecting the wear of one or both of the journal bearings 5p and 5q that rotatably supports the power transmission unit 13a for the front propeller 1a. In this case, in the above embodiment, the structure related to the power transmission unit 13b (such as the distance sensors 21r and 21s) may be omitted.

[0111] (Change Example 9)

[0112] Figure 7 This is a configuration example of the wear inspection device 20 according to Modification Example 9, and shows a case where a vibration sensor 36 and a vibration data generating unit 37 are further provided in comparison with Modification Example 3 described above.

[0113] The vibration sensor 36 measures the vibration generated by the rotation of the power transmission parts 13a and 13b. The vibration sensor 36 may be mounted on the housing 4 to measure the vibration of the housing 4 as the vibration caused by the rotation of the power transmission parts 13a and 13b. In this case, the vibration sensor 36 may be, for example, an acceleration sensor that measures the acceleration of the housing 4 as the above-mentioned vibration, but is not limited thereto.

[0114] The rotation speed detected by the rotation speed sensor 22a is input to the vibration data generating unit 37. Thus, the vibration data generating unit 37 generates vibration data based on the vibration measured by the vibration sensor 36 at each time point when the rotation speed detected by the rotation speed sensor 22a is the set speed for measurement. The vibration data can be, for example, data representing the vibration (for example, acceleration) at each time point. That is, the vibration data can be vibration waveform data representing the vibration relative to time. Alternatively, the vibration data can also be spectrum data representing the vibration waveform data as the magnitude of the vibration (frequency component) at each frequency. That is, the vibration data can also be obtained by converting the above-mentioned vibration waveform data into spectrum data representing the magnitude of the vibration relative to the frequency.

[0115] Furthermore, when the measurement value acquisition units 23 a and 23 b start the above-mentioned evaluation measurement value acquisition process, the vibration data generation unit 37 may be configured to operate the vibration sensor 36 to generate vibration data as described above.

[0116] The vibration data generating unit 37 outputs the vibration data generated as described above to the notifying unit 27. The notifying unit 27 notifies a person or a terminal device of the vibration data received from the vibration data generating unit 37 and the wear data received from the wear amount calculating unit 28. In the case of notifying a person, the notifying unit 27 may also be a display that notifies the person by displaying the vibration data and the wear data. In the case of notifying a terminal device, the notifying unit 27 notifies by sending the vibration data and the wear data to the terminal device via wireless communication or wired communication. In this case, the terminal device may display the received vibration data and the wear data on its display.

[0117] The vibration data and wear amount data notified (displayed) in this way are data obtained at the same set rotation speed as described above. Therefore, it is possible to perform evaluations related to vibration and evaluations related to wear based on the vibration data and wear amount data obtained at the same set rotation speed.

[0118] Explanation of symbols

[0119] 1a: front propeller; 1b: rear propeller; 2a: outer shaft; 2b: inner shaft; 3: drive device; 3a: first drive source; 3b: second drive source; 4: housing; 4a: outer housing portion; 4b: inner housing portion; 4c, 4d, 4e: through hole; 5p, 5q, 5r, 5s: journal bearing; 6: hull; 7: stern tube; 8, 9: sealed housing; 10: propeller device; 11, 12: gear; 13a: outer shaft output gear 13a (power transmission part); 13b: inner shaft output gear 13b (power transmission part); 14: gear coupling; 15, 16: gear; 18: sleeve Cylindrical shaft connector; 19: Mechanical chamber; 20: Wear inspection device; 21p, 21q, 21r, 21s: Distance sensor; 22a, 22b: Rotation speed sensor; 23a, 23b: Measurement value acquisition unit; 24: Data generation unit; 25: Storage unit; 26: Replacement period prediction unit; 27: Notification unit; 28: Wear amount calculation unit; 29: Determination unit; 31: Sensor head; 31a: Coil; 32: Measuring unit; 33 Wire (cable); 34: Tubular member; 35a, 35b: Rotation angle sensor; 36: Vibration sensor; 37: Vibration data generation unit; 51: Control device; C: Rotation axis.

Claims

1. A wear inspection device, provided on a ship having a propulsion propeller, a power transmission unit and a journal bearing, for inspecting the wear of the journal bearing, wherein the power transmission unit transmits a rotational driving force to the propulsion propeller, and the journal bearing rotatably supports the power transmission unit, the wear inspection device comprising: a housing surrounding the power transmission portion and provided with the journal bearing; and The distance sensor is mounted on the housing and measures the distance from a reference point to the outer peripheral surface of the power transmission part in a radial direction of the power transmission part as a target distance in a non-contact manner.

2. The wear inspection device according to claim 1, wherein: The distance sensor is an eddy current displacement sensor having a sensor head, a coil, and a measuring unit, wherein the sensor head is mounted on the housing in a manner facing the outer peripheral surface in the radial direction, the coil is provided on the sensor head, the measuring unit supplies an alternating current to the coil, and measures the object distance based on the impedance or voltage of the coil. Lubricating oil for the journal bearing exists inside the housing between the sensor head and the outer peripheral surface.

3. The wear inspection device according to claim 1, wherein: The distance sensor and the housing are configured such that the distance sensor is attachable to and detachable from the housing.

4. The wear inspection device according to claim 1, wherein: A measurement value acquisition unit is provided, which outputs, based on one or both of the detected rotation speed and the detected rotation angle of the power transmission unit, the object distance measured by the distance sensor when one or both of the first condition that the detected rotation speed is a set speed or is within a prescribed speed range and the second condition that the detected rotation angle is a set rotation angle or is within a prescribed rotation angle range are satisfied as a measurement value for evaluation.

5. The wear inspection device according to claim 4, wherein: The measurement value acquisition unit is configured to output the object distance measured by the distance sensor when one or both of the first condition and the second condition are satisfied as the evaluation measurement value each time a measurement command is received or each time a set period has passed, The wear inspection device comprises: a data generating unit that generates measurement data by associating the evaluation measurement value with a time point at which the evaluation measurement value is measured, each time the evaluation measurement value is output from the measurement value acquiring unit; a storage unit for storing the generated measurement data; a replacement period prediction unit that predicts a replacement period of the journal bearing based on the plurality of measurement data stored in the storage unit; and A notification unit notifies the predicted replacement time.

6. The wear inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: have: a wear amount calculation unit that calculates the wear amount of the journal bearing based on the target distance and a set initial value; and A notification unit notifies the wear amount.

7. The wear inspection device according to claim 4, wherein: have: a wear amount calculation unit that calculates the wear amount of the journal bearing based on the evaluation measurement value output by the measurement value acquisition unit and a set initial value; and The notification unit determines whether the calculated wear amount exceeds a threshold value, and notifies the user of the determination if the wear amount exceeds the threshold value.

8. The wear inspection device according to claim 4, wherein: have: a wear amount calculation unit that calculates the wear amount of the journal bearing based on the evaluation measurement value output by the measurement value acquisition unit and a set initial value; a determination unit that determines whether the calculated wear amount exceeds an allowable value; as well as A control device controls a driving device of the propulsion propeller so that a rotation speed of the propulsion propeller becomes equal to or lower than a set rotation speed when the determination unit determines that the wear amount exceeds the allowable value. 9 . A ship comprising the wear inspection device according to claim 1 .

10. The vessel according to claim 9, wherein: The invention comprises a front propeller, a rear propeller, and a propeller device, wherein the propeller device drives the front propeller and the rear propeller to rotate in opposite directions to each other. The wear inspection device is provided for at least one of the front propeller and the rear propeller, and is used to perform inspections related to the wear of the journal bearing, wherein the journal bearing supports the power transmission part in a rotatable manner, and the power transmission part transmits the rotational driving force to the at least one propeller serving as the propulsion propeller.

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