Lifetime estimation system, lifetime estimation method, and lifetime estimation program

Abstract

The system accurately estimates the lifespan of support components, such as rolling bearings that support rotating bodies, by taking into account even the shape of foreign matter that may form inside these components. [Solution] A life estimation system for estimating the lifespan of a component supporting a rotating body includes: a particle size analysis step for analyzing the particle size distribution of foreign matter mixed into the lubricant supplied to the component; a shape analysis step for analyzing the proportion of shapes of foreign matter mixed into the lubricant; a calculation step for determining the degree of contamination of the lubricant based on the particle size distribution and calculating a corrected lifespan coefficient used for estimating the lifespan of the component based on the degree of contamination; a calculation step for calculating a correction coefficient for correcting the corrected lifespan coefficient based on the proportion of shapes; and a correction step for correcting the corrected lifespan coefficient by combining the correction coefficient with the corrected lifespan coefficient.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to a lifetime estimation system, a lifetime estimation method, and a lifetime estimation program. [Background technology]

[0002] Traditionally, rotating machinery has utilized components such as rolling bearings, ball screws, and linear guides to support the rotating body. As these support components deteriorate, abnormalities occur in the machine's operation, leading to failure. Therefore, estimating the lifespan of these support components before any abnormalities occur is crucial for efficient machine operation and effective maintenance management.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method for estimating the lifespan of a rolling bearing by sampling the lubricant supplied for lubrication inside the rolling bearing and estimating the size of any foreign matter present. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2006-258473 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] In addition to rolling wear, there are other types of surface damage related to the sliding and rolling of support components, such as abrasive wear and adhesive wear. Rolling wear, or rolling fatigue, is a phenomenon in which the surface hardens due to repeated stress acting on the contact surface, causing microscopic cracks to form and propagate, resulting in delamination damage (flaking). This phenomenon is a sign that fatigue damage to the support component is progressing and its lifespan is decreasing. The debris that falls off due to delamination mixes with the lubricant as foreign matter. On the other hand, abrasive wear and adhesive wear are phenomena that mainly occur due to cutting and sliding of the contact surface, and the shape of the foreign matter that is generated differs from that generated by rolling fatigue.

[0006] As described above, there are various types of surface damage to support components, and foreign matter mixed into lubricants also varies greatly in size, number, material, and shape. Patent Document 1, mentioned above, estimates the lifespan of a rolling bearing based on the size of the foreign matter mixed into the lubricant. However, since the lifespan is estimated without determining whether the foreign matter was caused by rolling fatigue, the estimate may not be accurate.

[0007] The present invention aims to accurately estimate the lifespan of support components, such as rolling bearings that support rotating bodies, by taking into account even the shape of foreign matter that may occur inside these support components. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] This application includes several means to solve at least some of the above problems, and some examples are as follows.

[0009] One aspect of the present invention is a life estimation system for estimating the life of a component that supports a rotating body, which includes a particle size analysis step for analyzing the particle size distribution of foreign matter mixed into a lubricant supplied to the component, a shape analysis step for analyzing the proportion of shapes of foreign matter mixed into the lubricant, a calculation step for determining the degree of contamination of the lubricant based on the particle size distribution and calculating a corrected life coefficient used for estimating the life of the component based on the degree of contamination, a calculation step for calculating a correction coefficient for correcting the corrected life coefficient based on the proportion of shapes, and a correction step for correcting the corrected life coefficient by combining the correction coefficient with the corrected life coefficient. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to this disclosure, the lifespan of support components, such as rolling bearings, can be accurately estimated by taking into account even the shape of foreign matter that occurs inside the support components.

[0011] Other issues, configurations, and effects not mentioned above will be clarified by the following description of the embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a lifetime estimation system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This diagram illustrates an example of a lubricant sampling method. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart showing an example of a lifespan estimation method. [Figure 4] This is a diagram illustrating examples of foreign object shapes. [Figure 5] This diagram illustrates an example of the correspondence between the composition ratio of foreign object shapes and correction coefficients. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of how lifespan is indicated. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of how lifespan is indicated. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. In all the drawings for explaining the embodiment, the same members are generally denoted by the same reference numerals, and the repeated explanations thereof will be omitted as appropriate. Further, in the following embodiments, it is needless to say that the constituent elements (including element steps, etc.) are not necessarily essential unless particularly specified or considered to be clearly essential in principle. Also, unless particularly specified that only that element is excluded, it is needless to say that other elements are not excluded. Similarly, in the following embodiments, when referring to the shape, positional relationship, etc. of constituent elements, etc., unless particularly specified or considered not to be so in principle, those substantially approximating or similar to the shape, etc. are included.

[0014] In this embodiment, as a support component that supports a rotating body, which is the object of life estimation, a rolling bearing will be described as an example, but there is no intention to limit it. The life estimation method according to this embodiment is applicable to a support component that functions under rotational motion, whose life is determined by rolling fatigue, and in which spalling damage starting from an indentation occurs due to foreign matter biting in. For example, it is also applicable to ball screws, linear guides, etc.

[0015] Also, in this embodiment, a machine provided with a support component that is the object of life estimation can be regarded as being similarly the object of life estimation. For example, the estimated life of the support component can be regarded as the estimated life of the machine provided with the support component.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a life estimation system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The life estimation system includes a life estimation device 1, an analyzer 2, and an analyzer 3. The analyzer 2 and the analyzer 3 can communicate with the life estimation device 1 via a wired connection or a wireless connection, respectively.

[0017] The life estimation device 1 is, for example, an information processing device such as a PC (Personal Computer) or a server computer, and includes a processing unit 10, a storage unit 11, an input unit 12, an output unit 13, a communication unit 14, and an external interface (IF) 15.

[0018] The processing unit 10 is, for example, one or more processors. A processor is an arithmetic unit that reads various programs stored in memory resources and executes processing corresponding to each program. A processor is, for example, a microprocessor, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), a quantum processor, or other arithmetic semiconductor device.

[0019] The memory unit 11 is a memory resource, such as non-volatile memory and / or volatile memory. Volatile memory is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory) or ROM (Read Only Memory). Non-volatile memory may be, for example, a rewritable storage medium such as flash memory, a hard disk, or an SSD (Solid State Drive), or it may be a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, a memory card, or a hard disk. In addition, RAM such as MRAM (Magnetoresistive RAM), PRAM (Phase Change RAM), and ReRAM (Resistive RAM) may be considered as non-volatile memory.

[0020] The input unit 12 is an input device that inputs user instructions to the computer, and is, for example, a keyboard, a touch panel, a pointing device such as a mouse, or an audio input device such as a microphone.

[0021] The output unit 13 is an output device that outputs information generated by a computer, such as a display, printer, and speech synthesizer.

[0022] The communication unit 14 is a communication device that performs information communication with external devices. The communication unit 14 performs information communication with external devices via a predetermined communication network, such as the Internet or a LAN.

[0023] The external interface 15 is a communication device that communicates information with an external device. The external interface 15 communicates information with the external device via a predetermined communication cable, such as a USB cable. In this embodiment, analyzer 2 and analyzer 3 are each connected to the external interface 15, but they may also be connected in a way that allows communication via the communication unit 14.

[0024] Of course, the lifetime estimation device 1 may be implemented using one physical or logical computer, or it may be implemented using two or more physical or logical computers. The two or more physical or logical computers may each be distributed and located on a network.

[0025] In this embodiment, processing performed by executing a program may be described. Here, the computer executes the program using a processor (e.g., CPU, GPU) and performs processing defined by the program using memory resources (e.g., memory) and interface devices (e.g., communication ports). Therefore, the main entity performing the processing by executing the program may be the processor. Similarly, the main entity performing the processing by executing the program may be a controller, device, system, computer, or node having a processor. The main entity performing the processing by executing the program may be an arithmetic unit, and may include a dedicated circuit that performs a specific processing. Here, a dedicated circuit is, for example, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or a CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device).

[0026] The program may be installed on the computer from the program source. The program source may be, for example, a program distribution server or a storage medium readable by the computer. If the program source is a program distribution server, the program distribution server includes a processor and storage resources for storing the program to be distributed, and the processor of the program distribution server may distribute the program to other computers. In addition, in some embodiments, two or more programs may be implemented as a single program, or one program may be implemented as two or more programs.

[0027] The processing unit 10 estimates the lifespan of the support component (or the machine equipped with the support component) using the analysis data obtained by analyzers 2 and 3. This section explains the basic lifespan calculation method; specific calculation methods will be described in detail later with reference to Figure 3.

[0028] Rolling bearings have a structure that allows foreign matter to be mixed into the lubricant, and they operate in environments where foreign matter is present. A lubricant (such as lubricating oil or grease) is supplied to the inside of a rolling bearing, and the movement of the components that make up the rolling bearing is lubricated.

[0029] According to ISO 281 (International Standard), the following formula (1) is specified for calculating the lifespan of rolling bearings.

[0030]

number

[0031] Furthermore, C can be set to a value specified in the specifications of the rolling bearing in question, for example. P can be set by the evaluator based on the operating environment of the rolling bearing in question. p can be set by the evaluator based on the type of rolling bearing in question.

[0032] Here, the accuracy of life estimation can be improved by applying various correction factors to equation (1). If foreign matter is mixed into the lubricant and affects the life, the following equation (2) can be used.

[0033]

number

[0034] By setting an appropriate value for the corrected life coefficient R, the accuracy of life estimation can be improved. In this embodiment, the corrected life coefficient R is derived based on the results of multiple analyses of foreign matter mixed into the rolling bearing. Specifically, in order to derive the corrected life coefficient R, attention is paid to the size, quantity, and shape of foreign matter contained in the lubricant within the rolling bearing. For this purpose, analyzers 2 and 3 are used.

[0035] Analyzer 2 analyzes the lubricant in a sampled rolling bearing, measures the particle size of foreign matter contained in the lubricant, analyzes the distribution of the particle size of the foreign matter, and outputs the analysis data. Analyzer 2 is not limited in its configuration as long as it can analyze the distribution of the particle size of foreign matter. For example, it is an optical analyzer that measures and analyzes particle size by shining a laser on the target and measuring the diffraction and scattering pattern. Alternatively, for example, it is an optical analyzer that uses a microscope to image the target with an image sensor such as a CCD or CMOS, and measures and analyzes particle size through image analysis processing.

[0036] Analyzer 3 analyzes the lubricant in a sampled rolling bearing, measures the shape of foreign matter contained in the lubricant, and analyzes the composition ratio of the shapes of the foreign matter. Analyzer 3 is not limited in its configuration as long as it can analyze the composition ratio of the shapes of foreign matter. For example, it is an optical analyzer that uses a microscope to image the target with an image sensor such as a CCD or CMOS, and measures and analyzes the shape through image analysis processing.

[0037] Figure 2 illustrates an example of a lubricant sampling method. The lubricant is supplied to the support components incorporated into the machine using methods such as self-priming or forced supply. Figure 2 shows the case of forced supply, and the flow of lubricant is indicated by dashed arrows.

[0038] In the annular flow path system A, the lubricant is supplied to the machine and its support components by a circulation device such as a pump P driven by a motor M, and then discharged from the machine. On the other hand, through flow path system B, which branches off from flow path system A, the lubricant is supplied to the machine and its support components after being filtered by a filter F to remove unwanted foreign matter.

[0039] Analyzers 2 and 3 are connected to flow path system A by supply and discharge channels, respectively. Lubricant is supplied to analyzers 2 and 3 through their respective supply channels and discharged from analyzers 2 and 3 through their respective discharge channels as needed. The supply and discharge channels may each be equipped with valves V to control their opening and closing. With the configuration shown in Figure 2, sampling can be performed automatically by driving the circulation device.

[0040] The lubricant may be sampled from storage tanks, transport pipes, pipe drains, etc. (not shown) connected to circulation devices, filters, machinery, flow path systems, etc., and the sampling location is not limited. Alternatively, an operator may collect the lubricant in a container and supply it to analyzer 2 and analyzer 3. In this embodiment, analyzer 2 and analyzer 3 are separate devices, but they may be a single device.

[0041] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a life estimation method. The life estimation method according to this embodiment includes seven steps, as shown in the figure. Specifically, these steps are: sampling of lubricant, analysis of the particle size distribution of foreign matter, analysis of the composition ratio of the shapes of foreign matter, calculation of a corrected life coefficient, calculation of a correction coefficient, correction of the corrected life coefficient (combination of correction coefficients), and life estimation.

[0042] [Step S1: Lubricant Sampling] Lubricant is sampled from a machine equipped with a support component whose lifespan is to be estimated. Specifically, for example, in the configuration shown in Figure 2 above, analyzer 2 and analyzer 3 each sample the lubricant through a supply path.

[0043] [Step S2: Analysis of the particle size distribution of foreign matter] Step S1 uses the sampled lubricant as the target of analysis to analyze the particle size distribution of foreign matter. Specifically, analyzer 2 measures the particle size of foreign matter contained in the lubricant, analyzes the distribution of particle size of foreign matter, and outputs the analysis data to life estimation device 1.

[0044] The analytical process using analyzer 2 will be described in detail. The particle size distribution is evaluated by converting it to the distribution per predetermined amount of lubricant. Foreign matter collected by the dust collection filter may be separated before being used for analysis. In this embodiment, it is preferable to exclude foreign matter with a particle size smaller than a predetermined size (e.g., 4 μm) from the analysis of the particle size distribution. This is because it has been shown that foreign matter with a particle size smaller than a predetermined size does not affect the life of the rolling bearing even if it is contained in the lubricant, and it is considered unlikely that it will cause indentations on the contact surface inside the rolling bearing, and therefore less likely that delamination damage will occur starting from indentations.

[0045] The particle size of foreign matter to be excluded may vary depending on the configuration of the rolling bearing and the operating environment. The particle size to be judged may be the long axis diameter of the foreign matter (the longest length of the foreign matter) or the equivalent circle diameter of the foreign matter (the diameter of a circle with the same projected area as the shadow of the foreign matter).

[0046] [Step S3: Analysis of the composition ratio of the foreign object's shape] Step S1 uses the sampled lubricant as the analysis target to analyze the composition ratio of the shapes of foreign matter. Specifically, analyzer 3 measures the shape of foreign matter contained in the lubricant, analyzes the composition ratio of the shapes of foreign matter, and outputs the analysis data to life estimation device 1.

[0047] The analytical process using analyzer 3 will be described in detail. Foreign matter collected by the dust collection filter may be separated before being used for analysis. The coarseness of the dust collection filter may be set so that foreign matter of a desired particle size is collected. In this embodiment, it is preferable to analyze the shape of foreign matter within a predetermined particle size range (for example, particle size of 10 μm or more and less than 100 μm). The upper limit of particle size is about 100 μm because large metallic foreign matter does not flow with the lubricating oil and remains somewhere. Foreign matter smaller than the lower limit of particle size is likely to have shrunk due to damage over time since its generation, making it difficult to estimate the original cause of generation. The lower limit of particle size for analysis in analyzer 3 is greater than the lower limit of particle size for analysis in analyzer 2.

[0048] The particle size of the foreign matter to be analyzed may vary depending on the configuration of the rolling bearing and the operating environment. The particle size to be determined may be the ratio of the major axis diameter (maximum length of the foreign matter) to the minor axis diameter (minimum length of the foreign matter), or the equivalent circle diameter (diameter of a circle with the same projected area as the shadow of the foreign matter).

[0049] In this embodiment, the shape of the foreign object of interest and the criteria for determining it are specified in advance. The shape of interest and the criteria for determining it may differ depending on the operating environment of the rolling bearing, but for example, they can be classified into foil-like pieces, rod-like pieces, and other shapes. Based on the classification results, the composition ratio of the shapes (e.g., frequency of occurrence or proportion) is analyzed. The composition ratio of the foreign object shapes is evaluated by converting it to a composition ratio per predetermined amount of lubricant.

[0050] As a means of analyzing shape and its composition ratio, for example, a neural network can be used that comprehensively learns multiple parameters, including the shape of the foreign object and the criteria for identifying that shape, as well as color and surface properties, enabling rapid classification and quantification of the data. Alternatively, a pre-trained model can be used, which has been machine-learned to process image data containing the shape, color, and surface properties of the foreign object, along with its type (classification), and is constructed to output the type of shape, composition ratio, and evaluation value of the foreign object contained in the image data. Another example is the use of rule-based processing, such as shape pattern matching, for image data.

[0051] Figure 4 illustrates examples of foreign matter shapes. In this embodiment, three types of foreign matter shapes are given as examples for explanation. The shapes of foreign matter can be classified, for example, into foil-like shapes a, straight rod-like shapes b, and curved rod-like shapes c, which are similar to rectangles or circles. Each shape type is likely to occur in a specific type of wear. That is, foil-like shapes a are generated by rolling fatigue of the support part, straight rod-like shapes b are generated by sliding of the support part, and curved rod-like shapes c are generated by cutting of the support part. Therefore, as will be described later, the larger the proportion of foil-like shapes a is, the higher the degree of rolling fatigue can be judged to be.

[0052] [Step S4: Calculation of the corrected life factor] Based on the analysis results (particle size distribution) from step S2, the corrected life coefficient R is calculated. Specifically, the processing unit 10 of the life estimation device 1 acquires analysis data regarding the particle size distribution of foreign matter from the analyzer 2, and calculates the corrected life coefficient R in equation (2) above based on the analysis data and a predetermined calculation formula. More specifically, the degree of contamination of the lubricant is determined based on the particle size distribution, and the corrected life coefficient R is calculated based on the degree of contamination.

[0053] In this embodiment, the corrected lifetime coefficient R is α as defined in ISO 281. ISOA coefficient equivalent to the above can be used. The corrected life coefficient R is calculated using a formula defined as a function of variables such as bearing dimensions, rotational speed, lubricant viscosity, and lubricant contamination level. The variables such as bearing dimensions, rotational speed, and lubricant viscosity may be pre-set in the storage unit 11, or may be input by the user via a terminal device connected to the input unit 12 or communication unit 14. The degree of lubricant contamination can be determined (evaluated) using the particle size and number of foreign matter identified from the particle size distribution. The particle size and number of foreign matter identified from the particle size distribution may be converted to a code representation (ISO code) for the particle size and number of foreign matter as defined in ISO 4406 and used. The contamination coefficient defined in ISO 281 can be used as the degree of lubricant contamination. A lower contamination coefficient means that the lubricant is more contaminated and contains more foreign matter. The contamination coefficient can be calculated using the formula defined in ISO 281 Annex for each particle size and number of foreign matter, or for each code representation. The contamination coefficient is calculated using a formula defined as a function of variables such as the pitch circle diameter and viscosity ratio of the bearing under various contaminated lubrication conditions. The variables such as lubrication conditions, bearing pitch circle diameter, and viscosity ratio may be pre-set in the storage unit 11, or they may be input by the user via a terminal device connected to the input unit 12 or the communication unit 14.

[0054] [Step S5: Calculation of Correction Factor] Based on the analysis results (shape composition ratio) of step S3, a correction coefficient R is used to correct the modified life coefficient R. n Specifically, the processing unit 10 of the life estimation device 1 acquires analysis data regarding the composition ratio of the shape of foreign matter from the analyzer 3, and calculates the correction coefficient R based on the correspondence between the composition ratio of the shape and the correction coefficient predetermined. n To decide.

[0055] In this embodiment, for example, a table that associates the proportion of the shape with a correction coefficient can be used. The processing unit 10 can obtain the correction coefficient by referring to the table based on the acquired proportion of the shape.

[0056] Figure 5 illustrates an example of the correspondence between the composition ratio of foreign object shapes and correction coefficients. As shown in this figure, a correction coefficient is associated with each composition ratio of shape. For example, if the composition ratio of foil-shaped a is 80%, and the composition ratios of rod-shaped b and rod-shaped c are 20%, the correction coefficient R n The value is between 0 and 0.1. When the composition ratio of foil-shaped a is 50%, and the composition ratios of rod-shaped b and rod-shaped c are 50%, the correction coefficient R n The value is 0.3 to 0.5. When the composition ratio of foil-shaped a is 20% and the composition ratio of rod-shaped b and rod-shaped c is 80%, the correction coefficient R n It is between 0.6 and 0.8.

[0057] Here, as shown in the figure, a correspondence can be defined such that the higher the proportion of foil-like material a, the higher the degree of rolling fatigue and the degree of lubricant contamination (contamination coefficient). Therefore, the processing unit 10 can obtain the degree of rolling fatigue and the degree of lubricant contamination from the proportion by referring to a table that defines the correspondence between the proportion and the degree of rolling fatigue and the degree of lubricant contamination. It can also be said that the correction coefficient has a correspondence with the degree of rolling fatigue and the degree of lubricant contamination.

[0058] Thus, the more foil-like 'a' generated due to rolling fatigue, and the fewer rod-like 'b' and 'c' generated due to causes other than rolling fatigue, the smaller the correction coefficient can be set. This allows for a smaller correction of the modified life coefficient R as the degree of rolling fatigue increases.

[0059] Furthermore, the number of categories for the shape composition ratio and corresponding correction coefficients is not limited to three, and may vary depending on the operating environment of the rolling bearing. Alternatively, the shape composition ratio may be converted into a degree of rolling fatigue or a degree of lubricant contamination, and correction coefficients corresponding to these degrees may be obtained.

[0060] Also, as a means of converting from the composition ratio of the shape to the degree of rolling fatigue, the degree of lubricant contamination, or the correction coefficient, for example, a neural network that can comprehensively learn a plurality of parameters including the composition ratio of the shape and covering the target machine and its usage environment, and can quickly classify and digitize data may be utilized. Also, for example, a learned model constructed by learning the composition ratio of the shape, the degree of rolling fatigue, the degree of lubricant contamination, or the correction coefficient, and outputting the degree or correction coefficient when the composition ratio of the shape is input may be used.

[0061] [Step S6: Correction of the modified life coefficient (synthesis of correction coefficients)] The modified life coefficient R calculated in step S4 is corrected by synthesizing it with the correction coefficient R n calculated in step S5. Specifically, the processing unit 10 corrects the modified life coefficient R by the following formula (3).

[0062] [Equation] R: Modified life coefficient R n : Correction coefficient

[0063] As a result, the correction corresponding to the composition ratio of the shape of the foreign matter is reflected in the modified life coefficient R. In other words, according to the degree of rolling fatigue or the degree of lubricant contamination corresponding to the composition ratio of the shape of the foreign matter, the higher the degree, the more the modified life coefficient R is corrected to be smaller.

[0064] [Step S7: Life estimation] The life is estimated using the modified life coefficient R corrected in step S6. Specifically, the processing unit 10 sets the corrected modified life coefficient R, the basic dynamic rated load C, the load P on the target, and the exponent p for the above-mentioned formula (2), and calculates the modified basic rated life L 10mr . The basic dynamic rated load C, the load P on the target, and the exponent p of the target bearing may be set in the storage unit 11 in advance, or may be input by the user via a terminal device connected to the input unit 12 or the communication unit 14.

[0065] The processing unit 10 calculates the lifespan, the corrected lifespan coefficient R before and after correction, and the correction coefficient R n Numerical values ​​such as these, and their time-series changes, may be displayed via the output unit 13 or on a terminal device connected via the communication unit 14. This allows users (e.g., manufacturers or maintenance companies) who monitor the support component (or the machine equipped with the support component) to understand the lifespan of the support component (or the machine equipped with the support component) and plan maintenance such as component replacement.

[0066] Figures 6 and 7 show examples of lifespan indications. In Figure 6, for a machine equipped with the support component in question, the modified basic rated lifespan L is shown along with the installation location, identifier, date and time, and temperature. 10mr and the corresponding correction coefficient R n The changes from a predetermined time (for example, the time of the previous analysis) to the time of the current analysis are displayed. In Figure 7, for the machine equipped with the target support component, the installation location, identifier, date and time, and temperature are shown, along with a graph (solid line) showing the change in remaining life based on the design life defined in the specifications, etc., and a graph (dashed line) showing the change in remaining life based on the estimated life, displayed in comparison.

[0067] One embodiment of the present invention has been described above. According to this embodiment, even the shape of foreign matter generated inside the support component, such as a rolling bearing, can be taken into consideration, and the lifespan of the support component due to rolling fatigue can be estimated with high accuracy.

[0068] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various further modifications are possible. For example, the embodiments described above are described in detail for the purpose of clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to those having all the configurations described. Furthermore, it is possible to replace some of the modifications with other modifications or to combine modifications.

[0069] Furthermore, some or all of the components, functions, processing units, and processing means of the life estimation device 1 described above may be implemented in hardware, for example, by designing them as integrated circuits. Also, the control lines and information lines shown are those deemed necessary for explanation purposes and do not necessarily represent all control lines and information lines in the actual product. In practice, it can be assumed that almost all components are interconnected.

[0070] The present invention can be provided in various forms, not limited to systems and methods, but also including devices, computer-readable programs, and storage media storing such programs. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 1 Life estimation device, 2 Analyzer, 3 Analyzer, 10 Processing unit, 11 Memory unit, 12 Input unit, 13 Output unit, 14 Communication unit, 15 External interface (IF)

Claims

1. A life estimation system for estimating the lifespan of a component that supports a rotating body, A particle size analysis step for analyzing the particle size distribution of foreign matter mixed into the lubricant supplied to the aforementioned part, A shape analysis step to analyze the composition ratio of the shapes of foreign matter mixed into the lubricant, A calculation step of determining the degree of contamination of the lubricant based on the particle size distribution, and calculating a corrected life coefficient used for estimating the life of the part based on the degree of contamination, A calculation step of calculating a correction coefficient for correcting the modified life coefficient based on the composition ratio of the shape, A correction step of correcting the modified life coefficient by combining the correction coefficient with the modified life coefficient. A lifetime estimation system that performs this operation.

2. A lifetime estimation system according to claim 1, The corrected life factor is used in the life calculation formula below. [Math 1] However, L10mr is the modified basic rated life, R is the corrected modified life coefficient, C is the basic dynamic rated load, P is the load on the object, and p is the index corresponding to the type of object. Lifespan estimation system.

3. A lifetime estimation system according to claim 2, In the correction step, the correction is performed using the following correction formula. [Math 2] However, R ｎ This is the correction coefficient. Lifespan estimation system.

4. A lifetime estimation system according to claim 1, The lower limit of the particle size of the foreign substance to be analyzed in the shape analysis step is greater than the lower limit of the particle size of the foreign substance to be measured in the particle size analysis step. Lifespan estimation system.

5. A lifetime estimation system according to claim 1, In the shape analysis step, the foreign matter contained in the lubricant is classified into a predetermined set of shape types to obtain the composition ratio of the shape. Lifespan estimation system.

6. A lifetime estimation system according to claim 5, The aforementioned predefined set of shapes are each shapes that are likely to occur in a particular type of wear. Lifespan estimation system.

7. A lifetime estimation system according to claim 1, Output process to output the corrected modified life coefficient and at least one of the correction coefficient. A lifetime estimation system that performs this operation.

8. A lifetime estimation system according to claim 1, Estimation step: Using the corrected life coefficient corrected in the correction step, estimate the life of the component. A lifetime estimation system that performs this operation.

9. A lifetime estimation system according to claim 8, The estimation process estimates the lifespan of the component using the following lifespan calculation formula. [Math 3] However, L10mr is the modified basic rated life, R is the corrected modified life coefficient, C is the basic dynamic rated load, P is the load on the object, and p is the index corresponding to the type of object. Lifespan estimation system.

10. A lifetime estimation system according to claim 8, Output process for outputting the estimated lifespan of the component. A lifetime estimation system that performs this operation.

11. A lifetime estimation system according to claim 1, The aforementioned component is one of the following: a rolling bearing, a ball screw, or a linear guide. Lifespan estimation system.

12. A method for estimating the lifespan of a component that supports a rotating body, A particle size analysis step for analyzing the particle size distribution of foreign matter mixed into the lubricant supplied to the aforementioned part, A shape analysis step to analyze the composition ratio of the shapes of foreign matter mixed into the lubricant, A calculation step of determining the degree of contamination of the lubricant based on the particle size distribution, and calculating a corrected life coefficient used for estimating the life of the part based on the degree of contamination, A calculation step of calculating a correction coefficient for correcting the modified life coefficient based on the composition ratio of the shape, A correction step of correcting the modified life coefficient by combining the correction coefficient with the modified life coefficient. A lifespan estimation method that includes this.

13. A computer-readable program that causes a computer to perform a process to estimate the lifespan of a component supporting a rotating body, A particle size acquisition step to acquire the particle size distribution of foreign matter mixed in the lubricant supplied to the aforementioned part, A shape acquisition step to obtain the composition ratio of the shapes of foreign matter mixed into the lubricant, A calculation step of determining the degree of contamination of the lubricant based on the particle size distribution, and calculating a corrected life coefficient used for estimating the life of the part based on the degree of contamination, A calculation step of calculating a correction coefficient for correcting the modified life coefficient based on the composition ratio of the shape, A correction step of correcting the modified life coefficient by combining the correction coefficient with the modified life coefficient. A program that causes a computer to execute something.

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