Plunger pump monitoring device and food transfer system

Abstract

To provide a monitoring device of a plunger pump capable of suggesting, before a sliding member of the plunger pump falls in breakage, maintenance such as replacement of the sliding member, and a food transportation system thereof.SOLUTION: A monitoring device 3 of a plunger pump is a device including a sliding member which slides relatively and being used together with a plunger pump 2 for transporting food. The monitoring device of the plunger pump includes an estimation unit 321 which estimates a progress degree of wear of the sliding member on the basis of a sliding condition of the sliding member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a monitoring device for a plunger pump and a food transfer system.

Background Art

[0002] One of the food processing apparatuses is an emulsifying and dispersing apparatus (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The emulsifying and dispersing apparatus described in Patent Document 1 includes a plunger pump mechanism and a homogenizing disk mechanism. The plunger pump mechanism can send out the fluid to be processed to the homogenizing disk mechanism. This plunger pump mechanism includes three crankshafts that rotate by driving an electric motor, connecting rods respectively connected to these crankshafts, a piston pin provided on the piston, and a bearing member that slidably connects the connecting rod and the piston pin.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the emulsifying and dispersing apparatus described in Patent Document 1, if the plunger pump mechanism continues to be used, eventually, there is a possibility that the bearing member will undergo deterioration over time such as wear. And if the plunger pump mechanism is continuously used as it is, there is a problem that the bearing member will be damaged and the use of the plunger pump mechanism will become impossible. Further, if the state where the plunger pump mechanism cannot be used continues for a long time, there is also a problem that the production efficiency of the emulsifying and dispersing apparatus decreases.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a monitoring device for a plunger pump and a food transfer system that can prompt maintenance such as replacement of the sliding member before the sliding member of the plunger pump is damaged.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the monitoring device for a plunger pump of the present invention is a monitoring device for a plunger pump that includes a sliding member that slides relatively and is used together with a plunger pump that transfers food, characterized by including an estimation unit that estimates the progress of wear of the sliding member based on the sliding conditions of the sliding member.

[0007] One aspect of the food transfer system of the present invention is a food transfer system that includes a sliding member that slides relatively, a plunger pump that transfers food, and the above-described monitoring device for a plunger pump that is used together with the plunger pump.

Effects of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to estimate the degree of progress of wear in the current sliding member by the food stirring monitoring device. And depending on the degree of progress of wear, it is possible to prompt maintenance such as replacement of the sliding member before the sliding member becomes unable to function. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the unusable state of the plunger pump and the decrease in the operating rate of the plunger pump that may occur when maintenance is omitted.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] With reference to FIGS. 1 to 6, embodiments of a monitoring device for a plunger pump and a food transfer system of the present invention will be described. In the following, for convenience of explanation, the upper side in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 is referred to as "upper (or above)", and the lower side is referred to as "lower (or below)".

[0011] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the food transfer system 1 includes a homogenizer 10 and a monitoring device for a plunger pump (hereinafter simply referred to as a "monitoring device") 3. The homogenizer 10 is a device for transferring a fluid food FD. The monitoring device 3 is a device for monitoring the homogenizer 10.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the homogenizer 10 is a device that receives the food FD from the inlet 101, performs a homogenization process on the food FD, and sends out the food FD from the outlet 102. This homogenizer 10 includes a plunger pump 2 and a disk unit (homogenizing mechanism) 4.

[0013] The plunger pump 2 is a device that sucks and compresses the food FD and sends it to the disk unit 4 in a high-pressure state. The plunger pump 2 includes a motor 21, a crankshaft 22, a connecting rod 23, a piston 24, a sleeve unit 5, and a cylinder unit 6. The motor 21 rotationally drives the crankshaft 22. The crankshaft 22 is connected to the piston 24 via the connecting rod 23.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 3, the sleeve unit 5 includes a sleeve 51, a plunger 52, a plunger packing 53, a plunger bush 54, a sleeve holding portion 55, a water-cooling packing 56, and a water-cooling packing holding portion 57.

[0015] The sleeve 51 is a cylindrical as member. The sleeve holding portion 55 is a member that holds the sleeve 51 on the outer peripheral side of the sleeve 51. Also, a columnar plunger 52 is inserted into the sleeve 51. The plunger 52 is connected to the piston 24 and can reciprocate within the sleeve 51 by the operation of the motor 21.

[0016] The plunger packing 53 is ring-shaped and is concentrically arranged between the sleeve 51 and the plunger 52. Also, the plunger packing 53 is fixed to the sleeve 51. When the plunger 52 reciprocates, the plunger packing 53 slides against the outer peripheral portion 521 of the plunger 52. Therefore, both the plunger packing 53 and the plunger 52 serve as sliding members 11.

[0017] The water-cooling packing holding portion 57 is cylindrical and is concentrically arranged between the sleeve 51 and the plunger 52. Also, the water-cooling packing holding portion 57 is fixed to the sleeve 51 on the right side in FIG. 3 with respect to the plunger packing 53. A refrigerant for cooling the plunger 52 is supplied inside the water-cooling packing holding portion 57.

[0018] The plunger bush 54 is cylindrical and is arranged concentrically between the water-cooled packing holding part 57 and the plunger 52. Also, the plunger bush 54 is fixed to the water-cooled packing holding part 57 and guides the plunger 52. Thereby, the plunger 52 can reciprocate stably and smoothly. Also, when the plunger 52 reciprocates, the plunger bush 54 slides against the outer peripheral part 521 of the plunger 52. The plunger bush 54 also becomes one of the sliding members 11.

[0019] The water-cooled packing 56 is ring-shaped and is arranged concentrically between the water-cooled packing holding part 57 and the plunger 52. The water-cooled packing 56 is fixed to the water-cooled packing holding part 57 on the right side in FIG. 3 with respect to the plunger bush 54. Thereby, when the refrigerant for cooling the plunger 52 is supplied to the inside of the water-cooled packing holding part 57, leakage of the refrigerant from between the water-cooled packing holding part 57 and the plunger 52 can be prevented. Also, when the plunger 52 reciprocates, the water-cooled packing 56 slides against the outer peripheral part 521 of the plunger 52. Therefore, the water-cooled packing 56 becomes the sliding member 11.

[0020] A cylinder unit 6 is connected to the sleeve unit 5. The cylinder unit 6 includes a housing 61, a suction port 62, a discharge port (exhaust port) 63, a first valve body 64, a first valve body support part 65, a second valve body 66, a second valve body support part 67, a first biasing part 68, a second biasing part 69, a third biasing part 70, and a spring seat 71.

[0021] The housing 61 is composed of a hollow body, and its hollow part constitutes a pump chamber 611. Also, the pump chamber 611 communicates with the sleeve 51 of the sleeve unit 5. Via the housing 61, a suction port 62 and a discharge port 63 are connected to opposite sides of each other. The food FD is sucked into the pump chamber 611 through the suction port 62. Thereafter, the food FD is discharged from the pump chamber 611 through the discharge port 63.

[0022] The first valve body 64 is a member that switches between sucking the food FD into the pump chamber 611 and stopping the sucking. The first valve body 64 has a columnar shape and is movably supported via the first valve body support portion 65. By this movement, the switching operation of the first valve body 64 is performed. Also, as the first valve body 64 moves, it slides with respect to the inner peripheral portion 651 of the first valve body support portion 65. Therefore, both the first valve body 64 and the first valve body support portion 65 serve as sliding members 11.

[0023] The second valve body 66 is a member that switches between discharging the food FD from the pump chamber 611 and stopping the discharge. The second valve body 66 has a columnar shape and is movably supported via the second valve body support portion 67. By this movement, the switching operation of the second valve body 66 is performed. Also, as the second valve body 66 moves, it slides with respect to the inner peripheral portion 671 of the second valve body support portion 67. Therefore, both the second valve body 66 and the second valve body support portion 67 serve as sliding members 11.

[0024] In the present embodiment, when the plunger 52 moves to the right side in FIG. 3, the first valve body 64 is in an open state and the food FD is sucked. Also, at this time, the second valve body 66 is in a closed state and the discharge of the food FD stops. Conversely, when the plunger 52 moves to the left side in FIG. 3, the second valve body 66 is in an open state and the food FD is discharged. Also, at this time, the first valve body 64 is in a closed state and the sucking of the food FD stops.

[0025] The first biasing portion 68 is a compression coil spring disposed between the first valve body 64 and the spring seat 71. The first biasing portion 68 can bias the first valve body 64 in a direction to be in a closed state. The second biasing portion 69 is a compression coil spring disposed between the second valve body 66 and the discharge port 63. The second biasing portion 69 can bias the second valve body 66 in a direction to be in a closed state.

[0026] The third biasing portion 70 is a compression coil spring disposed between the second valve body support portion 67 and the spring seat 71. Due to the biasing force of the third biasing portion 70, the first valve body support portion 65 can be pressed against the inside of the housing 61 together with the spring seat 71. The positions of the first valve body support portion 65 and the second valve body support portion 67 are restricted, that is, positioned.

[0027] On the downstream side of the cylinder unit 6, a disk unit 4 is connected. The disk unit 4 is a device that gradually refines the food FD supplied from the cylinder unit 6 and homogenizes the fine particles of the food FD. As shown in FIG. 4, the disk unit 4 has a first refinement unit 4A and a second refinement unit 4B.

[0028] The first refinement unit 4A has a first housing 41, a pair of first disks 42, a first handle 43, a first biasing portion 44, and a first pressing portion 45. The first housing 41 is composed of a cylindrical member. A pair of first disks 42, a first pressing portion 45, and a first biasing portion 44 are inserted into the first housing 41 in this order.

[0029] A very narrow gap 421 of about several tens of μm to several hundreds of μm is formed between the first disks 42. As the food FD passes through the gap 421, a shearing force acts, and collisions with the first disk 42, cavitation, etc. occur. As a result, the food FD is refined (homogenized).

[0030] The first handle 43 is a member for adjusting the gap 421 and is rotatably supported by the first housing 41. By rotating the first handle 43 in a predetermined direction, the biasing force of the first biasing portion 44 is transmitted to one of the first disks 42 via the first pressing portion 45, and the gap 421 between the first disks 42 and the other can be narrowed. Further, by rotating the first handle 43 in the direction opposite to the above, the biasing force of the first biasing portion 44 can be weakened, and thus the gap 421 can be widened.

[0031] On the downstream side of the first miniaturization unit 4A, a second miniaturization unit 4B is connected. The second miniaturization unit 4B includes a second housing 46, a pair of second disks 47, a second handle 48, a second biasing portion 49, and a second pressing portion 50. The second housing 46 is formed of a cylindrical member. A pair of second disks 47, the second pressing portion 50, and the second biasing portion 49 are sequentially inserted into the second housing 46.

[0032] A very narrow gap 471 of about several tens of μm to several hundreds of μm, similar to the gap 421, is formed between the second disks 47. By passing through the gap 471, the food FD can prevent re-condensation of the particles miniaturized by the first miniaturization unit 4A. Then, this food FD heads toward the outlet 102.

[0033] The second handle 48 is a member for adjusting the gap 471 and is rotatably supported by the second housing 46. By rotating the second handle 48 in a predetermined direction, the biasing force of the second biasing portion 49 is transmitted to one of the second disks 47 via the second pressing portion 50, and the gap 471 between the second disks 47 can be narrowed. Also, by rotating the second handle 48 in the direction opposite to the above, the biasing force of the second biasing portion 49 can be weakened, and thus the gap 471 can be widened.

[0034] Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the plunger pump 2 includes a control unit 25 and an input unit 26. The control unit 25 is electrically connected to the motor 21 and the input unit 26 and can control their operations. The control unit 25 includes a CPU 251 and a storage unit 252. The CPU 251 can execute, for example, a control program pre-stored in the storage unit 252. The control program includes, for example, a transfer program for controlling the operation of the motor 21 to execute the transfer of the food FD.

[0035] In the plunger pump 2, various information can be input via the input unit 26. One of the information input from the input unit 26 is the sliding condition of the sliding member 11 that can be included in the transfer conditions for transferring the food FD. The sliding condition includes at least one of the sliding time of the sliding member 11, the sliding speed of the sliding member 11, and the pressure in the plunger pump 2 due to the food FD. In addition, other than that, the sliding condition can also include, for example, the applied frequency to the motor 21, etc. And the sliding condition input from the input unit 26 is stored in the storage unit 252 and reflected in the transfer program, that is, incorporated as a part of the transfer program. Note that the input unit 26 is not particularly limited, and examples include a touch panel, a keyboard, a mouse, etc.

[0036] In the food transfer system 1, a monitoring device 3 is used together with the plunger pump 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the monitoring device 3 is electrically connected to the plunger pump 2. The monitoring device 3 has a control unit 31 and a notification unit 34. The control unit 31 has a CPU 32 and a storage unit 33. The CPU 32 can execute, for example, a control program pre-stored in the storage unit 33. The control program includes, for example, a monitoring program for monitoring the plunger pump 2, etc. Also, the control unit 31 is electrically connected to the notification unit 34 and can control the operation of the notification unit 34.

[0037] The notification unit 34 can notify, for example, the monitoring result by the monitoring device 3. The notification method in the notification unit 34 is not particularly limited, and examples include a notification method by sound (including vibration) using a speaker, etc., a notification method by light emission using a signal lamp, a liquid crystal display, etc., a notification method by printing on a medium, etc.

[0038] In the plunger pump 2 (homogenizer 10), with the long-term use of the plunger pump 2, the sliding member 11 will deteriorate over time due to wear. And if the use of the plunger pump 2 is continued as it is, the sliding member 11 may be damaged, and there is a risk that the use of the plunger pump 2 will become impossible. Also, if the inoperable state of the plunger pump 2 continues for a long time, there is also a risk that the operating rate of the plunger pump 2 will decrease. Here, "wear" refers to a phenomenon in which friction occurs on the sliding member 11, the sliding member 11 is worn away, and eventually there is a risk of major damage.

[0039] Therefore, the food transfer system 1 is configured to eliminate the above-mentioned problems. Hereinafter, this configuration and operation will be described. The monitoring device 3 is a device that monitors the plunger pump 2 (homogenizer 10), and among the plunger pump 2, in particular, the sliding member 11 can be monitored as the monitoring target.

[0040] As described above, the sliding members 11 that slide relative to each other include the plunger 52, the plunger packing 53, the plunger bush 54, the water-cooled packing 56, the first valve body 64, the first valve body support portion 65, the second valve body 66, and the second valve body support portion 67. Among these, in particular, the plunger 52 and the plunger packing 53 are one of the consumables that are most likely to deteriorate over time due to wear among the components constituting the plunger pump 2, and are suitable as the monitoring target of the monitoring device 3. In the present embodiment, the monitoring device 3 is configured to be able to monitor all the sliding members 11 of the plunger 52, the plunger packing 53, the plunger bush 54, the water-cooled packing 56, the first valve body 64, the first valve body support portion 65, the second valve body 66, and the second valve body support portion 67.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 2, the CPU 32 has a function as an estimation unit (wear estimation unit) 321 that estimates the progress of wear (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "wear") of the sliding member 11 based on the sliding conditions of the sliding member 11. Based on the sliding conditions of the sliding member 11, the estimation unit 321 calculates the amount of wear. As the amount of wear, for example, it can be the remaining time until the sliding member 11 can no longer perform its function due to wear (for example, breaks). as follows This remaining time is referred to as the "usable time".

[0042] As described above, the sliding conditions include at least one of the sliding time (operation time) of the sliding member 11, the sliding speed of the sliding member 11, the number of reciprocations of the sliding member 11 (plunger 52), the frequency and current value of the motor 21, and the pressure in the plunger pump 2 due to the food FD. For example, when the sliding time of the sliding member 11 is used as the sliding condition, since the wear is proportional to the sliding time of the sliding member 11, the arithmetic expression for calculating the amount of wear can be a function of the sliding time of the sliding member 11. This function can be obtained, for example, through experiments or simulations.

[0043] Similarly, when the sliding speed of the sliding member 11 is used as the sliding condition, when the sliding time, the number of reciprocations of the plunger 52, the frequency and current value of the motor 21 are used as the sliding condition, and when the pressure in the plunger pump 2 is used as the sliding condition, the arithmetic expressions (functions) for each sliding condition can be obtained through experiments or simulations. Then, the estimation unit 321 estimates the result obtained from the arithmetic expression as the actual progress of wear. Thereby, the progress of wear reflecting the sliding conditions, that is, the progress of wear affected by the sliding conditions, can be obtained quickly and as accurately as possible.

[0044] The estimation unit 321 obtains from the above arithmetic expression this the calculated result, that is, when the wear progress α1 exceeds the first threshold value β1, it is estimated that the wear progress has reached the first stage. Also, after estimating the first stage, the estimation unit 321 obtains from the above arithmetic expression this the calculated result, that is, when the wear progress α2 exceeds the second threshold value β2, it is estimated that the wear progress has reached the second stage. The usable time in the second stage is shorter than the usable time in the first stage. The first threshold value β1 and the second threshold value β2 are respectively stored in advance in the storage unit 33. Also, the first threshold value β1 and the second threshold value β2 can each be changed as appropriate.

[0045] Each time the degree of wear progress is estimated, the notification unit 34 notifies information regarding the degree of wear progress. In other words, when it is estimated that the degree of wear progress has reached the first stage, the notification unit 34 notifies to that effect, and when it is estimated that the degree of wear progress has reached the second stage and it notifies to that effect. In this way, the notification unit 34 can notify information regarding the degree of wear progress step by step according to the degree of wear progress (level). Thereby, for example, a user (operator) who operates the homogenizer 10 can recognize to what extent the current wear progress of the sliding member 11 is.

[0046] Also, the notification unit 34 notifies information that prompts replacement of the sliding member 11 as information regarding the degree of wear progress. Thereby, before the sliding member 11 becomes unable to perform its function, a new, that is, a replacement sliding member 11 can be arranged. And as soon as the new sliding member 11 arrives, it can be replaced with the sliding member 11 installed in the plunger pump 2. Thereby, a state where the plunger pump 2 cannot be used is prevented, and the plunger pump 2 can be continuously used. Also, a decrease in the operating rate of the plunger pump 2 can be prevented.

[0047] As described above, the monitoring device 3 can monitor all the sliding members 11 of the plunger 52, the plunger packing 53, the plunger bush 54, the water-cooling packing 56, the first valve body 64, the first valve body support portion 65, the second valve body 66, and the second valve body support portion 67. Therefore, the monitoring device 3 can notify information that prompts replacement of each sliding member 11 as necessary.

[0048] As described above, in the food transfer system 1, before the sliding member 11 becomes unable to perform its function by the monitoring device 3 to, for example, it becomes possible to promote maintenance such as replacement of the sliding member 11. As a result, it is possible to prevent problems such as a state where the plunger pump 2 cannot be used and a decrease in the operating rate of the plunger pump 2. In addition, the MTBF (Mean Time Between Failure: operating time / number of failures) of the plunger pump 2 can be increased, and the reliability of the plunger pump 2 is improved.

[0049] Further, in the food transfer system 1, the arrangement relationship between the control unit 31 and the notification unit 34 is not particularly limited. For example, when the homogenizer 10 is used in the factory, the control unit 31 may be arranged in the operator's room of the manufacturer of the food transfer system 1, and the notification unit 34 may be arranged in the same factory as the homogenizer 10. In this case, the notification unit 34 can be operated by remote control from the control unit 31. Also, both the control unit 31 and the notification unit 34 may be arranged in the same factory as the homogenizer 10. In this case, for example, when changing the first threshold value β1 or the second threshold value β2, the user of the homogenizer 10 can quickly perform the change operation by himself / herself.

[0050] Next, a control program for eliminating the above problems will be described based on the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. This control program is stored in advance in the storage unit 33 and is executed by the CPU 32. As shown in FIG. 5, first, the operation of the homogenizer 10 is started (step S101). Next, a subroutine for wear countermeasure processing is executed (step S200). Next, the operation of the homogenizer 10 is stopped (step S102). During the execution of the wear countermeasure processing, if there is an operation stop instruction for the homogenizer 10, the wear countermeasure processing is also stopped.

[0051] The flowchart of the wear countermeasure processing is shown in FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 6, first, the estimation unit 321 calculates the wear progress degree α1 (step S201). Next, the estimation unit 321 determines whether the wear progress degree α1 exceeds the first threshold value β1 (step S202).

[0052] If it is determined in step S202 that the wear progress α1 has exceeded the first threshold β1, the estimation unit 321 estimates that the wear progress is at the first stage (step S203). If it is determined in step S202 that the wear progress α1 has not exceeded the first threshold β1, the process returns to step S201, and the subsequent steps are sequentially executed.

[0053] Next, the notification unit 34 notifies information regarding the wear progress at the first stage, that is, information prompting the replacement of the sliding member 11 (step S204). When the user confirms this notification, the user can make choices such as replacing the sliding member 11 with a replacement sliding member 11 if available, arranging for a replacement sliding member 11 if not available, or postponing the replacement of the sliding member 11.

[0054] Next, it is determined whether the sliding member 11 has been replaced (step S205). This determination is made based on whether the replacement button (completion-of-replacement button) has been pressed by the user. Note that the replacement button is included as part of the input unit 26 of the plunger pump 2.

[0055] If it is determined in step S205 that the replacement button has been pressed, the wear progress α1 is initialized, that is, the wear progress α1 is cleared (set to zero) (step S206). After step S206 is executed, the process returns to step S201, and the subsequent steps are sequentially executed. If it is determined in step S205 that the replacement button has not been pressed, the estimation unit 321 calculates the wear progress α2 (step S207).

[0056] After step S207 is executed, the estimation unit 321 determines whether the wear progress α2 has exceeded the second threshold β2 (step S208). If, as a result of the determination in step S208, it is determined that the wear progress α2 has exceeded the second threshold value β2, the estimation unit 321 estimates that the wear progress is at the second stage (step S209). On the other hand, if, as a result of the determination in step S208, it is determined that the wear progress α2 has not exceeded the second threshold value β2, the process returns to step S207, and the subsequent steps are sequentially executed.

[0057] Next, the notification unit 34 notifies information regarding the wear progress at the second stage, that is, information prompting replacement of the sliding member 11 (step S210). When the user confirms this notification, as in step S204, the user can make selections such as replacing the sliding member 11 with a replacement sliding member 11 if available, arranging for the replacement sliding member 11 if not available, or postponing the replacement of the sliding member 11.

[0058] Next, it is determined whether or not the sliding member 11 has been replaced (step S211). This determination is made based on whether or not the replacement button has been pressed by the user. If, as a result of the determination in step S211, it is determined that the replacement button has been pressed, the wear progress α2 is initialized (step S212). After executing step S212, the process returns to step S201, and the subsequent steps are sequentially executed.

[0059] If, as a result of the determination in step S211, it is determined that the replacement button has not been pressed, the operation of the homogenizer 10 is forcibly stopped (step S213). By executing the control program as described above, the above-mentioned problem can be solved.

[0060] As described above, the monitoring device for the plunger pump and the food transfer system of the present invention have been described with respect to the illustrated embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and each part constituting the monitoring device for the plunger pump and the food transfer system can be replaced with any configuration that can exhibit the same function. Also, any component may be added.

[0061] Also, the food transfer system 1 may be configured such that the disk unit 4 is omitted. In this case, the food transfer system 1 includes a plunger pump 2 and a monitoring device 3. Further, in the above embodiment, the estimation unit 321 estimates the progress of wear by dividing the threshold value into two levels, but the progress of wear may be estimated by dividing the threshold value into three or more levels.

Explanation of Signs

[0062] 1 Food transfer system 2 Plunger pump 21 Motor 22 Crankshaft 23 Connecting rod 24 Piston 25 Control unit 251 CPU 252 Storage unit 26 Input unit 3 Monitoring device (monitoring device) of plunger pump 31 Control unit 32 CPU 321 Estimation unit (wear estimation unit) 33 Storage unit 34 Notification unit 4 Disk unit (homogenization mechanism) 4A First refinement unit 41 First housing 42 First disk 421 Gap 43 First handle 44 First biasing unit 45 First pressing unit 4B Second refinement unit 46 Second housing 47 Second disk 471 Gap 48 Second handle 49 Second biasing unit 50 Second pressing unit 5 Sleeve unit 51 Sleeve 52 Plunger 521 Outer Periphery 53 Plunger Packing 54 Plunger Bush 55 Sleeve Holding Part 56 Water Cooling Packing 57 Water Cooling Packing Holding Part 6 Cylinder Unit 61 Housing 611 Pump Chamber 62 Suction Port 63 Discharge Port 64 First Valve Body 65 First Valve Body Support Part 651 Inner Periphery 66 Second Valve Body 67 Second Valve Body Support Part 671 Inner Periphery 68 First Biasing Part 69 Second Biasing Part 70 Third Biasing Part 71 Spring Seat 10 Homogenizer 11 Sliding Member FD Food S101, S102, S200 - S213 Steps α1, α2 Wear Progression Degree β1 First Threshold Value β2 Second Threshold Value

Claims

1. An apparatus for monitoring a plunger pump that transfers food and includes a sliding member that slides relative to another member, the apparatus comprising: an estimation unit configured to estimate a degree of wear progression of the sliding member based on sliding conditions of the sliding member input from an input unit; wherein the sliding conditions include at least one of a sliding time of the sliding member, a sliding speed of the sliding member, a number of reciprocations of the sliding member, a frequency of a motor that drives the plunger pump, and a pressure in the plunger pump due to the food; the estimation unit determines whether the sliding member has been replaced, and if it is determined as a result of the determination that the sliding member has been replaced, initializes the degree of wear progression; a monitoring device for a plunger pump.

2. The monitoring device for a plunger pump according to claim 1, wherein the estimation unit calculates an amount of wear based on the sliding conditions of the sliding member and estimates the calculation result as the degree of wear progression.

3. The estimation unit: when the calculation result exceeds a first threshold value, estimates that the degree of wear progression is at a first stage; after estimating the first stage, when the calculation result exceeds a second threshold value, estimates that the degree of wear progression is at a second stage. The monitoring device for a plunger pump according to claim 2.

4. The monitoring device for a plunger pump according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a notification unit configured to notify information regarding the degree of wear progression.

5. The monitoring device for a plunger pump according to claim 4, wherein the notification unit notifies, as information regarding the degree of wear progression, information prompting replacement of the sliding member.

6. The monitoring device for a plunger pump according to claim 5, wherein the notification unit notifies the information a plurality of times according to the degree of wear progression.

7. The monitoring device for a plunger pump according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the sliding member includes at least one of a reciprocating plunger and a packing that slides on an outer peripheral portion of the plunger.

8. The estimation unit is capable of estimating each stage of a plurality of stages regarding the degree of wear progression; a notification unit configured to notify information regarding the degree of wear progression each time each stage regarding the degree of wear progression is estimated; a stop unit configured to forcibly stop the plunger pump when the final stage of the plurality of stages regarding the degree of wear progression is estimated and the plunger pump is not stopped even though the information is notified by the notification unit. The monitoring device for a plunger pump according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising

9. A plunger pump that includes a sliding member that slides relative to each other and transfers food, A food transfer system, comprising: the plunger pump according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which is used together with the plunger pump.

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