Fluid property monitoring system, method for detecting abnormality in detection value of fluid property sensor, and program

Abstract

To prevent deterioration in fluid property detection accuracy due to abnormality in a fluid property sensor.SOLUTION: A fluid property monitoring system 100 is provided, comprising an information processing unit 30 for receiving input of detection values of a fluid property sensor 10 attached to a fluid pressure device 1 and configured to detect properties of a fluid and maintenance information, including the state of the fluid pressure device 1, entered by an operator. The information processing unit 30 compares the detection values with abnormality determination values set based on the maintenance information to detect abnormality of the detection values.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fluid property monitoring system, a method for detecting an abnormality in a detection value of a fluid property sensor, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a fluid property detection device that detects the property of a fluid to be detected. The fluid property detection device is attached directly to a fluid pressure device such as a hydraulic cylinder that is driven using hydraulic oil as a working fluid, or to a pipe connected to the hydraulic cylinder or the like, and detects the property of the hydraulic oil.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The fluid property detection device as described in Patent Document 1 does not have a mechanism for detecting a failure of the fluid property detection device itself. Therefore, there is a risk that the detection accuracy of the property of the hydraulic oil may deteriorate without noticing a failure of the fluid property detection device.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to prevent a decrease in the detection accuracy of the property of a fluid due to an abnormality of a fluid property sensor.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present invention is a fluid property monitoring system, comprising an information processing unit into which a detection value of a fluid property sensor attached to a fluid pressure device and detecting the property of the fluid, and maintenance information including the state of the fluid pressure device input by an operator are input. The information processing unit uses the maintenance information Inferred fromIt is characterized by comparing a set abnormal determination value with a detected value to detect an abnormality in the detected value.

[0007] In this invention, an information processing unit receives maintenance information input by an operator Inferred from By comparing the set abnormal determination value with the detected value of the fluid property sensor, an abnormality in the detected value of the fluid property sensor is detected. Thereby, since the operator can be prompted to perform maintenance on the fluid property sensor, a decrease in the detection accuracy of the fluid property due to an abnormality in the fluid property sensor is prevented.

[0008] Further, in this invention, when the increasing or decreasing trend of the detected value changes and no maintenance information is input within a predetermined time before and after that, the information processing unit is characterized by outputting a warning signal.

[0009] Further, in this invention, the detected value includes the dielectric constant or conductivity of the fluid, and when the dielectric constant or conductivity of the fluid changes from increasing to decreasing and no maintenance information is input within a predetermined time before and after that, the information processing unit is characterized by outputting a warning signal.

[0010] In these inventions, the operator can notice the non - input of maintenance information, and can notice an abnormality in the fluid property sensor when maintenance has not been performed or when maintenance information has already been input.

[0011] Further, in this invention, the information processing unit is characterized by not outputting a warning signal within a predetermined operation time immediately after the start of operation of the fluid pressure device.

[0012] In this invention, it is possible to prevent a warning signal indicating that the increasing or decreasing trend of the detected value of the fluid property sensor has changed from being erroneously output immediately after the operation of the fluid pressure device in which the detected value of the fluid property sensor is unstable.

[0013] Further, in this invention, the information processing unit is characterized by not detecting an abnormality in the detected value of the fluid property sensor within a predetermined operation time immediately after the start of operation of the fluid pressure device.

[0014] Further, in the present invention, the detected value includes the temperature of the fluid, and the predetermined operating time is the period from the start of operation of the fluid pressure device until the temperature of the fluid becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined value.

[0015] In these inventions, it is possible to prevent the abnormal detection value of the fluid property sensor from being erroneously detected immediately after the operation of the fluid pressure device in which the detection value of the fluid property sensor is unstable.

[0016] Further, the present invention is a method for detecting an abnormality in a detection value of a fluid property sensor attached to a fluid pressure device for detecting a property of a fluid, the method including maintenance information including the state of the fluid pressure device input by an operator Inferred from characterized by comparing a set abnormality determination value with the detection value of the fluid property sensor to detect an abnormality in the detection value.

[0017] In this invention, an abnormality in the detection value of the fluid property sensor is detected by comparing the maintenance information Inferred from input by the operator and set abnormality determination value with the detection value of the fluid property sensor. Thereby, since it is possible to prompt the operator to perform maintenance on the fluid property sensor, a decrease in the detection accuracy of the property of the fluid due to an abnormality in the fluid property sensor can be prevented.

[0018] Further, the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute detection of an abnormality in a detection value of a fluid property sensor attached to a fluid pressure device for detecting a property of a fluid, the program including maintenance information including the state of the fluid pressure device input by an operator Inferred from characterized by comparing a set abnormality determination value with the detection value of the fluid property sensor to detect an abnormality in the detection value.

[0019] In this invention, an abnormality in the detection value of the fluid property sensor is detected by comparing the maintenance information Inferred from input by the operator and set abnormality determination value with the detection value of the fluid property sensor. Thereby, since it is possible to prompt the operator to perform maintenance on the fluid property sensor, a decrease in the detection accuracy of the property of the fluid due to an abnormality in the fluid property sensor can be prevented.

Advantages of the Invention

[0020] According to the present invention, a decrease in the detection accuracy of the properties of a fluid due to an abnormality in the fluid property sensor is prevented.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] With reference to the drawings, a fluid property monitoring system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0023] The fluid property monitoring system 100 is used in fluid pressure devices 1 such as hydraulic pumps, hydraulic motors, hydraulic valves, and hydraulic cylinders that are driven by, for example, hydraulic oil as a working fluid. The fluid property monitoring system 100 detects and monitors the properties of the working fluid such as hydraulic oil, working water, and compressed air that are supplied to and discharged from the fluid pressure device 1, and notifies the operator of the deterioration of the working fluid and the abnormalities of the fluid property monitoring system 100 itself. As a result, the operator performs operations such as replacing and adding the working fluid of the fluid pressure device 1 and maintaining the fluid property monitoring system 100 itself. Note that the monitoring target of the fluid property monitoring system 100 is not limited to the working fluid of the fluid pressure device 1, and may be various liquids and gases such as lubricating oil, cutting oil, fuel, solvent, and chemicals. Hereinafter, the working fluid of the fluid pressure device 1 that is the monitoring target of the fluid property monitoring system 100 will also be simply referred to as the "working fluid".

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, the fluid property monitoring system 100 includes a fluid property sensor 10 attached to the fluid pressure device 1 to detect the properties of the fluid, a terminal 20 to which maintenance information including the state of the fluid pressure device 1 is input by the operator, and an information processing unit 30 to which the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 and the maintenance information are input.

[0025] The fluid property sensor 10 is attached, for example, directly to the fluid pressure device 1 or to a pipe connected to the fluid pressure device 1 to detect the properties of the working fluid supplied to and discharged from the fluid pressure device 1. Specifically, the fluid property sensor 10 detects electrical characteristic values such as the dielectric constant and conductivity of the working fluid, and temperature, etc., in order to monitor the deterioration of the working fluid.

[0026] The fluid property sensor 10 includes a detection unit 11 that detects the properties of the working fluid, and a sensor-side transmission unit 12 that transmits the detection result of the detection unit 11 to the information processing unit 30. In this embodiment, the detection unit 11 has a pair of electrodes (not shown) provided opposite to each other. The detection unit 11 detects electrical characteristic values such as the dielectric constant and conductivity of the working fluid from the voltage value applied to the pair of electrodes and the current value flowing between the pair of electrodes. Further, in the detection unit 11, the temperature is detected by a temperature sensor attached to one of the electrodes. Since a known configuration can be adopted for the detection unit 11, detailed illustration and description of the configuration are omitted. Further, hereinafter, the case where the electrical characteristic values detected by the fluid property sensor 10 are the dielectric constant and conductivity will be described, but the electrical characteristic values detected by the fluid property sensor 10 are not limited to the dielectric constant and conductivity. The sensor-side transmission unit 12 continuously or at regular time intervals transmits and outputs the detection value of the detection unit 11 to the information processing unit 30 by wireless communication.

[0027] The terminal 20 is, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a personal computer. The terminal 20 outputs the maintenance information input by the operator to the information processing unit 30, and as will be described later, a maintenance signal for prompting the maintenance of the fluid pressure device 1, an abnormality signal for notifying an abnormality of the fluid property sensor 10, and a warning signal for warning the operator are input from the information processing unit 30. Thereby, the operator can grasp the necessity of maintenance of the fluid pressure device 1, the abnormality of the fluid property sensor 10, etc. through the terminal 20.

[0028] The terminal 20 includes an input unit 21 that receives an input of maintenance information including the state of the fluid pressure device 1 by the operator, a terminal-side transmission unit 22 that transmits the maintenance information input to the input unit 21 to the information processing unit 30, a terminal-side reception unit 23 that receives information from the information processing unit 30, and a display unit 24 that displays various information.

[0029] The input unit 21 is, for example, a touch panel of a smartphone, a keyboard of a personal computer, or the like. An application for assisting in the input of maintenance information is installed in the terminal 20, and an operator inputs the maintenance information of the fluid pressure device 1 into the input unit 21 based on the display of the application. Specifically, the maintenance information input into the input unit 21 includes the date and time of replacement or addition of the working fluid, the date and time of replacement of a filter provided in the fluid pressure device 1 for removing foreign substances in the working fluid, the date and time when an abnormality of the fluid pressure device 1 was detected and the content of the abnormality, and the state of the fluid pressure device 1, etc. The "state of the fluid pressure device 1" is information such as that the operating sound of the fluid pressure device 1 has become louder, which can be used by the operator to infer the degree of deterioration of the working fluid, and is daily maintenance information of the fluid pressure device 1 that can be obtained without touching the fluid pressure device 1. Thus, the maintenance information includes information indicating that the fluid pressure device 1 has actually been touched and information that can be obtained without touching the fluid pressure device 1. Note that the maintenance information input into the input unit 21 is not limited to the above as long as it is information that can infer the degree of deterioration of the working fluid.

[0030] The terminal-side transmission unit 22 transmits this maintenance information input into the input unit 21 to the information processing unit 30 by wireless communication. Also, the terminal-side reception unit 23 receives a maintenance signal, an abnormality signal, and a warning signal transmitted from the information processing unit 30 as described later by wireless communication, and the display unit 24 displays various information based on the received signals. Specifically, when the terminal-side reception unit 23 receives a maintenance signal, the display unit 24 displays information prompting maintenance of the fluid pressure device 1. Also, when the terminal-side reception unit 23 receives an abnormality signal, the display unit 24 displays information prompting maintenance of the fluid property sensor 10. Also, when the terminal-side reception unit 23 receives a warning signal, the display unit 24 displays information prompting input of maintenance information and displays that the fluid property sensor 10 may be abnormal.

[0031] The information processing unit 30 includes an arithmetic processing device such as a CPU, a storage device, a display device, an input device, and a communication device, etc. By the CPU executing a program stored in advance in the storage device, each of the following processes performed by the information processing unit 30 is executed. In the present embodiment, the information processing unit 30 is a server on the cloud that communicates wirelessly with the fluid property sensor 10 and the terminal 20. Note that the information processing unit 30 is not limited to a server on the cloud, and any device (computer) that communicates wirelessly or wiredly with the fluid property sensor 10 and the terminal 20 may be used. In this way, the information processing unit 30 communicates with the fluid property sensor 10 and the terminal 20 through a network. The information processing unit 30 determines whether maintenance of the fluid pressure device 1 is necessary from the detection value input from the fluid property sensor 10, and when it determines that maintenance is necessary, it outputs a maintenance signal to the terminal 20. Further, the information processing unit 30 detects an abnormality in the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 from the detection value input from the fluid property sensor 10 and the maintenance signal output from the terminal 20, outputs it to the terminal 20 as an abnormality signal, and detects the possibility of an abnormality in the fluid property sensor 10 and outputs it to the terminal 20 as a warning signal.

[0032] The information processing unit 30 includes a processing unit side receiving unit 31 that receives the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 transmitted from the sensor side transmitting unit 12 of the fluid property sensor 10 and the maintenance information transmitted from the terminal side transmitting unit 22 of the terminal 20, a deterioration detection unit 32 that detects deterioration of the working fluid from the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10, an abnormal determination value setting unit 33 that sets an abnormal determination value based on the maintenance information input from the terminal 20, an abnormal detection unit 34 that compares the abnormal determination value with the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 to detect an abnormality in the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10, and a processing unit side transmitting unit 35 that transmits and notifies the detection results of the deterioration detection unit 32 and the abnormal detection unit 34 to the terminal 20. Note that these processing unit side receiving unit 31, etc. are shown as virtual units of the functions of the information processing unit 30, and do not mean physically existing.

[0033] The detection value is input from the fluid property sensor 10 by the processing unit side receiving unit 31. Also, the maintenance information of the fluid pressure device 1 is input from the terminal 20 by the processing unit side receiving unit 31.

[0034] The deterioration detection unit 32 detects the deterioration of the working fluid of the fluid pressure device 1 from the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10. Specifically, the deterioration detection unit 32 determines whether maintenance such as replacement of the working fluid is necessary from the electrical characteristic values of the working fluid detected by the fluid property sensor 10. Hereinafter, the case where the working fluid is replaced as maintenance will be described. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the electrical characteristic values (dielectric constant and conductivity) of the working fluid increase as the working fluid deteriorates. The deterioration detection unit 32 determines whether the electrical characteristic value of the working fluid detected by the fluid property sensor 10 is within a predetermined threshold value (whether it is below the predetermined threshold value). If the electrical characteristic value does not fall within the threshold value (if it is greater than the threshold value), it is determined that the working fluid is deteriorated and replacement is necessary, and a maintenance signal is output to the terminal 20 through the processing unit side transmitting unit 35. Note that the threshold value for determining the necessity of maintenance may be not a single value but a numerical range having a certain numerical width. Also, even when the electrical characteristic value falls within the threshold value and maintenance is not necessary, a signal for notifying the operator of the degree of deterioration of the working fluid may be output.

[0035] In a state where the deterioration of the working fluid is detected in this way, not only is the working fluid actually deteriorated, but there is also a possibility that the deterioration of the working fluid is erroneously detected due to an abnormality of the fluid property sensor 10 although the working fluid is not deteriorated. Therefore, in the fluid property monitoring system 100, the abnormality determination value setting unit 33 and the abnormality detection unit 34 detect an abnormality in the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 and notify the operator.

[0036] The abnormality determination value setting unit 33 sets an abnormality detection value for detecting an abnormality in the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 by estimating the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 from the maintenance information. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the electrical property values (dielectric constant, conductivity) of the hydraulic fluid detected by the fluid property sensor 10 increase due to the deterioration of the hydraulic fluid as the operating time of the hydraulic equipment 1 increases, and decrease when replaced with a new hydraulic fluid that has not deteriorated. The information processing unit 30 stores in advance an electrical property value map showing the correlation between the elapsed time since the replacement of the hydraulic fluid and the electrical property value of the hydraulic fluid. The electrical property value map shows the correlation between the elapsed time and the electrical property value of the hydraulic fluid in the section from when the hydraulic fluid is replaced until the next replacement of the hydraulic fluid in FIG. 2. The electrical property value map is not limited to the one stored in the information processing unit 30 in advance, and those obtained by accumulating the detection results of the fluid property sensor 10 may also be used.

[0037] Based on the electrical property value map, the abnormality determination value setting unit 33 sets an abnormality detection value, which is a threshold value of the electrical property value that the hydraulic fluid can take. Specifically, if it is immediately after the replacement of the hydraulic fluid, the abnormality determination value setting unit 33 sets, as the abnormality detection value, a value considering the variation of the electrical property value with respect to the electrical property value of the hydraulic fluid immediately after the replacement in the electrical property value map. Further, if time has elapsed since the replacement of the hydraulic fluid, the abnormality determination value setting unit 33 sets the abnormality detection value based on the elapsed time and the electrical property value map. As shown in FIG. 3, when new hydraulic fluid is added or the filter of the hydraulic equipment 1 is replaced as maintenance, the change in the electrical property value of the hydraulic fluid (b, c shown in FIG. 3) is smaller than the replacement of the hydraulic fluid (a shown in FIG. 3). Therefore, if it is immediately after the addition of the hydraulic fluid or immediately after the replacement of the filter of the hydraulic equipment 1, the abnormality determination value setting unit 33 sets a threshold value larger than that immediately after the replacement of the hydraulic fluid as the abnormality detection value. The abnormality detection value set by the abnormality determination value setting unit 33 is output to the abnormality detection unit 34.

[0038] Note that the abnormality determination value setting unit 33 may set an abnormality detection value not only using the electrical characteristic value map but also through calculations. Specifically, the abnormality determination value setting unit 33 may calculate the change value (decrease value) of the electrical characteristic value due to the replacement of the working fluid and the change value (increase value) of the electrical characteristic value over time since the replacement of the working fluid, and set the abnormality detection value. Hereinafter, the case where a threshold value of one value is set as the abnormality detection value will be described.

[0039] The abnormality detection unit 34 determines whether the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 is within the threshold value of the abnormality detection value (specifically, below the threshold value). If the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 is within the threshold value of the abnormality detection value, the abnormality detection unit 34 does not detect an abnormality in the fluid property sensor 10. On the other hand, if the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 is not within the threshold value of the abnormality detection value, the abnormality detection unit 34 detects an abnormality in the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 and outputs an abnormality signal notifying the abnormality of the fluid property sensor 10 to the terminal 20 through the processing unit side transmitter 35.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 2, it is presumed that the electrical characteristic value detected by the fluid property sensor 10 decreases immediately after the replacement of the working fluid. However, if this change is not reflected in the electrical characteristic value detected by the fluid property sensor 10 and the electrical characteristic value remains large, an abnormality in the fluid property sensor 10 is suspected. Therefore, when the electrical characteristic value detected by the fluid property sensor 10 remains large and does not decrease immediately after the replacement of the working fluid, the abnormality detection unit 34 detects an abnormality in the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10.

[0041] Also, during the operation of the fluid pressure device 1, it is presumed that the electrical characteristic value detected by the fluid property sensor 10 increases until the working fluid is replaced. However, this change is not reflected in the electrical characteristic value detected by the fluid property sensor 10. When the electrical characteristic value decreases or does not increase, an abnormality in the fluid property sensor 10 is suspected. Therefore, when the electrical characteristic value detected by the fluid property sensor 10 decreases even though the working fluid has not been replaced, or when the electrical characteristic value does not increase even though a certain amount of time has passed since the replacement of the working fluid, the abnormality detection unit 34 detects an abnormality in the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10.

[0042] In this way, the method for detecting an abnormality in the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 is to compare the abnormality determination value set based on the maintenance information including the state of the fluid pressure device 1 input by the operator with the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 to detect an abnormality in the detection value. In the fluid property monitoring system 100, an abnormality in the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 is detected by comparing the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 inferred from the maintenance information with the actual detection value of the fluid property sensor 10. In other words, in the fluid property monitoring system 100, it is possible to determine whether the cause of the detection of the deterioration of the working fluid is due to the actual deterioration of the working fluid or an abnormality in the fluid property sensor 10. This can prompt the operator to perform maintenance on the fluid property sensor 10, thereby preventing a decrease in the detection accuracy of the fluid property due to an abnormality in the fluid property sensor 10.

[0043] Also, in a state where an abnormality in the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 is detected, not only is there actually an abnormality in the fluid property sensor 10, but it is also conceivable that there may be no input of maintenance information such as replacement of the working fluid performed by the operator despite no abnormality in the fluid property sensor 10. When the maintenance information is not input, the change in the electrical characteristic value is caused by maintenance such as replacement of the working fluid rather than an abnormality in the fluid property sensor 10, and the fluid property sensor 10 may be normal. Therefore, when the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 changes in the same way as during the implementation of maintenance and the operator does not input the maintenance information, the abnormality detection unit 34 outputs a warning signal. The warning signal is a signal for notifying the operator that there is a possibility that the operator has not input the maintenance information and that there is a possibility that the fluid property sensor 10 is abnormal.

[0044] Specifically, when the increase or decrease tendency of the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 changes (changes to have an extreme value), if the maintenance information is not input within a predetermined time before and after that, the abnormality detection unit 34 outputs a warning signal to the operator. In the present embodiment, when the dielectric constant or conductivity of the working fluid detected by the fluid property sensor 10 changes from an increase to a decrease and the maintenance information is not input within a predetermined time before and after that, the abnormality detection unit 34 outputs a warning signal to the terminal 20 through the processing unit side transmitter 35. Here, "changing from an increase to a decrease" means that it does not include minute changes due to noise and that the dielectric constant or conductivity changes by a predetermined amount or more. The extreme value of the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 can be detected by removing noise using a filter process and determining the point at which the slope of the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 changes from positive to negative. Also, the "predetermined time" is set to a length that allows the operator to input maintenance information to the input unit 21 before and after the maintenance of the fluid pressure device 1. For example, the "predetermined time" is set to a length of about half a day. Thereby, the operator can be aware of the non-input of the maintenance information, and can be aware of the abnormality of the fluid property sensor 10 when the maintenance has not been performed or when the maintenance information has already been input.

[0045] Furthermore, immediately after the start of operation of the fluid pressure device 1, since the temperature of the working fluid increases, the electrical characteristic values change regardless of the degree of deterioration of the working fluid. Therefore, the abnormality detection unit 34 does not notify the operator of an abnormality in the fluid property sensor 10 and does not output a warning signal within a predetermined operation time from the start of operation of the fluid pressure device 1. Specifically, the "predetermined operation time" is the period until the temperature of the working fluid detected by the fluid property sensor 10 reaches a predetermined value or more from the start of operation of the fluid pressure device 1. Also, the "predetermined value" of the temperature of the working fluid is set to be close to and smaller than the value at which the temperature of the working fluid stabilizes after the start of operation of the fluid pressure device 1. For example, in winter, the temperature of the working fluid is about 10 degrees when the fluid pressure device 1 is not in operation, and about 40 to 60 degrees when the fluid pressure device 1 is in operation. In this case, the "predetermined value" of the temperature of the working fluid is set to a temperature between 10 degrees and 40 degrees. This prevents the operator from being misinformed about an abnormality in the fluid property sensor 10 and a change in the increasing or decreasing trend of the detected value immediately after the start of operation of the fluid pressure device 1 where the detected value of the fluid property sensor 10 is unstable.

[0046] FIG. 4 summarizes the above-described process of outputting a maintenance signal for prompting maintenance of the fluid pressure device 1 by the information processing unit 30 in a flowchart. The information processing unit 30 repeatedly executes the process shown in FIG. 4 each time a detection value is input from the fluid property sensor 10 through the processing unit side reception unit 31.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 4, when a detection value is input from the fluid property sensor 10, in step S101, the information processing unit 30 determines whether the electrical characteristic value (specifically, the dielectric constant or conductivity) of the fluid property sensor 10 is within a predetermined threshold value. If it is determined in step S101 that the electrical characteristic value of the fluid property sensor 10 is within the predetermined threshold value (within the threshold), the process ends without outputting a maintenance signal. If it is determined in step S101 that the electrical characteristic value of the fluid property sensor 10 is not within the predetermined threshold value (outside the threshold), the process proceeds to step S102, and a maintenance signal is output to the terminal 20 through the processing unit side transmitter 35, and the process ends. When the maintenance signal is input, the terminal 20 causes the display unit 24 to display information prompting maintenance of the fluid pressure device 1 and notifies the operator.

[0048] FIG. 5 summarizes the above process of outputting an abnormal signal for notifying an abnormality of the fluid property sensor 10 by the information processing unit 30 in a flowchart. The information processing unit 30 repeatedly executes the process shown in FIG. 5 each time a detection value is input from the fluid property sensor 10 through the processing unit side receiver 31.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 5, first, in step S201, the information processing unit 30 estimates the detected value of the fluid property sensor 10 from the input maintenance information and sets an abnormal detection value. Subsequently, it proceeds to step S202 and determines whether the detected value of the fluid property sensor 10 falls within the abnormal detection value. If it is determined in step S202 that the detected value of the fluid property sensor 10 falls within the abnormal detection value (within the abnormal detection value), the process ends without outputting an abnormal signal. If it is determined in step S202 that the detected value of the fluid property sensor 10 does not fall within the abnormal detection value (outside the abnormal detection value), it proceeds to step S203 and determines whether the temperature of the working fluid detected by the fluid property sensor 10 is greater than a predetermined value (in other words, whether it is within a predetermined period from the start of operation of the fluid pressure device 1). If it is determined in step S203 that the temperature of the working fluid detected by the fluid property sensor 10 is less than the predetermined value (within the predetermined period from the start of operation of the fluid pressure device 1), the process ends without outputting an abnormal signal. If it is determined in step S203 that the temperature of the working fluid detected by the fluid property sensor 10 is greater than the predetermined value, it proceeds to step S204, outputs an abnormal signal to the terminal 20 through the processing unit side transmitter 35, and ends the process. When the abnormal signal is input, the terminal 20 causes the display unit 24 to display information prompting maintenance of the fluid property sensor 10 and notifies the operator. Also, when both the maintenance signal and the abnormal signal are input, the terminal 20 gives priority to the notification by the abnormal signal over the notification by the maintenance signal. Note that the terminal 20 may also perform the notification by the maintenance signal and the notification by the abnormal signal together. Also, step S203 is not limited to the above order and may be executed before step S201 or step S202.

[0050] FIG. 6 summarizes the above process of outputting a warning signal by the information processing unit 30 in a flowchart. The information processing unit 30 repeatedly executes the process shown in FIG. 6 every time an abnormal signal is output. That is, the process of outputting a warning signal is performed in a state where an abnormality of the fluid property sensor 10 is detected.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 6, first, in step S301, the information processing unit 30 determines whether the increasing or decreasing trend of the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 has changed (specifically, whether the dielectric constant or the conductivity has changed from increasing to decreasing). If it is determined in step S301 that the increasing or decreasing trend of the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 has not changed, the process ends without outputting a warning signal. If it is determined in step S301 that the increasing or decreasing trend of the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 has changed, the process proceeds to step S302, and it is determined whether maintenance information has been input within a predetermined time before and after that. If it is determined in step S302 that maintenance information has been input within the predetermined time, the process ends without outputting a warning signal. If it is determined in step S302 that maintenance information has not been input within the predetermined time, the process proceeds to step S303, and a warning signal is output to the terminal 20 through the processing unit side transmitter 35 to end the process. When the warning signal is input, the terminal 20 causes the display unit 24 to display information prompting the input of maintenance information and also displays that there may be an abnormality in the fluid property sensor 10, thereby notifying the operator. In this way, when a warning signal is input in addition to the abnormal signal, the terminal 20 gives priority to the notification by the warning signal over the notification by the abnormal signal. Note that the terminal 20 may also perform the notification by the abnormal signal and the notification by the warning signal together.

[0052] As described above, in the fluid property monitoring system 100, the deterioration of the working fluid of the fluid pressure device 1 is detected from the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10, and the operator is notified to prompt the maintenance of the fluid pressure device 1. Further, in the fluid property monitoring system 100, the abnormality of the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 is detected by comparing the abnormality determination value set based on the maintenance information input by the operator with the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10, and the operator is notified. In other words, in the fluid property monitoring system 100, it is possible to determine whether the cause of the detected deterioration of the working fluid is due to the actual deterioration of the working fluid or the abnormality of the fluid property sensor 10. Thereby, since the operator can be notified of the abnormality of the fluid property sensor 10 and prompted to perform maintenance on the fluid property sensor 10, a decrease in the detection accuracy of the fluid property due to the abnormality of the fluid property sensor 10 is prevented.

[0053] Furthermore, in the fluid property monitoring system 100, when the increasing or decreasing trend of the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 changes and no maintenance information is input within a predetermined time before and after that, a warning signal is output to notify the operator to that effect. Thereby, the operator can be aware of the non-input of the maintenance information, and can be aware of the abnormality of the fluid property sensor 10 when maintenance has not been performed or when the maintenance information has already been input. In addition, in the fluid property monitoring system 100, the deterioration of the working fluid of the fluid pressure device 1 is detected from electrical parameters such as dielectric constant and conductivity, rather than physical parameters such as pressure and viscosity. Therefore, the detection sensitivity of the deterioration of the working fluid is high.

[0054] Also, in the fluid property monitoring system 100, within a predetermined period from the start of operation of the fluid pressure device 1, the abnormality of the fluid property sensor 10 is not notified to the operator and no warning signal is output. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the operator from being erroneously detected of the abnormality of the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 and the warning signal indicating that the increasing or decreasing trend of the detection value has changed immediately after the operation of the fluid pressure device 1 whose detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 is unstable.

[0055] Note that, in the fluid property monitoring system 100 of the present embodiment, the information processing unit 30 outputs an abnormality signal and an alarm signal to the terminal 20 to notify the operator of the abnormality of the fluid property sensor 10 and that the increasing or decreasing trend of the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 has changed without the maintenance information being input. Not limited to this, as long as the information processing unit 30 can notify the operator of the above matters, it may output an abnormality signal and an alarm signal to other than the terminal 20. Also, the maintenance information is not limited to being input to the terminal 20 by the operator, and any configuration may be used as long as the maintenance information input by the operator is input to the information processing unit 30. In other words, the terminal 20 is not an essential configuration of the fluid property monitoring system 100.

[0056] In addition, in the fluid property monitoring system 100, it is not essential for the information processing unit 30 to output an alarm signal. It suffices if the information processing unit 30 is configured to detect an abnormality in the fluid property sensor 10 and notify the operator. Furthermore, although there is a possibility of false notification regarding the abnormality of the fluid property sensor 10 and the change in the increasing or decreasing trend of the detected value, in the fluid property monitoring system 100, the information processing unit 30 may be configured to output an abnormality signal and a warning signal immediately after the operation of the fluid pressure device 1 starts.

[0057] Also, in the fluid property monitoring system 100, even if maintenance information is not input by the operator, as shown in FIG. 7, when the detected value of the fluid property sensor 10 exceeds the abnormal detection value and then the detected value becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value, it may be regarded that the maintenance of the fluid pressure device 1 has been performed. Further, when the amount of change (the slope of the graph shown in FIG. 7) of the detected value of the fluid property sensor 10 exceeds a predetermined value and then the detected value becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value, it may be regarded that the maintenance of the fluid pressure device 1 has been performed. Furthermore, with reference to the detected value that has become equal to or less than the predetermined value, it may be regarded that any one of the replacement of the working fluid, the addition of the working fluid, and the filter replacement has been performed as maintenance. When it is regarded that the maintenance of the fluid pressure device 1 has been performed, a signal indicating that fact is output.

[0058] Also, in the fluid property monitoring system 100, the electrical characteristic values of the working fluid detected by the fluid property sensor 10 are the dielectric constant and the conductivity. The dielectric constant and the conductivity increase as the working fluid deteriorates due to an increase in the operation time of the fluid pressure device 1, and decrease when replaced with a new working fluid that has not deteriorated. Not limited to this, the electrical characteristic values of the working fluid detected by the fluid property sensor 10 may be parameters other than the dielectric constant and the conductivity that decrease as the working fluid deteriorates. In this case, the electrical characteristic value increases when replaced with a new working fluid that has not deteriorated.

[0059] Further, the processes of the abnormality determination value setting unit 33 and the abnormality detection unit 34 may be provided as a program for causing a computer to execute them. In other words, the program for executing the processes of the abnormality determination value setting unit 33 and the abnormality detection unit 34 is a program for causing a computer to detect an abnormality in the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 attached to the fluid pressure device 1 and detecting the properties of the fluid. The program compares the abnormality determination value set based on the maintenance information including the state of the fluid pressure device 1 input by the operator with the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 to detect an abnormality in the detection value.

[0060] The program for executing the above-described series of processes is provided by a computer-readable storage medium. For example, various programs executed by a computer may use those stored in a non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM. Also, various programs executed by a computer may be applications provided through a network.

[0061] According to the above-described embodiment, the following operational effects are obtained.

[0062] In the fluid property monitoring system 100, the information processing unit 30 compares the abnormality determination value with the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 to detect an abnormality in the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 and notify the operator. Therefore, the operator can be prompted to perform maintenance on the fluid property sensor 10, and a decrease in the detection accuracy of the properties of the fluid due to an abnormality in the fluid property sensor 10 is prevented.

[0063] In the fluid property monitoring system 100, when the increase / decrease tendency of the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 changes and no maintenance information is input within a predetermined time before and after that, the information processing unit 30 outputs a warning signal for notifying the operator to that effect. Therefore, the operator can notice the non-input of the maintenance information, and can notice an abnormality in the fluid property sensor 10 when maintenance has not been performed or when the maintenance information has already been input.

[0064] In the fluid property monitoring system 100, since the information processing unit 30 does not notify the operator of an abnormality in the fluid property sensor 10 and does not output a warning signal within a predetermined operating time from the start of operation of the fluid pressure device 1, it is possible to prevent the operator from being falsely notified of an abnormality in the fluid property sensor 10 and a change in the increasing or decreasing trend of the detected value immediately after the operation of the fluid pressure device 1.

[0065] The configuration, operation, and effects of the embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be collectively described.

[0066] The fluid property monitoring system 100 includes an information processing unit 30 to which a detected value of a fluid property sensor 10 attached to the fluid pressure device 1 for detecting the property of the fluid and maintenance information including the state of the fluid pressure device 1 input by the operator are input. The information processing unit 30 compares an abnormality determination value set based on the maintenance information with the detected value to detect an abnormality in the detected value of the fluid property sensor 10 and notify the operator.

[0067] In this configuration, the information processing unit 30 detects an abnormality in the detected value of the fluid property sensor 10 by comparing the abnormality determination value set based on the maintenance information input by the operator with the detected value of the fluid property sensor 10. As a result, since it is possible to prompt the operator to perform maintenance on the fluid property sensor 10, a decrease in the detection accuracy of the property of the fluid due to an abnormality in the fluid property sensor 10 is prevented.

[0068] Further, when the increasing or decreasing trend of the detected value changes, the information processing unit 30 outputs a warning signal if maintenance information is not input within a predetermined time before and after that.

[0069] Further, the detected value includes the dielectric constant or conductivity of the fluid. When the dielectric constant or conductivity of the fluid changes from an increase to a decrease, the information processing unit 30 outputs a warning signal if maintenance information is not input within a predetermined time before and after that.

[0070] With these configurations, an operator can notice that maintenance information has not been input, and can notice an abnormality in the fluid property sensor 10 when maintenance has not been performed or when maintenance information has already been input.

[0071] Also, the information processing unit 30 does not output a warning signal within a predetermined operating time from the start of operation of the fluid pressure device 1.

[0072] With this configuration, it is possible to prevent a warning signal indicating that the increasing or decreasing trend of the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 has changed from being erroneously output immediately after the start of operation of the fluid pressure device 1 in which the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 is unstable.

[0073] Also, the information processing unit 30 does not detect an abnormality in the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 within a predetermined operating time from immediately after the start of operation of the fluid pressure device 1.

[0074] Also, the detected value includes the temperature of the fluid, and the predetermined operating time is the period from the start of operation of the fluid pressure device 1 until the temperature of the fluid becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined value.

[0075] With these configurations, it is possible to prevent an abnormality in the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 from being erroneously detected immediately after the start of operation of the fluid pressure device 1 in which the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 is unstable.

[0076] Also, the method for detecting an abnormality in the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 that is attached to the fluid pressure device 1 and detects the property of the fluid is to compare the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 with an abnormality determination value set based on maintenance information including the state of the fluid pressure device 1 input by an operator, and detect an abnormality in the detection value.

[0077] With this configuration, an abnormality in the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 is detected by comparing the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 with an abnormality determination value set based on maintenance information input by an operator. As a result, it is possible to prompt the operator to perform maintenance on the fluid property sensor 10, and thus a decrease in the detection accuracy of the property of the fluid due to an abnormality in the fluid property sensor 10 is prevented.

[0078] Also, a program for causing a computer to detect an abnormality in the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 that is attached to the fluid pressure device 1 and detects the properties of the fluid compares the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 with an abnormality determination value set based on maintenance information including the state of the fluid pressure device 1 input by an operator to detect an abnormality in the detection value.

[0079] In this configuration, an abnormality in the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 is detected by comparing the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 with an abnormality determination value set based on maintenance information input by an operator. As a result, since the operator can be prompted to perform maintenance on the fluid property sensor 10, a decrease in the detection accuracy of the properties of the fluid due to an abnormality in the fluid property sensor 10 is prevented.

[0080] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, the above embodiments merely show a part of the application examples of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention to the specific configurations of the above embodiments.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0081] 1... fluid pressure device, 10... fluid property sensor, 20... terminal, 30... information processing unit

Claims

1. An information processing unit to which a detection value of a fluid property sensor attached to a fluid pressure device for detecting a property of a fluid and maintenance information including the state of the fluid pressure device input by an operator are input, The information processing unit is characterized in that it compares an abnormality determination value estimated and set from the maintenance information with the detection value to detect an abnormality of the detection value, and is a fluid property monitoring system.

2. The fluid property monitoring system according to claim 1, The information processing unit is characterized in that when the increase / decrease tendency of the detection value changes and the maintenance information is not input within a predetermined time before and after that, a warning signal is output, and is a fluid property monitoring system.

3. The fluid property monitoring system according to claim 2, The detection value includes the dielectric constant or conductivity of the fluid, The information processing unit is characterized in that when the dielectric constant or conductivity of the fluid changes from an increase to a decrease and the maintenance information is not input within a predetermined time before and after that, the warning signal is output, and is a fluid property monitoring system.

4. The fluid property monitoring system according to claim 2 or 3, The information processing unit is characterized in that within a predetermined operation time from the start of operation of the fluid pressure device, the warning signal is not output, and is a fluid property monitoring system.

5. The fluid property monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The information processing unit is characterized in that within a predetermined operation time from the start of operation of the fluid pressure device, an abnormality of the detection value of the fluid property sensor is not detected, and is a fluid property monitoring system.

6. The fluid property monitoring system according to any one of claims 2 to 5, The detection value includes the temperature of the fluid, The predetermined operation time is characterized in that it is from the start of operation of the fluid pressure device until the temperature of the fluid becomes a predetermined value or more, and is a fluid property monitoring system.

7. A method for detecting an abnormality of a detection value of a fluid property sensor attached to a fluid pressure device for detecting a property of a fluid, Characterized in that an abnormality of the detection value is detected by comparing an abnormality determination value estimated and set from maintenance information including the state of the fluid pressure device input by an operator with the detection value of the fluid property sensor.

8. A program for causing a computer to execute detection of an abnormality in a detection value of a fluid property sensor that is attached to a fluid pressure device and detects the properties of a fluid, characterized in that an abnormality determination value set by inferring from maintenance information including the state of the fluid pressure device input by an operator is compared with the detection value of the fluid property sensor to detect an abnormality in the detection value.

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