Inspection equipment status monitoring system and program

Abstract

To effectively prevent deterioration in an inspection fluid of an inspection device for performing inspection by supplying / discharging the inspection fluid with respect to sequentially-replaced inspection objects and actuating an inspection object.SOLUTION: An inspection device state monitoring system 100 includes: a fluid property sensor 10 provided in an inspection device 5 for supplying / discharging an inspection fluid with respect to a hydraulic cylinder 1, the inspection object, to be sequentially replaced and actuating the hydraulic cylinder 1 to perform inspection, and detecting a property of the inspection fluid; a replacement timing acquisition part 33 for acquiring timing when the hydraulic cylinder 1 is replaced; and a specification part 34 when a detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 changes beyond a prescribed value, specifying the hydraulic cylinder 1 corresponding to the time of change based on an acquisition result of the replacement timing acquisition part 33.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system and program for monitoring the status of an inspection facility. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an oil diagnosis system equipped with a control device that diagnoses a machine based on sensor information including the viscosity, density, and dielectric constant of the oil acquired via an oil sensor mounted on the machine. The control device includes an abnormality determination unit that determines whether there is an oil abnormality, and the abnormality determination unit determines whether there is an oil abnormality based on changes in the sensor information over time. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] WO2019 / 021502A1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Consider the application of an oil diagnostic system such as that described in Patent Document 1 to a testing facility that sequentially tests test objects, such as actuators, using a test fluid such as oil. In the testing facility, the test fluid is supplied to and discharged from the test objects, which are replaced sequentially, to operate and test the test objects. In such testing facility, if a foreign object is present in the test object, the foreign object will be contaminated with the test fluid supplied from the testing facility into the test object during testing. The contaminated test fluid is then discharged from the test object back into the testing facility. In this way, if a foreign object is present in the test object, the test fluid in the testing facility will deteriorate more rapidly than under normal testing conditions. Furthermore, if a foreign object is present in a test object, there is a possibility that the next test object, manufactured in the same environment as the first test object, will also be contaminated with the same foreign object. In this case, the deterioration of the test fluid will progress further.

[0005] In an oil diagnostic system such as that described in Patent Document 1, fluid deterioration is constantly determined based on changes in sensor information over time. Therefore, although it can identify the time when deterioration of the test fluid occurred, it cannot identify the test object that was being tested when the deterioration of the test fluid progressed significantly. In other words, it cannot identify the test object that caused the deterioration of the test fluid. Therefore, it is difficult to identify the cause of the deterioration of the test fluid and to prevent the deterioration of the test fluid.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to effectively prevent deterioration of the test fluid in testing equipment that supplies and discharges test fluid between test objects that are replaced in sequence and operates the test objects to perform tests. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention is a status monitoring system for testing equipment, characterized by comprising: a fluid property sensor that is provided in testing equipment that supplies and discharges test fluid between test objects that are replaced in sequence and operates the test objects to perform testing, and that detects the properties of the test fluid; a replacement timing acquisition unit that acquires the timing at which the test object is replaced; and an identification unit that, when the detection value of the fluid property sensor changes beyond a predetermined value, identifies the test object corresponding to the time of change based on the result acquired by the replacement timing acquisition unit.

[0008] In this invention, when the detection value of the fluid property sensor changes beyond a predetermined value, the identifying unit identifies the test object corresponding to the change, making it possible to identify the test object that caused the deterioration of the test fluid. Therefore, by investigating the process preceding the test object and identifying the cause of the deterioration of the test fluid, it is possible to effectively prevent the deterioration of the test fluid.

[0009] The present invention is also characterized in that the replacement timing acquisition unit acquires the timing at which the inspection object was replaced based on replacement information input by the operator, the replacement information indicating the timing at which the inspection object was replaced.

[0010] In this invention, the timing at which the test object was replaced can be obtained from the replacement information input by the operator, and the test object that caused the deterioration of the test fluid can be identified.

[0011] The present invention is also characterized in that the replacement timing acquisition unit acquires the timing at which the test object is replaced based on the temperature of the test fluid.

[0012] In this invention, the timing at which the test object was replaced can be obtained based on the temperature of the test fluid, and the test object that caused the deterioration of the test fluid can be identified.

[0013] The present invention is also characterized in that the replacement timing acquisition unit acquires the timing at which the test object is replaced based on the pressure of the test fluid.

[0014] In this invention, the timing at which the test object is replaced can be obtained based on the pressure of the test fluid, and the test object that is the cause of deterioration of the test fluid can be identified.

[0015] The present invention also provides a program for causing a computer to process detection values ​​input from a fluid property sensor that is installed in testing equipment that supplies and discharges test fluid between test objects that are replaced in sequence and operates the test objects to perform testing, and that detects the properties of the test fluid.The program is characterized in that it causes the computer to obtain the timing at which the test object is replaced, and when the detection value changes beyond a predetermined value, to identify the test object corresponding to the time of change based on the timing at which the test object was replaced.

[0016] In this invention, when the detected value of the fluid property sensor changes beyond a predetermined value, the test object corresponding to the change can be identified, and the test object that caused the deterioration of the test fluid can be identified. Therefore, by checking the process preceding the test object and identifying the cause of the deterioration of the test fluid, the deterioration of the test fluid can be effectively prevented.

[0017] The present invention is also characterized in that the timing at which the inspection object is replaced is acquired from replacement information indicating the timing at which the inspection object is replaced, which is input by the operator.

[0018] In this invention, the timing at which the test object was replaced can be obtained from the replacement information input by the operator, and the test object that caused the deterioration of the test fluid can be identified. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present invention, deterioration of the test fluid in testing equipment that supplies and discharges test fluid between test objects that are replaced in sequence and operates the test objects to perform tests can be effectively prevented. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an inspection of an actuator by inspection equipment. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of a state monitoring system for an inspection facility according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the elapsed time during operation of the testing equipment and the electrical characteristic value of the fluid. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a state monitoring system for an inspection facility according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] A state monitoring system for inspection equipment according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, a condition monitoring system 100 for an inspection facility (hereinafter simply referred to as a "condition monitoring system") is applied to an inspection facility 5 that sequentially inspects, for example, hydraulic cylinders 1 (actuators) as inspection objects using an inspection fluid such as oil (hereinafter simply referred to as a "fluid").

[0023] The inspection equipment 5 performs inspections, such as post-manufacture tests on hydraulic pumps, hydraulic motors, hydraulic valves, hydraulic cylinders, etc. In this embodiment, the inspection equipment 5 performs performance tests on the hydraulic cylinder 1 after its manufacture. The inspection equipment 5 has flow paths 6a and 6b that guide fluid. The hydraulic cylinder 1 also has flow paths 3a and 3b that communicate with the rod-side chamber 2a and the anti-rod-side chamber 2b, respectively, and guide fluid through them. When inspecting the hydraulic cylinder 1 using the inspection equipment 5, the flow path 6a is connected to the flow path 3a of the hydraulic cylinder 1, and the flow path 6b is connected to the flow path 3b of the hydraulic cylinder 1, respectively, via joints 7. This connects the inspection equipment 5 and the hydraulic cylinder 1, and the hydraulic cylinder 1 is supplied with fluid and discharged with fluid from the hydraulic cylinder 1, thereby operating the hydraulic cylinder 1. In this manner, the inspection of the hydraulic cylinder 1 is performed. When inspection of a certain hydraulic cylinder 1a is completed, the inspection equipment 5 is disconnected from the flow paths 3a and 3b of the hydraulic cylinder 1a and connected to the flow paths 3a and 3b of the next hydraulic cylinder 1b to be inspected, and then inspects the hydraulic cylinder 1b. In this way, the inspection equipment 5 supplies and discharges fluid between the hydraulic cylinders 1 that are being replaced in turn, and operates the hydraulic cylinders 1 to perform the inspection. Note that the hydraulic cylinder 1 may also be configured to be connected directly to the inspection equipment 5 without having the flow paths 3a and 3b.

[0024] Furthermore, the inspection equipment 5 outputs the inspection history of the hydraulic cylinder 1 to the controller 30, which will be described later. The inspection history of the hydraulic cylinder 1 associates the time when the inspection of the hydraulic cylinder 1 was performed with the model number of the hydraulic cylinder 1, etc.

[0025] 1 and 2, the condition monitoring system 100 includes a fluid property sensor 10 that is installed in the testing equipment 5 and detects the properties of the fluid, a controller 30 that processes information from the fluid property sensor 10, and an alarm unit 40 that receives a signal from the controller 30 and alarms information corresponding to the signal. The condition monitoring system 100 monitors deterioration of the fluid in the testing equipment 5 using the fluid property sensor 10 and the controller 30.

[0026] The fluid property sensor 10 is provided in a tank 8 storing a fluid in the testing equipment 5. The fluid property sensor 10 detects electrical property values, temperature, and other properties of the fluid to monitor fluid deterioration. The fluid property sensor 10 may be provided in the flow path 6a or 6b of the testing equipment 5. The fluid property sensor 10 includes a detection unit 11 that detects the properties of the fluid and a sensor-side transmission unit 12 that transmits the detection results of the detection unit 11 to the controller 30. In this embodiment, the detection unit 11 includes a pair of electrodes (not shown). The detection unit 11 detects electrical property values, such as the dielectric constant and conductivity of the fluid, from capacitance and resistance values ​​obtained by applying a voltage to the pair of electrodes. The detection unit 11 also detects the temperature of the fluid using a temperature sensor. Since the detection unit 11 can have a known configuration, detailed illustrations and descriptions of the configuration are omitted. The following description will be given of a case in which the fluid property sensor 10 detects dielectric constant and conductivity as electrical property values, but the electrical property values ​​detected by the fluid property sensor 10 are not limited to dielectric constant and conductivity. The sensor-side transmitter 12 transmits the electrical characteristic value and temperature detected by the detector 11 to the controller 30 continuously or at regular time intervals via wireless communication.

[0027] The controller 30 is provided in the testing equipment 5. The controller 30 has an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU, a storage device, a display device, an input device, a communication device, etc., and performs each of the processes described below by the controller 30 by the CPU executing a program pre-stored in the storage device. In this embodiment, the controller 30 is a device (computer) that wirelessly communicates with the fluid property sensor 10 and the alarm unit 40. The controller 30 may also be a device that communicates with the fluid property sensor 10 and the alarm unit 40 via wired communication. Alternatively, the controller 30 may be a cloud server that is provided outside the testing equipment 5 and wirelessly communicates with the fluid property sensor 10 and the alarm unit 40. In this way, the controller 30 communicates with the fluid property sensor 10 and the alarm unit 40 via a network.

[0028] The controller 30 determines whether maintenance of the testing equipment 5 is required based on the detection values ​​input from the fluid property sensor 10. The controller 30 has a processing unit receiving unit 31 that receives the detection values ​​of the fluid property sensor 10 transmitted from the sensor transmitting unit 12 of the fluid property sensor 10, a deterioration determining unit 32 that determines fluid deterioration based on the detection values ​​of the fluid property sensor 10, and a processing unit transmitting unit 35 that transmits the detection results of the deterioration determining unit 32 and an identifying unit 34 (described later) to a notification unit 40. Note that the processing unit receiving unit 31, the identifying unit 34 (described later), etc. are shown as virtual units representing the respective functions of the controller 30 and do not represent physical entities.

[0029] The processing unit side receiving unit 31 receives the detected values ​​(electrical characteristic value and temperature) from the fluid property sensor 10 and also receives the inspection history of the hydraulic cylinder 1 from the inspection equipment 5.

[0030] The deterioration determination unit 32 determines the deterioration of the fluid based on the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10. Specifically, the deterioration determination unit 32 determines whether maintenance of the inspection equipment 5, such as fluid replacement, is necessary based on the electrical property values ​​of the fluid detected by the fluid property sensor 10. The following describes a case where fluid replacement is performed as maintenance. The electrical property values ​​(dielectric constant and conductivity) of the fluid increase as the fluid deteriorates. In this embodiment, as shown by the solid line in FIG. 3 , the fluid deteriorates and the electrical property values ​​of the fluid increase each time the hydraulic cylinder 1 is inspected (sections I, III, and V shown in FIG. 3 ). The deterioration determination unit 32 determines whether the electrical property value of the fluid detected by the fluid property sensor 10 is within a predetermined threshold A (whether it is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold A). If the electrical property value exceeds the threshold A, it is determined that the fluid has deteriorated and needs to be replaced, and a maintenance signal is output to the notification unit 40 via the processing unit-side transmission unit 35. Even if the electrical characteristic value is within threshold A and no maintenance is required, a signal may be output to notify the operator of the degree of deterioration of the fluid.

[0031] Even if the deterioration determination unit 32 does not determine that the fluid has deteriorated, it is possible that the deterioration of the fluid during the inspection of the hydraulic cylinder 1 may progress more significantly than under normal inspection conditions, as indicated by the two-dot chain line in section V in FIG. 3 . For example, if the environment of the preceding process prior to the inspection by the inspection equipment 5 is different between the hydraulic cylinder 1 inspected in section V in FIG. 3 and the hydraulic cylinder 1 inspected in sections I or III, as compared to the inspection by the inspection equipment 5, the deterioration of the fluid may progress significantly. Specifically, if the hydraulic cylinder 1 inspected in section V and the hydraulic cylinder 1 inspected in sections I or III are different models and the manufacturing processes and equipment used in their manufacture are different, the deterioration of the fluid in the inspection equipment 5 may progress significantly. Furthermore, even if the hydraulic cylinder 1 inspected in section V and the hydraulic cylinder 1 inspected in sections I or III are the same model, the deterioration of the fluid in the inspection equipment 5 may progress significantly if different operators perform the work.

[0032] The cause of the significant deterioration of the fluid is that, for the hydraulic cylinder 1 undergoing inspection in the V section, there is some problem in a process prior to the inspection of the hydraulic cylinder 1 by the inspection equipment 5. If cutting fluid from cutting, cleaning fluid from cleaning, moisture, etc. remain as foreign matter in the hydraulic cylinder 1, the foreign matter will be mixed into the fluid supplied from the inspection equipment 5 into the hydraulic cylinder 1 during inspection. The fluid containing the foreign matter is then discharged from the hydraulic cylinder 1 into the inspection equipment 5. This significantly deteriorates the fluid in the inspection equipment 5. Furthermore, if the problem in the process prior to the inspection of the hydraulic cylinder 1 undergoing inspection in the V section is not resolved, there is a possibility that foreign matter will continue to be mixed into hydraulic cylinders 1 manufactured using the same manufacturing process and equipment as the hydraulic cylinder 1, or hydraulic cylinders 1 manufactured by the same worker as the hydraulic cylinder 1. In this case, the deterioration of the fluid will progress further.

[0033] Therefore, the controller 30 obtains the timing at which the hydraulic cylinder 1 was replaced during inspection from the detection value input from the fluid property sensor 10. Based on the timing at which the hydraulic cylinder 1 was replaced, the controller 30 identifies the hydraulic cylinder 1 that was being inspected when the deterioration of the fluid progressed significantly.

[0034] The controller 30 has a replacement timing acquisition unit 33 that acquires the timing when the hydraulic cylinder 1 is replaced, and an identification unit 34 that, when the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 changes beyond a predetermined value (specifically, when it deteriorates beyond a predetermined amount of change), identifies the hydraulic cylinder 1 corresponding to the change based on the result acquired by the replacement timing acquisition unit 33.

[0035] The replacement timing acquisition unit 33 acquires the timing when the hydraulic cylinder 1 was replaced from the temperature of the fluid detected by the fluid property sensor 10. During inspection of the hydraulic cylinder 1, the temperature of the fluid supplied to the hydraulic cylinder 1 rises due to the heat generated when the hydraulic cylinder 1 is in operation. Therefore, the temperature of the fluid rises during inspection of the hydraulic cylinder 1. On the other hand, when the hydraulic cylinder 1 is replaced, the temperature of the fluid does not rise, but drops. Therefore, the replacement timing acquisition unit 33 determines whether the temperature of the fluid detected by the fluid property sensor 10 is within a predetermined threshold (whether it is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold). Here, the "predetermined threshold" is set so as not to include the low temperature of the fluid when the hydraulic cylinder 1 is replaced. When the temperature of the fluid falls below the threshold, it is detected that the hydraulic cylinder 1 has been replaced, and the detected replacement timing is output to the identification unit 34.

[0036] When the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 has changed beyond a predetermined value, the identification unit 34 identifies the hydraulic cylinder 1 corresponding to the time of change based on the result acquired by the replacement timing acquisition unit 33. Specifically, as shown by the two-dot chain line in section V in FIG. 3, when the amount of change per unit time of the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 (b / Δt shown in FIG. 3) is greater than the amount of change per unit time under normal inspection conditions (a / Δt shown in FIG. 3), the identification unit 34 identifies the hydraulic cylinder 1 corresponding to the time of change. Here, the "predetermined value" is set to be greater than the amount of change per unit time of the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 under normal inspection conditions (a / Δt shown in FIG. 3). In other words, "the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 has changed beyond the predetermined value" means that foreign matter mixed into the hydraulic cylinder 1 has caused the fluid to deteriorate more rapidly during the inspection process than under normal inspection conditions.

[0037] The identification unit 34 associates the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 with the timing at which the hydraulic cylinder 1 was replaced, and when the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 changes beyond a predetermined value, identifies the timing at which the hydraulic cylinder 1 was replaced before and after that. Specifically, for section V shown in FIG. 3 where the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 changed significantly, the identification unit 34 identifies sections IV and VI, which are the timings at which the hydraulic cylinder 1 was replaced before and after that section. Then, based on the timing and the inspection history of the hydraulic cylinder 1 input to the controller 30, the identification unit 34 identifies the model number of the hydraulic cylinder 1 that was being inspected when the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 changed (in other words, between the identified times). The identification unit 34 outputs to the notification unit 40 an identification signal that includes information that the fluid deterioration has progressed significantly in the inspection of the hydraulic cylinder 1 and information on the model number of the identified hydraulic cylinder 1.

[0038] The notification unit 40 is, for example, a lamp or a monitor that notifies the worker of information. The notification unit 40 receives the maintenance signal and the specific signal transmitted from the controller 30 via wireless communication, and displays various information on, for example, a monitor based on the received signal. Specifically, when the notification unit 40 receives the maintenance signal, the monitor displays information encouraging maintenance of the inspection equipment 5 (specifically, replacing the fluid). Furthermore, when the notification unit 40 receives the specific signal, the monitor displays information that the fluid has deteriorated significantly during the inspection of the hydraulic cylinder 1, and information on the model number of the hydraulic cylinder 1 that caused the fluid deterioration.

[0039] In this way, in the condition monitoring system 100, when the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 changes beyond a predetermined value (in other words, when the detection value changes significantly compared to normal), the identifying unit 34 identifies the hydraulic cylinder 1 corresponding to the change, thereby making it possible to identify the hydraulic cylinder 1 causing the deterioration of the fluid. This allows for investigating processes prior to the inspection of the identified hydraulic cylinder 1 and identifying problems occurring in the previous process. For example, it is possible to identify that in the manufacturing process, cutting fluid remains due to insufficient cleaning after cutting the hydraulic cylinder 1, or that cleaning fluid remains due to insufficient drying after cleaning the hydraulic cylinder 1. Therefore, by performing maintenance on the equipment that performed the problematic work or by encouraging the worker who performed the problematic work to correct their work method, it is possible to resolve the problem occurring in the process prior to the inspection of the hydraulic cylinder 1. This makes it possible to prevent foreign matter from entering the hydraulic cylinder 1. If problems persist in the process preceding the inspection of the hydraulic cylinder 1, the deterioration of the fluid will progress more quickly. Therefore, by resolving the problems occurring in the process preceding the inspection of the hydraulic cylinder 1 in this way, deterioration of the fluid can be effectively prevented.

[0040] Furthermore, in normal fluid maintenance, as described above, the fluid deteriorates each time the hydraulic cylinder 1 is inspected. Therefore, by monitoring the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 at the timing when the fluid deterioration progresses, in other words, at the timing when the hydraulic cylinder 1 is replaced, it is possible to efficiently monitor the fluid deterioration. This makes it possible to predict the fluid deterioration and perform maintenance before a malfunction occurs in the inspection equipment 5.

[0041] In addition, the identification unit 34 may output to the notification unit 40 an identification signal that does not include information that the fluid has deteriorated significantly, but only includes information on the model number that indicates the identified hydraulic cylinder 1.

[0042] Furthermore, the identification unit 34 may identify information other than the model number of the hydraulic cylinder 1, as long as the information can identify the hydraulic cylinder 1 that was being inspected when the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 changed. For example, the identification unit 34 may identify the time when the hydraulic cylinder 1 was inspected based on the results acquired by the replacement timing acquisition unit 33. This makes it possible to identify the hydraulic cylinder 1 in terms of the inspection time. In such a case, it is not necessary for the inspection equipment 5 to output the inspection history of the hydraulic cylinder 1 to the controller 30. The worker can personally compare the time when the hydraulic cylinder 1 was inspected with the inspection history of the inspection equipment 5 and obtain the model number of the hydraulic cylinder 1.

[0043] According to the above-described embodiment, the following advantageous effects are achieved.

[0044] In the condition monitoring system 100, when the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 changes beyond a predetermined value, the identifying unit 34 identifies the hydraulic cylinder 1 corresponding to the change, making it possible to identify the hydraulic cylinder 1 that is the cause of fluid deterioration. Therefore, it is possible to identify the cause of fluid deterioration and effectively prevent fluid deterioration.

[0045] The following modified examples are also within the scope of the present invention, and it is possible to combine the configuration shown in the modified example with the configuration described in the above embodiment, to combine the configurations described in the different embodiments above, or to combine the configurations described in the different modified examples below.

[0046] <Variation 1> In the above embodiment, the replacement timing acquisition unit 33 of the controller 30 acquires the timing when the hydraulic cylinder 1 was replaced from the temperature of the fluid detected by the temperature sensor provided in the detection unit 11 of the fluid property sensor 10. The method by which the replacement timing acquisition unit 33 acquires the timing when the hydraulic cylinder 1 was replaced is not limited to this. For example, the timing when the hydraulic cylinder 1 was replaced may be acquired from the detection value (in other words, the fluid pressure) of a pressure sensor provided in the flow paths 6a, 6b of the inspection equipment 5 or the flow paths 3a, 3b of the hydraulic cylinder 1. Specifically, during inspection of the hydraulic cylinder 1, the fluid pressure fluctuates due to the operation of the hydraulic cylinder 1. On the other hand, when the hydraulic cylinder 1 is replaced, the fluid pressure hardly fluctuates. Therefore, the replacement timing acquisition unit 33 detects that the hydraulic cylinder 1 has been replaced if the change in the fluid pressure detected by the pressure sensor remains smaller than a predetermined threshold for a predetermined period of time. Here, the "predetermined threshold" is set so as not to include a state in which the fluid pressure remains almost unchanged when the hydraulic cylinder 1 is replaced, and the "predetermined time" is set to a long time so as not to include a time when the pressure change becomes small during inspection of the hydraulic cylinder 1 (for example, the time when the hydraulic cylinder 1 switches between extension and retraction).

[0047] Furthermore, if the inspection equipment 5 is an equipment in which all operations including replacement of the hydraulic cylinder 1 are automated, the timing at which the hydraulic cylinder 1 is replaced may be obtained by detecting the operation of an actuator that replaces the hydraulic cylinder 1. Even with such a configuration, the same effects as those of the above embodiment can be achieved.

[0048] <Variation 2> In the above embodiment, the replacement timing acquisition unit 33 of the controller 30 acquires the timing at which the hydraulic cylinder 1 was replaced from the temperature of the fluid detected by the temperature sensor attached to the detection unit 11 of the fluid property sensor 10. The controller 30 also notifies the worker of the information via the notification unit 40. However, as shown in FIG. 4 , the condition monitoring system 100 may further include a terminal 20 to which replacement information indicating the timing at which the hydraulic cylinder 1 was replaced by the worker is input and which outputs the input replacement information to the replacement timing acquisition unit 33. The terminal 20 is provided in place of the notification unit 40.

[0049] The terminal 20 is, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a personal computer, and is connected to the controller 30 wirelessly or via a wire. The worker inputs replacement information to the terminal 20 using an input unit 21, which is, for example, a touch panel of a smartphone or a keyboard of a personal computer. An application for assisting the input of replacement information is installed in the terminal 20, and the worker inputs the replacement information (such as the time when the hydraulic cylinder 1 was replaced and the model number) into the input unit 21 based on the display of the application. The terminal 20 then outputs the input replacement information to the controller 30, and a replacement timing acquisition unit 33 of the controller 30 acquires the timing when the hydraulic cylinder 1 was replaced from the replacement information input from the terminal 20.

[0050] Furthermore, the terminal 20 receives a maintenance signal and a specific signal from the controller 30 via wireless communication, and the display unit 24 displays various information based on the received signals. Specifically, when the terminal 20 receives a maintenance signal, the display unit 24 displays information encouraging maintenance of the inspection equipment 5 (specifically, replacing the fluid). Furthermore, when the terminal 20 receives the specific signal, the display unit 24 displays information that the fluid has deteriorated significantly in the inspection of the hydraulic cylinder 1, and information on the model number of the hydraulic cylinder 1 that caused the fluid deterioration. With this configuration, the worker can input replacement information via the terminal 20 and be notified of the object to be inspected for the cause of the fluid deterioration.

[0051] Note that the terminal 20 is not essential if the replacement information input by the worker is input to the replacement timing acquisition unit 33. The replacement information may also be acquired by the controller 30 or the like monitoring the connection between the inspection equipment 5 and the hydraulic cylinder 1. Furthermore, the terminal 20 may be provided simply to notify the worker of the information as a substitute for the notification unit 40, without outputting the replacement information to the controller 30.

[0052] <Variation 3> In the above embodiment, the electrical characteristic values ​​of the working fluid detected by the fluid property sensor 10 are the dielectric constant and the conductivity, and the dielectric constant and the conductivity increase as the working fluid deteriorates due to an increase in the operating time of the hydraulic cylinder 1, and decrease when the working fluid is replaced with a new, undegraded working fluid. However, the electrical characteristic value of the working fluid detected by the fluid property sensor 10 may be a parameter other than the dielectric constant or the conductivity that decreases as the working fluid deteriorates. In this case, the electrical characteristic value increases when the working fluid is replaced with a new, undegraded working fluid.

[0053] <Variation 4> In the above embodiment, when the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 changes beyond a predetermined value, the controller 30, using the replacement timing acquisition unit 33 and the identification unit 34, identifies the hydraulic cylinder 1 corresponding to the time of the change. This is not limited to this. The processing of the replacement timing acquisition unit 33 and the identification unit 34 may be provided as a program for causing a computer to execute this program. In other words, the program of this modification is a program for causing a computer to execute processing of detection values ​​input from the fluid property sensor 10, which is provided in an inspection equipment 5 that supplies and discharges a test fluid to and from the hydraulic cylinders 1 to be inspected and operates the hydraulic cylinders 1 to perform inspections. The program causes the computer to acquire the timing at which the hydraulic cylinder 1 was replaced, and, when the detection value changes beyond a predetermined value, identifies the hydraulic cylinder 1 corresponding to the time of the change based on the timing at which the hydraulic cylinder 1 was replaced. Furthermore, for example, as described in the above modification 2, the timing at which the hydraulic cylinder 1 was replaced is acquired from replacement information indicating the timing at which the hydraulic cylinder 1 was replaced, input by an operator.

[0054] The program for executing the above-described series of processes is provided by a computer-readable storage medium. For example, the various programs executed by the computer may be stored in a non-transitory storage medium such as a CD-ROM.

[0055] Furthermore, the various programs executed by the computer may be applications provided via a network.

[0056] The configuration, operation, and effects of the embodiment of the present invention configured as above will be described below.

[0057] The inspection equipment condition monitoring system 100 is provided in inspection equipment 5, which supplies and discharges inspection fluid to and from hydraulic cylinders 1 as inspection objects that are replaced in sequence, thereby operating the hydraulic cylinders 1 to perform inspections. The inspection equipment 5 includes a fluid property sensor 10 that detects the properties of the inspection fluid, a replacement timing acquisition unit 33 that acquires the timing at which the hydraulic cylinders 1 are replaced, and an identification unit 34 that, when the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 changes beyond a predetermined value, identifies the hydraulic cylinder 1 corresponding to the time of the change based on the result acquired by the replacement timing acquisition unit 33.

[0058] In this configuration, when the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 changes beyond a predetermined value, the identifying unit 34 identifies the hydraulic cylinder 1 corresponding to the change, making it possible to identify the hydraulic cylinder 1 that caused the deterioration of the test fluid. Therefore, by investigating the upstream process of the hydraulic cylinder 1 and identifying the cause of the deterioration of the test fluid, it is possible to effectively prevent the deterioration of the test fluid.

[0059] Furthermore, the replacement timing acquisition unit 33 acquires the timing at which the hydraulic cylinder 1 was replaced from replacement information that is input by the worker and indicates the timing at which the hydraulic cylinder 1 was replaced.

[0060] In this configuration, the timing at which the hydraulic cylinder 1 was replaced can be obtained from the replacement information input by the operator, and the hydraulic cylinder 1 that caused the deterioration of the test fluid can be identified.

[0061] Furthermore, the replacement timing acquisition unit 33 acquires the timing at which the hydraulic cylinder 1 was replaced based on the temperature of the test fluid.

[0062] In this configuration, the timing at which the hydraulic cylinder 1 was replaced can be obtained based on the temperature of the test fluid, and the hydraulic cylinder 1 that caused the deterioration of the test fluid can be identified.

[0063] Furthermore, the replacement timing acquisition unit 33 acquires the timing at which the hydraulic cylinder 1 is replaced based on the pressure of the test fluid.

[0064] In this configuration, the timing at which the hydraulic cylinder 1 was replaced can be obtained based on the pressure of the test fluid, and the hydraulic cylinder 1 that caused the deterioration of the test fluid can be identified.

[0065] In addition, a program for causing a computer to process detection values ​​input from a fluid property sensor 10 that is provided in an inspection facility 5 that supplies and discharges a test fluid between the hydraulic cylinders 1 as test objects that are replaced one after another and operates the hydraulic cylinders 1 to perform the inspection, causes the computer to obtain the timing at which the hydraulic cylinders 1 were replaced, and, when the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 changes beyond a predetermined value, identifies the hydraulic cylinder 1 corresponding to the time of the change based on the timing at which the hydraulic cylinder 1 was replaced.

[0066] With this configuration, when the detection value of the fluid property sensor 10 changes beyond a predetermined value, the hydraulic cylinder 1 corresponding to the change can be identified, making it possible to identify the hydraulic cylinder 1 that caused the deterioration of the test fluid. Therefore, by investigating the upstream process of the hydraulic cylinder 1 and identifying the cause of the deterioration of the test fluid, it is possible to effectively prevent the deterioration of the test fluid.

[0067] Furthermore, the program is characterized in that the timing at which the hydraulic cylinder 1 is replaced is acquired from replacement information that indicates the timing at which the inspection object is replaced, and is input by the operator.

[0068] In this invention, the timing at which the hydraulic cylinder 1 was replaced can be obtained from the replacement information input by the operator, and the inspection target for the cause of deterioration of the inspection fluid can be identified.

[0069] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above embodiments merely illustrate some of the application examples of the present invention, and it is not intended that the technical scope of the present invention be limited to the specific configurations of the above embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 1···hydraulic cylinder (inspection object), 5···inspection equipment, 10···fluid property sensor, 20···terminal, 33···replacement timing acquisition unit, 34···identification unit, 100···condition monitoring system (condition monitoring system for inspection equipment)

Claims

1. a fluid property sensor provided in a testing facility that supplies and discharges a test fluid between test objects that are successively replaced and operates the test objects to perform tests, and that detects the properties of the test fluid; a replacement timing acquisition unit that acquires the timing at which the inspection object is replaced; and an identification unit that, when the detection value of the fluid property sensor changes beyond a predetermined value, identifies the inspection object corresponding to the change based on the result acquired by the replacement timing acquisition unit.

2. 2. The inspection equipment status monitoring system according to claim 1, the replacement timing acquisition unit acquires the timing at which the inspection object was replaced from replacement information input by an operator, the replacement information indicating the timing at which the inspection object was replaced.

3. 2. The inspection equipment status monitoring system according to claim 1, The inspection equipment status monitoring system is characterized in that the replacement timing acquisition unit acquires the timing at which the inspection object is replaced based on the temperature of the inspection fluid.

4. 2. The inspection equipment status monitoring system according to claim 1, The inspection equipment status monitoring system is characterized in that the replacement timing acquisition unit acquires the timing at which the inspection object is replaced based on the pressure of the inspection fluid.

5. A program for causing a computer to process detected values ​​input from a fluid property sensor that is provided in testing equipment and detects the properties of a test fluid by supplying and discharging a test fluid between test objects that are successively replaced and operating the test objects, The computer, acquiring the timing when the inspection object is replaced; When the detected value changes beyond a predetermined value, the program identifies the test object corresponding to the change based on the timing when the test object was replaced.

6. 6. The program according to claim 5, The program is characterized in that the timing at which the inspection object is replaced is acquired from replacement information indicating the timing at which the inspection object is replaced, which is input by an operator.

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