Fluid pressure actuator operation detection system

Abstract

To provide an operation detection system for a fluid pressure actuator capable of accurately detecting a start time and a stop time of movement of a piston in the fluid pressure actuator.SOLUTION: An operation detection system for a fluid pressure actuator includes: a first pressure sensor 3 for detecting a first pressure value that is a pressure value of a first pressure action chamber 103; a second pressure sensor 4 for detecting a second pressure value that is a pressure value of a second pressure action chamber 104; and an operation detection device 5 having a detection program for calculating an addition value of the first pressure value (waveform W11) and the second pressure value (waveform W21), calculating a time differentiation value of the addition value (waveform A11), and detecting a start time (time t3, time t7) and a stop time (time t4, time t8) on the basis of fluctuation of the time differentiation value (waveform D11) over time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an operation detection system for a fluid pressure actuator.

Background Art

[0002] For example, in controlling robot arms and air hands used in food factories and the like, fluid pressure actuators having double-acting cylinders are used. Inside the double-acting cylinder, the piston divides it into a first pressure acting chamber and a second pressure acting chamber, and one end of a pipe for supplying or exhausting operating air is connected to each of the first pressure acting chamber and the second pressure acting chamber. The other end of the pipe is connected to a supply source of operating air via a switching valve, and by switching the supply of operating air to the first pressure acting chamber and the supply of operating air to the second pressure acting chamber by the switching valve, the piston reciprocates in the cylinder.

[0003] In such a fluid pressure actuator, for example, by monitoring the time from when the supply of operating air starts until the movement of the piston starts, and the time from the start of the movement until the stop, it may be monitored whether the operation of the fluid pressure actuator is normal. In this case, it is important to accurately detect the start point and stop point of the movement of the piston.

[0004] Among such cases, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a cylinder operation state monitoring device capable of detecting the operation state of a piston by monitoring at least either the time differential value of the pressure value (first pressure value) of the first pressure acting chamber or the time differential value of the pressure value (second pressure value) of the second pressure acting chamber.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, the above prior art had the following problems. For example, when a fluid pressure actuator is operated in the pushing direction, the time derivative of the first pressure value fluctuates in the positive direction both when the piston starts moving and when it stops moving. Therefore, even if one attempts to detect the start and stop of piston movement by observing the fluctuation of the time derivative of the first pressure value, it is difficult to determine whether the piston has started moving or stopped moving when the time derivative of the first pressure value fluctuates in the positive direction. Similarly, the time derivative of the second pressure value fluctuates in the negative direction both when the piston starts moving and when it stops moving. Therefore, even if one attempts to detect the start and stop of piston movement by observing the fluctuation of the time derivative of the second pressure value, it is difficult to determine whether the piston has started moving or stopped moving when the time derivative of the second pressure value fluctuates in the negative direction.

[0007] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems and to provide a fluid pressure actuator operation detection system capable of accurately detecting the start and stop points of piston movement in a fluid pressure actuator. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above problems, the operation detection system for a fluid pressure actuator of the present invention has the following configuration.

[0009] (1) A fluid pressure actuator operation detection system for detecting the start and stop points of movement of a fluid pressure actuator, which comprises a double-acting cylinder whose interior is divided into a first pressure chamber and a second pressure chamber by a piston, and which switches the direction of movement of the piston by switching the supply of operating air to the first pressure chamber and the supply of operating air to the second pressure chamber, characterized in that it comprises a first pressure detection means for detecting a first pressure value which is the pressure value of the first pressure chamber, and a second pressure detection means for detecting a second pressure value which is the pressure value of the second pressure chamber, and a detection means which comprises a detection program that calculates the sum of the first pressure value and the second pressure value, calculates the time derivative of the sum, and detects the start and stop points based on the change in the time derivative over time.

[0010] (2) In the fluid pressure actuator operation detection system described in (1), it is preferable that the detection program determines the start time to be the point in time when the time derivative value starts to change from approximately zero to a positive value and then converges back to approximately zero.

[0011] (3) In the operation detection system of the fluid pressure actuator described in (1) or (2), it is preferable that the detection program determines the time when the time derivative value begins to change from approximately zero to a negative value as the stopping time.

[0012] (4) In the operation detection system of a fluid pressure actuator described in any one of (1) to (3), it is preferable that the detection program determines that the time derivative value starts to change from approximately zero to a positive value is the time when the supply of operating air to the first pressure chamber and the supply of operating air to the second pressure chamber are switched.

[0013] A fluid pressure actuator switches the direction of piston movement (switching between push and pull directions) by switching the supply of operating air to the first pressure chamber and the supply of operating air to the second pressure chamber. The inventors have found that the pressure value of the first pressure chamber is such that the direction of piston movement First pressure value and We discovered that the start and stop points of piston movement can be accurately detected by adding the first pressure value (the pressure value in the second pressure chamber) to the second pressure value, taking the time derivative of the result, and monitoring the change in this time derivative over time. In the following, the value obtained by taking the time derivative of the sum of the first pressure value and the second pressure value will be referred to as the "time derivative of the sum," and the change in the time derivative of the sum over time will be referred to as the "change in the time derivative of the sum."

[0014] For example, the inventors discovered that the point at which the time derivative of the added value converges back to approximately zero after starting to fluctuate from approximately zero to a positive value (the convergence point) coincides with the start of piston movement. Therefore, by monitoring the fluctuation of the time derivative of the added value, it is possible to accurately determine that the convergence point is the start of piston movement.

[0015] For example, the inventors discovered that the point at which the time derivative of the added value begins to change from approximately zero to a negative value (the point at which the negative change begins) coincides with the point at which the piston stops moving. Therefore, by monitoring the change in the time derivative of the added value, it is possible to accurately determine that the point at which the negative change begins is the point at which the piston stops moving.

[0016] For example, the inventors discovered that the point at which the time derivative of the added value begins to change from approximately zero to a positive value (the point at which positive change begins) coincides with the point at which the supply of operating air to the first pressure chamber and the supply of operating air to the second pressure chamber is switched (the air supply is switched). Therefore, by monitoring the change in the time derivative of the added value, it is possible to accurately determine that the point at which positive change begins is the point at which the air supply is switched. The air supply is switched to change the movement of the piston of the fluid pressure actuator from the push direction to the pull direction, or from the pull direction to the push direction. The push direction refers to the direction in which the operating rod, when the fluid pressure actuator is equipped with an operating rod coupled to the piston, protrudes from the double-acting cylinder. The pull direction refers to the opposite direction to the push direction, where the operating rod is retracted into the double-acting cylinder.

[0017] (5) In the operation detection system of a fluid pressure actuator described in any one of (1) to (4), it is preferable that the detection program calculates the subtraction value of the first pressure value and the second pressure value, calculates the time derivative of the subtraction value, and detects the direction of movement of the piston based on the change in the time derivative over time.

[0018] In the operation detection system of the fluid pressure actuator described in (6)(5), it is preferable that the detection program detects the direction of movement when it detects a change in the time derivative of the summation value.

[0019] The fluctuations in the time derivative of the added value described in (1) to (4) above, regardless of whether the fluid pressure actuator is operating in the push or pull direction, converge at the point where the piston starts moving after the point where the positive fluctuation starts, and the point where the negative fluctuation starts is when the piston stops moving. Therefore, it is difficult to determine whether the fluid pressure actuator is operating in the push or pull direction by simply monitoring the fluctuations in the time derivative of the added value. In this context, the inventors have discovered that it is possible to determine whether the fluid pressure actuator is operating in the push or pull direction by subtracting the first pressure value from the second pressure value, taking the time derivative of the value obtained by this subtraction, and monitoring the fluctuation of the value obtained by this time derivative over time. The value obtained by taking the time derivative of the value obtained by subtracting the first pressure value from the second pressure value is called the "time derivative of the subtracted value," and the fluctuation of the time derivative of the subtracted value over time is called the "fluctuation of the time derivative of the subtracted value."

[0020] For example, the inventors discovered that when a fluid pressure actuator operates in the push direction, the time derivative of the subtraction value fluctuates from approximately zero to a positive value at the start and stop of the piston movement. Also, for example, the inventors discovered that when a fluid pressure actuator operates in the pull direction, the time derivative of the subtraction value fluctuates from approximately zero to a negative value at the start and stop of the piston movement.

[0021] Therefore, by monitoring the time derivative of the subtraction value in conjunction with monitoring the time derivative of the addition value, it is possible to determine whether the fluid pressure actuator has started pushing or pulling based on whether the time derivative of the subtraction value has changed to a positive or negative value at the point when the time derivative of the addition value converges. In addition, it is possible to determine whether the fluid pressure actuator has completed pushing or pulling based on whether the time derivative of the subtraction value has changed to a positive or negative value at the point when the time derivative of the addition value begins to change negatively. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] According to the operation detection system of the fluid pressure actuator of the present invention, it is possible to accurately detect the start time and stop time of the movement of the piston in the fluid pressure actuator.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of the operation detection system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a graph showing the variation with time of the first pressure value and the second pressure value when the fluid pressure actuator operates in the push direction. [Figure 3] It is a graph showing the variation with time of the value obtained by adding the first pressure value and the second pressure value when the fluid pressure actuator operates in the push direction. [Figure 4] It is a graph showing the variation with time of the value obtained by performing time differentiation on the value obtained by adding the first pressure value and the second pressure value when the fluid pressure actuator operates in the push direction. [Figure 5] It is a graph showing the variation with time of the value obtained by subtracting the first pressure value from the second pressure value when the fluid pressure actuator operates in the push direction. [Figure 6] It is a graph showing the variation with time of the value obtained by performing time differentiation on the value obtained by subtracting the first pressure value from the second pressure value when the fluid pressure actuator operates in the push direction. [Figure 7] It is a graph showing the variation with time of the value obtained by performing time differentiation on the value obtained by subtracting the first pressure value from the second pressure value when the fluid pressure actuator operates in the pull direction. [Figure 8] It is a graph summarizing the monitoring of the time differential value of the addition value and the time differential value of the subtraction value performed by the detection device.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0024] An embodiment of the operation detection system 1 of the fluid pressure actuator of the present invention (hereinafter simply referred to as "operation detection system 1") will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The operation detection system 1 is a system for detecting the operating state of the fluid pressure actuator 10.

[0025] <About fluid pressure actuators> First, let's describe the configuration of the fluid pressure actuator 10. As shown in Figure 1, the fluid pressure actuator 10 mainly consists of a double-acting cylinder 101, a piston 102, and an operating rod 105.

[0026] The piston 102 is slidably held inside the double-acting cylinder 101. The direction in which the piston 102 slides is, for example, along the longitudinal direction of the double-acting cylinder 101, which is the left-right direction in Figure 1. The piston 102 also divides the inside of the double-acting cylinder 101 into a first pressure chamber 103 and a second pressure chamber 104. Furthermore, an operating rod 105 is connected to the end face of the piston 102 on the side of the second pressure chamber 104. This operating rod 105 penetrates the end on the side of the second pressure chamber 104 (second end 101b) of the longitudinal ends of the double-acting cylinder 101 and extends to the outside of the double-acting cylinder 101.

[0027] One end of a first pipe 11 for supplying or exhausting operating air is connected to the end of the double-acting cylinder 101 on the side of the first pressure chamber 103 (first end 101a). The first pipe 11 connected to the first end 101a communicates with the first pressure chamber 103 through the internal flow path of the double-acting cylinder 101. The other end of the first pipe 11 is connected to the first connection port 131 of the switching valve 13.

[0028] One end of a second pipe 12 for supplying or exhausting operating air is connected to the second end 101b of the double-acting cylinder 101. The second pipe 12 connected to the second end 101b communicates with the second pressure chamber 104 through the internal flow path of the double-acting cylinder 101. The other end of the second pipe 12 is connected to the second connection port 132 of the switching valve 13.

[0029] A flow rate adjustment section 14A, consisting of a check valve 141A and a flow rate adjustment valve 142A, is provided on the first pipe 11. Furthermore, a flow rate adjustment section 14B, consisting of a check valve 141B and a flow rate adjustment valve 142B, is provided on the second pipe 12.

[0030] The switching valve 13 has an input port 133 for supplying operating air to the switching valve 13. One end of the supply air pipe 15 is connected to this input port 133, and the other end of the supply air pipe 15 is connected to the supply source 16 for the operating air.

[0031] The switching valve 13 is a double solenoid type electromagnetic valve and comprises a first solenoid 134A and a second solenoid 134B. The first solenoid 134A and the second solenoid 134B are electrically connected to a control controller 2, which will be described later. Therefore, the control controller 2 can supply an electrical signal to either the first solenoid 134A or the second solenoid 134B, thereby driving the valve body (not shown) inside the switching valve 13. A more detailed explanation follows below.

[0032] When an electrical signal is applied to the first solenoid 134A, the valve body of the switching valve 13 is pulled towards the first solenoid 134A. As a result, the input port 133 and the first connection port 131 are connected, and the second connection port 132 is connected to the outside of the switching valve 13.

[0033] When the input port 133 and the first connection port 131 are connected, the operating air input from the supply source 16 to the switching valve 13 is output from the first connection port 131 to the first piping 11. The operating air output to the first piping 11 flows through the first piping 11 and is supplied to the first pressure chamber 103 of the double-acting cylinder 101.

[0034] When operating air is supplied to the first pressure chamber 103, the pressure inside the first pressure chamber 103 increases, and the piston 102 is pressed. This causes the piston 102 to move toward the second end 101b. As the piston 102 moves toward the second end 101b (in the push direction), the operating air that was supplied to the second pressure chamber 104 is exhausted from the second pressure chamber 104. The operating air exhausted from the second pressure chamber 104 flows into the switching valve 13 via the second piping 12 and the second connection port 132. At this time, since the second connection port 132 is in communication with the outside of the switching valve 13, the operating air that flows into the switching valve 13 is discharged to the outside.

[0035] On the other hand, when an electrical signal is applied to the second solenoid 134B, the valve body of the switching valve 13 is pulled towards the second solenoid 134B. As a result, the input port 133 and the second connection port 132 are connected, and the first connection port 131 is connected to the outside of the switching valve 13.

[0036] When the input port 133 and the second connection port 132 are connected, the operating air input from the supply source 16 to the switching valve 13 is output from the second connection port 132 to the second piping 12. The operating air output to the second piping 12 flows through the second piping 12 and is supplied to the second pressure chamber 104 of the double-acting cylinder 101.

[0037] When operating air is supplied to the second pressure chamber 104, the pressure inside the second pressure chamber 104 increases, and the piston 102 is pressed. This causes the piston 102 to move toward the first end 101a (in the pull direction). As the piston 102 moves toward the first end 101a, the operating air that was supplied to the first pressure chamber 103 is exhausted from the first pressure chamber 103. The operating air exhausted from the first pressure chamber 103 flows into the switching valve 13 via the first piping 11 and the first connection port 131. At this time, since the first connection port 131 is in communication with the outside of the switching valve 13, the operating air that flows into the switching valve 13 is discharged to the outside.

[0038] As described above, by applying an electrical signal to the first solenoid 134A or the second solenoid 134B and driving the valve body inside the switching valve 13, it is possible to switch between supplying operating air to the first pressure chamber 103 and supplying operating air to the second pressure chamber 104 (hereinafter simply referred to as "air supply switching"). By repeatedly switching the air supply, the piston 102 can perform a reciprocating motion. The reciprocating motion of the piston 102 causes the operating rod 105 connected to the piston 102 to reciprocate. When the piston 102 moves toward the second end 101b, the operating rod 105 is driven to protrude from the double-acting cylinder 101, and conversely, when the piston 102 moves toward the first end 101a, the operating rod 105 is driven to be retracted into the double-acting cylinder 101. When the operating rod 105 is driven to protrude from the double-acting cylinder 101, this is called a push-direction drive, and conversely, when the operating rod 105 is driven to retract into the double-acting cylinder 101, this is called a pull-direction drive.

[0039] The reciprocating speed of the operating rod 105 is controlled by the flow rate adjustment units 14A and 14B adjusting the flow rate of the operating air. This will be explained in more detail below.

[0040] For example, when controlling the operating speed of the operating rod 105 (meter-out control) by adjusting the flow rate of operating air exhausted from the first pressure chamber 103 or the second pressure chamber 104, the check valves 141A and 141B of the flow rate adjustment sections 14A and 14B are configured to allow the flow of operating air from the switching valve 13 side to the fluid pressure actuator 10 side, while preventing the flow of operating air in the reverse direction.

[0041] When the operating rod 105 is driven in the push direction, operating air is supplied from the first piping 11 to the first pressure chamber 103. In this case, the check valve 141A of the flow rate adjustment section 14A on the first piping 11 allows the flow of operating air toward the first pressure chamber 103, so operating air is supplied to the first pressure chamber 103. Then, when the piston 102 is moved in the push direction, the operating air is exhausted from the second pressure chamber 104 to the second piping 12. At this time, the operating air cannot pass through the check valve 141B of the flow rate adjustment section 14B on the second piping 12, so it passes through the flow rate adjustment valve 142B. Therefore, the flow rate of the operating air is limited according to the valve opening of the flow rate adjustment valve 142B, and the speed of movement of the piston 102 in the push direction is controlled (i.e., the speed of movement of the operating rod 105 in the push direction is controlled).

[0042] Conversely, when the operating rod 105 is driven in the pull direction, operating air is supplied from the second piping 12 to the second pressure chamber 104. In this case, the check valve 141B of the flow rate adjustment section 14B on the second piping 12 allows the flow of operating air toward the second pressure chamber 104, so operating air is supplied to the second pressure chamber 104. Then, when the piston 102 is moved in the pull direction, the operating air is exhausted from the first pressure chamber 103 to the first piping 11. At this time, the operating air cannot pass through the check valve 141A of the flow rate adjustment section 14A on the first piping 11, so it passes through the flow rate adjustment valve 142A. Therefore, the flow rate of the operating air is limited according to the valve opening of the flow rate adjustment valve 142A, and the speed of movement of the piston 102 in the pull direction is controlled (i.e., the speed of movement of the operating rod 105 in the pull direction is controlled).

[0043] On the other hand, for example, when controlling the operating speed of the operating rod 105 (meter-in control) by adjusting the flow rate of operating air supplied to the first pressure chamber 103 or the second pressure chamber 104, the check valves 141A and 141B of the flow rate adjustment sections 14A and 14B are configured to allow the flow of operating air from the fluid pressure actuator 10 side to the switching valve 13 side, while preventing the flow of operating air in the reverse direction.

[0044] When the operating rod 105 is driven in the pushing direction, the first pipe 11 is used to supply the first pressure chamber 103. Operating air Air is supplied to the first pressure chamber 103. In this case, the operating air cannot pass through the check valve 141A of the flow rate adjustment section 14A on the first pipe 11, so it passes through the flow rate adjustment valve 142A and is supplied to the first pressure chamber 103. Therefore, the flow rate of the operating air is limited according to the valve opening of the flow rate adjustment valve 142A, and the speed at which the piston 102 moves in the pushing direction is controlled (i.e., the speed at which the operating rod 105 moves in the pushing direction is controlled). When the piston 102 moves in the pushing direction, the operating air is exhausted from the second pressure chamber 104 to the second pipe 12. At this time, the check valve 141B of the flow rate adjustment section 14B on the second pipe 12 allows the flow of operating air toward the switching valve 13.

[0045] Conversely, when the operating rod 105 is driven in the pull direction, operating air is supplied from the second piping 12 to the second pressure chamber 104. In this case, the operating air cannot pass through the check valve 141B of the flow rate adjustment section 14B on the second piping 12, so it passes through the flow rate adjustment valve 142B and is supplied to the second pressure chamber 104. Therefore, the flow rate of the operating air is limited according to the valve opening of the flow rate adjustment valve 142B, and the speed at which the piston 102 moves in the pull direction is controlled (i.e., the speed at which the operating rod 105 moves in the pull direction is controlled). When the piston 102 moves in the pull direction, the operating air is exhausted from the first pressure chamber 103 to the first piping 11. At this time, the check valve 141A of the flow rate adjustment section 14A on the first piping 11 allows the flow of operating air toward the switching valve 13.

[0046] <About the motion detection system> Next, the configuration of the motion detection system 1 will be described. The motion detection system 1 mainly consists of a control controller 2, a first pressure sensor 3 (an example of a first pressure detection means), a second pressure sensor 4 (an example of a second pressure detection means), and a motion detection device 5 (an example of a detection means).

[0047] The control controller 2 switches the air supply by providing an electrical signal to the first solenoid 134A or the second solenoid 134B, thereby controlling the operation of the fluid pressure actuator 10.

[0048] The first pressure sensor 3 is positioned on the first piping 11, between the flow rate adjustment unit 14A and the fluid pressure actuator 10. This allows the first pressure sensor 3 to detect the pressure value within the first piping 11. This is equivalent to detecting the pressure value (first pressure value) of the first pressure chamber 103. According to Pascal's principle, the pressure applied to the inner wall of the first pressure chamber 103 and the inner wall of the first piping 11 leading to the first pressure chamber 103 is uniform.

[0049] Furthermore, the second pressure sensor 4 is positioned on the second piping 12, between the flow rate adjustment unit 14B and the fluid pressure actuator 10. This allows the second pressure sensor 4 to detect the pressure value within the second piping 12. This is equivalent to detecting the pressure value (second pressure value) of the second pressure chamber 104. According to Pascal's principle, the pressure applied to the inner wall of the second pressure chamber 104 and the inner wall of the second piping 12 leading to the second pressure chamber 104 is uniform.

[0050] The motion detection device 5 includes a calculation unit 51, and further includes an AD conversion unit 52, a digital signal input unit 53, a digital signal output unit 54, a control communication unit 55, a display unit 56, a storage unit 57, and a PC communication unit 58, all of which are electrically connected to the calculation unit 51.

[0051] The calculation unit 51 detects the operating state of the fluid pressure actuator 10 based on information input to the motion detection device 5 from the pressure sensors 3 and 4 and the control controller 2, in accordance with the detection program.

[0052] The AD conversion unit 52 is electrically connected to the first pressure sensor 3 and the second pressure sensor 4. The first pressure sensor 3 and the second pressure sensor 4 output the detected pressure values ​​(first pressure value and second pressure value) as analog signals, so the AD conversion unit 52 converts them into digital signals and passes the data for the first pressure value and the data for the second pressure value to the calculation unit 51. The calculation unit 51 receives this data and uses a detection program to detect the operating state of the fluid pressure actuator.

[0053] The digital signal input unit 53 is electrically connected to the control controller 2, and the electrical signal that the control controller 2 provides to the first solenoid 134A or the second solenoid 134B is branched and input to the digital signal input unit 53. As a result, the motion detection device 5 can determine the time (time t1, time t5 (see Figure 7)) at which an electrical signal is provided to the first solenoid 134A or the second solenoid 134B.

[0054] The digital signal output unit 54 is electrically connected to the control controller 2 and outputs an electrical signal to the control controller 2 corresponding to the operating status of the piston 102 and the timing of the air supply switching at the switching valve 13, as determined by the calculation unit 51. Upon receiving this output, the control controller 2 can notify the user of the operation detection system 1 or a higher-level control controller (not shown) of the status. For example, it can notify the user by illuminating a warning light or allow a higher-level control controller to control other devices.

[0055] The control communication unit 55 is electrically connected to the control controller 2 and can receive setting values ​​such as model information, specifications, and operating conditions for the fluid pressure actuator 10 and the switching valve 13. It also outputs the operating time of the fluid pressure actuator 10 and the switching valve 13, calculated by the calculation unit 51, to the control controller 2. The control controller 2 receives this output and can notify the user of the operation detection system 1 and a higher-level control controller (not shown) of the status. For example, it can notify information such as the amount of variation in operating time.

[0056] The display unit 56 is, for example, an LED, and can display the operating state of the fluid pressure actuator 10 according to the operating state of the piston 102 and the timing of the air supply switching at the switching valve 13, as determined by the calculation unit 51.

[0057] The memory unit 57 stores the detection program, as well as the calculation results of the calculation unit 51 and the setting values ​​of the motion detection device 5. The setting values ​​referred to here are parameters that affect the absolute value of the variation in the time derivative, such as the diameter of the piston 102, the stroke length of the operating rod 105, the diameter of the operating rod 105, the diameter of the cylinder 101, the length of the cylinder 101, and the effective cross-sectional area of ​​the switching valve 13. Furthermore, the PC communication unit 58 can communicate with the motion detection device 5 and the computer (PC 6) connected to the motion detection device 5. For example, it can output to the PC 6 the operating status of the fluid pressure actuator 10 detected by the motion detection device 5, as well as waveforms shown in Figures 2-8, which will be explained later.

[0058] <About the operation of the detection program> The motion detection system 1, configured as described above, detects the operating state of the fluid pressure actuator 10 based on a first pressure value and a second pressure value, according to the detection program. Specifically, it detects the start time of piston 102 movement, the stop time of piston 102 movement, and the direction of piston 102 movement (whether it is in the push direction or the pull direction).

[0059] The following describes an example of operating the fluid pressure actuator 10 in the push direction. Immediately before the fluid pressure actuator 10 is operated in the push direction, for example, the fluid pressure actuator 10 is in a state where it has completed operation in the pull direction (i.e., the piston 102 is positioned on the first end 101a side of the double-acting cylinder 101), and the switching valve 13 is in a state where an electrical signal is being supplied to the second solenoid 134B.

[0060] When the fluid pressure actuator 10 is operated in the push direction, an electrical signal is applied to the first solenoid 134A of the switching valve 13, and at the same time, the electrical signal to the second solenoid 134B is stopped (time t1 (see Figure 8)). This causes the air supply to be switched (time t2 (see Figure 2)). That is, the supply of operating air switches from the state in which the second pressure chamber 104 is supplied with operating air to the first pressure chamber 103. This switch causes the exhaust of operating air from the second pressure chamber 104 to begin. Then, the fluid pressure actuator 10 (piston 102) is operated in the push direction.

[0061] Figure 2 shows the time-dependent fluctuations of the first and second pressure values ​​detected by pressure sensors 3 and 4 when the fluid pressure actuator 10 is operated in the pushing direction. The dashed waveform W11 in Figure 2 represents the time-dependent fluctuation of the first pressure value, and the thick solid waveform W21 represents the time-dependent fluctuation of the second pressure value. The thin solid waveform W31 represents the position of the piston 102. In Figure 2, "first end" refers to the first end 101a of the double-acting cylinder 101, and "second end" refers to the second end 101b of the double-acting cylinder 101. In other words, waveform W31 indicates that the piston 102 is moving from the side of the first end 101a to the side of the second end 101b over time. The same applies to waveform W31 shown in Figures 3-7. Note that the position of the piston 102 (waveform W31) shown in Figure 2 is not detected by the motion detection system 1, but rather is the position of the piston 102 that would be detected if the fluid pressure actuator 10 were equipped with a magnetostrictive sensor, and is shown in Figure 2 for clarity of explanation. The same applies to the waveform W31 shown in Figures 3-7.

[0062] As shown in Figure 2, from time t2, the first pressure value begins to rise and the second pressure value begins to fall. This is because the air supply is switched, causing air supply to begin in the first pressure chamber 103 and exhaust to begin in the second pressure chamber 104. Then, from time t3, the piston 102 begins to move from the first end 101a to the second end 101b. Around this time t3, the first and second pressure values ​​settle to approximately constant values. Subsequently, at time t4, the piston 102 reaches the second end 101b and stops moving. At this point, the first pressure value rises further and the second pressure value falls further.

[0063] The detection program detects the start and stop points of the piston 102's movement by adding the fluctuating first and second pressure values ​​as shown in Figure 2, and then performing time differentiation on the value obtained by this addition.

[0064] Figure 3 shows the time-dependent fluctuations of the sum of the first and second pressure values ​​(hereinafter simply referred to as the "added value"). The dashed waveform W11 in Figure 3 represents the time-dependent fluctuations of the first pressure value, similar to Figure 2. The thick solid waveform W21 in Figure 3 represents the time-dependent fluctuations of the second pressure value, similar to Figure 2. The thin solid waveform W31 in Figure 3 represents the position of the piston 102, similar to Figure 2. The dashed-dot waveform A11 in Figure 3 represents the time-dependent fluctuations of the added value. The added value is the sum of the pressure values ​​detected simultaneously by the first pressure sensor 3 and the second pressure sensor 4.

[0065] Furthermore, the detection program performs time differentiation with respect to the added value. The time variation of the value obtained by time differentiation with respect to the added value (hereinafter referred to as the "time derivative of the added value") is shown in the graph in Figure 4. The waveform is represented by the thick dashed line in Figure 4. D 11 represents the variation in the time derivative, and the thin solid waveform W31 represents the position of the piston 102, similar to Figures 2 and 3.

[0066] According to Figure 4, the point at which the time derivative of the added value begins to change to a positive value (positive change start point P11) coincides with the point at time t2 when the air supply was switched. Furthermore, the point at which the time derivative of the added value converges back to approximately zero after beginning to change to a positive value (convergence point P21) coincides with the point at which the piston 102 began to move (time t3). Moreover, the point at which the time derivative of the added value begins to change from approximately zero to a negative value (negative change start point P31) coincides with the point at which the piston 102 stopped moving (time t4). Therefore, by calculating the time derivative of the added value, monitoring the time derivative of the added value, and detecting the positive change start point P11, the convergence point P21, and the negative change start point P31, the detection program can accurately detect the point at time t2 when the air supply was switched, the point at which the piston 102 began to move (time t3), and the point at which the piston 102 stopped moving (time t4).

[0067] The above describes the case where the fluid pressure actuator 10 is operated in the push direction. However, similarly, when the fluid pressure actuator 10 is operated in the pull direction, it is possible to accurately detect the time when the air supply is switched, the start time of movement of the piston 102, and the stop time of movement by monitoring the fluctuation of the time derivative of the sum of the first pressure value and the second pressure value. A more detailed explanation follows below.

[0068] Immediately before the fluid pressure actuator 10 is moved in the pull direction, for example, the fluid pressure actuator 10 is in a state where it has completed movement in the push direction (i.e., the piston 102 is positioned on the second end 101b side of the double-acting cylinder 101), and the switching valve 13 is in a state where an electrical signal is being supplied to the first solenoid 134A.

[0069] When the fluid pressure actuator 10 is operated in the pull direction, an electrical signal is applied to the second solenoid 134B of the switching valve 13, and at the same time, the electrical signal to the first solenoid 134A is stopped (time t5 (see Figure 8)). This causes the air supply to be switched (time t6 (see Figure 8)). That is, the supply of operating air switches from the state in which the first pressure chamber 103 is supplied with operating air to the second pressure chamber 104. This switch causes, First pressure chamber 103 The exhaust of the operating air is initiated. Then, the fluid pressure actuator 10 (piston 102) moves in the pulling direction.

[0070] Even when the fluid pressure actuator 10 (piston 102) is operated in the pull direction, similar to when it is operated in the push direction, the point at which the time derivative of the added value begins to change to a positive value (positive change start point P12 (see Figure 8)) coincides with the point at which the air supply is switched (see time t6 in Figure 8). Furthermore, the point at which it converges back to approximately zero after starting to change to a positive value (convergence point P22 (see Figure 8)) coincides with the start of movement of the piston 102 (see time t7 in Figure 8). Moreover, the point at which it begins to change from approximately zero to a negative value (negative change start point P32) coincides with the point at which movement of the piston 102 stops (see time t8 in Figure 8). Therefore, the detection program calculates the time derivative of the added value, monitors the time derivative of the added value, and detects the positive change start point P12, the convergence point P22, and the negative change start point P32, thereby accurately detecting the time t6 when the air supply is switched, the start time of piston 102 movement (time t7), and the stop time of piston 102 movement (time t8).

[0071] In addition, to detect the direction of movement of the piston 102 (whether it is in the push or pull direction), the detection program detects a change in the time derivative of the summation value, subtracts the first pressure value from the second pressure value, and then performs the time derivative on the value obtained by this subtraction. The following is an example of operating the fluid pressure actuator 10 in the push direction.

[0072] Figure 5 shows the time-dependent fluctuations of the value obtained by subtracting the first pressure value from the second pressure value (hereinafter simply referred to as the "subtracted value"). The dashed waveform W11 in Figure 5 represents the time-dependent fluctuations of the first pressure value, similar to Figure 2. The thick solid waveform W21 in Figure 5 also represents the time-dependent fluctuations of the second pressure value, similar to Figure 2. The dashed-dot waveform S11 in Figure 5 represents the subtracted value of the first and second pressure values. The subtracted value is calculated using the pressure values ​​detected simultaneously by the first pressure sensor 3 and the second pressure sensor 4, and is obtained by subtracting the second pressure value from the first pressure value.

[0073] Furthermore, the detection program performs time differentiation with respect to the subtracted value. The graph in Figure 6 shows the change over time of the value obtained by time differentiation with respect to the subtracted value (hereinafter referred to as the "time derivative of the subtracted value"). In Figure 6, the thick dashed waveform D21 represents the change in the time derivative, and the thin solid waveform W31 represents the position of the piston 102, similar to Figure 2.

[0074] According to Figure 6, the time derivative of the subtraction value starts to fluctuate from approximately zero to a positive value between the time when the air supply is switched at the switching valve 13 (time t2) and the time when the piston 102 starts moving (time t3), and then converges back to approximately zero. Furthermore, even at the time when the piston 102 stops moving (time t4), it fluctuates from approximately zero to a positive value.

[0075] On the other hand, when the fluid pressure actuator 10 is operated in the pull direction, similarly, if we take the time derivative of the subtraction of the first pressure value and the second pressure value, the fluctuation of the value obtained by this time derivative will be as shown in waveform D21 in Figure 7. In Figure 7, time t6 is the time when the air supply is switched at the switching valve 13. The time derivative value starts to fluctuate from approximately zero to a negative value between the time when the air supply is switched (time t6) and the start of the movement of the piston 102 (time t7), and then converges back to approximately zero. Furthermore, even at the time when the movement of the piston 102 stops (time t8), it fluctuates from approximately zero to a negative value.

[0076] In other words, when the fluid pressure actuator 10 operates in the pushing direction, the time derivative of the subtraction value changes in the positive direction according to the movement of the piston 102, and when the fluid pressure actuator 10 operates in the pulling direction, the time derivative of the subtraction value changes in the negative direction according to the movement of the piston 102. Therefore, by monitoring the change in the time derivative of the subtraction value in conjunction with monitoring the change in the time derivative of the addition value, the detection program can determine whether the fluid pressure actuator 10 has started operating in the pushing direction or the pulling direction based on whether the time derivative of the subtraction value has changed to a positive or negative value at the convergence points P21 and P22 of the change in the time derivative of the addition value. In addition, the detection program can determine whether the fluid pressure actuator 10 has completed operating in the pushing direction or the pulling direction based on whether the time derivative of the subtraction value has changed to a positive or negative value at the negative starting points P31 and P32 of the change in the time derivative of the addition value.

[0077] Figure 8 is a graph that summarizes the monitoring of the time derivatives of the added value and the subtracted value as described above. The graph labeled "Switching valve drive signal A side" in Figure 8 shows the energized state (ON) and the opposite state (OFF) when an electrical signal is applied to the first solenoid 134A. The graph labeled "Switching valve drive signal B side" in Figure 8 shows the energized state (ON) and the opposite state (OFF) when an electrical signal is applied to the second solenoid 134B. The graph labeled "Time derivative of added value" in Figure 8 is a simplified representation of the time variation over time of the value obtained by adding the first pressure value and the second pressure value. The graph labeled "Time derivative of subtracted value" in Figure 8 is a simplified representation of the time variation over time of the value obtained by subtracting the first pressure value and the second pressure value. The "Piston Position" graph in Figure 8 shows the change in the position of piston 102 over time.

[0078] At time t1, an electrical signal is supplied from the control controller 2 to the first solenoid 134A of the switching valve 13. The operation detection device 5, via the digital signal input unit 53, determines the timing at which the electrical signal is supplied to the first solenoid 134A.

[0079] Next, the detection program monitors the time derivative of the added value and determines that the point P11 where the positive change of the time derivative begins corresponds to the time when the switching of the supply air in the switching valve 13 has occurred (time t2). Simultaneously with this determination, if the time from time t1 to time t2 is calculated, it becomes possible to determine whether there is any abnormality in the operation of the switching valve 13 based on the length of that time. For example, if a predetermined threshold (referred to as the first threshold) is set and the time calculated above is longer than the first threshold, it can be determined that the responsiveness of the switching valve 13 from receiving the electrical signal to performing the switching has decreased, and this can be judged as an abnormality. If an abnormality is determined, this fact may be displayed on the display unit 56. The first threshold is set appropriately according to parameters such as the desired level of responsiveness of the switching valve 13 and the diameter of the piston 102 mentioned above.

[0080] Next, the detection program monitors the time derivative of the additive value and determines that the point of convergence of the time derivative P21 is the start of movement of the piston 102 (time t3). In addition, the detection program monitors the time derivative of the subtractive value and determines that the direction of movement of the piston 102 is the pushing direction if the time derivative of the subtractive value has changed in the positive direction at the convergence point P21. The display unit 56 displays that the piston 102 has started moving at time t3 and that the direction of movement is the pushing direction. Furthermore, if the time from time t2 to time t3 is calculated in conjunction with the detection of the movement of the piston 102, it becomes possible to determine whether there is an abnormality in the operation of the fluid pressure actuator 10 based on the length of that time. For example, if a predetermined threshold (let's call it the second threshold) is set and the time calculated above is longer than the second threshold, it can be determined that the responsiveness of the fluid pressure actuator 10 from the start of air supply to the start of operation has decreased, and an abnormality can be determined. If an abnormality is determined, this fact may be displayed on the display unit 56. The second threshold is set appropriately according to parameters such as the desired level of responsiveness for the fluid pressure actuator 10 and the diameter of the piston 102 mentioned above.

[0081] Next, the detection program monitors the time derivative of the additive value and determines that the piston 102 has stopped moving at point P31, where the negative change in the time derivative of the additive value begins (time t4). In addition, the detection program monitors the time derivative of the subtractive value and determines that the piston 102 has completed its movement in the pushing direction when the time derivative of the subtractive value changes in the positive direction at the timing of the negative change start point P31. The display unit 56 shows that the piston 102 stopped moving in the pushing direction at time t4. Furthermore, if the time from time t3 to time t4 is calculated in conjunction with the detection of the piston 102's movement, it becomes possible to determine whether there is an abnormality in the operation of the fluid pressure actuator 10 based on the length of that time. For example, if a predetermined threshold (let's call it the third threshold) is set and the calculated time is longer than the third threshold, it can be determined that there is an abnormality, such as a decrease in the sliding properties of the piston 102 causing the operating speed of the fluid pressure actuator 10 to decrease. If an abnormality is determined, this fact may be displayed on the display unit 56. The third threshold is set appropriately according to parameters such as the desired operating speed of the fluid pressure actuator 10 and the diameter of the piston 102 mentioned above.

[0082] As described above, after the fluid pressure actuator 10 completes its push operation, at time t5, an electrical signal is supplied from the control controller 2 to the second solenoid 134B of the switching valve 13. The motion detection device 5, via the digital signal input unit 53, determines the timing at which the electrical signal is supplied to the second solenoid 134B.

[0083] Next, the detection program monitors the time derivative of the added value and determines that the point P12 where the positive change in the time derivative of that value begins indicates the time when the air supply is switched at the switching valve 13 (time t6). Simultaneously with this determination, if the time from time t5 to time t6 is calculated, it becomes possible to determine whether there is any abnormality in the operation of the switching valve 13 based on the length of that time. For example, similar to the first threshold described above, a predetermined threshold can be set, and if the calculated time is longer than that threshold, it can be determined that there is an abnormality. If an abnormality is determined, this fact may be displayed on the display unit 56.

[0084] Next, the detection program monitors the time derivative of the added value and determines that the point of convergence of the time derivative P22 is the start of movement of the piston 102 (time t7). In addition, the detection program monitors the time derivative of the subtracted value and determines that the direction of movement of the piston 102 is the pull direction when the time derivative of the subtracted value changes in the negative direction at the timing of convergence P22. The display unit 56 displays that the piston 102 has started moving at time t7 and that the direction of movement is the pull direction. Furthermore, if the time from time t6 to time t7 is calculated in conjunction with the detection of the movement of the piston 102, it becomes possible to determine whether there is an abnormality in the operation of the fluid pressure actuator 10 based on the length of that time. For example, similar to the second threshold described above, a predetermined threshold can be set, and if the calculated time is longer than that threshold, it can be determined to be abnormal. If an abnormality is determined, this fact may be displayed on the display unit 56.

[0085] Next, the detection program monitors the time derivative of the additive value and determines that the piston 102 has stopped moving at point P32, the point where the negative change in the time derivative of the additive value begins (time t8). In addition, the detection program monitors the time derivative of the subtractive value and determines that the piston 102 has completed its movement in the pull direction when the time derivative of the subtractive value has changed in the negative direction at the timing of the negative change start point P32. The display unit 56 shows that the piston 102 stopped moving in the pull direction at time t8. Furthermore, if the time from time t7 to time t8 is calculated in conjunction with the detection of the piston 102's movement, it becomes possible to determine whether there is an abnormality in the operation of the fluid pressure actuator 10 based on the length of that time. For example, similar to the third threshold described above, a predetermined threshold can be set, and if the calculated time is longer than that threshold, it can be determined to be abnormal. If an abnormality is determined, this fact may be displayed on the display unit 56.

[0086] Since the fluid pressure actuator 10 repeatedly performs push and pull operations, the period from time t9 onwards in Figure 8 is a repetition of the period from time t1 to time t8.

[0087] As explained above, according to the actuator operation detection device 20 of this embodiment, (1) A fluid pressure actuator operation detection system 1 for a fluid pressure actuator that includes a double-acting cylinder 101 whose interior is divided into a first pressure chamber 103 and a second pressure chamber 104 by a piston 102, and which switches the direction of movement of the piston 102 by switching the supply of operating air to the first pressure chamber 103 and the supply of operating air to the second pressure chamber 104, detects the start time of movement of the piston 102 and the stop time of movement of the piston 102, and detects a first pressure value which is the pressure value of the first pressure chamber 103. The system is characterized by comprising: a first pressure detection means (e.g., a first pressure sensor 3); a second pressure detection means (e.g., a second pressure sensor 4) for detecting a second pressure value which is the pressure value of the second pressure working chamber 104; and a detection means (e.g., an motion detection device 5) equipped with a detection program that calculates the sum of the first pressure value (waveform W11) and the second pressure value (waveform W21), calculates the time derivative of the sum (waveform A11), and detects the start time (time t3, time t7) and stop time (time t4, time t8) based on the time variation of the time derivative (waveform D11).

[0088] (2) In the fluid pressure actuator operation detection system 1 described in (1), it is preferable that the detection program determines that the starting point (time t3, time t7) is the point in time when the time derivative value (waveform D11) starts to change from approximately zero to a positive value and then converges back to approximately zero (for example, convergence points P21, P22).

[0089] (3) In the operation detection system 1 of the fluid pressure actuator described in (1) or (2), it is preferable that the detection program determines that the time derivative value (waveform D11) starts to change from approximately zero to a negative value (for example, the negative change start points P31, P32) is the stopping point (time t4, time t8).

[0090] (4) In the operation detection system 1 of the fluid pressure actuator described in any one of (1) to (3), it is preferable that the detection program determines that the time derivative value (waveform D11) starts to change from approximately zero to a positive value (positive change start point P11, P12) is the time when the supply of operating air to the first pressure chamber 103 and the supply of operating air to the second pressure chamber 104 are switched (time t2, time t6).

[0091] The fluid pressure actuator 10 switches the direction of movement of the piston 102 (switching between the push direction and the pull direction) by switching the supply of operating air to the first pressure chamber 103 and the supply of operating air to the second pressure chamber 104. The inventor has discovered that, regardless of the direction of movement of the piston, the start and stop points of movement of the piston 102 can be accurately detected by taking the time derivative of the value obtained by adding the first pressure value, which is the pressure value of the first pressure chamber 103, and the second pressure value, which is the pressure value of the second pressure chamber 104, and monitoring the fluctuation of this time derivative over time. In the following, the value obtained by taking the time derivative of the value obtained by adding the first pressure value and the second pressure value will be referred to as the "time derivative of the added value," and the fluctuation of the time derivative of the added value over time will be referred to as the "fluctuation of the time derivative of the added value."

[0092] For example, the inventors discovered that the time derivative of the added value (waveform D11), after starting to fluctuate from approximately zero to a positive value, converges back to approximately zero (convergence points P21, P22), coincides with the start of the piston 102's movement (time points t3, t7). Therefore, by monitoring the fluctuation of the time derivative of the added value (waveform D11), it is possible to accurately determine that the convergence points P21 and P22 represent the start of the piston 102's movement (time points t3, t7).

[0093] For example, the inventors discovered that the point at which the time derivative of the added value (waveform D11) begins to change from approximately zero to a negative value (negative change initiation points P31, P32) coincides with the point at which the piston 102 stops moving (time t4, time t8). Therefore, by monitoring the change in the time derivative of the added value (waveform D11), it is possible to accurately determine that the point at which the piston 102 stops moving (time t4, time t8) corresponds to the negative change initiation points P31, P32.

[0094] For example, the inventors discovered that the point at which the time derivative of the summation value (waveform D11) begins to change from approximately zero to a positive value (positive change start points P11, P12) coincides with the point at which the supply of operating air to the first pressure chamber 103 and the supply of operating air to the second pressure chamber 104 is switched (supply switching) (time points t2, t6). Therefore, by monitoring the change in the time derivative of the summation value (waveform D11), it is possible to accurately determine that the point at which the supply switching occurred (time points t2, t6) is determined by the positive change start points P11, P12. The supply switching is performed to switch the movement of the piston 102 of the fluid pressure actuator 10 from the push direction to the pull direction, or from the pull direction to the push direction. The push direction refers to the direction in which the operating rod 105 is extended from the double-acting cylinder 101, assuming that the fluid pressure actuator 10 is equipped with an operating rod 105 coupled to the piston 102. Furthermore, the pull direction, in contrast to the push direction, refers to the direction in which the operating rod 105 is housed in the double-acting cylinder 101.

[0095] (5) In the operation detection system 1 of the fluid pressure actuator described in any one of (1) to (4), it is preferable that the detection program calculates the subtraction value of the first pressure value and the second pressure value, calculates the time derivative of the subtraction value (waveform S11), and detects the direction of movement of the piston 102 based on the change in the time derivative (waveform D21) over time.

[0096] In the fluid pressure actuator operation detection system 1 described in (6)(5), it is preferable that the detection program detects the direction of movement of the piston 102 when it detects a change in the time derivative of the summation value.

[0097] As described in (1) to (4) above, the fluctuation of the time derivative of the added value (waveform D11) is such that regardless of whether the fluid pressure actuator 10 is operating in the push or pull direction, the convergence points P21 and P22 after the positive fluctuation start points P11 and P12 are the start of the piston 102's movement (time t3 and time t7), and the negative fluctuation start points P31 and P32 are the stop of the piston 102's movement (time t4 and time t8). Therefore, it is difficult to determine whether the fluid pressure actuator 10 is operating in the push or pull direction by simply monitoring the fluctuation of the time derivative of the added value (waveform D11). However, the inventors have discovered that it is possible to determine whether the fluid pressure actuator 10 is operating in the push or pull direction by subtracting the first pressure value from the second pressure value, taking the time derivative of the value obtained by this subtraction (waveform S11), and monitoring the fluctuation of the value obtained by this time derivative (waveform D21) over time. Furthermore, the value obtained by subtracting the first pressure value from the second pressure value and taking the time derivative of that value is called the "time derivative of the subtracted value," and the change in the time derivative of the subtracted value over time is called the "change in the time derivative of the subtracted value."

[0098] For example, the inventors discovered that when the fluid pressure actuator 10 operates in the push direction, the time derivative of the subtraction value (waveform D21) changes from approximately zero to a positive value at the start (time t3) and stop (time t4) of the movement of the piston 102. Also, for example, the inventors discovered that when the fluid pressure actuator 10 operates in the pull direction, the time derivative of the subtraction value (waveform D21) changes from approximately zero to a negative value at the start (time t7) and stop (time t8) of the movement of the piston 102.

[0099] Therefore, by monitoring the time derivative of the added value (waveform D11) and the time derivative of the subtracted value (waveform D21) together, it is possible to determine whether the fluid pressure actuator 10 has started pushing or pulling based on whether the time derivative of the subtracted value (waveform D21) has changed to a positive or negative value at the convergence points P21 and P22 of the time derivative of the added value (waveform D11). In addition, it is possible to determine whether the fluid pressure actuator 10 has completed pushing or pulling based on whether the time derivative of the subtracted value (waveform D21) has changed to a positive or negative value at the start of the negative change in the time derivative of the added value (waveform D11) at the beginning of the negative change at P31 and P32.

[0100] This embodiment is merely illustrative and does not limit the present invention in any way. Therefore, the present invention can naturally be improved and modified in various ways without departing from its essence. For example, the motion detection device 5 may monitor the operating status of multiple fluid pressure actuators 10. Also, although the pressure sensors 3 and 4 are described as being arranged on the first pipe 11 and second pipe 12, they are not limited to this and may be built into the motion detection device 5. Furthermore, the fluid pressure actuator 10 does not necessarily need to have an operating rod 105, and can be applied to actuators having double-acting cylinders such as parallel hands. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 1. Motion detection system 3. First pressure sensor (an example of a first pressure detection means) 4. Second pressure sensor (an example of a second pressure detection means) 5. Motion detection device (an example of a detection means) 10 Fluid pressure actuator 101 Double-acting cylinder 102 Pistons 103 First Pressure Chamber 104 Second Pressure Chamber

Claims

1. In a fluid pressure actuator operation detection system for detecting the start and stop points of movement of a fluid pressure actuator, which comprises a double-acting cylinder whose interior is divided into a first pressure chamber and a second pressure chamber by a piston, and in which the direction of movement of the piston is switched by switching the supply of operating air to the first pressure chamber and the supply of operating air to the second pressure chamber, The system comprises a first pressure detection means for detecting a first pressure value, which is the pressure value of the first pressure chamber, and a second pressure detection means for detecting a second pressure value, which is the pressure value of the second pressure chamber. The system includes a detection means that comprises a detection program that calculates the sum of the first pressure value and the second pressure value, calculates the time derivative of the sum, and detects the start time and the stop time based on the change in the time derivative over time. A fluid pressure actuator motion detection system characterized by the following.

2. In the fluid pressure actuator operation detection system according to claim 1, The aforementioned detection program, The starting point is determined to be the point in time when the aforementioned time derivative value begins to change from approximately zero to a positive value and then converges back to approximately zero. A fluid pressure actuator motion detection system characterized by the following.

3. In the operation detection system for a fluid pressure actuator according to claim 1 or 2, The aforementioned detection program, The point at which the aforementioned time derivative value begins to change from approximately zero to a negative value is determined to be the stopping point. A fluid pressure actuator motion detection system characterized by the following.

4. In the operation detection system for a fluid pressure actuator according to claim 1 or 2, The aforementioned detection program, The point at which the aforementioned time derivative value begins to change from approximately zero to a positive value is determined to be the point at which the supply of operating air to the first pressure chamber and the supply of operating air to the second pressure chamber are switched. A fluid pressure actuator motion detection system characterized by the following.

5. In the fluid pressure actuator operation detection system according to claim 3, The aforementioned detection program, The point at which the aforementioned time derivative value begins to change from approximately zero to a positive value is determined to be the point at which the supply of operating air to the first pressure chamber and the supply of operating air to the second pressure chamber are switched. A fluid pressure actuator motion detection system characterized by the following.

6. In the operation detection system for a fluid pressure actuator according to claim 1 or 2, The aforementioned detection program, The subtraction between the first pressure value and the second pressure value is determined, the time derivative of the subtraction is determined, and the direction of movement of the piston is detected based on the change in the time derivative over time. A fluid pressure actuator motion detection system characterized by the following.

7. In the fluid pressure actuator operation detection system according to claim 6, The detection program performs the detection of the direction of movement when it detects a change in the time derivative of the added value. A fluid pressure actuator motion detection system characterized by the following.

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