Wear inspection equipment and ships

Abstract

To enable inspection regarding wear without performing an operation of moving a gauge rod of a wear-down gauge when inspecting the wear of journal bearings that support driving force transmitting portions for the propeller used to propel a ship.SOLUTION: A wear inspection device 20 is provided on a ship comprising driving force transmitting portions 13a and 13b for transmitting a rotational driving force to a propulsion propeller and journal bearings 5p to 5s that rotatably support the driving force transmitting portions 13a and 13b, and is a device for inspecting wear of the journal bearings 5p to 5s. The wear inspection device 20 includes a casing 4 and distance sensors 21p to 21s. The casing 4 surrounds the driving force transmitting portions 13a and 13b. The casing 4 is provided with journal bearings 5p to 5s. The distance sensors 21p to 21s are attached to the casing 4, and measure, in a non-contact manner, distances from a reference point to outer circumferential surfaces of the driving force transmitting portions 13a and 13b in a radial direction of the driving force transmitting portions 13a and 13b.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for inspecting wear of a journal bearing in a ship including a propulsion propeller, a power transmission unit that transmits a rotational driving force to the propulsion propeller, and a journal bearing that rotatably supports the power transmission unit.

Background Art

[0002] In a ship, a power transmission unit (for example, a propeller shaft) that transmits a rotational driving force to a propulsion propeller is rotatably supported by a journal bearing. Inspection of wear of this journal bearing has been carried out.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for measuring the wear amount of a stern tube bearing (journal bearing) with a wear-down gauge. In Patent Document 1, the wear amount is measured as follows. The wear-down gauge is attached to a mounting hole provided in the casing of the stern tube. Then, the gauge rod of the wear-down gauge is moved toward the outer peripheral surface of the propeller propulsion shaft and brought into contact with the outer peripheral surface. The wear amount of the stern tube bearing is determined from the movement amount of the gauge rod at this time.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, as mentioned above, measuring the amount of wear on the journal bearings using a wear-down gauge requires a measurement procedure. Specifically, during measurement, the wear-down gauge must be attached to the mounting hole in the casing, and the gauge rod of the wear-down gauge must be moved toward the outer surface of the propeller thrust shaft.

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to enable inspection of wear on the journal bearings supporting the power transmission section for the propeller of a ship without having to move the gauge rod of the wear-down gauge. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The wear inspection device according to the present invention is installed on a ship equipped with a propulsion propeller, a power transmission unit that transmits rotational driving force to the propulsion propeller, and a journal bearing that rotatably supports the power transmission unit, and is a device for inspecting wear of the journal bearing, A casing surrounding the power transmission section and on which the journal bearing is provided, A wear inspection device is provided, comprising: a distance sensor attached to the casing, which non-contactly measures the distance from a reference point to the outer surface of the power transmission unit in the radial direction of the power transmission unit as the target distance.

[0008] Furthermore, according to the present invention, a ship equipped with the above-described wear inspection device is provided. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, a distance sensor is attached to a casing that surrounds the power transmission section for a ship's propeller and is equipped with a journal bearing. This distance sensor measures the distance to the outer surface of the power transmission section. Therefore, the amount of wear on the journal bearing can be confirmed from this measurement. Furthermore, since this measurement is performed non-contact with the power transmission section by the distance sensor, it eliminates the need for the conventional work and actions of moving the gauge rod of a wear-down gauge and bringing its tip into contact with the outer surface of the power transmission section. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing a propeller system installed on a ship. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a wear inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a wear inspection device according to Modification Example 1. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a wear inspection device according to Modification Example 3. [Figure 6] This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a wear inspection device according to modification example 4. [Figure 7] This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a wear inspection device according to modification example 9. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Common parts in each figure are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0012] The wear inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention is a device for inspecting the wear of a journal bearing that rotatably supports a power transmission unit that transmits rotational driving force to a ship's propeller. The wear inspection device according to this embodiment is installed in the propeller system of a ship. The propeller system includes a ship's propeller and rotates the propeller.

[0013] (Example of propeller system configuration) Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a propeller device 10 installed on a ship. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in Figure 1.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the propeller device 10 may include a front (bow side) propeller 1a and a rear (stern side) propeller 1b as propulsion propellers, and may be a dual-reverse propeller device that rotates these propellers 1a and 1b in opposite directions to each other. The dual-reverse propeller device 10 further includes an outer shaft 2a, an inner shaft 2b, a drive device 3, a casing4, and journal bearings 5p, 5q, 5r, 5s.

[0015] The outer shaft 2a has an internal space. This internal space penetrates the outer shaft 2a in its axial direction. The front propeller 1a is coupled to the stern side end of the outer shaft 2a. The inner shaft 2b is arranged coaxially with the outer shaft 2a so as to penetrate the internal space of the outer shaft 2a. The rear propeller 1b is coupled to the stern side end of the inner shaft 2b. The outer shaft 2a and the inner shaft 2b extend from the engine room 19 in the hull 6 to the outside of the hull 6 on the stern side through a stern tube 7 provided in the hull 6.

[0016] [[ID=!1]] The drive device 3 rotates the outer shaft 2a and the inner shaft 2b in opposite directions to each other. In the example of FIG. 1, the drive device 3 includes a first drive source 3a that rotates the outer shaft 2a via gears 11, 12, an outer shaft output gear 13a, and a gear coupling 14, and a second drive source 3b that rotates the inner shaft 2b via gears 15, 16, and an inner shaft output gear 13b. The inner shaft output gear 13b is coupled to the inner shaft 2b via a sleeve shaft joint 18.

[0017] The casing 4 surrounds a power transmission portion (the outer shaft output gear 13a and the inner shaft output gear 13b in the example of FIG. 2) that transmits a rotational driving force to the propeller. In FIG. 2, the casing 4 has a portion that surrounds the outer shaft output gear 13a and a portion that surrounds the inner shaft output gear 13b. The casing 4, the drive device 3, the gears 11, 12, 15, 16, the outer shaft output gears 13a, the inner shaft output gears 13b, and the gear coupling 14 are arranged in the engine room 19 of the ship.

[0018] The journal bearings 5p to 5s are provided in the casing 4 as shown in FIG. 2, and rotatably support the above-described power transmission part (the outer shaft output gear 13a and the inner shaft output gear 13b in the example of FIG. 2). In the example of FIG. 2, the journal bearings 5p and 5q rotatably support the outer shaft output gear 13a as a power transmission part that transmits the rotational driving force to the front propeller 1a, and the journal bearings 5r and 5s rotatably support the inner shaft output gear 13b as a power transmission part that transmits the rotational driving force to the rear propeller 1b.

[0019] In the example of FIG. 2, the casing 4 has an outer casing portion 4a to which the journal bearings 5q and 5r are attached, and an inner casing portion 4b that is located inside the outer casing portion 4a and to which the journal bearings 5p and 5s are attached. Lubricating oil is supplied to the journal bearings 5p to 5s. Therefore, lubricating oil exists inside the casing 4 (in the example of FIG. 2, inside the outer casing portion 4a and inside the inner casing portion 4b).

[0020] The double-reverse propeller device 10 is described in, for example, Patent Document 2, and thus a more detailed description thereof is omitted here.

[0021] (Configuration of Wear Inspection Device) The wear inspection device 20 according to the present embodiment includes distance sensors 21p to 21s attached to the above-described casing 4 as shown in FIG. 2. The casing 4 may be a component of the wear inspection device 20. Each of the distance sensors 21p to 21s measures, in a non-contact manner, the distance from a reference point in the radial direction of the power transmission part (the outer shaft output gear 13a or the inner shaft output gear 13b) to the outer peripheral surface of the power transmission part. The radial direction may be a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis C of the power transmission parts 13a and 13b. The rotation axis C may be oriented in the horizontal direction or a direction close to the horizontal normal.

[0022] Each distance sensor 21p to 21s may non-contactively measure the distance from an upper reference point to the lower outer surface of the power transmission unit 13a or 13b in the radial direction of the power transmission unit 13a or 13b, specifically in the radial direction oriented in the vertical direction (or in a direction inclined with respect to the vertical direction).

[0023] In the example shown in Figure 2, the distance sensors 21p and 21q non-contactively measure the distance from a reference point in the radial direction of the external shaft output gear 13a to the outer circumferential surface of the external shaft output gear 13a (hereinafter also referred to as the target distance for the power transmission unit 13a). This outer circumferential surface may be the outer circumferential surface of the external shaft output gear 13a that does not have teeth that mesh with gear 12.

[0024] The distance sensors 21r and 21s non-contact measure the distance from a reference point in the radial direction of the internal shaft output gear 13b, which serves as the power transmission unit, to the outer circumferential surface of the internal shaft output gear 13b (hereinafter also referred to as the target distance for the power transmission unit 13b). The outer circumferential surface may be the outer circumferential surface of the internal shaft output gear 13b that does not have teeth that mesh with the gear 16.

[0025] Each distance sensor 21p to 21s may be, for example, an eddy current displacement sensor. In this case, the outer surfaces of the power transmission units 13a and 13b are made of a material (e.g., metal) that generates eddy currents due to the magnetic field generated by the coil 31a of the eddy current displacement sensor, which will be described later. Each distance sensor 21p to 21s as an eddy current displacement sensor comprises a sensor head 31, a measuring unit 32, and an electric wire 33 (e.g., a cable).

[0026] The sensor head 31 is mounted on the casing 4 so as to face the radial direction of the corresponding power transmission sections 13a and 13b on their outer circumferential surfaces. The tip of the sensor head 31 may be positioned close to the outer circumferential surfaces of the power transmission sections 13a and 13b. Inside the casing 4, lubricating oil for the journal bearings 5p, 5q, 5r, and 5s is present between the sensor head 31 and the outer circumferential surfaces of the power transmission sections 13a and 13b. The sensor head 31 is provided with a coil 31a. The coil 31a may be provided at the tip of the sensor head 31 on the side facing the power transmission sections 13a and 13b.

[0027] The measuring unit 32 supplies alternating current to the coil 31a via the electric wire 33. The coil 31a generates an alternating magnetic field in response to the supplied alternating current. This generates eddy currents in the power transmission units 13a and 13b, corresponding to the distance from the sensor head 31 (coil 31a) to the outer surfaces of the power transmission units 13a and 13b. The impedance (or voltage) of the coil 31a changes according to the magnitude of these eddy currents. The measuring unit 32 measures the target distance related to the power transmission units 13a and 13b based on the impedance (or voltage) of the coil 31a. Here, the target distance may be the distance from the tip of the sensor head 31, which serves as the reference point mentioned above, to the outer surfaces of the power transmission units 13a and 13b.

[0028] The distance sensors 21q and 21r are configured to be detachable from the casing 4 (outer casing portion 4a). For example, as shown in Figure 2, male threads are formed on the outer circumference of each sensor head 31 of the distance sensors 21q and 21r, and through holes 4c are formed in the outer casing portion 4a that penetrate the outer casing portion 4a in the radial direction of the power transmission sections 13a and 13b. Female threads are formed on the inner circumference of the through holes 4c. The distance sensors 21q and 21r can be detachably attached to the casing 4 by screwing the male threads on the outer circumference of each sensor head 31 of the distance sensors 21q and 21r into the corresponding female threads in the through holes 4c. With this configuration, the distance sensors 21q and 21r are detachable from the casing 4.

[0029] The sensor heads 31 of the distance sensors 21p and 21s are located in the inner casing portion 4b. The journal bearings 5p and 5s and the sensor heads 31 of the distance sensors 21p and 21s are mounted on the inner casing portion 4b. A through hole 4d is formed in the inner casing portion 4b, which penetrates the inner casing portion 4b in the radial direction of the internal shaft output gear 13b.

[0030] Regarding the distance sensors 21p and 21s, a tubular member 34 is attached to the outer casing portion 4a. The tubular member 34 is positioned in a through hole 4e of the outer casing portion 4a. The through hole 4e penetrates the outer casing portion 4a radially through the power transmission sections 13a and 13b. The wires 33 from each sensor head 31 of the distance sensors 21p and 21s extend through the inside of the tubular member 34 to the measuring section 32 outside the outer casing portion 4a. The tubular member 34 prevents the wires 33 from coming into contact with the casing 4. It also allows the wires 33 to be fixed to the tubular member 34.

[0031] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the wear inspection device 20 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, the wear inspection device 20 may include rotation speed sensors 22a, 22b, measurement value acquisition units 23a, 23b, data generation unit 24, storage unit 25, replacement timing prediction unit 26, and notification unit 27.

[0032] The rotational speed sensors 22a and 22b detect the rotational speed of the power transmission units 13a and 13b (for example, the number of rotations per unit time). In the examples shown in Figures 2 and 3, the rotational speed sensor 22a detects the rotational speed of the power transmission unit (external shaft output gear 13a) that transmits rotational driving force to the front propeller 1a, and the rotational speed sensor 22b detects the rotational speed of the power transmission unit (internal shaft output gear 13b) that transmits rotational driving force to the rear propeller 1b. Note that known sensors (for example, optical sensors) can be used as the rotational speed sensors 22a and 22b, so a detailed explanation of them is omitted.

[0033] The measurement value acquisition unit 23a outputs the target distances related to the power transmission unit 13a, measured by distance sensors 21p and 21q respectively, when the rotational speed detected by the rotational speed sensor 22a (detected rotational speed) is the set speed for measurement (hereinafter also simply referred to as the target state), as evaluation measurement values. Similarly, the measurement value acquisition unit 23b outputs the target distances related to the power transmission unit 13a, measured by distance sensors 21r and 21s respectively, when the rotational speed detected by the rotational speed sensor 22b (detected rotational speed) is the set speed for measurement (hereinafter also simply referred to as the target state), as evaluation measurement values. In the configuration example shown in Figure 3, the measurement value acquisition units 23a and 23b output the above-mentioned evaluation measurement values ​​to the data generation unit 24. The above-mentioned target state means when the first condition, that the detected rotational speed is the set speed, is met.

[0034] Furthermore, the distance sensors 21p and 21q are configured to measure the target distance related to the power transmission unit 13a at each point in time and output it to the measurement value acquisition unit 23a. The measurement value acquisition unit 23a may extract and output the target distances output from the distance sensors 21p and 21q, respectively, as evaluation measurement values. Similarly, the distance sensors 21r and 21s are configured to measure the target distance related to the power transmission unit 13b at each point in time and output it to the measurement value acquisition unit 23b. The measurement value acquisition unit 23b may extract and output the target distances output from the distance sensors 21r and 21s, respectively, as evaluation measurement values.

[0035] As mentioned above, the process of acquiring evaluation measurement values ​​(hereinafter referred to as the evaluation measurement value acquisition process) may be started, for example, as follows: A person may start the evaluation measurement value acquisition process by inputting a measurement command to the measurement value acquisition units 23a and 23b by operating an appropriate control unit. The person may repeatedly input such measurement commands to the measurement value acquisition units 23a and 23b at intervals (for example, periodically). Alternatively, the measurement value acquisition unit 23a may automatically start and execute the evaluation measurement value acquisition process each time a set period (e.g., one day, one week, or one month) has elapsed. In this case, the measurement value acquisition units 23a and 23b may have a timer to determine if the set period has elapsed, or they may be configured to receive elapsed time information from another device.

[0036] When the evaluation measurement value acquisition process is started, the measurement value acquisition units 23a and 23b wait until the rotational speed detected by the corresponding rotational speed sensors 22a and 22b reaches the set speed for measurement. Once the rotational speed detected by the corresponding rotational speed sensors 22a and 22b reaches the set speed for measurement, they may extract and output the target distances related to the power transmission units 13a and 13b, measured by the distance sensors 21p, 21q, 21r, and 21s respectively, as evaluation measurement values.

[0037] Each distance sensor 21p to 21s may be in operation at all times. Alternatively, the measurement value acquisition units 23a and 23b may activate each distance sensor 21p to 21s when they start the evaluation measurement value acquisition process.

[0038] Each time an evaluation measurement value is output from the measurement value acquisition units 23a and 23b, the data generation unit 24 generates measurement data that associates the evaluation measurement value with the time (e.g., date or date and time) at which it was output from the measurement value acquisition units 23a and 23b.

[0039] The data generation unit 24 has a function to count time points (e.g., date or date and time) or a function to receive the current time point (e.g., date or date and time) from another device, and the data generation unit 24 may generate the above-mentioned measurement data based on such time points.

[0040] The storage unit 25 stores the measurement data generated by the data generation unit 24. That is, each time the data generation unit 24 generates the above-mentioned measurement data, it stores the measurement data in the storage unit 25. The storage unit 25 may be a storage area in a storage device such as memory or a hard disk.

[0041] The replacement timing prediction unit 26 predicts the future replacement timing of the journal bearing 5p, 5q, 5r, or 5s corresponding to each distance sensor 21p, 21q, 21r, or 21s, based on multiple measurement data stored in the memory unit 25 that correspond to that distance sensor. These multiple measurement data may be generated from multiple evaluation measurement values ​​output by the corresponding distance sensors 21p, 21q, 21r, or 21s at different times. Furthermore, the journal bearings 5p, 5q, 5r, or 5s corresponding to the distance sensor refer to the journal bearings whose wear amount is represented by the evaluation measurement values ​​from the distance sensor (the same applies hereinafter). In this case, for example, the journal bearing 5p, 5q, 5r, or 5s corresponding to the distance sensor may be the journal bearing closest to the distance sensor among multiple journal bearings supporting the power transmission units 13a, 13b in the axial direction parallel to the rotation axis C (hereinafter simply referred to as the axial direction) (the same applies hereinafter).

[0042] The replacement timing prediction unit 26 may, each time new measurement data is generated by the data generation unit 24 and stored in the storage unit 25, newly predict the replacement timing of the journal bearing 5p, 5q, 5r, or 5s corresponding to the measurement data (i.e., the distance sensors 21p, 21q, 21r, or 21s that output the above-mentioned evaluation measurement values ​​for the measurement data). In this case, the replacement timing prediction unit 26 may newly predict the replacement timing of the journal bearing based on multiple measurement data corresponding to the journal bearing that have been stored in the storage unit 25 up to the time of this new prediction.

[0043] The replacement timing prediction unit 26 may predict the time when the wear amount of each journal bearing 5p, 5q, 5r, 5s reaches a set amount as the replacement timing for that journal bearing. Here, the wear amount may be the difference between the evaluation measurement value and the initial setting value. The initial setting value may be the measurement value obtained at the start of use of the corresponding journal bearings 5p, 5q, 5r, 5s.

[0044] The notification unit 27 notifies a person or terminal device of the replacement time (or the replacement time and the amount of wear) for each journal bearing 5p, 5q, 5r, 5s predicted by the replacement time prediction unit 26. When notifying a person, the notification unit 27 may be a display that notifies the person by showing the replacement time (or the replacement time and the amount of wear). When notifying a terminal device, the notification unit 27 notifies the terminal device by transmitting the replacement time (or the replacement time and the amount of wear) to the terminal device via wireless or wired communication. In this case, the terminal device may display the received replacement time (or the replacement time and the amount of wear) on its display.

[0045] The notification unit 27 may notify a person or terminal device of the replacement time for each journal bearing 5p, 5q, 5r, and 5s. In addition, the notification unit 27 may notify a person or terminal device of the new replacement time whenever the replacement time prediction unit 26 predicts a new replacement time.

[0046] (Effects of this embodiment) Distance sensors 21p to 21s are attached to the casing 4, which is equipped with journal bearings 5p to 5s that support the power transmission sections 13a and 13b. The distance to the outer circumferential surface of the power transmission sections 13a and 13b is measured using the distance sensors 21p to 21s. Therefore, the amount of wear on the journal bearings 5p to 5s can be confirmed from this measurement. Furthermore, since this measurement is performed non-contact with the power transmission sections 13a and 13b using the distance sensors 21p to 21s, it eliminates the need for the conventional work and operation of moving the gauge rod of a wear-down gauge and bringing its tip into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the power transmission section.

[0047] Furthermore, while Patent Document 1 provides a plug structure to prevent oil leakage while allowing movement of the gauge rod, in this embodiment, movement of the wear-down gauge's gauge rod is unnecessary during measurement. Therefore, a structure to prevent oil leakage while allowing movement of the gauge rod is unnecessary.

[0048] Since the distance sensors 21p to 21s are eddy current type displacement sensors that measure distance using changes in the magnetic field, they can measure without being affected by lubricating oil. That is, lubricating oil (e.g., splashes of lubricating oil) is present between the tip of the sensor head 31 and the outer surfaces of the power transmission sections 13a and 13b, and is directed towards the journal bearings 5p to 5s. The distance sensors 21p to 21s can measure the distance to these outer surfaces with high accuracy without being affected by the lubricating oil.

[0049] In journal bearings 5p~5s (sliding bearings), the power transmission units 13a and 13b are raised relative to the journal bearings 5p~5s by the thickness of the lubricating oil film. The oil film thickness depends on the rotational speed of the power transmission units 13a and 13b. Therefore, the measurement value acquisition units 23a and 23b output the target distance related to the power transmission units 13a and 13b, measured by the distance sensors 21p~21s, as an evaluation measurement value, based on the rotational speed detected by the rotational speed sensors 22a and 22b, while the rotational speed of the power transmission units 13a and 13b is at the set speed for measurement. Thus, changes in oil film thickness due to differences in rotational speed can be suppressed, and the variation in the measured value of the target distance can be reduced. The aforementioned set speed may refer to a predetermined speed range in which such effects can be obtained (however, the aforementioned set speed may also refer to a single value).

[0050] In this embodiment, the measurement value acquisition units 23a and 23b repeatedly output the evaluation measurement values ​​described above at intervals (for example, each time a set period has elapsed). The data generation unit 24 generates measurement data that associates the evaluation measurement value with the time when the evaluation measurement value was measured, and stores it in the storage unit 25 each time the measurement value acquisition units 23a and 23b output an evaluation measurement value. The replacement timing prediction unit 26 predicts the future replacement timing (e.g., days or months) of the journal bearings 5p, 5q, 5r, and 5s based on the measurement data stored in the storage unit 25. The notification unit 27 notifies the predicted replacement timing. Therefore, it becomes easy to replace the journal bearings 5p, 5q, 5r, and 5s at the appropriate time. As a result, for example, the lifespan of the journal bearings 5p to 5s can be extended, and damage to the journal bearings 5p to 5s and other related parts can be prevented.

[0051] Furthermore, the distance sensors 21q and 21r are configured to be detachable from the casing 4, and the casing 4 is configured accordingly. This allows the distance sensors 21q and 21r to be replaced without disassembling the casing 4 if they malfunction.

[0052] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention. For example, any of the following modifications 1 to 9 may be adopted individually, or two or more of modifications 1 to 9 may be adopted in any combination. In this case, points not described below may be the same as described above.

[0053] (Example of change 1) Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the wear inspection device 20 according to Modification Example 1. The wear inspection device 20 according to Modification Example 1 further includes rotation angle sensors 35a and 35b, as shown in Figure 4.

[0054] The rotation angle sensors 35a and 35b detect the rotation angle (rotation phase) of the power transmission units 13a and 13b. In the example shown in Figure 4, the rotation angle sensor 35a detects the rotation angle of the power transmission unit (external shaft output gear 13a) that transmits rotational driving force to the front propeller 1a, and the rotation angle sensor 35b detects the rotation angle of the power transmission unit (internal shaft output gear 13b) that transmits rotational driving force to the rear propeller 1b. Note that known sensors (e.g., magnetic encoders) can be used as the rotation angle sensors 35a and 35b, so a detailed explanation of them is omitted.

[0055] The measurement value acquisition unit 23a outputs the target distances related to the power transmission unit 13a, measured by distance sensors 21p and 21q, respectively, as evaluation measurement values ​​at the point in time when the rotational speed detected by the rotational speed sensor 22a is the set speed for measurement, and the rotation angle detected by the rotational angle sensor 35a (detected rotation angle) is the set rotation angle for measurement (hereinafter also simply referred to as the target point in time). Similarly, the measurement value acquisition unit 23b outputs the target distances related to the power transmission unit 13b, measured by distance sensors 21r and 21s, respectively, at the point in time when the rotational speed detected by the rotational speed sensor 22b is the set speed for measurement, and the rotation angle detected by the rotational angle sensor 35b (detected rotation angle) is the set rotation angle for measurement (hereinafter also simply referred to as the target point in time). The above-mentioned target point in time means when the second condition, that the detected rotation angle is the set rotation angle, is met.

[0056] According to Modification Example 1, the rotation angle sensors 35a and 35b detect the rotation angle of the power transmission units 13a and 13b, and the measurement value acquisition units 23a and 23b repeatedly output the target distances related to the power transmission units 13a and 13b, measured by distance sensors 21p to 21s, at intervals (for example, each time a set period has elapsed), when the rotation angle detected by the rotation angle sensor 35b is the set rotation angle for measurement, as evaluation measurement values. As a result, the distance between a constant circumferential position on the outer surface of the power transmission units 13a and 13b and a reference point is output from the measurement value acquisition units 23a and 23b as evaluation measurement values. Therefore, fluctuations in evaluation measurement values ​​due to differences in circumferential positions on the outer surface of the power transmission units 13a and 13b are prevented, and reliable wear amounts and replacement timings for the journal bearings 5p to 5s can be obtained. The aforementioned set rotation angle may refer to a predetermined range of rotation angles in which such an effect can be obtained (however, the aforementioned set rotation angle may refer to a single value).

[0057] In modification example 1, the rotation speed sensors 22a and 22b may be omitted. In this case, the measurement value acquisition unit 23a outputs the target distances related to the power transmission unit 13a, measured by the distance sensors 21p and 21q, respectively, when the rotation angle detected by the rotation angle sensor 35a is the set rotation angle for measurement, as evaluation measurement values. Similarly, the measurement value acquisition unit 23b outputs the target distances related to the power transmission unit 13b, measured by the distance sensors 21r and 21s, respectively, when the rotation angle detected by the rotation angle sensor 35b is the set rotation angle for measurement, as evaluation measurement values.

[0058] (Example of change 2) In the above-described embodiment or modified example 1, the measurement value acquisition units 23a and 23b may, in addition to outputting the above-described evaluation measurement values ​​to the data generation unit 24, or instead of outputting the above-described evaluation measurement values ​​to the data generation unit 24, output the evaluation measurement values ​​to the notification unit 27. In this case, the notification unit 27 notifies a person or terminal device of the evaluation measurement values ​​received from the measurement value acquisition units 23a and 23b. When notifying a person, the notification unit 27 may be a display that notifies the person by displaying the evaluation measurement values. When notifying a terminal device, the notification unit 27 notifies the terminal device by transmitting the evaluation measurement values ​​via wireless communication or wired communication. In this case, the terminal device may display the received evaluation measurement values ​​on its display. This makes it possible to know the amount of wear from the displayed evaluation measurement values.

[0059] In this modified example 1, if each measurement value acquisition unit 23a, 23b also outputs the evaluation measurement value to the data generation unit 24, the data generation unit 24, the storage unit 25, the replacement timing prediction unit 26, and the notification unit 27 in the above embodiment may function as described above. Alternatively, in this modified example 2, the data generation unit 24, the storage unit 25, and the replacement timing prediction unit 26 may be omitted.

[0060] (Example of change 3) Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the wear inspection device 20 according to Modified Example 3. As shown in Figure 5, the wear inspection device 20 may further include a wear amount calculation unit 28 compared to the above-described embodiment, Modified Example 1, or Modified Example 2. The wear amount calculation unit 28 calculates the wear amount of the journal bearing 5p, 5q, 5r, or 5s corresponding to each distance sensor 21p, 21q, 21r, or 21s, based on the evaluation measurement value and a set initial value, each time that a measurement value from the distance sensor is output as an evaluation measurement value by the measurement value acquisition unit 23a, 23b. This set initial value may be a measurement value obtained by the distance sensor at the start of use of the journal bearing. The wear amount calculated here may be the difference between the evaluation measurement value and the set initial value.

[0061] The wear amount calculation unit 28 outputs the calculated wear amount to the notification unit 27. For example, for each distance sensor 21p, 21q, 21r, 21s, that is, for each corresponding journal bearing 5p, 5q, 5r, 5s, the wear amount calculation unit 28 outputs wear amount data to the notification unit 27, relating the identification information of the journal bearing with the calculated wear amount. The notification unit 27 notifies a person or terminal device of the wear amount (e.g., wear amount data) received from the wear amount calculation unit 28. When notifying a person, the notification unit 27 may be a display that notifies the person by displaying the wear amount (e.g., wear amount data). When notifying a terminal device, the notification unit 27 notifies the terminal device by transmitting the wear amount (e.g., wear amount data) via wireless or wired communication. In this case, the terminal device may display the received wear amount (e.g., wear amount data) on its display.

[0062] This modification example 3 makes it possible to determine the amount of wear on the journal bearing without having to move the gauge rod of the wear-down gauge and bring its tip into contact with the outer surface of the power transmission unit.

[0063] In modification example 3, one or both of the rotation speed sensors 22a, 22b and the rotation angle sensors 35a, 35b may be omitted. If both the rotation speed sensors 22a, 22b and the rotation angle sensors 35a, 35b are omitted, the measurement value acquisition units 23a, 23b may be omitted, and the wear amount calculation unit 28 may calculate the wear amount of the journal bearing 5p, 5q, 5r, or 5s corresponding to each distance sensor 21p, 21q, 21r, 21s based on the measured value from the distance sensor and the initial setting value. In this case, the wear amount calculation unit 28 outputs the calculated wear amount to the notification unit 27, as described above. For example, the wear amount calculation unit 28 outputs wear amount data to the notification unit 27 for each journal bearing 5p, 5q, 5r, 5s, relating the identification information of the journal bearing and the calculated wear amount to each other. In this case, the operation of the notification unit 27 is the same as described above. In this case, the distance sensors 21p to 21s and the wear amount calculation unit 28 may automatically start and execute the above operations each time a set period (for example, one day, one week, or one month) has elapsed, or a person may start and execute the above operations by operating an appropriate control unit.

[0064] In modification example 3, the data generation unit 24, storage unit 25, and replacement timing prediction unit 26 described above may or may not be omitted.

[0065] (Example of change 4) The wear inspection device 20 according to Modification Example 4 may further include a determination unit 29 and a control device 51 compared to the above-described embodiment or any of the above-described Modification Examples 1 to 3. Figure 6 shows an example configuration of the wear inspection device 20 according to Modification Example 4, which further includes a wear amount calculation unit 28, a determination unit 29 and a control device 51 compared to Modification Example 2.

[0066] The wear inspection device 20 according to Modification Example 4 also includes a wear amount calculation unit 28. In this Modification Example 4, the function of the wear amount calculation unit 28 is the same as in Modification Example 3 described above. However, the wear amount calculation unit 28 outputs the calculated wear amount to the determination unit 29.

[0067] The determination unit 29 determines whether the amount of wear received from the wear amount calculation unit 28 exceeds a threshold for each distance sensor 21p, 21q, 21r, 21s (i.e., for each corresponding journal bearing 5p, 5q, 5r, 5s). If the amount of wear exceeds the threshold, the notification unit 27 notifies the system accordingly. For example, the notification unit 27 may notify the system by emitting a predetermined light source, or by generating a predetermined sound from a speaker. Alternatively, the notification unit 27 may notify the system using warning data.

[0068] In the case of notification via warning data, the determination unit 29 generates warning data indicating that the wear amount of the journal bearings 5p, 5q, 5r, and 5s has exceeded a threshold, and outputs it to the notification unit 27. This warning data may include identification information for the journal bearing in question.

[0069] The notification unit 27 notifies a person or terminal device of the warning data received from the determination unit 29. When notifying a person, the notification unit 27 may be a display that notifies the person by displaying the warning data. When notifying a terminal device, the notification unit 27 notifies the terminal device by transmitting the warning data via wireless or wired communication. In this case, the terminal device may display the received warning data on its display.

[0070] As described above, the notification unit 27 notifies when the amount of wear exceeds the threshold, so that it is possible to know that the journal bearing should be replaced, or that the time to replace the journal bearing is approaching, without having to move the gauge rod of the wear-down gauge and bring its tip into contact with the outer surface of the power transmission unit.

[0071] Furthermore, the determination unit 29 determines whether the amount of wear received from the wear amount calculation unit 28 exceeds the allowable value for each distance sensor 21p, 21q, 21r, 21s (i.e., for each corresponding journal bearing 5p, 5q, 5r, 5s). If the amount of wear exceeds the allowable value, the determination unit 29 outputs a signal to that effect to the control device 51. As a result, the control device 51 controls the propulsion propeller drive unit 3 so that the rotational speed of the propulsion propellers 1a, 1b is below the set rotational speed (for example, by reducing the rotational speed of the propulsion propellers 1a, 1b).

[0072] At this time, the control device 51 may control the propulsion propeller drive device 3 (first drive source 3a or second drive source 3b) so that the rotational speed of the propulsion propeller 1a or 1b corresponding to the amount of wear is less than or equal to the set rotational speed, or it may control the propulsion propeller drive device 3 (first drive source 3a and second drive source 3b) so that the rotational speeds of both propulsion propellers 1a and 1b are less than or equal to the set rotational speed.

[0073] The tolerance value is greater than the threshold value mentioned above. For example, the threshold value may be 0.2 mm and the tolerance value may be 0.3 mm, but the threshold and tolerance values ​​are not limited to these values.

[0074] As described above, if the wear of the journal bearings 5p, 5q, 5r, and 5s exceeds the allowable limit, damage to the propulsion propellers 1a and 1b and their related parts can be suppressed by reducing the rotational speed of the propulsion propellers 1a and 1b to below the set rotational speed.

[0075] In modification example 4, you may use only one of the threshold value or tolerance value mentioned above. If only the threshold value is used among the threshold and tolerance values ​​mentioned above, the configuration for performing the processing using the tolerance value is omitted, and if only the tolerance value is used, the configuration for performing the processing using the threshold value is omitted.

[0076] (Example of change 5) In the above description, the propeller device 10 to which the wear inspection device 20 was applied was a counter-rotating propeller device equipped with two propellers 1a and 1b, but it may also be a propeller device equipped with one propeller. In this case, in the above description, the front propeller 1a and the outer shaft 2a are read as the propeller and the propeller shaft (the shaft to which the propeller is attached), respectively, and the propeller shaft is rotationally driven by an appropriate drive source, and the power transmission unit 13a may be the propeller shaft or a member connected to the propeller shaft. In this case, the inner shaft 1b and the parts related to the inner shaft 1b (power transmission unit 13b, journal bearings 7r, 7s, distance sensors 21r, 21s, etc.) described above do not need to be provided.

[0077] (Example of change 6) In the present invention, the distance sensor only needs to be positioned to measure the distance between a reference point and the outer surface of a power transmission unit that transmits rotational driving force to a propeller for ship propulsion. For example, the distance sensor may be attached to a seal casing (for example, seal casing 8 or 9 in Figure 1) coupled to a stern tube. In this case, the casing in which the journal bearing whose wear amount is inspected is provided may be a stern tube integrally coupled to the seal casing. In this case, the seal casing and the stern tube constitute the "casing provided with a journal bearing" of the present invention. The "casing provided with a journal bearing" of the present invention may be composed of multiple members integrally coupled to each other and surrounding the power transmission unit, as in this case, or it may be a single member surrounding the power transmission unit.

[0078] (Example of change 7) Distance sensors may measure the target distance on both sides of the journal bearing in the direction of the rotation axis C (for example, in Figure 2, distance sensors 21p and 21q may measure the target distance on both sides of the journal bearing 5q). In this case, as described above, the evaluation measurement value from these two distance sensors that shows the largest change from the respective initial setting value may be used. For example, in the above embodiment, the data generation unit 24 may generate the above measurement data for the journal bearing from the larger evaluation measurement value, and the wear amount calculation unit 28 may generate wear amount data for the journal bearing based on the larger evaluation measurement value.

[0079] (Example of change 8) In the above-described embodiment, the wear inspection device 20 is provided for both the front and rear propellers 1a and 1b, but it may also be for inspecting wear on the journal bearings that rotatably support the power transmission unit that transmits rotational driving force to one of the front and rear propellers 1a and 1b. For example, the wear inspection device 20 may be for inspecting wear on one or both of the journal bearings 5p and 5q that rotatably support the power transmission unit 13a for the front propeller 1a. In this case, the components related to the power transmission unit 13b (such as distance sensors 21r and 21s) may be omitted in the above-described embodiment.

[0080] (Example of change 9) Figure 7 shows an example configuration of the wear inspection device 20 according to Modification Example 9, which further includes a vibration sensor 36 and a vibration data generation unit 37 compared to the above-described Modification Example 3.

[0081] The vibration sensor 36 measures vibrations generated by the rotation of the power transmission units 13a and 13b. The vibration sensor 36 may be attached to the casing 4 and measure the vibration of the casing 4 as vibrations caused by the rotation of the power transmission units 13a and 13b. In this case, the vibration sensor 36 may be, for example, an acceleration sensor that measures the acceleration of the casing 4 as the above vibration, but is not limited to this.

[0082] The vibration data generation unit 37 receives the rotational speed detected by the rotational speed sensor 22a as input. As a result, the vibration data generation unit 37 generates vibration data from the vibrations measured by the vibration sensor 36 at each point in time, assuming that the rotational speed detected by the rotational speed sensor 22a is the set speed for measurement. This vibration data may, for example, represent the vibration (e.g., acceleration) at each point in time. That is, the vibration data may be vibration waveform data representing vibration over time. Alternatively, the vibration data may be spectral data representing the magnitude (frequency components) of vibration at each frequency. That is, the vibration data may be obtained by converting the above-mentioned vibration waveform data into spectral data representing the magnitude of vibration over frequency.

[0083] The vibration data generation unit 37 may be configured to activate the vibration sensor 36 and generate vibration data as described above when the measurement value acquisition units 23a and 23b start the evaluation measurement value acquisition process described above.

[0084] The vibration data generation unit 37 outputs the vibration data generated as described above to the notification unit 27. The notification unit 27 notifies a person or terminal device of the vibration data received from the vibration data generation unit 37 and the wear amount data received from the wear amount calculation unit 28. When notifying a person, the notification unit 27 may be a display that notifies the person by displaying the vibration data and wear amount data. When notifying a terminal device, the notification unit 27 notifies the terminal device by transmitting the vibration data and wear amount data to the terminal device via wireless or wired communication. In this case, the terminal device may display the received vibration data and wear amount data on its display.

[0085] The vibration data and wear data displayed in this manner are obtained at the same set rotational speed as described above. Therefore, vibration and wear evaluations can be performed based on the vibration data and wear data obtained at the same set rotational speed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1a Front propeller 1b Rear propeller 2a Outer shaft 2b Inner shaft 3. Drive unit 3a First drive source 3b Second driving source 4. Casing 4a Outer casing portion 4b Inner casing portion 4c,4d,4e through hole 5p, 5q, 5r, 5s journal bearings 6. Hull 7 Stern tube 8,9 Seal casing 10 Propeller device 11,12 Gears 13a External shaft output gear 13a (power transmission section) 13b Internal shaft output gear 13b (power transmission section) 14 Gear Coupling 15,16 Gears 18 Sleeve shaft coupling 19. Engine Room 20 Wear Inspection Device 21p, 21q, 21r, 21s distance sensor 22a, 22b Rotation speed sensor 23a, 23b Measurement value acquisition unit 24 Data Generation Unit 25 Memory section 26 Replacement timing prediction unit 27 Notification Department 28 Wear Amount Calculation Unit 29 Judgment section 31 Sensor head 31a coil 32 Measurement Unit 33. Electric wires (cables) 34 Tubular member 35a, 35b Rotation angle sensor 36. Vibration Sensor 37 Vibration data generation unit 51 Control device C Rotation axis

Claims

1. A wear inspection device for a ship equipped with a propulsion propeller, a power transmission unit that transmits rotational driving force to the propulsion propeller, and a journal bearing that rotatably supports the power transmission unit, for inspecting the wear of the journal bearing, A casing surrounding the power transmission section and on which the journal bearing is provided, The casing is equipped with a distance sensor that is attached to the casing and measures the distance from a reference point to the outer surface of the power transmission unit in the radial direction of the power transmission unit in a non-contact manner, with the distance being the target distance. A wear inspection device in which the distance sensor and the casing are configured such that the distance sensor can be attached to and detached from the casing.

2. A wear inspection device for a ship equipped with a propulsion propeller, a power transmission unit that transmits rotational driving force to the propulsion propeller, and a journal bearing that rotatably supports the power transmission unit, for inspecting the wear of the journal bearing, A casing surrounding the power transmission section and on which the journal bearing is provided, A distance sensor attached to the casing, which measures the distance from a reference point to the outer surface of the power transmission unit in the radial direction of the power transmission unit as the target distance, non-contact, The system includes a measurement value acquisition unit that, based on either or both of the detected rotational speed and detected rotational angle of the power transmission unit, outputs the target distance measured by the distance sensor as an evaluation measurement value when either or both of the following conditions are met: a first condition that the detected rotational speed is the set speed and a second condition that the detected rotational angle is the set rotational angle. The measurement value acquisition unit is configured to output the target distance measured by the distance sensor as the evaluation measurement value each time a measurement command is received or each time a set period has elapsed, when one or both of the first and second conditions are met. Each time the measurement value acquisition unit outputs the evaluation measurement value, a data generation unit generates measurement data that associates the evaluation measurement value with the time when the evaluation measurement value was measured. A storage unit for storing the generated measurement data, A replacement timing prediction unit predicts the timing of replacement of the journal bearing based on a plurality of measurement data stored in the storage unit, A wear inspection device comprising: a notification unit that notifies the predicted replacement time; and

3. A wear inspection device for a ship equipped with a propulsion propeller, a power transmission unit that transmits rotational driving force to the propulsion propeller, and a journal bearing that rotatably supports the power transmission unit, for inspecting the wear of the journal bearing, A casing surrounding the power transmission section and on which the journal bearing is provided, A distance sensor attached to the casing, which measures the distance from a reference point to the outer surface of the power transmission unit in the radial direction of the power transmission unit as the target distance, non-contact, A measurement value acquisition unit outputs the target distance measured by the distance sensor as an evaluation measurement value when, based on either or both of the detected rotational speed and detected rotational angle of the power transmission unit, one or both of the following conditions are met: first condition that the detected rotational speed is the set speed and second condition that the detected rotational angle is the set rotational angle. A wear amount calculation unit calculates the amount of wear on the journal bearing based on the evaluation measurement values ​​output by the measurement value acquisition unit and the initial setting value, A determination unit that determines whether the calculated amount of wear exceeds the allowable value, A wear inspection device comprising: a control device that controls the drive device for the propulsion propeller so that the rotational speed of the propulsion propeller is less than or equal to a set rotational speed when the determination unit determines that the amount of wear exceeds the allowable value.

4. The distance sensor is an eddy current type displacement sensor having a sensor head mounted on the casing so as to face the outer circumferential surface in the radial direction, a coil provided on the sensor head, and a measuring unit that supplies alternating current to the coil and measures the target distance based on the impedance or voltage of the coil. The wear inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, inside the casing, lubricating oil for the journal bearing is present between the sensor head and the outer circumferential surface.

5. A ship equipped with a wear inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. It comprises front and rear propellers, and a propeller device that drives the front and rear propellers to rotate in opposite directions. The wear inspection device is provided for at least one of the front and rear propellers and is for inspecting wear of the journal bearing that rotatably supports the power transmission unit that transmits rotational driving force to at least one of the propulsion propellers.

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