Method for monitoring the condition of sealing components, program therefor, and device for monitoring the condition of sealing components.

Abstract

To enable maintenance at an appropriate timing by predicting and determining a sealing state by a seal component installed in a hydraulic device and presenting the information to a user.SOLUTION: Disclosed is a method (state monitoring device 8) for monitoring a state of seal components (16, 18, 20) installed in a hydraulic device (4) which includes: a step of acquiring a pressure value in a sealing region (22) sealed by a first sealing component (16) arranged upstream and a second sealing component (18) arranged downstream with respect to the set operating direction of the hydraulic device; a step (state determination part 40) of determining a sealing state in the sealing region by the detection state information on the pressure value; a step of determining a state of the first seal component and the second seal component based on a determination result of the sealing state; and a step (monitoring information generation part 42) of generating state monitoring information based on the state determination result of the first seal component and the second seal component.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology of the present disclosure relates to a technology for monitoring the state of a seal component installed in an operating part of a hydraulic device and determining the timing of replacement processing and the like.

Background Art

[0002] For example, a hydraulic device that uses hydraulic pressure, such as a hydraulic cylinder, to operate a piston in a predetermined direction prevents leakage of the working fluid by arranging seal components such as a plurality of packings in the gap between the piston rod and the cylinder case in the cylinder tube. Such leakage of the working fluid not only causes the hydraulic device to fail to operate as set, but also makes it impossible to maintain sufficient force, for example, by being unable to withstand the weight of the material being transported, which may affect the work and compromise safety. Conventionally, some such hydraulic devices monitor the leakage state and, when leakage is detected, notify alert information to execute packing replacement and other repair processes.

[0003] As such a leakage monitoring technology, there is one that detects the pressure of the working fluid in a detection space in the cylinder tube and determines that the working fluid is leaking based on parameters obtained from the detected pressure fluctuations (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Incidentally, by measuring the pressure value of the sealed portion installed within the hydraulic equipment, it is possible to monitor the leakage of working fluid from the seal component based on the change in that pressure value. In hydraulic equipment, maintenance is performed to stop operation and replace the seal component when a leak occurs. Such maintenance requires hiring a specialist company to disassemble the hydraulic equipment, replace the seal component, and reassemble it, which takes a considerable amount of time before work using the hydraulic equipment can be restored. Therefore, when working with hydraulic equipment, it is necessary to avoid a decrease in sealing performance due to the seal component reaching the end of its lifespan during use.

[0006] However, with technology that monitors hydraulic fluid leakage based on pressure fluctuations, it is difficult to determine in advance when maintenance of seal components is needed, or to allow users to decide whether or not to perform maintenance on the current condition of the seal components. Furthermore, while providing maintenance information or instructions before the performance of the seal components deteriorates, such as by having maintenance procedures performed in advance for work using hydraulic equipment, could prevent work interruptions and increase the safety margin of the work, this would increase costs and the workload, potentially compromising the convenience of hydraulic equipment. Furthermore, conventionally, accurately predicting the timing of fluid leakage by monitoring the condition of sealing components inside hydraulic equipment required collecting a large amount of information from multiple sensors, which led to challenges such as high costs for monitoring the condition of sealing components and complex prediction processes.

[0007] In response to these challenges, the inventors of the technology disclosed herein have found that information indicating the fluctuation state of pressure values ​​within a region sealed by a sealing component can be used as an indicator for predicting the state of the sealing function of the sealing component and estimating the maintenance timing of the sealing component.

[0008] Patent Document 1 neither discloses nor suggests any solution to this problem, and the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1 cannot solve this problem.

[0009] Therefore, the purpose of the technology disclosed herein is to predict and determine the sealing state by sealing components installed on hydraulic equipment, based on the above problems and knowledge, and to present this information to the user, thereby enabling maintenance at an appropriate time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] To achieve the above objective, one aspect of the seal component condition monitoring method of the present disclosure is a method for monitoring the condition of a seal component installed in a hydraulic device, comprising the steps of acquiring a pressure value within a sealing area sealed by a first seal component located upstream and a second seal component located downstream with respect to a set operating direction of the hydraulic device, and the pressure value When it increases and exceeds a predetermined threshold , sealing state within the sealing region It is determined that the state has changed from the first state to the second state, and when the pressure value decreases in the second state, it is determined that the sealing state within the sealing region has changed from the second state to the third state. The process of making a determination and , sealed Stopped state The state changed from the first state to the second state. Based on the judgment result, the first seal part It is determined that the sealing function has deteriorated, and based on the determination that the sealing state has changed from the second state to the third state, The second sealing component The sealing function has deteriorated. The process includes a step of making a determination and a step of generating state monitoring information based on the state determination results of the first seal component and the second seal component.

[0011] In the above method for monitoring the condition of the seal component, the detection status information of the pressure value and the set The aforementioned The process includes a step of comparing the pressure value with a threshold, and, if the detected state information of the pressure value exceeds the threshold, a step of reading maintenance information associated with the threshold and setting the maintenance information in the state monitoring information. 。

[0012] To achieve the above objective, one aspect of the seal component state monitoring program of this disclosure is a computer program that has the function of acquiring the pressure value within a sealing area sealed by a first seal component located upstream and a second seal component located downstream with respect to a set operating direction of a hydraulic device, and the pressure value When it increases and exceeds a predetermined threshold , sealing state within the sealing region It is determined that the state has changed from the first state to the second state, and when the pressure value decreases in the second state, it is determined that the sealing state within the sealing region has changed from the second state to the third state. The function to make a judgment and , sealed Stopped state The state changed from the first state to the second state. Based on the determination result, the first sealing component It is determined that the sealing function has deteriorated, and based on the determination that the sealing state has changed from the second state to the third state, the second sealing component The sealing function has deteriorated. The computer realizes a function of determining and a function of generating state monitoring information based on the state determination results of the first sealing component and the second sealing component.

[0013] In the state monitoring program of the sealing component, a function of comparing the detected state information of the pressure value with a set The aforementioned threshold value, and when the detected state information of the pressure value exceeds the threshold value, a function of reading maintenance information associated with the threshold value and setting the maintenance information in the state monitoring information is included 。

[0014] To achieve the above object, one aspect of the state monitoring device for a sealing component of the present disclosure is a pressure information collecting means for obtaining from a detecting device a pressure value within a sealing region sealed by a first sealing component arranged on the upstream side and a second sealing component arranged on the downstream side with respect to the set operating direction of a hydraulic device, and the pressure value When it increases and exceeds a predetermined threshold , the sealing state within the sealing region It is determined that the state has changed from the first state to the second state, and when the pressure value decreases in the second state, it is determined that the sealing state within the sealing region has changed from the second state to the third state. while determining , sealed sealing state The state changed from the first state to the second state. Based on the determination result, the first sealing component It is determined that the sealing function has deteriorated, and based on the determination that the sealing state has changed from the second state to the third state, the second sealing component The sealing function has deteriorated. is determined, and a processing unit for generating state monitoring information is provided.

[0015] In the state monitoring device for the sealing component, the processing unit compares the detected state information of the pressure value with a set The aforementioned threshold value, and when the detected state information of the pressure value exceeds the threshold value, reads maintenance information associated with the threshold value and sets the maintenance information on a state monitoring screen 。

Advantages of the Invention

[0016] According to the present invention, any of the following effects can be obtained.

[0017] (1) From the detection status information of the pressure value detected in the sealing area by the sealing component, it is possible to estimate the status of the sealing function and whether the sealing component is due for maintenance. (2) By estimating the state of the sealing function by the sealing components in relation to the planned use of the hydraulic equipment, it becomes possible to systematically plan whether or not to perform maintenance on the work using the hydraulic equipment and the timing of maintenance, thereby increasing convenience. (3) The state of the sealing area and the maintenance timing of the sealing components can be predicted from the fluctuations in the detected pressure value by at least one sensor, thereby reducing costs and simplifying the process of managing the sealing components of hydraulic equipment. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] Figure A shows an example configuration of a state monitoring system according to the first embodiment, and Figure B shows an example of a functional configuration formed in the state determination unit. [Figure 2] This shows an example of the functional configuration of a status monitoring system. [Figure 3] A is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a sealing component, and B shows an example of the internal configuration of a hydraulic device where the sealing component is located. [Figure 4] This shows an example of the arrangement and configuration of sealing components inside a hydraulic device, and the state of its sealing function. [Figure 5] This figure shows the fluctuations in the detected pressure values. [Figure 6] A shows an example of a threshold database, and B shows an example of a monitoring processing database configuration. [Figure 7] This is a diagram showing the status information screen. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart showing the status monitoring process. [Figure 9] This shows an example of the configuration of the processing unit of the status monitoring device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] This shows an example of the transition pattern of the detected pressure value. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart showing the status monitoring process. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0019] [First Embodiment] Figure 1 shows an example configuration of a condition monitoring system according to the first embodiment. The contents shown in Figure 1 are examples only, and the technology of this disclosure is not limited to such contents. The condition monitoring system 2 is an example of a system that maintains the hydraulic equipment 4 in an appropriate state for use by monitoring the sealing state by the sealing components installed in the hydraulic equipment 4, predicting when the sealing state will change due to the rupture of the sealing components or other reasons, and notifying the user. This condition monitoring system 2 includes, for example, the hydraulic equipment 4, a detection device 6 for measuring the pressure value inside the hydraulic equipment 4, and a condition monitoring device 8, as shown in Figure 1A.

[0020] The hydraulic device 4 is a device that monitors the sealed state and uses the pressure generated by flowing a fluid such as oil as a working fluid to move an actuator in a set direction, or a device equipped with this mechanism. Examples include a hydraulic cylinder itself that extends and retracts an actuator by hydraulic pressure, or construction equipment equipped with multiple hydraulic cylinders. In this hydraulic device 4, for example, a cylindrical shaft 14, which is an example of an actuator, is inserted into an opening 12 formed in the housing 10, and this shaft 14 reciprocates along the opening 12 by the pressure of the working fluid pumped by a pump (not shown). The housing 10 has sealing parts 16, 18, and 20 installed in a part facing the opening 12 and in contact with or close to a part of the circumferential surface of the shaft 14.

[0021] The sealing components 16, 18, and 20 are means to prevent working fluid from leaking out of the opening 12 of the hydraulic device 4 through the shaft 14 to the outside. Of these, sealing component 16 is an example of the first sealing component of this disclosure and is located, for example, upstream of the opening 12 with respect to the operating direction of the shaft 14, i.e., on the inside side of the housing 10. Sealing component 18 is an example of the second sealing component of this disclosure and is located, for example, on the outside side of the housing 10 along the operating direction of the shaft 14, and is a means to block working fluid that has passed through sealing component 16. Sealing component 20 is located downstream of the opening 12 and is positioned close to the outer surface of the housing 10, and in addition to the function of blocking working fluid that has passed through sealing component 18, it mainly has a so-called dust seal function that prevents foreign matter from entering the opening 12 from the outside.

[0022] In the hydraulic device 4, a sealing region 22 is formed between the outer circumference of the shaft 14 and the opening 12, between the seal component 16 and the seal component 18. This sealing region 22 is a space that retains the small amount of working fluid that flows through the surface of the shaft 14 to maintain lubrication, and the working fluid that flows out from the inside of the housing 10 due to deterioration or breakage of the seal component 16. In this sealing region 22, for example, when the shaft 14 reciprocates along the opening 12, working fluid repeatedly flows from the inside of the housing 10 to the sealing region 22 and is discharged from the sealing region 22 to the inside of the housing 10, according to the direction of movement. At this time, an operating pressure is applied to the sealing region 22 in the direction in which the working fluid flows.

[0023] Furthermore, the housing 10 has a sensing hole 24 with one end connected to the sealing region 22. This sensing hole 24 is an example of a storage section for the working fluid that reaches the sealing region 22. Since the sensing hole 24 is directly connected to the sealing region 22, it receives the working pressure generated by the inflow of working fluid. The other end of this sensing hole 24, opposite to the opening 12 side, is connected to the sensor 30 of the detection device 6.

[0024] The detection device 6 is an example of a means for detecting the pressure value acting on the sealing area 22 of the hydraulic device 4, and comprises a sensor 30, a data retrieval unit 32, and a data processing unit 34. Sensor 30 is an example of a means for detecting the working pressure generated by the working fluid flowing into the sensing hole 24. The pressure value detected by sensor 30 is transmitted to the data processing unit 34 via the data retrieval unit 32. This data retrieval unit 32 is a communication device for relaying data detected by sensor 30 to the data processing unit 34. The data processing unit 34 is an example of a data processing function that processes pressure values ​​and other identification information obtained through the data retrieval unit 32 to generate pressure information, and a communication device that transmits the generated pressure information to the external condition monitoring device 8, or notifies the condition monitoring device 8 of a request for data retrieval.

[0025] <Regarding the status monitoring device 8>

[0026] The condition monitoring device 8 utilizes information such as pressure values ​​acquired through the detection device 6 to provide a function for determining the sealing state of the sealing region 22 based on detected pressure value information, and a function for predicting the replacement time, which is an example of a condition determination function for the sealing component 16 or sealing component 18. This condition monitoring device 8 includes, for example, a pressure information acquisition means 36 and a processing unit 38, and is composed of a computer with communication capabilities, such as a PC (Personal Computer) or a server, and includes a processor, storage unit, communication unit, input / output unit (I / O), etc., for processing the collected information. The processor performs calculations for the OS (Operating System) and state monitoring programs in the memory unit, thereby enabling state determination of the sealed area 22, state determination of the seal components 16 and 18, and life prediction functions. The memory unit is an example of a recording medium equipped with memory elements such as ROM (Read-Only Memory) and RAM (Random-Access Memory). This memory unit stores, for example, the OS and status monitoring programs, as well as a threshold database (DB) 60 (Figure 6A) which is the judgment criterion, and a monitoring processing database (DB) 70 (Figure 6B) which stores detected pressure information, etc. In addition, the memory unit may store databases such as format data for status information and maintenance information that constitute the status monitoring screen. The communication unit is a functional unit that, for example, communicates with the detection device 6 to receive pressure information, and also transmits and receives information such as voice data and image data via wireless or wired connection to external databases, registered terminal devices, and other equipment. I / O is one example of a means of connecting to devices and display devices (not shown) under the control of the processor, displaying the generated status monitoring screen, and acquiring data necessary for status monitoring processing from external devices.

[0027] The pressure information acquisition means 36 is an example of a means for acquiring pressure information such as pressure values ​​collected by the detection device 6, and data reception processing is performed using the communication unit in response to control instructions from the processor. Pressure information can be acquired, for example, by wired or wireless connection to the detection device 6 using telephone lines, the internet, LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) or other wireless communication standards, or by using a private line used within the work area where the hydraulic equipment 4 is used, or by using short-range wireless communication lines such as Bluetooth® or infrared communication.

[0028] The processing unit 38 includes a state determination unit 40 that performs state determinations such as determining the state of the sealing region 22 and predicting the lifespan of the sealing components 16 and 18, and a monitoring information generation unit 42 that generates information such as a state monitoring screen. The state determination unit 40, as shown in Figure 1B for example, is composed of a pressure value detection state determination unit 41. Using the pressure value included in the acquired pressure information and the transition state of that pressure value, it performs state determination including state determination of the sealing region 22 and life prediction of whether or not the seal parts 16 and 18 need to be replaced. The life of the seal parts 16 and 18 is indicated by, for example, the period until the seal breaks, the number of times the shaft 14 operates, the timing for generating alert information to initiate maintenance, and other set states. The monitoring information generation unit 42 is an example of a functional unit that generates status monitoring screens and audio notification information, such as status information for the sealing parts 16 and 18, lifespan information based on this status information, and maintenance information, based on the determination results of the status determination unit 40. This maintenance information is expressed using text, graphics, and color display information, for example, to indicate "normal," "replace," or "limit," depending on the determination result of the sealing function status by the sealing parts 16 and 18.

[0029] In addition, the condition monitoring system 2 may, for example, monitor and determine the status of multiple hydraulic devices 4A, 4B, and 4C that constitute the work machine, as shown in Figure 2. In this case, when sensors 30 installed on each hydraulic device 4A, 4B, and 4C notify the data processing unit 34 of pressure value information via the data retrieval unit 32, one or more condition monitoring devices 8 generate status information and status monitoring information using the detected pressure values ​​associated with identification information that identifies the hydraulic devices 4A, 4B, and 4C.

[0030] <Regarding seal part 16> The seal component 16, which has a function of sealing the working fluid, has a groove on one side, as shown in Figure 3A, for example, and the body portion 50 has a "U" shaped cross-section due to the formation of two segments by this groove. This seal component 16 is made of, for example, hard rubber or resin material, or metal material, and is formed in an annular shape or the like so that it is arranged along the circumferential surface of the shaft 14 to seal the gap between the opening 12 and the shaft 14. The groove formed in part of the seal component 16 is a means to make it elastically deformable so that it is in close contact with the wall surface and the shaft 14 within the arrangement groove formed in the housing 10. Furthermore, the seal component 16 has, for example, notches 52 and 54 of a predetermined width formed in parts of the two segment portions, in a direction intersecting the groove. These notches 52 and 54 are examples of back pressure prevention grooves, and as shown in Figure 3B, for example, when the shaft 14 moves to the left in the figure, i.e., towards the inside of the housing 10, they function as a passage for the working fluid Om present inside the groove of the housing 10 where the sealing region 22 and sealing component 16 are located to pass through and return to the inside of the housing 10.

[0031] <Regarding the inflow of hydraulic fluid Om according to the sealing function> In the hydraulic device 4, for example as shown in Figure 4A, if the sealing function of the seal component 16 is sufficient, the working fluid Om in the opening 12 is blocked by the seal component 16 upstream of the opening 12. At this time, the condition monitoring system 2 detects a small pressure rise because, for example, no working fluid Om flows into the sealed area 22, or only a small amount flows in. In this case, the condition determination of the seal component 16 and the sealing state determination result, for example, "normal".

[0032] Next, as shown in Figure 4B, if the sealing function of the seal component 16 deteriorates or becomes completely ineffective due to aging or partial damage, the hydraulic device 4 will allow the working fluid Om to flow into the gap between the shaft 14 and the seal component 16. At this time, the seal component 18 blocks the working fluid Om at the opening 12, causing the working fluid Om to accumulate in the sealed area 22 and preventing leakage to the outside. The working fluid Om flows in the sealed area 22 and the seal component 18 in accordance with the direction of movement of the shaft 14, causing repeated loading and releasing of the working pressure. In this case, the condition determination of the seal component 18 and the condition determination of the sealing state will result in a "replace" judgment because, for example, the seal component 16 is not functioning.

[0033] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4C, if the sealing function of the seal component 18 deteriorates or becomes completely ineffective due to aging or partial damage, the hydraulic device 4 will allow the working fluid Om to flow towards the seal component 20. Since the sealing function of the working fluid Om is lower in the seal component 20 than that of the seal components 16 and 18, complete sealing may not be possible. In this case, the sealing state determination will result in a "limit" judgment, for example, because the seal components 16 and 18 are not functioning.

[0034] <Regarding the determination of the sealed state> Figure 5 shows the fluctuations in the detected pressure values. The pressure values ​​and their fluctuations shown in Figure 5 are just examples. The pressure value detected in the sealing region 22 fluctuates significantly due to the flow of the working fluid Om corresponding to the direction of movement of the shaft 14, as shown in Figure 5, for example. In this pressure value graph, for example, the left side shows a small value, "State I," and the right side shows a large value, "State II." This is due to the influence of the flow rate of the working fluid Om flowing into the sealing region 22 according to the sealing function of the seal component 16. In other words, "State I," where the pressure value is small, is when the sealing function of the seal component 16 is sufficient. "State II," on the other hand, is when the sealing function of the seal component 16 has deteriorated or broken and the sealing function is not being performed.

[0035] The condition monitoring device 8 may, for example, continuously collect pressure values ​​from the detection device 6, or it may collect pressure values ​​at set intervals, or triggered by user instructions or other set conditions.

[0036] In the state monitoring process for the sealing components 16 and 18, the detected pressure value fluctuations are used to determine the sealing state of the sealing region 22, as well as to determine the state of the sealing components 16 and 18 and predict their lifespan. In determining the state of the sealing region 22, for example, a threshold Px for the pressure value is set based on the state determination results already obtained as the pressure value fluctuation state, and this is compared with the detected pressure value. The pressure value detection state determination unit 41 then determines, for example, whether the detected pressure value is equal to or greater than the threshold Px, counts the number of times the threshold Px has been exceeded, and determines that the state of the seal components 16 and 18 has changed when this count value becomes equal to or greater than the set number which is the count threshold, and sets the state determination result and life prediction information. For example, if the current determination result is "normal", the pressure value detection state determination unit 41 determines that the state of the seal components is "State I" if the number of times the pressure value has exceeded the threshold Px is less than the set value. For example, if the current determination result is "normal", the pressure value detection state determination unit 41 determines that the detected pressure value is within the range of "State I", and predicts the timing at which the seal component 16 sealing the working fluid Om will transition to "State II" due to rupture or the like as the life of the seal component 16. The pressure value detection state determination unit 41, for example, if the current determination result is "replace," the detected pressure value is within the range of "state II," and therefore predicts the timing at which the seal component 18, which seals the working fluid Om, will transition to "state III" (not shown), where the working fluid Om leaks to the outside due to rupture or other reasons, as the lifespan of the seal component 18.

[0037] <About the database> The condition monitoring device 8 includes, for example, a threshold DB 60 in a memory unit (not shown) that stores thresholds used for condition determination and life prediction, and a monitoring processing DB 70 that stores collected pressure values ​​and determination results.

[0038] The threshold DB60 includes, for example, a pressure threshold unit 62, a counter threshold unit 64, and a state information unit 66, as shown in Figure 6A. The pressure threshold unit 62 is a region that stores thresholds to be compared with the acquired pressure value. For example, in the state monitoring process of the hydraulic device 4, a threshold Px for determining the sealing state is set. In addition to setting a single pressure threshold "Px" in this pressure threshold unit 62, different thresholds may be set for each state determination result. The counter threshold section 64 is a region that stores a threshold value for the number of pressure values ​​that exceed a set pressure threshold Px. This counter threshold is a value used for life prediction and condition determination of the seal components 16 and 18, and for example, counter thresholds "nx", "ny", and "nz" are set. The status information unit 66 is an area that stores the judgment results registered in association with the pressure threshold and counter threshold. The set status information is used, for example, to determine which pressure threshold or counter threshold to use for the currently set status judgment result. Specifically, if the set status information is "I", the pressure threshold "Px" or counter threshold "nx" associated with "I" in the status information unit 66 is read to perform status judgment and life prediction. In addition, in the status monitoring process, status "I" may be presented to the user as maintenance information indicating status monitoring information for the period during which status judgment and life prediction processing is being performed.

[0039] The monitoring processing DB 70 consists of, for example, a device name section 72, a location information section 74, an identification information section 76, a detection time section 78, a pressure value section 80, a status determination section 82, a counter section 84, and so on, as shown in Figure 6B. Furthermore, this monitoring processing DB 70 is not limited to including all of these information sections, but may consist of only some of them.

[0040] The equipment name section 72 is an example of an area that stores a name or other information that identifies the hydraulic equipment 4, or the work device on which the hydraulic equipment 4 is mounted. The location information unit 74 is an example of an area that stores location information for identifying the placement location of hydraulic equipment 4 or work devices registered in the equipment name unit 72. This location information includes, for example, coordinate information such as latitude and longitude, as well as information used within the work site, such as a plant, where the hydraulic equipment 4 is used. The identification information unit 76 is an example of information that identifies a seal component, and registers the identification number, type, model number, etc., that are set for each of the seal components 16, 18, and 20 mounted on the hydraulic device 4. The detection time unit 78 contains information representing the timing of the execution of the state monitoring process, and may include not only time information but also the date. More specifically, the detection time unit 78 includes, for example, the timing of the detection of a pressure value from the sensor 30, or the generation of pressure information, and the timing when the state monitoring device 8 collects pressure information from the detection device 6. The pressure value section 80 is a region that stores data such as the pressure value detected by the sensor 30 and its transition state. The state determination unit 82 is a region where the results of the state determination, which are determined using pressure value fluctuation information and pressure thresholds, are stored. The counter unit 84 is a region that registers the number of counts in which the pressure value exceeds a set pressure threshold during state determination.

[0041] <About status monitoring information> Figure 7 shows a status information screen. This status information screen is an example, and the technology of this disclosure is not limited to such a configuration. This status information screen 90 is an example of the status monitoring information of the present disclosure, and may include, in addition to the status determination results of the seal parts 16 and 18, information such as "normal," "replace," and "limit" which represent maintenance instructions, as an example of lifespan information for the seal parts 16 and 18. This status information screen 90 is composed of a semicircular or nearly semicircular curved bar graph, as shown in Figure 7, for example, and is divided into three display areas 92, 94, and 96 which represent the status determination results and lifespan predictions of the seal parts 16 and 18. Of these, display area 92 represents, for example, "Status I" of the status determination and information indicating the "normal" state of the maintenance instruction. Display area 94 represents "Status II" of the status determination and information indicating the "replace" state of the maintenance instruction. Furthermore, display area 96 represents "Status III" of the status determination and information indicating the "limit" state of the maintenance instruction.

[0042] In addition, the status information screen 90 may display a gauge display unit that indicates which display area 92, 94, or 96 the current judgment result is pointing to, and an alert display unit that includes maintenance instruction information issued to the user in the past or present. In the status information screen 90 using this gauge display unit, for example, during the execution of status judgment of the sealing area 22 and life judgment of the sealing parts 16 and 18, the position indicated within each display area 92, 94, or 96 may be shifted according to the number of counts in which a pressure value above a threshold value has been detected. Furthermore, the status information screen 90 is not limited to being composed of graph-based display areas 92, 94, and 96. For example, it may be composed of text information such as the status determination result of the sealing area 22 and life prediction information for the sealing components 16 and 18, as well as link information that leads to access to a server or the like.

[0043] <About status monitoring processing> Figure 8 shows an example of a state monitoring process. The process shown in Figure 8 is an example of a state monitoring method and a state monitoring program of the present disclosure, and the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to such processing procedures or processing content. In this state monitoring process, for example, when the state monitoring device 8 acquires pressure value detection information from the detection device 6 (S101), it registers that information in the monitoring process DB 70 (S102). The state determination unit 40 reads the pressure threshold registered in the threshold DB 60 along with the equipment information and state information which are state determination results registered in the monitoring process DB 70 (S103), and determines whether the registered pressure value exceeds the pressure threshold (S104). If the pressure value exceeds the pressure threshold (YES in S104), the state determination unit 40 adds +1 to the count in the counter unit 84 of the monitoring process DB 70 (S105). If the state determination unit 40 determines that the pressure value does not exceed the pressure threshold (NO in S104), it reads out the next pressure value.

[0044] Furthermore, the status determination unit 40 compares the registered count with the counter threshold of the threshold DB 60 (S106). If the count exceeds the counter threshold (YES in S106), it predicts that the seal component 16 or seal component 18 being judged has reached the end of its lifespan and generates status monitoring information (S107). This status monitoring information also includes the status determination result of the sealing area 22 based on the comparison result with the pressure threshold, and the status determination results of the seal components 16 and 18. Based on these determination results, the status determination unit 40 generates and sets maintenance information instructing the user to replace the seal components 16 and 18 (S108).

[0045] <Effects of the First Embodiment> With this configuration, the following effects can be obtained. (1) Based on the detected pressure value, the state of the sealing area 22 and the lifespan of the sealing parts 16 and 18 are determined, and maintenance information is set using the determination result, thereby informing the user of the timing and content of maintenance required for the hydraulic equipment 4, and thus enhancing safety. (2) The reliability of the hydraulic device 4 can be maintained by presenting the user with the results of the condition determination of the sealing region 22 and the conditions of the sealing components 16 and 18. (3) By determining the state of the sealing function by the sealing parts 16 and 18 in relation to the planned use of the hydraulic equipment 4, it is possible to systematically plan whether or not to perform maintenance work and the timing of maintenance, thereby improving convenience. (4) Convenience can be enhanced by clearly displaying the replacement timing and limit timing of seal parts 16 and 18, as well as the period from the current condition to the limit timing. (5) The state of the sealing area 22 and the maintenance timing of the sealing parts 16 and 18 can be predicted from the fluctuation of the detected pressure value by at least one sensor, thereby reducing costs and simplifying the process for managing the sealing state of the hydraulic equipment 4.

[0046] [Second Embodiment] Figure 9 shows the configuration of the processing unit of the condition monitoring device according to the second embodiment. The configuration shown in Figure 9 is an example, and the technology of this disclosure is not limited to this. In Figure 9, components the same as those in Figure 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0047] As shown in Figure 9, the processing unit 38 of the state monitoring device 8 according to the second embodiment includes a pressure value fluctuation state determination unit 100 in addition to the pressure value detection state determination unit 41 as a state determination function. The pressure value fluctuation state determination unit 100 is an example of a functional unit that monitors the fluctuation state of the detected pressure value to determine the state of the sealing region 22 and the lifespan of the sealing components 16 and 18. In other words, the state monitoring device 8 performs sealing state determination of the sealing region 22 by comparing the pressure value with the pressure threshold using the pressure value detection state determination unit 41, and determines the state of the sealing region 22 from the fluctuation state of the pressure value, such as an increase or decrease, using the pressure value fluctuation state determination unit 100. This fluctuation state of the pressure value is used to determine the state of the sealing region 22 based on fluctuation information, for example, when a continuous pressure value or pressure values ​​selected at predetermined intervals are fluctuating rapidly, or when the pressure value differs significantly from the pressure value expected based on the current or most recently set state determination result.

[0048] The pressure value fluctuation state determination unit 100 uses the acquired pressure value to determine the fluctuation state of that value. At this time, as shown in Figure 10, for example, the pressure value remains low from the start of the state monitoring process until a predetermined timing t1, but when this timing t1 is reached, it increases sharply and exceeds the pressure threshold Px. Furthermore, the pressure value remains above the pressure threshold Px after timing t1, but decreases when timing te is reached. The fluctuation in the pressure value indicates that at timing t1, the sealing function of the sealing region 22 has changed and the load acting within the sealing region has increased, and further, at timing te, the pressure in the sealing region 22 has decreased.

[0049] This state, for example, occurs when the sealing component 16 deteriorates, breaks, or is damaged at timing t1, resulting in pressure being applied to the sealing region 22. This indicates that timing t1 has changed from "State I" to "State II". Similarly, the pressure value fluctuation state determination unit 100 determines that, for example, when timing te is reached, the seal component 18 deteriorates, breaks, or is damaged, causing the pressure stored in the sealing region 22 to flow downstream of the opening 12, where it is sealed by the seal component 20, or part or all of it is released to the outside. In other words, it indicates that timing te has changed from "state II" to "state III".

[0050] The state monitoring device 8 can, for example, perform a determination process by combining the pressure value fluctuation state determination unit 100 with the state determination of the pressure value detection state determination unit 41. In other words, this pressure value fluctuation state information is information for understanding the actual state of the sealing region 22 from the magnitude of the detected pressure value and its fluctuations. The determination process by the pressure value fluctuation state determination unit 100 can be performed, for example, simultaneously with or alternately with the pressure value detection state determination unit 41 at set timings. In addition, when the pressure value detection state determination unit 41 is performing state monitoring processing and a set condition is reached, the pressure value fluctuation state may be monitored.

[0051] <About status monitoring processing> Figure 11 shows an example of a status monitoring process. The process shown in Figure 11 is an example of a status monitoring method and a status monitoring program of the present disclosure, and the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to such processing procedures or processing content. In this state monitoring process, for example, the state monitoring device 8 acquires the pressure value (S201), registers it in the monitoring process DB 70 (S202), reads out equipment information, state information, and the pressure threshold Px (S203), and the pressure value detection state determination unit 41 determines whether the pressure value exceeds the pressure threshold Px (S204). If the determination shows that the pressure value exceeds the pressure threshold Px (YES in S204), the process proceeds to the state determination of the sealing region 22. Furthermore, if the pressure value does not exceed the pressure threshold Px (NO in S204), it is determined that no pressure is acting within the sealing region 22, or only a small pressure is acting within it, and that the sealing component 16 is functioning adequately, and the process proceeds to acquire the next pressure value.

[0052] In the state determination, for example, if "State II" is set as the most recent determination result (S205YES), the pressure value fluctuation state determination unit 100 refers to the pressure value stored in the monitoring process DB 70 and determines whether the value is trending downwards (S206). To determine whether there is a downward trend, for example, it is sufficient to determine whether the most recently detected pressure value has decreased to or below a predetermined set value. If the pressure value is not trending downwards according to the determination result of the pressure value fluctuation state determination unit 100 (S206NO), the state determination unit 40 adds +1 to the count of the counter unit 84 of the monitoring process DB 70 (S207). Also, if the set determination result is not "State II" (S205NO), i.e., "State I", the state determination unit 40 adds +1 to the count of the counter unit 84 of the monitoring process DB 70 (S207). The count recorded in the counter unit 84 is used to determine the lifespan of the seal parts 16 and 18.

[0053] Then, in the determination process, if the number of counts registered in the counter unit 84 exceeds the counter threshold (nx, ny) (YES in S208), state monitoring information is generated (S209) indicating that the sealing area 22 and the seal parts 16 and 18 have reached the end of their lifespan, and maintenance information (such as "replace" or "limit") is set according to the determination result (S210).

[0054] Furthermore, if the status determination unit 40 is set to "Status II" as the determination result (YES in S205) and the pressure value is trending downwards according to the determination result of the pressure value fluctuation status determination unit 100 (YES in S206), it determines that the state of the sealing area 22 has become "Status III" due to, for example, the sealing component 18 breaking or a deterioration in the sealing function, and generates an alert (S211). This alert is an example of status monitoring information and is information prompting the urgent replacement of the sealing components 16, 18, and 20. When an alert is issued, the status monitoring device 8 generates notification information in the monitoring information generation unit 42 and notifies the terminal device 44 (Figure 2) and information presentation unit 46 of the user who manages the hydraulic equipment 4.

[0055] Furthermore, the pressure value fluctuation determination process performed by the pressure value fluctuation state determination unit 100 is not limited to monitoring for a transition to "State III". The unit may also monitor a rapid increase in the acquired pressure value while the seal component 16 is in a "normal" (State I) state and determine if it has transitioned to "replace" (State II).

[0056] <Effects of the second embodiment> With this configuration, the following effects can be obtained. (1) The same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained. (2) By taking into account the fluctuations in the pressure value, in addition to the condition determination and life prediction function based on the comparison of the detected pressure value with the pressure threshold, the accuracy of monitoring the condition of the sealing area 22 can be improved, thereby enhancing safety and reliability. (3) By also monitoring the fluctuations in pressure values, the accuracy of predicting the lifespan of the seal components 16, 18, and 20 is improved, allowing for planned maintenance schedules and increasing convenience. [Variation]

[0057] The features and variations of the embodiments described above are listed below.

[0058] (1) In the above embodiment, the seal components 16 and 18 are provided with notches 52 and 54, and the pressure value in the sealed region 22 fluctuates as the working fluid returns to the inside of the housing 10 in accordance with the forward and backward movement of the shaft 14, but the invention is not limited to this. In the state monitoring process of the seal components of this disclosure, for example, if seal components 16 and 18 without notches 52 and 54 are used, a structure may be provided in a part of the housing 10 that returns the working fluid accumulated in the sealed region 22 to the inside of the hydraulic device 4.

[0059] With this configuration, the flow of working fluid into and out of the sealing region 22 occurs in conjunction with the forward and backward movement of the shaft 14, causing the pressure value acting within the sealing region 22 to fluctuate. Since this pressure value is influenced, for example, by the amount of working fluid passing through depending on the state of the seal component 16, it is possible to determine the state of the sealing function from the number of pressure value fluctuations, as in the above embodiment. Then, in the state monitoring process, maintenance information can be set based on the determination result and life prediction.

[0060] (2) In the above embodiment, three sealing components 16, 18, and 20 are arranged inside the hydraulic device 4 along the opening 12 from the inside to the outside of the housing 10, and the pressure value of the sealing region 22 formed in the two upstream sealing components 16 and 18 is measured. However, the device is not limited to this. The hydraulic device 4 may consist of, for example, one sealing component 16 installed inside the housing 10 and a sealing component 20 having a dust sealing function arranged on the opening side. In this case, the sealing component 20 has the function of preventing foreign matter from entering the housing 10 from the outside, as well as the function of preventing working fluid from leaking out of the opening 12 along the shaft 14. In the condition monitoring process, the pressure of the sealing region 22 formed between the sealing components 16 and 20 is measured, and the sealing state is determined and the lifespan is predicted based on the number of counts compared with the pressure value and threshold, and the fluctuation state of the pressure value, as in the above embodiment, and condition monitoring information including maintenance information is generated based on the determination result.

[0061] (3) In the above embodiment, the results of the status determination up to the present are shown on the status information screen 90 using text and gauge display units, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The status information screen 90 may also calculate and display information such as the remaining count until the seal parts 16 and 18 reach the end of their lifespan, an estimated number of operations of the shaft 14, and the remaining estimated time, using information such as the count number compared to a threshold, information representing the set state, and pressure threshold Px.

[0062] (4) In the above embodiment, the state determination unit 40 uses a threshold value Px as the state determination process for the seal components 16 and 18 and determines "State I", "State II", etc. by comparing it with the acquired pressure information, but is not limited to this. The state determination unit 40 may set a plurality of threshold values ​​Px, Py, etc. with different values ​​depending on the state to be set for the sealing function of the seal components 16 and 18, and perform the state determination process. For example, the state determination unit 40 may determine that the state when the pressure value is less than threshold value Px, and the state when the pressure value is greater than or equal to threshold value Px and less than threshold value Py is "State I", and the state when the pressure value is greater than or equal to threshold value Py and less than threshold value Pz is "State II". Furthermore, the state determination unit 40 may set more finely subdivided thresholds. With this configuration, by subdividing and determining the state of the acquired pressure value, it is possible to predict in detail the state of the sealing components 16 and 18 and the state of the sealing region 22 formed by the sealing components 16 and 18.

[0063] As described above, the most preferred embodiments of the technology of this disclosure have been explained. The technology of this disclosure is not limited to the above description. Various modifications and changes are possible for those skilled in the art based on the gist of the claims or the embodiments disclosed for carrying out the invention. It goes without saying that such modifications and changes are within the scope of the technology of this disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 2. Status Monitoring System 4, 4A, 4B, 4C Hydraulic equipment 6. Detection device 8. Status monitoring device 10 cabinets 12 Openings 14 shafts 16, 18, 20 Seal parts 22 Sealing area 24 Sensing Hall 30 sensors 32 Data Retrieval Section 34 Data Processing Unit 36 Pressure Information Collection Means 38 Processing Unit 40 State determination unit 41 Pressure value detection state determination unit 42 Monitoring information generation section 44 Terminal devices 46 Information Presentation Department 50 Torso 52, 54 Notches 60. Threshold Database (DB) 62 Pressure threshold section 64 Counter threshold section 66 Status Information Section 70 Monitoring Processing DB 72 Device name section 74 Location Information Department 76 Identification Information Section 78 Detection time section 80 Pressure value section 82 State determination unit 84 Counter section 90 Status Information Screen 92, 94, 96 display area 100 Pressure value fluctuation state determination unit

Claims

1. A method for monitoring the condition of seal components installed in hydraulic equipment, A step of acquiring the pressure value within a sealing region sealed by a first sealing component located upstream and a second sealing component located downstream, with respect to the set operating direction of the hydraulic device, The process includes determining that the sealing state within the sealing region has changed from a first state to a second state when the pressure value increases and exceeds a preset threshold, and determining that the sealing state within the sealing region has changed from a second state to a third state when the pressure value decreases while in the second state. A step in which, based on the determination result that the sealing state has changed from the first state to the second state, it is determined that the sealing function of the first sealing component has deteriorated, and based on the determination result that the sealing state has changed from the second state to the third state, it is determined that the sealing function of the second sealing component has deteriorated, A step of generating state monitoring information based on the state determination results of the first seal component and the second seal component, A method for monitoring the condition of a sealing component, characterized by including the following:

2. A step of comparing the detected pressure value information with the set threshold, If the detection status information of the pressure value exceeds the threshold, the steps include reading the maintenance information associated with the threshold and setting the maintenance information in the status monitoring information, A method for monitoring the condition of a sealing component according to claim 1, characterized by including the following:

3. A program implemented by a computer, A function to acquire the pressure value within a sealed area sealed by a first seal component located upstream and a second seal component located downstream, relative to the set operating direction of the hydraulic device. The system has a function that determines that the sealing state within the sealing region has changed from a first state to a second state when the pressure value increases and exceeds a preset threshold, and determines that the sealing state within the sealing region has changed from a second state to a third state when the pressure value decreases while in the second state. Based on the determination result that the sealing state has changed from the first state to the second state, it is determined that the sealing function of the first seal component has deteriorated, and based on the determination result that the sealing state has changed from the second state to the third state, it is determined that the sealing function of the second seal component has deteriorated. A function for generating state monitoring information based on the state determination results of the first seal component and the second seal component, A program for monitoring the condition of a sealing component, which is implemented by the aforementioned computer.

4. A function to compare the detected pressure value information with the set threshold, If the detected pressure value information exceeds the threshold, the function reads the maintenance information associated with the threshold and sets the maintenance information in the status monitoring information. A seal component condition monitoring program according to claim 3, characterized by including the following:

5. A pressure information acquisition means that acquires the pressure value within a sealed area sealed by a first seal component located upstream and a second seal component located downstream, relative to the set operating direction of the hydraulic equipment, from a detection device, A processing unit that generates state monitoring information, determines that the sealing state within the sealing region has changed from a first state to a second state when the pressure value increases and exceeds a preset threshold, determines that the sealing state within the sealing region has changed from a second state to a third state when the pressure value decreases while in the second state, determines that the sealing state within the sealing region has changed from a second state to a third state, determines that the sealing function of the first seal component has deteriorated based on the determination result that the sealing state has changed from a first state to a second state, and determines that the sealing function of the second seal component has deteriorated based on the determination result that the sealing state has changed from a second state to a third state, and A device for monitoring the condition of sealing components, characterized by comprising the following features.

6. The sealing component condition monitoring device according to claim 5, characterized in that the processing unit compares the detected pressure value status information with the set threshold, and if the detected pressure value status information exceeds the threshold, reads maintenance information associated with the threshold and sets the maintenance information on the condition monitoring screen.

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