Determination device, determination system, and determination method
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-02-04
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-13
Smart Images
Figure JP2026003981_13082026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Determination Device, Determination System, and Determination Method
[0001] The present invention relates to a determination device, a determination system, and a determination method. This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-017591, filed in Japan on February 5, 2025, and the contents thereof are incorporated herein by reference.
[0002] Conventionally, the deterioration of industrial oil compositions such as lubricating oils and liquid immersion coolants has been diagnosed. According to the conventional method, the industrial oil composition is periodically sampled, and the sampled industrial oil composition is sent to a specialized analysis institution for diagnosis. According to such a conventional method, there are drawbacks such as the need to perform sampling regularly and the time and cost required to obtain analysis results.
[0003] In order to solve the drawbacks of such a conventional method, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for diagnosing the deterioration of lubricating oil using a sensor.
[0004] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2019-78718
[0005] By using the method described in Patent Document 1, it is possible to diagnose the deterioration of the industrial oil composition with less time and cost without the need to perform sampling regularly and send it to an analysis institution. On the other hand, depending on the use of the industrial oil composition, there is a need to distinguish and determine the type of deterioration. However, according to the conventional technology, there is a problem that the type of deterioration cannot be distinguished and determined.
[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a determination device, a determination system, and a determination method capable of easily distinguishing and determining the type of deterioration when the industrial oil composition deteriorates.
[0007] (1) One aspect of the present invention is a determination device comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires the intensity of light having a first range of wavelengths, the intensity of light having a second range of wavelengths, and the intensity of light having a third range of wavelengths from light irradiated from a light source and transmitted through an industrial oil composition; a determination unit that determines the state of the industrial oil composition based on the result of comparing the intensity of light acquired by the acquisition unit with a preset threshold; and an output unit that outputs the result determined by the determination unit, wherein the determination unit determines that the industrial oil composition is in a first state, meaning that foreign matter is mixed in, when the intensity of light having a first range of wavelengths, the intensity of light having a second range of wavelengths, and the intensity of light having a third range of wavelengths are all less than the threshold; and determines that the industrial oil composition is in a second state, meaning that it has changed due to oxidation, when the intensity of light having a first range of wavelengths is greater than the threshold, and one or both of the intensity of light having a second range of wavelengths and the intensity of light having a third range of wavelengths are less than the threshold. (2) In addition, in one aspect of the present invention, in the determination device of (1) described above, the threshold for determining the first state and the threshold for determining the second state are different from each other. (3) In addition, in one aspect of the present invention, in the determination device of (1) or (2) described above, the determination unit makes a determination using different thresholds depending on whether the industrial oil composition contains the first antioxidant or not. (4) In addition, in one aspect of the present invention, in the determination device of any of (1) to (3) described above, the determination unit makes a first determination at a first time point in time to determine that the industrial oil composition has changed for some reason based on the intensity of light having a wavelength in the first range, the intensity of light having a wavelength in the second range, and the intensity of light having a wavelength in the third range, and then makes a second determination after a predetermined time has elapsed to determine whether it is in the first state or the second state. (5) In addition, in the determination device described in (4) above, the output unit notifies an oil change alarm prompting the replacement of the industrial oil composition when the second determination by the determination unit determines that the second state is in place.(6) In another aspect of the present invention, in the determination device of any of (1) to (5) described above, the wavelength of the first range is 590 to 720 nm, the wavelength of the second range is 480 to 600 nm, and the wavelength of the third range is 400 to 540 nm. (7) In another aspect of the present invention, in the determination device of (3) described above, the first antioxidant is a phenol compound, and the second antioxidant is an amine compound. (8) Another aspect of the present invention is a determination system according to claim 1 or 2, comprising: a light source; a first detection unit for detecting the intensity of light having a wavelength in a first range from the light irradiated from the light source and transmitted through an industrial oil composition; a second detection unit for detecting the intensity of light having a wavelength in a second range from the light irradiated from the light source and transmitted through an industrial oil composition; a third detection unit for detecting the intensity of light having a wavelength in a third range from the light irradiated from the light source and transmitted through an industrial oil composition; and a determination device according to claim 1 or 2, which acquires the intensity of light from the first detection unit, the second detection unit, and the third detection unit, and determines the state of the industrial oil composition based on the acquired information. (9) Another aspect of the present invention is a determination method for determining the state of an industrial oil composition using a computer, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring the intensity of light having a first range of wavelengths, the intensity of light having a second range of wavelengths, and the intensity of light having a third range of wavelengths from light irradiated from a light source and transmitted through the industrial oil composition; a determination step of determining the state of the industrial oil composition based on the result of comparing the intensity of light acquired in the acquisition step with a preset threshold; and an output step of outputting the result determined in the determination step, wherein the determination step determines that the industrial oil composition is in a first state, meaning that foreign matter is mixed in, when the intensity of light having a first range of wavelengths, the intensity of light having a second range of wavelengths, and the intensity of light having a third range of wavelengths are all less than the threshold; and determines that the industrial oil composition is in a second state, meaning that it has changed due to oxidation, when the intensity of light having a first range of wavelengths is greater than the threshold, and one or both of the intensity of light having a second range of wavelengths and the intensity of light having a third range of wavelengths are less than the threshold.
[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a determination device, determination system, and determination method that can easily distinguish and determine the type of deterioration when an industrial oil composition deteriorates.
[0009] This figure shows a schematic of the determination system according to this embodiment. This is a schematic diagram illustrating the detection of light intensity in the determination system according to this embodiment. This figure shows an example of the wavelength range of light detected by the detection unit according to this embodiment. This is a functional configuration diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the determination device according to this embodiment. This figure shows an example of the correspondence between the type of degradation determined by the determination device according to this embodiment and the threshold value. This figure shows an example of the threshold value when the type of degradation determined by the determination device according to this embodiment differs depending on the type of antioxidant. This is a flowchart showing an example of a series of steps in the determination method according to this embodiment. This is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the determination device according to this embodiment.
[0010] [Embodiments] Preferred embodiments of the determination device, determination system, and determination method according to aspects of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to these embodiments, and include various modifications or improvements. In other words, the components described below include those that are easily conceivable by those skilled in the art, and those that are substantially the same, and the components described below can be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, or modifications of the components can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Also, in the following drawings, the scale and number of components in each structure may differ from the scale and number of components in the actual structure in order to make each structure easier to understand.
[0011] [Outline of the Judgment System] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the outline of the judgment system according to this embodiment. First, the outline of the judgment system 1 will be described with reference to the figure. The judgment system 1 comprises a light source 11, a container 121 for storing the industrial oil composition 12, a detection unit 13, a judgment device 14, and a terminal device 15. The judgment system 1 determines the state of the industrial oil composition 12 by comprising these components.
[0012] In the following description, the industrial oil composition 12 broadly includes lubricating oil compositions and cooling oils such as immersion coolants. Although the industrial oil composition 12 is primarily intended for industrial use, its applications are not limited.
[0013] Furthermore, in the following explanation, the state of the industrial oil composition 12 primarily refers to states classified by the degree of deterioration. Examples of the state of the industrial oil composition 12 include deterioration due to water contamination, deterioration due to the contamination of solid foreign matter such as dust, metal powder, and wear particles. Other examples of the state of the industrial oil composition 12 include deterioration of the base oil due to oxidation and heat, deterioration of additives, and the generation of sludge. In the following explanation, the term "change" may be used as a higher-level concept than deterioration. Change is a concept that includes deterioration, and includes minute changes that are not related to the degree of deterioration.
[0014] The light source 11 is irradiated onto the container 121 containing the industrial oil composition 12. The light source 11 includes, for example, a white LED and is irradiated via a diffusion lens onto a detection unit 13 positioned opposite the container 121. The light source 11 may always be in the ON state (light is being emitted), but it is normally kept in the OFF state (light is not being emitted), and may be turned ON when determining the deterioration state of the industrial oil composition 12.
[0015] The container 121 stores the industrial oil composition 12. In the figure, the shape of the container 121 is schematically represented as a cylinder. However, this embodiment is not limited to this example, and may have a structure that facilitates the guidance of light irradiated from the light source 11 to the detection unit 13. In order to suitably guide the light irradiated from the light source 11 to the detection unit 13, a part of the container 121 may have its thickness and shape suitably adjusted.
[0016] The detection unit 13 detects the intensity of light irradiated from the light source 11 and transmitted through the industrial oil composition 12. The detection unit 13 may include, for example, one or more photodiodes to detect the intensity of light of a specific wavelength. The detection unit 13 may include, for example, a color filter to limit the wavelength of light to be detected. Alternatively, the detection unit 13 may include multiple photodiodes to detect the intensity of light at each wavelength.
[0017] The determination device 14 determines the state of the industrial oil composition 12 based on the results detected by the detection unit 13, i.e., the intensity of light. Specifically, the determination device 14 determines whether or not deterioration has occurred in the industrial oil composition 12. In particular, the determination device 14 distinguishes and determines the type of deterioration occurring in the industrial oil composition 12. The determination device 14 may also determine the degree of deterioration for each type of deterioration occurring in the industrial oil composition 12. The determination device 14 outputs the determined result in a predetermined manner.
[0018] Terminal device 15 is an example of a device for presenting the results determined by the determination device 14. For example, terminal device 15 may be a smartphone, tablet, or laptop computer. In the figure, one determination device 14 is associated with one terminal device 15, but this embodiment is not limited to this example. For example, one determination device 14 may be associated with multiple terminal devices 15. In that case, the determination device 14 outputs the determination results to the multiple terminal devices 15. Also, the determination device 14 and terminal devices 15 may be housed in a single enclosure as a single configuration.
[0019] [Detection of Light Intensity] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the detection of light intensity in the determination system according to this embodiment. This figure schematically shows an example of a specific configuration for detecting light intensity among the configurations of the determination system 1 described above. An example of a method for detecting light intensity will be described.
[0020] The light L shown in the figure is irradiated from the light source 11, passes through the industrial oil composition 12, and enters the detection unit 13. The light L may be generated using, for example, a blue LED and a predetermined phosphor such as a YAG-based phosphor.
[0021] The detection unit 13 includes a plurality of color filters that transmit predetermined wavelength components from the wavelength components of light L. In the illustrated example, the detection unit 13 includes a red color filter 131A, a green color filter 132A, and a blue color filter 133A. Each color filter transmits predetermined wavelength components from the wavelength components of light L that are different from each other. Specifically, light L1 is light having wavelengths in a first range, and specifically may be the red component. Light L2 is light having wavelengths in a second range, and specifically may be the green component. Light L3 is light having wavelengths in a third range, and specifically may be the blue component.
[0022] Furthermore, the detection unit 13 includes a plurality of photodiodes that detect the intensity of light transmitted through the color filters. In the illustrated example, the detection unit 13 includes photodiodes 131B, 132B, and 133B. Photodiode 131B corresponds to the red color filter 131A, photodiode 132B corresponds to the green color filter 132A, and photodiode 133B corresponds to the blue color filter 133A. Each photodiode detects the intensity of light that has passed through its corresponding color filter.
[0023] In the following description, photodiode 131B may be referred to as the first detection unit, photodiode 132B as the second detection unit, and photodiode 133B as the third detection unit. In other words, photodiode 131B can detect the intensity of light having a wavelength in a first range from the light irradiated from the light source 11 and transmitted through the industrial oil composition 12. Photodiode 132B can detect the intensity of light having a wavelength in a second range from the light irradiated from the light source 11 and transmitted through the industrial oil composition 12. Photodiode 133B can detect the intensity of light having a wavelength in a third range from the light irradiated from the light source 11 and transmitted through the industrial oil composition 12.
[0024] The structure shown in the figure is a schematic diagram for illustrative purposes, and this embodiment is not limited to this example. For example, the color filter may be provided inside the photodiode. Also, the detection unit 13 may detect the intensity of light within a predetermined wavelength range by employing other configurations.
[0025] [Example of Wavelength Range] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the wavelength range of light detected by the detection unit according to this embodiment. Referring to the same figure, a specific example of the wavelength range of light L1 to light L3 shown in Figure 2 will be described.
[0026] Specifically, light L1 is visible light having a red (R) component, and its wavelength range may be 590 to 720 nm (nanometers). In the following description, the wavelength range of light L1 may be referred to as the first wavelength range. Light L2 is visible light having a green (G) component, and its wavelength range may be 480 to 600 nm. In the following description, the wavelength range of light L2 may be referred to as the second wavelength range. Light L3 is visible light having a blue (B) component, and its wavelength range may be 400 to 540 nm. In the following description, the wavelength range of light L3 may be referred to as the third wavelength range.
[0027] Note that the wavelength ranges shown in Figures 2 and 3 are examples only and do not limit the color filters or the wavelength range they transmit. For example, the number of color filters is not limited to three; two, four, or more may be provided. Also, color filters that transmit light in wavelength ranges different from those shown may be used.
[0028] The light detected by the detection unit 13 according to this embodiment preferably has a wavelength within a specific range (width). It is preferable to detect a specific range of wavelengths because the state of the industrial oil composition 12 may not be adequately determined by changes in only a specific wavelength. For example, if the industrial oil composition 12 contains additives and these additives change into other compounds due to degradation, there are usually multiple types of these other compounds, and the wavelengths absorbed by the resulting compounds usually differ.
[0029] Examples of additives include antioxidants, anti-wear agents or extreme pressure agents, and friction modifiers. Examples of antioxidants include phenol compounds and amine compounds, which will be described later. Examples of anti-wear agents or extreme pressure agents include organozinc compounds such as zinc dialkyldithiophosphate and zinc dialkyldithiocarbamate; sulfur-containing compounds such as molybdenum dialkyldithiocarbamate, molybdenum dithiocarbamate, dihydrocarbyl polysulfide, sulfur esters, thiazole compounds, and thiadiazole compounds; and phosphorus-based extreme pressure agents such as phosphate esters, acidic phosphate esters, amine salts of acidic phosphate esters, and phosphite esters. Examples of friction modifiers include graphite, graphite fluoride, melamine cyanurate, polytetrafluoroethylene, molybdenum disulfide, antimony sulfide, boron nitride, and alkali (earth) metal borates.
[0030] [Determination Device] Figure 4 is a functional configuration diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the determination device according to this embodiment. Referring to the figure, a specific example of the functional configuration of the determination device 14 will be described. The determination device 14 is composed of an acquisition unit 141, a storage unit 142, a determination unit 143, and an output unit 144. In the figure, for the sake of simplicity, the storage unit 142 is shown as being provided in the determination device 14, but this embodiment is not limited to this example, and for example, the storage unit 142 may reside on a server or in the cloud.
[0031] The acquisition unit 141 acquires the intensity of light irradiated from the light source 11 and transmitted through the industrial oil composition 12. Specifically, the acquisition unit 141 acquires the intensity of light having a first range of wavelengths (for example, light having a red component), the intensity of light having a second range of wavelengths (for example, light having a green component), and the intensity of light having a third range of wavelengths (for example, light having a blue component) from the light irradiated from the light source 11 and transmitted through the industrial oil composition 12.
[0032] The memory unit 142 stores thresholds used for determination. Preferably, these thresholds are different for each state determined by the determination device 14. However, a common threshold may be used for some of the multiple states to be determined. Preferably, these thresholds are set in advance. Furthermore, these thresholds may be updated based on the results of the determination and in response to user operations or feedback. The thresholds may also be updated dynamically based on the results learned by the determination device 14.
[0033] The determination unit 143 compares the light intensity acquired by the acquisition unit 141 with a threshold value stored in the storage unit 142. Based on the comparison result, the determination unit 143 determines the state of the industrial oil composition 12. For example, the determination unit 143 may determine whether the state of the industrial oil composition 12 is normal or abnormal, and if it is abnormal, it may determine the type of abnormality (e.g., type of deterioration). The determination unit 143 may also determine the degree of the abnormality (e.g., degree of deterioration). Furthermore, depending on the type and degree of the abnormality, the determination unit 143 may issue a notification or alert indicating that the industrial oil composition 12 should be replaced.
[0034] The output unit 144 outputs the result determined by the determination unit 143. For example, the output unit 144 outputs information indicating the result determined by the determination unit 143 to a wirelessly connected terminal device 15 via a wireless communication unit (not shown). Alternatively, the output unit 144 may output information indicating the result determined by the determination unit 143 to a predetermined wired information processing device, etc., via an information communication unit (not shown). Specifically, the output unit 144 may output information to a single terminal device 15, etc., or to multiple terminal devices 15, etc. The output unit 144 may also output information to a storage unit (not shown) that stores predetermined information, which is wirelessly or wired connected.
[0035] Each functional unit of the determination device 14 is implemented, for example, using an electronic circuit. Each functional unit may also include internal storage means such as semiconductor memory or magnetic hard disk drives, as needed. Furthermore, each function may be implemented by a computer with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and software. Additionally, all or part of each functional unit may be implemented using hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). Finally, all or part of each functional unit may be implemented by a combination of software and hardware.
[0036] As another example, the determination device 14 may execute an application installed on a predetermined information processing device, such as a general-purpose computer. A concrete example of such an application is an application provided as a dedicated application for the determination system 1. Another concrete example of such an application is a web browser application. Such an application may be pre-installed on the information processing device, or it may be downloaded each time information processing is performed. For example, if it is implemented as a web browser application, the information processing device may download and execute the application from a device specified by the web server (for example, the web server itself or another server) in accordance with the control of the web server, depending on the information processing device's connection to the specific web server. The information processing device operates according to the program of the application being executed.
[0037] [Types of Degradation] Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of the correspondence between the types of degradation determined by the determination device according to this embodiment and threshold values. An example of the determination method by the determination device 14 will be described with reference to the same figure. In the illustrated example, the determination device 14 distinguishes and determines the types of degradation as oxidative degradation, water contamination, and sludge.
[0038] Here, oxidative degradation refers to the degradation caused by the oxidation of the industrial oil composition 12. In the following explanation, when we refer to oxidative degradation, it includes cases where the composition of the industrial oil composition 12 has changed even slightly due to oxidation, and is not necessarily limited to a state where it has deteriorated to the point of being unusable. In other words, oxidative degradation can be described as a state in which the composition of the industrial oil composition 12 has changed due to oxidation.
[0039] Water contamination refers to deterioration caused by contamination resulting from the mixing of water as a foreign substance into the industrial oil composition 12.
[0040] Sludge is formed by the accumulation of carbon that results from the deterioration of the industrial oil composition 12 due to oxidation and heat.
[0041] In the following description, the state in which the industrial oil composition 12 is deteriorated by water contamination and sludge may be described as the first state. The first state is not necessarily limited to the state in which it is deteriorated until it becomes unusable, and it can also be said that it is a state in which foreign substances are mixed. Also, the state in which the industrial oil composition 12 is deteriorated by oxidative deterioration may be described as the second state. That is, when the industrial oil composition 12 is deteriorated, the determination device 14 determines by distinguishing at least whether it is in the first state or the second state.
[0042] In the following description, the intensity of the light detected by each photodiode included in the detection unit 13 may be described as an 8-bit numerical value from 0 to 255. Specifically, the intensity of the light detected by the photodiode 131B is expressed as a value of R, a numerical value from 0 to 255, the intensity of the light detected by the photodiode 132B is expressed as a value of G, a numerical value from 0 to 255, and the intensity of the light detected by the photodiode 133B is expressed as a value of B, a numerical value from 0 to 255.
[0043] The determination device 14 determines by distinguishing the types of deterioration by setting a plurality of different threshold values. That is, in the present embodiment, it can be said that the threshold value for determining the first state and the threshold value for determining the second state are different from each other. The threshold value for determining the type of deterioration can be arbitrarily set.
[0044] Specifically, the threshold value for the determination device 14 to determine that oxidative deterioration has occurred is such that the intensity of the light having a wavelength in the first range (since the light has a red component, it may be simply described as R hereinafter) is A1 or more, the intensity of the light having a wavelength in the second range (since the light has a green component, it may be simply described as G hereinafter) is A2 or more, and the intensity of the light having a wavelength in the third range (since the light has a blue component, it may be simply described as B hereinafter) is A3 or less. When all these conditions are satisfied, the determination device 14 determines that oxidative deterioration has occurred.
[0045] Incidentally, the threshold value for oxidative degradation may vary depending on the type of additives such as antioxidants used in the industrial oil composition 12. Specifically, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 6, for example, depending on the type of antioxidant, there are cases where the value of G is assumed to be A4 or less. Thus, in view of the use of a plurality of different antioxidants, as a determination condition for the determination device 14, it may be configured such that oxidative degradation is determined when one or both of G and B are less than the threshold value. That is, the determination device 14 determines that the industrial oil composition 12 has undergone oxidative degradation when R is greater than the threshold value A1 and one or both of G and B are less than the threshold value.
[0046] Further, the threshold values for the determination device 14 to determine that there is water contamination are that R is B1 or less, G is B2 or less, and B is B3 or less. When all of these conditions are satisfied, the determination device 14 determines that water contamination has occurred. As the threshold values for the determination device 14 to determine that there is water contamination, B1 may be 200 to 240, B2 may be 180 to 220, and B3 may be 120 to 160.
[0047] When the moisture content of the industrial oil composition 12 increases, the load-carrying capacity and wear resistance decrease. Therefore, the threshold values for the determination device 14 to determine that there is water contamination can be determined from the change data of RGB according to the moisture content (ppm) of the industrial oil composition 12 and the evaluation results of the load-carrying performance test and wear resistance performance test of the four-ball test due to the increase in the moisture content (ppm) of the industrial oil composition 12.
[0048] Further, the threshold values for the determination device 14 to determine that sludge has occurred are that R is C1 or less, G is C2 or less, and B is C3 or less. When all of these conditions are satisfied, the determination device 14 determines that sludge has occurred. As the threshold values for the determination device 14 to determine that sludge has occurred, C1 may be 130 to 170, C2 may be 80 to 120, and C3 may be 10 to 50.
[0049] As the amount of sludge in the industrial oil composition 12 increases, its load-bearing capacity and abrasion resistance decrease. Therefore, the threshold for the determination device 14 to determine that sludge has been generated can be determined from the RGB change data due to the amount of sludge (mg) in the industrial oil composition 12 and the evaluation results of the load-bearing capacity test and abrasion resistance test of the Grade 4 test due to the increase in the amount of sludge (mg) in the industrial oil composition 12.
[0050] In other words, the determination device 14 determines that the industrial oil composition 12 is in a first state (specifically, water contamination or sludge) if all RGB values are below the threshold.
[0051] When water is mixed into the industrial oil composition 12, all RGB values decrease. This is thought to be because the light irradiated from the light source 11 is scattered by the tiny water droplets dispersed in the industrial oil composition 12.
[0052] When sludge is generated in the industrial oil composition 12, all RGB values decrease. This is thought to be because sludge is a black substance that absorbs all RGB.
[0053] As described above, in this embodiment, different thresholds are set for all RGB values. Furthermore, rather than all RGB values falling below their respective thresholds, at least one RGB value is set to be above the threshold, while the other values are below the threshold. This configuration is used to distinguish and determine multiple degradation states.
[0054] Alternatively, multiple thresholds may be set, and the state of the industrial oil composition 12 may be determined by the time-dependent changes in each of the RGB values. Furthermore, the state of the industrial oil composition 12 may be determined by combining RGB with other data. Examples of other data include dielectric constant measurement data from an FPS sensor, image data, etc.
[0055] [Types of Antioxidants] Figure 6 shows an example of threshold values when the type of degradation determined by the determination device according to this embodiment differs depending on the type of antioxidant. As shown in the figure, it is preferable for the determination device 14 to determine oxidative degradation using different threshold values depending on the type of antioxidant. In the example shown in the figure, phenol compounds and amine compounds are given as examples of types of antioxidants. In the following description, phenol compounds may be referred to as the first antioxidant and amine compounds as the second antioxidant. Note that the types of antioxidants contained in the industrial oil composition 12 are not limited to the example shown in the figure, and the determination device 14 can handle a variety of other antioxidants.
[0056] Specifically, when the industrial oil composition 12 contains a phenol compound, the threshold values for the determination device 14 to determine that oxidative degradation has occurred are R = A11 or higher, G = A21 or higher, and B = B31 or lower. If all of these conditions are met, the determination device 14 determines that oxidative degradation has occurred.
[0057] Furthermore, when the industrial oil composition 12 contains an amine compound, the threshold for the determination device 14 to determine oxidative degradation is R = A12 or higher, G = A22 or lower, and B is not included in the determination. If all of these conditions are met, the determination device 14 determines that oxidative degradation has occurred. When the industrial oil composition 12 contains an amine compound, it is also possible to focus on at least one of R or G and not on B. In this way, there may be light of a color (wavelength range) that is not considered when determining the type of degradation.
[0058] Thus, the determination device 14 uses different thresholds to determine whether the industrial oil composition 12 contains a first antioxidant (e.g., a phenol compound) or a second antioxidant (e.g., an amine compound).
[0059] Furthermore, it is preferable that the type of antioxidant contained in the industrial oil composition 12 be specified by the user using the determination system 1. As another example, the determination device 14 may estimate the type of antioxidant. As an algorithm for estimating the type of antioxidant, machine learning may be used, for example. In this case, supervised learning can be used to perform machine learning. The machine learning model may, for example, learn the change in RGB values over time according to the type of antioxidant, estimate the type of antioxidant according to the change in RGB values before deterioration, and determine the type of deterioration using a threshold based on the estimated result.
[0060] [Phenol Compounds] Examples of phenol compounds used as antioxidants include 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol, 4,4'-methylenebis(2,6-di-tert-butylphenol), 4,4'-bis(2,6-di-tert-butylphenol), 4,4'-bis(2-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol), 2,2'-methylenebis(4-ethyl-6-tert-butylphenol), 2,2'-methylenebis(4-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol), 4,4'-butylidenebis(3-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol), 4,4'-Isopropylidenebis(2,6-di-tert-butylphenol), 2,2'-Methylenebis(4-methyl-6-nonylphenol), 2,2'-Isobutylidenebis(4,6-dimethylphenol), 2,2'-Methylenebis(4-methyl-6-cyclohexylphenol), 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-ethylphenol, 2,4-dimethyl-6-tert-butylphenol, 2,6-di-tert-α-dimethylamino-p-cresol, 2,6-di-ter t-butyl-4(N,N'-dimethylaminomethylphenol), 4,4'-thiobis(2-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol), 4,4'-thiobis(3-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol), 2,2'-thiobis(4-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol), bis(3-methyl-4-hydroxy-5-tert-butylbenzyl) sulfide, bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl) sulfide, 2,2'-thio-diethylenebis[3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy Examples include [phenyl)propionate], tridecyl-3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate, pentaerythrityl-tetrakis[3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate], octyl-3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate, octadecyl-3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate, and 3-methyl-5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl substituted fatty acid esters.
[0061] [Oxidation Products of Phenol Compounds] Examples of oxidation products produced when phenol compounds are oxidized include 2,6-di-tert-butylmethylenequinone, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-ethylphenol, 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylmethyl ether, 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyacetophenone, 4,4'-di-hydroxy-3,5,3',5'-tetra-tert-butyldibenzyl, and 3,5,3',5'-tetra-t-butylstilbenzyl.
[0062] When industrial oil composition 12 contains a phenolic compound, B decreases, but R and G hardly decrease. This is because the oxidation products (quinone compounds) generated when the phenolic compound is oxidized absorb B. On the other hand, it is thought that intermediate compounds that absorb R and G are unlikely to be generated even when the phenolic compound is oxidized.
[0063] [Amine Compounds] Examples of amine compounds used as antioxidants include diphenylamine, dialkyldiphenylamine, phenyl-α-naphthylamine, and p-alkylphenyl-α-naphthylamine.
[0064] [Oxidation Products of Amine Compounds] Examples of oxidation products of p-alkylphenyl-α-naphthylamine represented by the following formula (N-0) include the compounds represented by the following formulas (N-1) to (N-5). In the compounds represented by the following formulas (N-0) to (N-5), X ０ This signifies an alkyl group.
[0065]
[0066]
[0067] When the industrial oil composition 12 contains an amine compound, B decreases rapidly as the amine compound oxidizes and degrades, followed by a gradual decrease in R and G. The reason for this is unclear, but it is thought that in the process of the amine compound changing due to oxidation, the intermediate compound is a compound that absorbs B, and the oxidation product (final result; for example, the compounds represented by formulas (N-1) to (N-5) above) is a compound that also absorbs R and G.
[0068] [Determination Method] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a series of steps in the determination method according to this embodiment. An example of the determination method performed using the determination device 14 described above will be explained with reference to the figure. This determination method is a method for determining the state of an industrial oil composition and is performed using a computer in at least one of the steps.
[0069] (Step S11) First, the determination device 14 acquires the intensity of light having wavelengths in a first range, a second range, and a third range from the light irradiated from the light source 11 and transmitted through the industrial oil composition 12. The first range, the second range, and the third range are different ranges from each other. In the following description, this process may be referred to as the acquisition process or acquisition step.
[0070] (Step S12) Next, the determination device 14 determines whether or not the intensity of light has changed. This determination may be described as the first determination. Specifically, the determination device 14 determines whether or not the industrial oil composition 12 has changed for any reason, based on the intensity of light having wavelengths in a first range, the intensity of light having wavelengths in a second range, and the intensity of light having wavelengths in a third range. Note that the change may be limited to a predetermined amount. If the intensity of light has changed (i.e., step S12; YES), the determination device 14 proceeds to step S13. If the intensity of light has not changed (i.e., step S12; NO), the determination device 14 returns to step S11.
[0071] (Step S13) Next, the determination device 14 determines whether the industrial oil composition 12 has deteriorated. This determination also includes determining the type of deterioration. This determination may be referred to as the second determination. Specifically, the second determination determines whether the composition is in the first state or the second state. The second determination is performed at least at a second time point after the first time point in time when the first determination was made. The interval between the first time point and the second time point is arbitrary.
[0072] Here, steps S12 and S13 are steps to determine the state of the industrial oil composition 12 based on the result of comparing the light intensity obtained in step S11 with a preset threshold. In the following description, this step may be referred to as the determination step or determination step.
[0073] (Step S14) Furthermore, the determination device 14 outputs based on the result determined in the determination process. Here, as an example of output, notification of an oil change alarm is sometimes given. An oil change alarm is a notification prompting the replacement of the industrial oil composition 12 when the result of the second determination in the determination process is determined to be deteriorated (for example, in the second state). In this case, the output unit 144 notifies the oil change alarm. In the following description, the process of outputting the result determined in the determination process may be referred to as the output process or output step.
[0074] As another example, in the output process in step S14, different outputs may be performed depending on the type and degree of degradation. Also, the timing of the output and the output destination may be different depending on the type and degree of degradation.
[0075] [Internal Configuration] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the determination device according to this embodiment. The computer shown in the figure shows an example of a specific hardware configuration for realizing the information processing device 10. The computer is composed of a central processing unit (processor) 901, RAM 902, input / output ports 903, input / output devices 904 and 905, etc., and a bus 906. The computer itself can be realized using existing technology. The central processing unit 901 executes instructions contained in programs read from RAM 902, etc. The central processing unit 901 writes data to RAM 902, reads data from RAM 902, and performs arithmetic and logical operations according to each instruction. RAM 902 stores data and programs. Each element contained in RAM 902 has an address and can be accessed using that address. RAM is an abbreviation for "Random Access Memory". Input / output ports 903 are ports for the central processing unit 901 to exchange data with external input / output devices, etc. Input / output devices 904 and 905 are input / output devices. Input / output devices 904 and 905 exchange data with the central processing unit 901 via input / output ports 903. Bus 906 is a common communication channel used within the computer. For example, the central processing unit 901 reads and writes data to RAM 902 via bus 906. Also, for example, the central processing unit 901 accesses input / output ports via bus 906. Furthermore, all or part of the determination device 14 may be implemented using hardware such as ASIC, PLD, or FPGA. Furthermore, all or part of each functional unit may be implemented by a combination of software and hardware.
[0076] The interface between the detection unit 13 and the determination device 14, and the interface between the determination device 14 and the terminal device 15, may use, for example, an open information and communication network such as the Internet, or a closed information and communication network within a predetermined range such as an intranet. Alternatively, short-range wireless communication using standards such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) may be used. Furthermore, the interface between the detection unit 13 and the determination device 14, and the interface between the determination device 14 and the terminal device 15, may use wired communication using standards such as USB (Universal Serial Bus).
[0077] [Summary of Embodiments] According to the embodiments described above, the determination device 14 comprises an acquisition unit 141, a determination unit 143, and an output unit 144. The acquisition unit 141 acquires the intensity of light having a first range of wavelengths (for example, light having a red component), the intensity of light having a second range of wavelengths (for example, light having a green component), and the intensity of light having a third range of wavelengths (for example, light having a blue component) from the light irradiated from the light source 11 and transmitted through the industrial oil composition 12. The determination unit 143 determines the state of the industrial oil composition 12 based on the result of comparing the intensity of the light acquired by the acquisition unit 141 with a preset threshold. The output unit 144 outputs the result determined by the determination unit 143. The determination unit 143 determines that the industrial oil composition is in a first state (e.g., water contamination or sludge) if the intensity of light having a first range of wavelengths, the intensity of light having a second range of wavelengths, and the intensity of light having a third range of wavelengths are all below a threshold. Furthermore, the determination unit 143 determines that the industrial oil composition 12 is in a second state (e.g., oxidative degradation) if the intensity of light having a first range of wavelengths is greater than a threshold, and one or both of the intensity of light having a second range of wavelengths and the intensity of light having a third range of wavelengths are below a threshold.
[0078] According to this embodiment, it is not necessary to periodically sample the industrial oil composition 12 and send it to an analytical laboratory, and the deterioration of the industrial oil composition can be easily determined with less time and cost. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, by adopting the above-described configuration, if the industrial oil composition 12 deteriorates, the type of deterioration can be distinguished and determined.
[0079] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the threshold for determining the first state and the threshold for determining the second state are different from each other. By making the thresholds different according to the state of deterioration, according to this embodiment, when the industrial oil composition 12 deteriorates, the type of deterioration can be distinguished and easily determined.
[0080] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the determination unit 143 employs different thresholds depending on the type of antioxidant contained in the industrial oil composition 12. Specifically, the determination unit 143 uses different thresholds for the case where the industrial oil composition 12 contains a first antioxidant and the case where it contains a second antioxidant to make a determination. By adopting such a configuration, even if different changes occur depending on the type of antioxidant contained, the determination device 14 can distinguish and determine the type of deterioration.
[0081] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the determination unit 143 makes a first determination at a first time point in time based on the intensity of light having a first range of wavelengths, the intensity of light having a second range of wavelengths, and the intensity of light having a third range of wavelengths to determine that the industrial oil composition has changed for some reason. After a predetermined time has elapsed, it makes a second determination to determine whether it is in the first state or the second state. By adopting this configuration, according to this embodiment, after detecting some kind of abnormality, it is possible to make a notification such as an oil change alarm as needed.
[0082] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and design modifications and the like are also included within the scope of the gist of the present invention.
[0083] Alternatively, computer programs for realizing the functions of each of the above-mentioned devices may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the programs recorded on this recording medium may be loaded into a computer system and executed. The term "computer system" here may include hardware such as an operating system and peripheral devices. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording medium" refers to writable non-volatile memory such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, and flash memory, portable media such as DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), and storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system.
[0084] Furthermore, "computer-readable recording media" includes volatile memory (e.g., DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)) within a computer system that acts as a server or client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line, which retains the program for a certain period of time. In addition, the above program may be transmitted from the computer system that stores the program in a storage device, etc., to another computer system via a transmission medium or by transmission waves within the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" for transmitting the program refers to a medium that has the function of transmitting information, such as a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. Furthermore, the above program may be for the purpose of realizing a part of the above-mentioned functions. Moreover, it may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can realize the above-mentioned functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system.
[0085] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. The present invention is not limited by the foregoing description, but only by the scope of the appended claims.
[0086] 1... Judgment system 11... Light source 12... Industrial oil composition 13... Detection unit 14... Judgment device 15... Terminal device 141... Acquisition unit 142... Storage unit 143... Judgment unit 144... Output unit
Claims
1. A determination device comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires the intensity of light having a first range of wavelengths, the intensity of light having a second range of wavelengths, and the intensity of light having a third range of wavelengths from light irradiated from a light source and transmitted through an industrial oil composition; a determination unit that determines the state of the industrial oil composition based on the result of comparing the intensity of light acquired by the acquisition unit with a preset threshold; and an output unit that outputs the result determined by the determination unit, wherein the determination unit determines that the industrial oil composition is in a first state, meaning that foreign matter is mixed in, when the intensity of light having a first range of wavelengths, the intensity of light having a second range of wavelengths, and the intensity of light having a third range of wavelengths are all less than the threshold; and determines that the industrial oil composition is in a second state, meaning that it has changed due to oxidation, when the intensity of light having a first range of wavelengths is greater than the threshold, and one or both of the intensity of light having a second range of wavelengths and the intensity of light having a third range of wavelengths are less than the threshold.
2. The determination device according to claim 1, wherein the threshold for determining the first state and the threshold for determining the second state are different from each other.
3. The determination device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the determination unit makes a determination using different threshold values depending on whether the industrial oil composition contains a first antioxidant or a second antioxidant.
4. The determination device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the determination unit makes a first determination at a first time point in time, based on the intensity of light having a wavelength in the first range, the intensity of light having a wavelength in the second range, and the intensity of light having a wavelength in the third range, that the industrial oil composition has changed for some reason, and then, after a predetermined time has elapsed, makes a second determination to determine whether it is in the first state or the second state.
5. The determination device according to claim 4, wherein the output unit notifies an oil change alarm prompting the replacement of the industrial oil composition when it is determined that the second state is being met as a result of the second determination by the determination unit.
6. The determination device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the wavelength of the first range is 590 to 720 nm, the wavelength of the second range is 480 to 600 nm, and the wavelength of the third range is 400 to 540 nm.
7. The determination device according to claim 3, wherein the first antioxidant is a phenol compound and the second antioxidant is an amine compound.
8. A determination system comprising: a light source; a first detection unit for detecting the intensity of light having a wavelength in a first range from the light irradiated from the light source and transmitted through an industrial oil composition; a second detection unit for detecting the intensity of light having a wavelength in a second range from the light irradiated from the light source and transmitted through an industrial oil composition; a third detection unit for detecting the intensity of light having a wavelength in a third range from the light irradiated from the light source and transmitted through an industrial oil composition; and a determination device according to claim 1 or 2, which acquires the intensity of light from the first detection unit, the second detection unit, and the third detection unit, and determines the state of the industrial oil composition based on the acquired information.
9. A determination method for determining the state of an industrial oil composition using a computer, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring the intensity of light having a first range of wavelengths, the intensity of light having a second range of wavelengths, and the intensity of light having a third range of wavelengths from light irradiated from a light source and transmitted through the industrial oil composition; a determination step of determining the state of the industrial oil composition based on the result of comparing the intensity of light acquired in the acquisition step with a preset threshold; and an output step of outputting the result determined in the determination step, wherein the determination step determines that the industrial oil composition is in a first state, meaning that foreign matter is mixed in, when the intensity of light having a first range of wavelengths, the intensity of light having a second range of wavelengths, and the intensity of light having a third range of wavelengths are all less than the threshold; and determines that the industrial oil composition is in a second state, meaning that it has changed due to oxidation, when the intensity of light having a first range of wavelengths is greater than the threshold, and one or both of the intensity of light having a second range of wavelengths and the intensity of light having a third range of wavelengths are less than the threshold.