Bearing management system

Abstract

The present invention appropriately replenishes a bearing with a lubricant. This bearing management system comprises a wireless tag provided in the vicinity of a bearing, and a data acquisition device that acquires data from the wireless tag, wherein the wireless tag includes: a first storage unit that stores identification information; a temperature sensor that detects a temperature in the vicinity of the bearing and outputs temperature data corresponding to the temperature; and a communication unit that transmits the temperature data output by the temperature sensor and the identification information. The bearing management system comprises a calculation unit that calculates, on the basis of the temperature data acquired by the data acquisition device, a supply time interval for supplying a lubricant to the bearing, and supplies the lubricant to the bearing according to the supply time interval calculated by the calculation unit.

Description

Bearing Management System

[0001] This invention relates to a bearing management system.

[0002] By filling bearings with lubricants such as grease, smooth operation of the bearings can be achieved. Conventionally, techniques for managing the timing of supplying lubricants to bearings are known. For example, in Patent Document 1, the timing and amount of lubricant supply are input into an IC tag and managed.

[0003] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-047879

[0004] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 has room for improvement in terms of properly replenishing lubricant in bearings. This disclosure has been made in view of the above, and its purpose is to provide a bearing management system that can properly replenish lubricant in bearings.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objectives, a bearing management system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a wireless tag provided near a bearing and a data acquisition device that acquires data from the wireless tag, wherein the wireless tag has a first storage unit for storing identification information, a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature near the bearing and outputting temperature data corresponding to the temperature, and a communication unit for transmitting the temperature data output by the temperature sensor and the identification information, and the data acquisition device acquires a calculation unit that calculates a supply time interval for supplying lubricant to the bearing based on the temperature data, and the bearing management system supplies the lubricant to the bearing according to the supply time interval calculated by the calculation unit.

[0006] Furthermore, it is preferable that the calculation unit calculates the supply time interval based on equation (1). However, in equation (1), t is the supply time interval (h), and n is the bearing rotation speed per minute (min ―１ ), N ｍａｘ This is the allowable rotational speed of grease lubrication per minute (min ―１ ), T is the operating temperature of the bearing (°C).

[0007] Preferably, the system further includes a second storage unit for storing the supply time interval calculated by the calculation unit, and a display unit for displaying the supply time interval stored in the second storage unit.

[0008] The system may include multiple data acquisition devices, and the wireless tags may be provided near each of the multiple bearings.

[0009] The vicinity of the bearing is the end face of the shaft member supported by the bearing, and the temperature sensor may be configured to detect the temperature of the end face of the bearing.

[0010] The wireless tag may be provided on the end face of the shaft member supported by each of the multiple bearings.

[0011] According to this disclosure, by calculating the interval for replenishing lubricant to the bearing based on temperature data obtained from a wireless tag installed near the bearing, it is possible to appropriately replenish lubricant to the bearing.

[0012] Figure 1 shows a bearing management system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 shows an example of a unit managed by the bearing management system. Figure 3 is a front view showing an example of a mechanical part in Figure 2. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a mechanical part along the line III-III shown in Figure 3. Figure 5 shows an example of the appearance of a wireless tag. Figure 6 shows an example of managing multiple mechanical devices. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of operation of the bearing management system according to the first embodiment. Figure 8 shows an example of a maintenance schedule including information acquired by a tag reader device from a wireless tag. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the temperature of each bearing. Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing the temperature of one bearing. Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing the temperature of one bearing. Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing the temperature of one bearing. Figure 13 shows a bearing management system according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of operation of the bearing management system according to the second embodiment. Figure 15 is a front view showing another example of a mechanical part in Figure 2. Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of a mechanical part along the line III-III shown in Figure 15.

[0013] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the following descriptions of each embodiment, the same or equivalent components as those in other embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be simplified or omitted. The present invention is not limited by each embodiment. Furthermore, the components of each embodiment include those that are easily substituted or substantially identical to those that a person skilled in the art can substitute. The configurations described below can be combined as appropriate. Configurations can be omitted, substituted, or modified without departing from the spirit of the invention. In addition, in the second embodiment and subsequent embodiments, descriptions of matters common to the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate, and the differences will be described mainly. In particular, similar effects and advantages due to similar configurations will not be mentioned sequentially for each embodiment.

[0014] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 is a diagram showing a bearing management system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. In Figure 1, the bearing management system 100 includes a wireless tag 10, a tag reader device 20, and a management terminal device 30. The wireless tag 10 is provided to the area to be managed by the bearing management system 100. The tag reader device 20 can acquire data from the wireless tag 10. The tag reader device 20 can also write data to the wireless tag 10. The tag reader device 20 corresponds to the data acquisition device of the present disclosure.

[0015] (Wireless Tag) The wireless tag 10 comprises an antenna 11, a temperature sensor 12, a control unit 13, and a power supply unit 14. The control unit 13 has a communication unit 131 and a storage unit 132. The wireless tag 10 is, for example, an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag.

[0016] Antenna 11 is a transmitting and receiving antenna. That is, antenna 11 has the function of both a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna.

[0017] The temperature sensor 12 detects temperature. Specifically, the temperature sensor 12 detects the temperature of the managed object on which the wireless tag 10 is located. The temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 is stored as temperature data in the storage unit 132 of the control unit 13. In other words, the temperature sensor 12 outputs temperature data corresponding to the temperature.

[0018] The communication unit 131 can receive data wirelessly via the antenna 11. The communication unit 131 can transmit data wirelessly via the antenna 11.

[0019] The storage unit 132 stores identification information 1320 for identifying the wireless tag 10 itself. The storage unit 132 also stores the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 as temperature data. The data stored in the storage unit 132 can be read out. The storage unit 132 corresponds to the first storage unit of this disclosure.

[0020] The power supply unit 14 supplies power to each part of the wireless tag 10. The power supply unit 14 is, for example, a primary battery. Because power is supplied from the power supply unit 14, the wireless tag 10 can detect temperature using the temperature sensor 12 and store the temperature data in the storage unit 132.

[0021] When a data read signal is transmitted from the tag reader device 20, the wireless tag 10 reads the data stored in the storage unit 132 and transmits it to the tag reader device 20. At this time, the communication unit 131 of the wireless tag 10 transmits the temperature data and identification information in association to the tag reader device 20.

[0022] (Tag reader device) The tag reader device 20 includes an antenna 21, a control unit 22, and a power supply unit 23.

[0023] Antenna 21 is a transmitting and receiving antenna. That is, antenna 21 has the function of both a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna.

[0024] The control unit 22 includes a communication unit 221, a storage unit 222, a reading unit 223, and a writing unit 224. The communication unit 221 can transmit and receive data to and from the wireless tag 10 wirelessly via the antenna 21. The communication unit 221 can also transmit and receive data to and from the management terminal device 30 via the network NW. The tag reader device 20 can transmit temperature data from the temperature sensor 12 of the wireless tag 10 to the management terminal device 30.

[0025] The storage unit 222 stores the data acquired by the communication unit 221. The storage unit 222 stores the temperature data and identification information acquired by the communication unit 221 in association with each other. The storage unit 222 also stores various data necessary for the operation of the tag reader device 20.

[0026] The reading unit 223 can receive data transmitted from the wireless tag 10 using the antenna 21 and the communication unit 221, and can read the data stored in the wireless tag 10. As a result, the tag reader device 20 can acquire data from the wireless tag 10.

[0027] The reading unit 223 can communicate wirelessly with multiple wireless tags 10 simultaneously and acquire temperature data from multiple wireless tags 10 at the same time. At this time, the temperature data is acquired with identification information associated with it. Therefore, the tag reader device 20 can acquire temperature data from each temperature sensor of multiple wireless tags 10 in a relatively short time. Thus, the temperature status of multiple bearings can be acquired efficiently. The tag reader device 20 transmits the temperature data from the multiple temperature sensors to the management terminal device 30.

[0028] The writing unit 224 can transmit data to the wireless tag 10 using the antenna 21 and the communication unit 221. This allows the tag reader device 20 to write data to the wireless tag 10.

[0029] The power supply unit 23 supplies power to each part of the tag reader device 20. The power supply unit 23 is, for example, a primary battery.

[0030] (Management terminal device) The management terminal device 30 comprises a communication unit 31, a storage unit 32, a control unit 33, a power supply unit 34, and a display unit 35. The communication unit 31 can transmit and receive data to and from the tag reader device 20 via a network NW. The management terminal device 30 may be located near the tag reader device 20 or in a remote location.

[0031] The storage unit 32 stores data acquired by the tag reader device 20 from the wireless tag 10. The storage unit 32 also stores the maintenance table 320, which will be described later. The storage unit 32 corresponds to the second storage unit of this disclosure. The control unit 33 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an input interface, and an output interface (not shown). The CPU, ROM, and RAM (not shown) are connected by an internal bus. The ROM stores programs such as the BIOS. The CPU realizes various functions by executing programs stored in the ROM or the storage unit 32 while using the RAM as a work area. The control unit 33 can perform editing such as classification and sorting of the data stored in the storage unit 32. The power supply unit 34 supplies power to each part of the management terminal device 30. The display unit 35 displays data stored in the storage unit 32. For example, the display unit 35 displays the contents of the maintenance schedule 320.

[0032] (Example of managed object) Figure 2 shows an example of a managed object by the bearing management system. Figure 2 shows the case where the bearings of the machine device 200 are to be managed.

[0033] In Figure 2, the machine 200 is, for example, a roller conveyor that transports industrial products (not shown) along the transport direction. The machine 200 comprises a pair of support bases 70 and a plurality of roller devices 60. In this embodiment, the number of roller devices 60 is 10, but is not limited to this number.

[0034] The pair of support bases 70 support multiple roller devices. The pair of support bases 70 are rectangular parallelepipeds that extend along the direction of arrow Y1, which is the direction of conveying industrial products.

[0035] The roller device 60 comprises a roller member 50 and a pair of mechanical parts 40.

[0036] The roller device 60 comprises a shaft member 41 and a roller member 50. The shaft member is cylindrical in shape and extends along the central axis.

[0037] The roller member 50 has a cylindrical shape disposed on the peripheral side surface of the shaft member 41, and rotates integrally with the shaft member 41. Both end portions of the shaft member 41 are exposed from the roller member 50.

[0038] The pair of mechanical components 40 support the roller member 50 in a relatively rotatable manner. Specifically, the pair of mechanical components 40 support both end portions of the shaft member in a relatively rotatable manner. The mechanical component 40 is, for example, a plummer block.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 2, the tag reader device 20 is provided near the mechanical device 200. The tag reader device 20 is provided at a position where signals can be transmitted and received to and from the wireless tag 10. For example, the tag reader device 20 is fixed to a ceiling, a wall surface, a pillar, or the like of a room where the mechanical device 200 is installed. Further, the tag reader device 20 may be movable without being fixed. That is, the tag reader device 20 may acquire temperature data and the like from the wireless tag 10 while moving in the vicinity of the mechanical device 200. In this case, an operator may move the tag reader device 20 by hand, or the tag reader device 20 may be moved by a robot or the like.

[0040] FIG. 3 is a front view showing an example of the mechanical component 40 in FIG. 2. In FIG. 3, the Z direction shown in the drawing is defined as the vertical direction of the mechanical component 40, the X direction is defined as the left-right direction of the mechanical component 40, and the Y direction is defined as the front-rear direction of the mechanical component 40. The X direction, Y direction, and Z direction are orthogonal to each other. Note that the directions of X, Y, and Z are merely examples, and the present disclosure is not limited to these directions. In FIG. 3, illustration of the roller member 50 is omitted.

[0041] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the mechanical component 40 taken along line III-III shown in FIG. 3. The mechanical component 40 includes a housing 401, a bearing 42, and the wireless tag 10.

[0042] In FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the housing 401 integrally includes a main body portion 40a and a flange portion 40b. The main body portion 40a has a first through hole 40a1 through which the shaft member 41 penetrates. The shaft member 41 is supported by the bearing 42.

[0043] The flange portion 40b is located on both sides of the main body portion 40a in the X direction. The flange portion 40b has a second through hole 40b1 through which a bolt for attaching the machine part 40 to the support base 70 (see Figure 2) passes.

[0044] Furthermore, the lower surface of the housing 401 (the -Z side) corresponds to the mounting surface F1 that contacts the support base 70 (see Figure 2). The mounting surface F1 is flat. The mounting surface F1 is perpendicular to the Z direction. When the mechanical component 40 is mounted on the support base 70, the Z direction is approximately parallel to the direction of gravity. Therefore, when the mechanical component 40 is mounted on the support base 70, the mounting surface F1 is approximately perpendicular to the direction of gravity and faces downward in the direction of gravity.

[0045] The bearing 42 is positioned in the housing 401 and rotatably supports the shaft member 41 relative to the housing 401. The axis Ax of the bearing 42 extends along the Y direction. That is, the axis Ax of the bearing 42 is substantially perpendicular to the direction of gravity when the housing 401 is mounted on the support base 70. In this disclosure, the inclination of the axis Ax with respect to the direction of gravity includes the axis Ax being perpendicular to the direction of gravity. The axis Ax of the bearing 42 is substantially parallel to the central axis of the shaft member 41.

[0046] The bearing 42 is a ball bearing. However, the bearing 42 may also be a roller bearing. The bearing 42 is positioned in the first through hole 40a1. The bearing 42 comprises an outer ring 42a, an inner ring 42b, and a plurality of balls 42c.

[0047] The outer ring 42a fits into an annular groove 40a2 on the inner circumferential surface of the first through hole 40a1. The outer ring 42a is fixed to the housing 401. The inner ring 42b is located inside the outer ring 42a. The inner circumferential surface of the inner ring 42b is in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the shaft member 41. The shaft member 41 is rotatably fixed to the inner ring 42b. Multiple balls 42c are arranged between the outer ring 42a and the inner ring 42b.

[0048] When the shaft member 41 rotates relative to the housing 401, the inner ring 42b rotates relative to the outer ring 42a. At this time, the multiple balls 42c roll relative to the outer ring 42a and the inner ring 42b.

[0049] The wireless tag 10 is positioned on the outer surface of the housing 401 and detects the temperature of the housing 401. The wireless tag 10 is positioned on the front surface F2 (+Y side surface) of the outer surface of the housing 401. The wireless tag 10 is located near the bearing 42. When the housing 401 is viewed along the axial direction of the bearing 42 with the housing 401 attached to the support base 70, the wireless tag 10 is positioned below the axis Ax of the bearing 42 in the direction of gravity. The axial direction of the bearing 42 is the direction in which the axis Ax extends.

[0050] As described above, with the housing 401 attached to the support base 70, the mounting surface F1 of the housing 401 is approximately perpendicular to the direction of gravity and faces downward in the direction of gravity. Therefore, as shown in Figure 3, the wireless tag 10 is located in the placement area R1 on the front surface F2 of the housing 401, on the side -Z from the axis Ax of the bearing 42. In Figure 3, the placement area R1 corresponds to the area on the front surface F2 of the housing 401 where the range H1 between the mounting surface F1 and a virtual line L passing through the axis Ax of the bearing 42 and parallel to the X direction overlaps with the range H2 of the bearing 42 in the X direction. In this embodiment, the wireless tag 10 is located in a sub-region R2 of the placement area R1 that is on the side -Z from the outer circumferential surface of the bearing 42 in the Z direction.

[0051] Furthermore, when the housing 401 is viewed along the axial direction of the bearing 42 while it is attached to the support base 70, at least the temperature sensor 12 of the wireless tag 10, which will be described later, should overlap with the placement area R1 (or partial area R2).

[0052] Figure 5 shows an example of the appearance of the wireless tag 10. Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the wireless tag 10 shown in Figures 3 and 4. The wireless tag 10 can be attached to an object whose temperature is to be detected by an adhesive member (not shown). The adhesive member is, for example, double-sided tape or adhesive tape.

[0053] The wireless tag 10 has a main body 140 and through holes 141 and 142 provided at both ends thereof. The main body 140 is provided with the parts shown in Figure 1. The temperature sensor 12 is integrally formed with the main body 140. In this example, the wireless tag 10 is attached to the housing 401 such that the surface 145a of the main body is far from the housing 401 and the back surface 145b of the main body is close to the housing 401. In the main body 140, the temperature sensor 12 is provided on the back surface 145b side of the wireless tag 10. The wireless tag 10 has a hole 10b in which the temperature sensor 12 is located on the inside. As a result, the temperature sensor 12 faces the outer surface of the housing 401 with a space between them. In addition, the hole 10b makes it possible to reduce the space between the temperature sensor 12 and the outer surface of the housing 401. Therefore, the temperature sensor 12 can accurately detect the temperature of the housing 401.

[0054] The temperature sensor 12 detects the temperature of the housing 401. The temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 is the temperature data detected by the wireless tag 10. Since the wireless tag 10 is located near the bearing 42, this temperature data changes in proportion to the temperature of the bearing 42. This temperature data can be considered to be the temperature of the bearing 42. The end face of the shaft member 41 supported by the bearing 42 can also be considered to be in the vicinity of the bearing 42. The configuration in which the wireless tag 10 is provided on the end face of the shaft member 41 will be described later.

[0055] Here, by providing screw holes in the housing 401, which is the object to which the wireless tag 10 is attached, the wireless tag 10 can also be screwed to the housing 401 using the through holes 141 and 142. For example, screw holes can be provided on the front surface F2 of the housing 401. By fixing the wireless tag 10 to the housing 401 with screws, the temperature of the bearing 42 can be detected through the housing 401.

[0056] Furthermore, the four corners of the wireless tag 10 shown in Figure 5 are provided with protrusions 143a, 143b, 144a, and 144b. The protrusions 143a, 143b, 144a, and 144b protrude in the Z-axis direction. The main body 140 also protrudes in the Z-axis direction. Therefore, there is a recess 143 between the main body 140 and the protrusions 143a and 143b. There is also a recess 144 between the main body 140 and the protrusions 144a and 144b. The wireless tag 10 can be fixed to an object by wrapping a fastener (not shown), such as a cable tie, around the shaft member 41 and the recess 143, and then wrapping it around the object to be attached and the recess 144. By fixing the wireless tag 10 to an object, the temperature of the object can be detected. Alternatively, the wireless tag 10 may be fixed to the object using double-sided tape or adhesive tape along with the fastener.

[0057] In the state shown in Figure 5, where the wireless tag 10 is positioned on the main body portion 40a of the housing 401, the temperature sensor 12 faces the outer surface (front surface F2) of the housing 401. There is a space between the temperature sensor 12 and the outer surface of the housing 401 (see Figure 4). This suppresses the transmission of vibrations from the mechanical parts 40 to the temperature sensor 12, thereby preventing damage to the temperature sensor 12.

[0058] In the example shown in Figure 2, one tag reader device 20 is provided for one mechanical device 200. The mechanical device 200 has 10 roller members 50, and a wireless tag 10 is attached to each of the 20 mechanical parts 40 located at both ends of each roller member 50. That is, a wireless tag 10 is attached near each bearing 42. In this example, all the wireless tags 10 of the 20 mechanical parts 40 are located within the communication range of the tag reader device 20. Therefore, the tag reader device 20 can acquire identification information and temperature data from each of the 20 wireless tags 10 located on the 20 mechanical parts 40.

[0059] Alternatively, a wireless tag 10 may be provided on one end of the roller member 50, while the other end of the mechanical component 40 is not. Furthermore, wireless tags 10 may be provided on only some of the multiple mechanical components 40 installed in the mechanical device 200, and these may be the components subject to management.

[0060] Figure 6 shows an example of managing multiple mechanical devices 200. In the example shown in Figure 6, three mechanical devices 200a, 200b, and 200c are managed. In the example shown in Figure 6, two tag reader devices 20a and 20b are provided for the three mechanical devices 200a, 200b, and 200c. The two tag reader devices 20a and 20b are fixed, for example, to the ceiling, wall, column, etc., of the room where the mechanical devices 200a, 200b, and 200c are installed.

[0061] Here, the communication range 120a of the tag reader device 20a includes all the mechanical parts 40 included in the mechanical device 200a and some of the mechanical parts 40 included in the mechanical device 200b. On the other hand, the communication range 120b of the tag reader device 20b includes all the mechanical parts 40 included in the mechanical device 200c and some of the mechanical parts 40 included in the mechanical device 200b. By arranging each part so that all the mechanical parts 40 are located within the combined communication range 120a and communication range 120b, the tag reader devices 20a and 20b, fixed to the ceiling, wall, column, etc., can acquire identification information and temperature data from each wireless tag 10, respectively.

[0062] Returning to Figure 1, the identification information and temperature data acquired from each wireless tag 10 are stored in the storage unit 222 and then sent to the management terminal device 30 via the network NW. The management terminal device 30 stores the identification information and temperature data in the storage unit 32. The control unit 33 can perform editing such as classification and sorting of the data stored in the storage unit 32.

[0063] Temperature detection by the temperature sensor 12 of each wireless tag 10 is performed, for example, at predetermined intervals. For example, temperature detection by the temperature sensor 12 is performed once a day at a predetermined time. Alternatively, it may be performed at predetermined intervals. For example, temperature detection by the temperature sensor 12 may be performed every hour, every 30 minutes, every minute, or every 30 seconds.

[0064] Identification information and temperature data may be transmitted to the tag reader device 20 each time the wireless tag 10 detects temperature, or they may be transmitted to the tag reader device 20 all at once when the amount of data stored in the storage unit 132 of the wireless tag 10 reaches a predetermined amount. In the former case, management processing can be performed more quickly. In the latter case, transmitting in batches can reduce the consumption of the power supply unit 14.

[0065] (Grease replenishment interval) The grease replenishment interval can be calculated based on formula (1). In equation (1), t is the average grease life (h), which is the time interval between grease supply. Also, in equation (1), n ​​is the bearing rotational speed per minute (min ―１ ), N ｍａｘ This is the allowable rotational speed of grease lubrication per minute (min ―１ ), T is the operating temperature of the bearing (°C). The operating temperature T of the bearing is obtained by a wireless tag 10 installed near the bearing. The left side of equation (1) is the common logarithm of time t. log t can be converted to a real value, for example, based on a common logarithm table. Note that the value of the bearing rotational speed n and the allowable rotational speed N ｍａｘ The value is predetermined based on the bearing 42 used in this system and stored in the memory unit 32 or the like.

[0066] (Example of operation) Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of operation of the bearing management system 100 according to the first embodiment. Figure 7 shows the operation of the wireless tag 10, tag reader device 20, and management terminal device 30 of the bearing management system 100.

[0067] In Figure 7, steps S101 to S106 show an example of the operation of the wireless tag 10, steps S201 to S204 show an example of the operation of the tag reader device 20, and steps S301 to S306 show an example of the operation of the management terminal device 30.

[0068] In Figure 7, the wireless tag 10 acquires temperature data from the temperature sensor 12 in advance (step S101) and stores it in the storage unit 132 (step S102).

[0069] Subsequently, when a data read signal is transmitted from the tag reader device 20 to the wireless tag 10 (step S201), the wireless tag 10 receives the read signal (step S103). The wireless tag 10 then acquires temperature data from the temperature sensor 12 (step S104) and reads the identification information stored in the storage unit 132 (step S105). The wireless tag 10 transmits the temperature data along with the identification information (step S106), and the tag reader device 20 receives it (step S202).

[0070] The tag reader device 20 stores the received temperature data and identification information in the storage unit 222 (step S203). Subsequently, the tag reader device 20 transmits the temperature data and identification information (step S204), and the management terminal device 30 receives it (step S301). The management terminal device 30 stores the received temperature data and identification information in the storage unit 32 (step S302). Through the above process, the management terminal device 30 can acquire the temperature data and identification information and perform editing such as classification and sorting of the data in the maintenance table 320 stored in the storage unit 32. The management terminal device 30 can manage the managed objects by utilizing the data stored in the storage unit 32.

[0071] The management terminal device 30 acquires data necessary for calculating the grease replenishment interval (step S303). Based on the acquired data, the management terminal device 30 calculates the grease replenishment interval (step S304). The management terminal device 30 calculates the grease replenishment interval based on formula (1). The process in step S304 corresponds to the calculation unit of this disclosure. The management terminal device 30 stores the grease replenishment interval, which is the calculation result (step S305). The management terminal device 30 stores the grease replenishment interval in, for example, a maintenance table 320. The management terminal device 30 displays the contents of the maintenance table 320 (step S306). By displaying the contents of the maintenance table 320, the grease replenishment interval can be notified to the manager or maintenance inspector. By confirming the displayed contents, the manager or maintenance inspector can supply lubricant, i.e., grease, to the bearing according to the supply time interval calculated by the calculation unit.

[0072] (Example of temperature data) Figure 8 shows an example of a maintenance table 320 that includes the information acquired by the tag reader device 20 from the wireless tag 10. Figure 8 shows an example of a maintenance table 320 that includes data transmitted from the tag reader device 20 to the management terminal device 30 and stored in the storage unit 32. Note that the contents in Figure 8 are not values ​​obtained by actual measurement, but are contents for the purpose of explaining this disclosure.

[0073] As shown in Figure 8, the RFID identification information "xxxxxxxxx10xxxxxxxxx20xx11", "xxxxxxxxx10xxxxxxxxx20xx12", etc. is stored in the storage unit 32 as a maintenance table 320 to which other data is associated. In the maintenance table 320 in this example, the RFID identification information is associated with items such as the device name, unit name, such as "XXX Manufacturing Equipment 1", measurement date and time, such as "October 11, 2025, 18:18", measurement temperature, such as "34.50℃", measurement terminal identification information, history, maintenance date, such as "November 13, 2025", maintenance details, grease replenishment interval, and warnings.

[0074] The device name is the name of the device that includes the bearing 42 (see Figure 3) that is being managed. The unit name is information that identifies the shaft members as described with reference to Figures 2 and 6. For example, "shaft 1-1", "shaft 1-2", "shaft 1-3", "shaft 1-4", "shaft 2-1", "shaft 2-2", "shaft 3-1", "shaft 3-2", "shaft 3-3", and "shaft 3-4".

[0075] The "measured temperature" shown in the maintenance table 320 is the temperature obtained from the wireless tag 10. When displaying the maintenance table 320 on the screen of the display unit 35 (see Figure 1), some temperatures may be highlighted. For example, temperatures exceeding a preset threshold may be highlighted. In this example, temperatures that are 70°C or higher (first threshold) and less than 80°C (second threshold), and temperatures that are 80°C or higher (second threshold), are highlighted.

[0076] In the maintenance schedule 320, "measurement terminal" is information used to identify the tag reader device 20. For example, when acquiring temperature data while moving the tag reader device 20, it is possible to confirm which tag reader device acquired the temperature data, i.e., the device that transmitted the temperature data.

[0077] In Maintenance Sheet 320, the "History" section is labeled "Display." This "Display" section contains a link. By selecting the "Display" section on the screen using a pointing device such as a mouse, you will be redirected to the linked page, where its contents will be displayed. Administrators and maintenance personnel can then view the maintenance history and other information by displaying this content.

[0078] In Maintenance Sheet 320, "Maintenance Date" indicates the date the maintenance was performed. In Maintenance Sheet 320, "Maintenance Details" indicates the details of the maintenance performed. "Grease Refill" indicates that grease, a lubricant, was refilled. "Checklist" indicates that the item was added to the checklist because it requires attention.

[0079] In Maintenance Table 320, "Grease Replenishment Interval (h)" indicates the time interval for replenishing the lubricant grease. For example, if "Grease Replenishment Interval (h)" is "20000", it indicates that the time from the time grease was replenished to the time when grease should be replenished again is 20,000 hours. In Maintenance Table 320, "Grease Replenishment Interval (h)" corresponds to the supply time interval in this disclosure.

[0080] The "Warning" section in Maintenance Table 320 indicates the level of the warning in three stages. For example, "Blue" indicates normal, "Yellow" indicates caution, and "Red" indicates abnormal. For example, if the measured temperature is below the first threshold of 70°C, the "Warning" is "Blue," indicating normal. In this case, the "Grease Refill Interval (h)" is "20000." Also, if the measured temperature is above the first threshold of 70°C and below the second threshold of 80°C, the "Warning" is "Yellow," indicating caution. In this case as well, the "Grease Refill Interval (h)" is "20000." If the measured temperature is above the second threshold of 80°C, the "Warning" is "Red," indicating abnormal. In this case, the "Grease Refill Interval (h)" is "10000." In other words, when the warning is "Red," which indicates abnormality, the grease replenishment interval should be shortened compared to when the warning is "Blue" or "Yellow." By shortening the grease replenishment interval, the condition of the grease can be maintained in good condition. In this way, by managing the grease replenishment interval based on the acquired temperature data, the bearings can be properly lubricated.

[0081] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the temperature of each bearing. The management terminal device 30 can edit the data shown in Figure 8 and display the schematic diagram shown in Figure 9 on the screen of the display unit 35.

[0082] Figures 10 to 12 are schematic diagrams showing the temperature of a single bearing. Figures 10 to 12 show examples of temperature measurement for the bearing of shaft 2-1. However, the contents in Figures 10 to 12 are not values ​​obtained by actual measurements, but rather contents for the purpose of explaining this disclosure. Figure 10 shows the average temperature data for the bearing of shaft 2-1 over a certain period (for example, one day). In the example shown in Figure 10, temperature measurements are not taken on non-working days such as "May 1st," so there is no temperature data for non-working days.

[0083] Figure 11 shows the average temperature data for a certain period (e.g., one day) on axis 2-1. In the example shown in Figure 11, temperature measurements are taken even on non-working days such as "May 1st," so temperature data exists for non-working days as well.

[0084] Figure 12 shows the time-series temperature for axis 2-1. The example shown in Figure 12 involves measurements taken every 30 seconds. The measurement frequency can be increased in this way. The measurement frequency may also be increased for axes included in the checklist.

[0085] (Second Embodiment) Figure 13 shows a bearing management system according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. In Figure 13, the bearing management system 100a according to the second embodiment differs from the bearing management system 100 according to the first embodiment in that it includes a wireless tag 10a that does not have a power supply unit. The wireless tag 10a operates using power based on electromagnetic waves transmitted by the tag reader device 20. That is, when the antenna 11 of the wireless tag 10a receives electromagnetic waves transmitted from the tag reader device 20, a current flows as a result of the received electromagnetic waves. The wireless tag 10a operates using this current as a power source.

[0086] In the bearing management system according to the first embodiment described above, the temperature of each wireless tag 10 is detected by the temperature sensor 12, for example, at a predetermined period, and the data is sequentially stored in the storage unit 132. When a data read signal is transmitted from the tag reader device 20 to the wireless tag 10, the stored temperature data and identification information are transmitted from the wireless tag 10 to the tag reader device 20.

[0087] In contrast, in the bearing management system 100a according to the second embodiment, when a data read signal is transmitted from the tag reader device 20 to the wireless tag 10, the temperature is detected by the temperature sensor 12. That is, the wireless tag 10 operates based on the power generated by the electromagnetic waves of the read signal, and the temperature is detected by the temperature sensor 12. The other operations of the bearing management system 100a are the same as those of the bearing management system 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0088] (Example of operation) Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of operation of the bearing management system 100a according to the second embodiment. Figure 14 shows the operation of the wireless tag 10, tag reader device 20, and management terminal device 30 of the bearing management system 100a.

[0089] In Figure 14, steps S103 to S106 show an example of the operation of the wireless tag 10, steps S201 to S204 show an example of the operation of the tag reader device 20, and steps S301 to S302 show an example of the operation of the management terminal device 30.

[0090] In Figure 14, when a data read signal is transmitted from the tag reader device 20 to the wireless tag 10 (step S201), the wireless tag 10 receives the read signal (step S103). The wireless tag 10 then acquires temperature data from the temperature sensor 12 (step S104) and reads the temperature data and identification information stored in the storage unit 132 (step S105). The wireless tag 10 transmits the temperature data together with the identification information (step S106), and the tag reader device 20 receives it (step S202).

[0091] The subsequent operations are the same as those of the bearing management system 100 described with reference to Figure 7. Specifically, the tag reader device 20 stores the received temperature data and identification information in the storage unit 222 (step S203). Subsequently, the tag reader device 20 transmits the temperature data and identification information (step S204), and the management terminal device 30 receives it (step S301). The management terminal device 30 stores the received temperature data and identification information in the storage unit 32 (step S302).

[0092] The management terminal device 30 acquires data necessary for calculating the grease replenishment interval (step S303), and calculates the grease replenishment interval based on the acquired data (step S304). The management terminal device 30 calculates the grease replenishment interval based on formula (1). The process in step S304 corresponds to the calculation unit of this disclosure. The management terminal device 30 stores the grease replenishment interval, which is the calculation result (step S305). The management terminal device 30 stores the grease replenishment interval in, for example, a maintenance schedule 320. The management terminal device 30 displays the contents of the maintenance schedule 320 (step S306). By displaying the contents of the maintenance schedule 320, the grease replenishment interval can be notified to managers and maintenance inspectors.

[0093] Next, another configuration example for managing the bearings of the mechanical device 200 will be described. Figure 15 is a front view showing another example of the mechanical component 40 in Figure 2. The difference from the configuration in Figure 3 is the mounting position of the wireless tag 10. In this example, the wireless tag 10 is provided on the end face of the shaft member 41 supported by the bearing 42. Figure 15 shows the mechanical component 40 as viewed along the axis Ax of the center of the shaft member 41. In Figure 15, the Z direction shown in the figure is the vertical direction of the mechanical component 40, the X direction is the left-right direction of the mechanical component 40, and the Y direction is the front-back direction of the mechanical component 40. The X, Y, and Z directions are orthogonal to each other. Note that the X, Y, and Z directions are examples, and this disclosure is not limited to these directions. In Figure 15, the roller member 50 is not shown.

[0094] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of the mechanical component 40 along the line III-III shown in Figure 15. The mechanical component 40 comprises a housing 401, a bearing 42, and a wireless tag 10.

[0095] In Figures 15 and 16, the housing 401 integrally comprises a main body portion 40a and a flange portion 40b. The main body portion 40a has a first through-hole 40a1 through which the shaft member 41 passes. The shaft member 41 is supported by a bearing 42.

[0096] The flange portion 40b is located on both sides of the main body portion 40a in the X direction. The flange portion 40b has a second through hole 40b1 through which a bolt for attaching the machine part 40 to the support base 70 (see Figure 2) passes.

[0097] Furthermore, the lower surface (the -Z side) of the housing 401 corresponds to the mounting surface F1 that contacts the support base 70. The mounting surface F1 is flat. The mounting surface F1 is perpendicular to the Z direction. When the mechanical component 40 is mounted on the support base 70, the Z direction is approximately parallel to the direction of gravity. Therefore, when the mechanical component 40 is mounted on the support base 70, the mounting surface F1 is approximately perpendicular to the direction of gravity and faces downward in the direction of gravity.

[0098] The bearing 42 is positioned in the housing 401 and rotatably supports the shaft member 41 relative to the housing 401. The axis Ax of the bearing 42 extends along the Y direction. That is, the axis Ax of the bearing 42 is substantially perpendicular to the direction of gravity when the housing 401 is mounted on the support base 70. In this disclosure, the inclination of the axis Ax with respect to the direction of gravity includes the axis Ax being perpendicular to the direction of gravity. The axis Ax of the bearing 42 is substantially parallel to the central axis of the shaft member 41.

[0099] The bearing 42 is a ball bearing. However, the bearing 42 may also be a roller bearing. The bearing 42 is positioned in the first through hole 40a1. The bearing 42 comprises an outer ring 42a, an inner ring 42b, and a plurality of balls 42c.

[0100] The outer ring 42a fits into an annular groove 40a2 on the inner circumferential surface of the first through hole 40a1. The outer ring 42a is fixed to the housing 401. The inner ring 42b is located inside the outer ring 42a. The inner circumferential surface of the inner ring 42b is in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the shaft member 41. The shaft member 41 is rotatably fixed to the inner ring 42b. Multiple balls 42c are arranged between the outer ring 42a and the inner ring 42b.

[0101] When the shaft member 41 rotates relative to the housing 401, the inner ring 42b rotates relative to the outer ring 42a. At this time, the multiple balls 42c roll relative to the outer ring 42a and the inner ring 42b.

[0102] The wireless tag 10 is placed on the shaft member 41 and detects the temperature of the shaft member 41. The wireless tag 10 is placed on the end face F3 of the shaft member 41.

[0103] Figure 5 shows an example of the appearance of the wireless tag 10. Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the wireless tag 10 shown in Figures 3 and 4. The wireless tag 10 can be attached to an object whose temperature is to be detected by an adhesive member (not shown). The adhesive member is, for example, double-sided tape or adhesive tape.

[0104] The wireless tag 10 has a main body 140 and through holes 141 and 142 provided at both ends thereof. The main body 140 is provided with the parts shown in Figure 1. The temperature sensor 12 is integrally formed with the main body 140. In this example, the wireless tag 10 is attached to the end face F3 of the shaft member 41 such that the surface 145a of the main body is far from the end face F3 of the shaft member 41, and the back surface 145b of the main body is close to the end face F3 of the shaft member 41. In the main body 140, the temperature sensor 12 is provided on the back surface 145b side of the wireless tag 10. When the wireless tag 10 is positioned on the shaft member 41, the temperature sensor 12 faces the end face F3 of the shaft member 41. There is a space between the temperature sensor 12 and the end face F3 of the shaft member 41 (see Figure 4). This suppresses the transmission of vibrations of the shaft member 41 to the temperature sensor 12, thereby suppressing failure of the temperature sensor 12.

[0105] By positioning the wireless tag 10 on the end face F3 of the shaft member 41, the centrifugal force acting on the wireless tag 10 can be reduced compared to when the wireless tag 10 is positioned on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft member 41. Therefore, failure of the wireless tag 10 can be suppressed. Furthermore, if a temperature sensor 12 is provided on the end face F3 of the shaft member 41, and temperature data detected by the temperature sensor 12 is acquired via a wired connection, there is a possibility that the cable will become entangled as the shaft member 41 rotates. In contrast, by acquiring temperature data using the wireless tag 10, there is no possibility of cable entanglement.

[0106] The wireless tag 10 has a hole 10b in which the temperature sensor 12 is located on the inside. As a result, the temperature sensor 12 faces the end face F3 of the shaft member 41 with a space between them. Furthermore, the hole 10b can reduce the space between the temperature sensor 12 and the end face F3 of the shaft member 41. Therefore, the temperature sensor 12 can accurately detect the temperature of the end face F3 of the shaft member 41.

[0107] The temperature sensor 12 detects the temperature of the shaft member 41. The temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 is the temperature data detected by the wireless tag 10. Since the wireless tag 10 is installed on the shaft member 41, which is located near the bearing 42, this temperature data changes in proportion to the temperature of the bearing 42. This temperature data can be considered as the temperature of the bearing 42.

[0108] Here, by providing screw holes in the end face F3 of the shaft member 41, which is the object to which the wireless tag 10 is attached, the wireless tag 10 can also be screwed in using the through holes 141 and 142. By fixing the wireless tag 10 to the end face F3 of the shaft member 41 with screws, the temperature of the bearing 42 can be detected via the shaft member 41.

[0109] In the configuration described with reference to Figures 15 and 16, in which the wireless tag 10 is provided on the end face of the shaft member 41 supported by the bearing 42, as described above with reference to Figures 5 to 14, the temperature of the bearing 42 can be acquired by the tag reader device, the management terminal device 30 can edit the data, and a schematic diagram can be displayed on the screen of the display unit 35. Alternatively, a wireless tag 10 equipped with a power supply unit 14 may be used as described above with reference to Figures 1 and 7, or a wireless tag 10a without a power supply unit may be used as described above with reference to Figures 13 and 14. As described above with reference to Figure 6, multiple mechanical devices 200 may be managed.

[0110] (Summary) According to the bearing management system 100 of the first embodiment or the bearing management system 100a of the second embodiment described above, managers and maintenance inspectors can manage the replenishment of lubricant to bearings without having to go directly to the vicinity of the machinery and equipment at production facilities such as factory premises.

[0111] Regarding the description of the claims, the present disclosure can take the following aspects. <1> A bearing management system comprising: a wireless tag provided in the vicinity of a bearing; and a data acquisition device that acquires data from the wireless tag, wherein the wireless tag includes: a first storage unit that stores identification information; a temperature sensor that detects a temperature in the vicinity of the bearing and outputs temperature data corresponding to the temperature; and a communication unit that transmits the temperature data output by the temperature sensor and the identification information, the bearing management system comprising a calculation unit that acquires the temperature data obtained by the data acquisition device and calculates a supply time interval for supplying a lubricant to the bearing based on the temperature data, wherein the lubricant is supplied to the bearing according to the supply time interval calculated by the calculation unit. <2> The bearing management system according to <1>, wherein the calculation unit calculates the supply time interval based on formula (1). However, in formula (1), t is the supply time interval (h), n is the rotational speed of the bearing per minute (min ―１ ), N ｍａｘ is the allowable rotational speed for grease lubrication per minute (min ―１ ), and T is the operating temperature of the bearing (°C). <3> The bearing management system according to <1> or <2>, further comprising: a second storage unit that stores the supply time interval calculated by the calculation unit; and a display unit that displays the supply time interval stored in the second storage unit. <4> The bearing management system according to any one of <1> to <3>, comprising a plurality of said data acquisition devices, wherein the wireless tag is provided in the vicinity of each of the plurality of said bearings. <5> The bearing management system according to any one of <1> to <4>, wherein the vicinity of the bearing is an end face of a shaft member supported by the bearing, and the temperature sensor detects a temperature of the end face of the bearing. <6> The bearing management system according to <5>, wherein the wireless tag is provided on an end face of a shaft member supported by each of the plurality of said bearings.

[0112] 1-1, 1-2, 1-3, 1-4, 2-1, 2-2, 3-1, 3-2, 3-3, 3-4 Axle 10, 10a Wireless tag 11, 21 Antenna 12 Temperature sensor 13, 22, 33 Control unit 14, 23, 34 Power supply unit 20, 20a, 20b Tag reader device 30 Management terminal device 31, 131, 221 Communication unit 32, 132, 222 Storage unit 35 Display unit 40 Mechanical parts 41 Axle member 42 Bearing 42a Outer ring 42b Inner ring 42c Ball 50 Roller member 60 Roller device 70 Support base 100, 100a Bearing management system 120a, 120b, H1, H2 Range 200, 200a, 200b, 200c Machinery and device 223 Reading unit 224 Writing unit 320 Maintenance sheet 401 Housing 1320 Identification information

Claims

1. A bearing management system comprising a wireless tag provided near a bearing and a data acquisition device that acquires data from the wireless tag, wherein the wireless tag comprises: a first storage unit that stores identification information; a temperature sensor that detects the temperature near the bearing and outputs temperature data corresponding to the temperature; and a communication unit that transmits the temperature data output by the temperature sensor and the identification information, and includes a calculation unit that calculates a supply time interval for supplying lubricant to the bearing based on the temperature data acquired by the data acquisition device, and supplies the lubricant to the bearing according to the supply time interval calculated by the calculation unit.

2. The bearing management system according to claim 1, wherein the calculation unit calculates the supply time interval based on formula (1), wherein in formula (1), t is the supply time interval (h) and n is the rotational speed of the bearing per minute (min ―１ ), N ｍａｘ This is the allowable rotational speed of grease lubrication per minute (min ―１ ), T is the operating temperature of the bearing (°C).

3. The bearing management system according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising: a second storage unit for storing the supply time interval calculated by the calculation unit; and a display unit for displaying the supply time interval stored in the second storage unit.

4. The bearing management system according to claim 1 or claim 2, comprising a plurality of data acquisition devices, wherein the wireless tags are provided near each of the plurality of bearings.

5. The bearing management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the vicinity of the bearing is the end face of the shaft member supported by the bearing, and the temperature sensor detects the temperature of the end face of the bearing.

6. The bearing management system according to claim 5, wherein the wireless tag is provided on the end face of a shaft member supported by each of the plurality of bearings.

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