Assistance device and assistance method

Abstract

This assistance device (100) determines, on the basis of bearing information, whether electrolytic corrosion of a bearing (200) will occur within a requested time, and notifies a customer of a countermeasure for the electrolytic corrosion if it is determined that the electrolytic corrosion of the bearing (200) will occur within the requested time.

Description

Support device and support method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a support device and a support method.

[0002] In recent years, most motors for industrial machinery, and drive motors for EV (Electric Vehicle) vehicles or hybrid vehicles, are controlled by inverters to achieve higher efficiency. Electric corrosion may occur in motor bearings in such inverter control.

[0003] For example, Japanese Patent No. 4599769 proposes a technique for suppressing the occurrence of electric corrosion by using conductive grease or the like to impart conductivity to a bearing.

[0004] Japanese Patent No. 4599769

[0005] By the way, when a customer purchases a bearing, the customer may desire to purchase a bearing in which electric corrosion is less likely to occur. In such cases, the customer may want to recognize countermeasures for suppressing the occurrence of electric corrosion in the bearing.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problem, and an object thereof is to notify a customer of countermeasures for suppressing the occurrence of electric corrosion in a bearing.

[0007] The support device of the present disclosure includes an interface that acquires bearing information regarding a bearing to be sold to a customer and a required time set by the customer for the bearing, and an arithmetic device. The arithmetic device determines whether electric corrosion of the bearing occurs within the required time based on the bearing information. When the arithmetic device determines that electric corrosion of the bearing occurs within the required time, it notifies the customer of countermeasures against the electric corrosion.

[0008] The support method of the present disclosure includes: acquiring bearing information regarding a bearing to be sold to a customer and a required time set by the customer for the bearing; determining whether electric corrosion of the bearing occurs within the required time based on the bearing information; and notifying the customer of countermeasures against the electric corrosion when it is determined that electric corrosion of the bearing occurs within the required time.

[0009] According to this disclosure, measures to suppress the occurrence of galvanic corrosion in bearings can be notified to the customer.

[0010] This figure shows an example of the configuration of the support system disclosed herein. This is a flowchart of the main processes related to the purchase of bearings. This is a diagram of an example of an input screen. This is a diagram of an example of a detailed results screen. This is a diagram of an example of a simplified results screen. This is a functional block diagram of the support device. This is a diagram of an example of a calculation formula DB (Data Base). This is a diagram of an example of the waveforms of bearing voltage and bearing current when a single discharge occurs. This is a diagram of an example of a countermeasure information DB. This is a flowchart of the calculation process. This is a flowchart of the calculation process. This is a diagram of an example of the first candidate countermeasure before and after concealment.

[0011] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, identical or corresponding parts will be given the same reference numeral, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0012] [Example of Support System Configuration] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of the support system 500 of this disclosure. The support system 500 comprises a support device 100, a customer device 300, and a network NW. The support device 100 and the customer device 300 are configured to be able to communicate with each other via the network NW.

[0013] The support device 100 is, for example, a terminal owned by a bearing sales company 400. The sales company 400 also stores multiple bearings 200 that are intended for sale to customer A. The bearings 200 are, for example, rolling bearings. The customer device 300 is a terminal owned by customer A, who is considering purchasing the bearings 200.

[0014] The support device 100 is a device that assists customer A in purchasing bearings 200. Typically, the support device 100 notifies customer A of measures to prevent galvanic corrosion of the bearings 200 that customer A is purchasing (or considering purchasing). Measures to prevent galvanic corrosion of bearings 200 are typically measures to suppress the occurrence of galvanic corrosion in bearings 200. Notification of measures to customer A is made by having customer device 300 display a screen showing the measures, thereby making customer A aware of them.

[0015] Furthermore, the support device 100 also specifically receives input from customer A regarding whether to purchase a modified bearing with measures against electrolytic corrosion (the first modified bearing and the second modified bearing in Figure 4) or a standard bearing without such measures. It should be noted that modified bearings are less susceptible to electrolytic corrosion than standard bearings, but they are also more expensive.

[0016] The bearing 200 includes an inner ring 201, an outer ring 202, rolling elements 203, an inner ring racing surface 204, an outer ring racing surface 205, and a lubricant 206. The inner ring racing surface 204 is the racing surface of the inner ring 201 with which the rolling elements 203 make rolling contact. The outer ring racing surface 205 is the racing surface of the outer ring 202 with which the rolling elements 203 make rolling contact. The lubricant 206 is contained inside the bearing 200.

[0017] Next, we will explain electrolytic corrosion and other related topics. In the field of industrial machinery, electric motors such as fan motors, three-phase motors, and servo motors are widely used as motors to which bearing 200 is applied. These electric motors can be controlled by inverters to improve efficiency. In addition, electric motors used for vehicle propulsion in electric vehicles such as EVs are also controlled by inverters.

[0018] An inverter converts a DC voltage to an AC voltage and controls the rotational speed of an electric motor by changing the frequency of that AC voltage. This control of the inverter is generally performed by pulse width modulation (PWM) control, which changes the duty cycle at a constant switching frequency, and in recent years, the switching frequency of this inverter has been high.

[0019] Here, when the switching frequency of the inverter increases, leakage current from the windings of the motor's stator generates a high-frequency magnetic flux surrounding the motor's rotor, creating a potential difference across the rotor. As a result, a potential difference may occur between the inner ring 201 and the outer ring 202 of the bearing 200 that supports the rotor.

[0020] When the potential difference becomes large in this way, dielectric breakdown of the oil film between the inner ring 201 and the rolling element 203 occurs, or dielectric breakdown of the oil film between the outer ring 202 and the rolling element 203 occurs, and current flows between the inner ring 201 and the outer ring 202. Electrolytic corrosion is a phenomenon in which the inner ring running surface 204 or the outer ring running surface 205 is locally melted and damaged by discharge (spark) at the location where dielectric breakdown has occurred. Furthermore, as electrolytic corrosion progresses, ridge marks may form on the inner ring running surface 204 or the outer ring running surface 205, which may cause noise or vibration. The support device 100 notifies customer A of measures to suppress such electrolytic corrosion.

[0021] [Purchase Process Flowchart] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the main processes of the support device 100 in relation to the purchase of bearings 200 by customer A. When the customer device 300 receives a purchase operation from the customer, it sends a purchase start signal to the support device 100. A purchase operation is, for example, an operation on the purchase button displayed by the customer device 300.

[0022] When the support device 100 receives a purchase start signal from the customer device 300, the support device 100 executes (starts) the process shown in Figure 2. In Figure 2, the support device 100 transmits various image data to the customer device 300. The customer device 300 then receives the image data and displays various screens based on the image data on the display of the customer device 300.

[0023] In step S2, the support device 100 displays a purchase screen (not shown) that accepts input for the purchase of the bearing 200. Hereafter, the bearing 200 for which the purchase input was received in step S2 will also be referred to as the "bearing 200 to be purchased". Furthermore, on this purchase screen, customer A (purchaser) can choose whether or not to pay a predetermined amount to the sales company 400 in addition to the purchase of the bearing 200.

[0024] Here, customer A who pays a predetermined amount separate from the purchase of bearing 200 is also referred to as a "paying customer." Customer A who does not pay the predetermined amount is also referred to as a "free purchaser." The customer device 300 of paying customers displays a detailed results screen, described later, as a benefit of the predetermined amount. Paying customers correspond to the "first customer" in this disclosure, and free purchasers correspond to the "second customer" in this disclosure. For example, the support device 100 assigns identification information (ID) to each of the multiple customers A. The support device 100 then associates each customer ID with whether they are a paying customer or a free purchaser.

[0025] Next, in step S4, it is determined whether customer A (purchaser) is a paying customer or a free customer. If customer A is a paying customer (YES in step S4), the process proceeds to step S6. If customer A is a free customer (NO in step S4), the process proceeds to step S12.

[0026] In step S6, the support device 100 acquires input information from customer A. This process involves receiving input information regarding the bearing 200 purchased by customer A from customer A's customer device 300 on the input screen shown in Figure 3, which will be described later. Next, in step S8, the support device 100 performs calculation processing. This calculation processing is performed to determine countermeasures for the bearing 200. The processes in steps S6 and S8 will be described later.

[0027] Next, in step S10, the support device 100 displays a detailed results screen, which will be described later. Also, in step S12, the support device 100 displays a simplified results screen, which will be described later. Once the processes in steps S10 and S12 are completed, the process shown in Figure 2 is finished.

[0028] [Input Screen] Figure 3 is an example of an input screen 301 displayed by the customer device 300 in step S6 of Figure 2. The input screen 301 includes input prompt images 302, 309, 312, input areas 304, 311, 314, confirmation information 306, and an exit button 316.

[0029] The input prompt image 302 is an image that prompts customer A to input data for the bearing 200 to be purchased. In the example in Figure 3, the text reads, "Please enter data, etc." This data includes discharge trace image data and waveform data, as will be described later. Customer A inputs the discharge trace image data or waveform data into the input area 304.

[0030] The discharge mark image data is image data showing discharge marks formed on the rolling surfaces of the bearing 200 (inner ring rolling surface 204 and outer ring rolling surface 205). Discharge marks are marks caused by electrical discharge in the bearing 200, and for example, they have minute uneven surfaces that are crater-shaped or pit-shaped.

[0031] Furthermore, the discharge mark image data may be other information as long as it allows the support device 100 to identify the diameter of the discharge mark. The discharge mark image data corresponds to the "first bearing information" in this disclosure.

[0032] The waveform data represents the voltage and current waveforms when a single discharge occurs in the bearing 200. For example, a single discharge occurs when the voltage applied to the bearing 200 exceeds the voltage that breaks down the insulation of the lubricant 206 inside the bearing 200 (hereinafter also referred to as the "dielectric breakdown voltage"). The single discharge occurs, for example, between the inner ring running surface 204 or the outer ring running surface 205 of the bearing 200 and the rolling elements 203. The voltage and current waveform data corresponds to the "second bearing information" in this disclosure.

[0033] In addition, customer A inputs discharge trace image data or waveform data of bearings previously purchased (bearings of the same model number as the bearing 200 to be purchased) into the input area 304. The support device 100 uses the input discharge trace image data or waveform data to perform the processing described later. Furthermore, if customer A has never purchased bearings 200 before, the support device 100 may be configured to use discharge trace image data or waveform data of bearings of the same model number as the bearing 200 to be purchased to perform the processing described later.

[0034] Confirmation information 306 is an image that notifies customer A that the accuracy of the support device 100's estimation of the presence or absence of electrolytic corrosion is higher when the input data is "discharge trace image data" than when the input data is different from "discharge trace image data" (for example, the waveform data mentioned above). This allows the support device 100 to encourage customer A to input discharge trace image data whenever possible.

[0035] The input prompt image 309 is an image that prompts customer A to input the model number (part number) of the bearing 200 to be purchased and the required operating time of the drive device (rotating machine, etc.) equipped with the bearing 200. In the example in Figure 3, the text reads, "Please enter the bearing model number and the required operating time."

[0036] The requested operating time is the operating time desired by customer A for the bearing 200 to be purchased. The requested operating time is, for example, the time from when the operation of the bearing 200 to be purchased starts until the desired end time of operation by customer A. The support device 100 determines (estimates) whether or not electrolytic corrosion of the bearing 200 will occur during the period from when the operation of the bearing 200 to within the requested operating time. Customer A inputs the requested operating time into the input area 311.

[0037] Furthermore, the model number of bearing 200 may be entered on the purchase screen displayed in step S2.

[0038] The input prompt image 312 is an image that prompts input of the operating conditions for the bearing 200. In the example in Figure 3, the text reads, "Please enter the operating conditions." The operating conditions will be explained later by the parameter γ in equation (5).

[0039] Customer A enters the usage conditions in the input area 314. The input area 314 may also be configured to accept multiple usage conditions. At least one of the pieces of information entered into the input screen 301 is information relating to the bearing 200 to be sold to Customer A, and corresponds to the "bearing information" in this disclosure.

[0040] When all information has been input by Customer A and the end button 316 is operated, the information input by Customer A (input information) is transmitted to the support device 100. Note that even when discharge mark image data and waveform data are not input, the input information is transmitted to the support device 100 by operating the end button 316. In this case, the input information does not include discharge mark image data and waveform data.

[0041] [Result screen] Fig. 4 is an example of a detailed result screen 380 displayed on the customer device 300 of a paid purchaser. The support device 100 displays the detailed result screen 380 on the customer device 300 in step S10 of Fig. 2.

[0042] The detailed result screen 380 includes comparison information 310, life ratio information 320, estimate information 330, and countermeasure content information 340. Further, the example in Fig. 4 is an example of the detailed result screen 380 when the support device 100 proposes a first countermeasure and a second countermeasure for the bearing 200.

[0043] The countermeasure content information 340 is information indicating the content of the countermeasure proposed by the support device 100. In the countermeasure content information 340 of the example in Fig. 4, as the first countermeasure, a countermeasure of changing the wall thickness of the inner ring 201 of the bearing 200 is shown. Further, in the countermeasure content information 340, as the second countermeasure, a countermeasure of changing the standard seal of the bearing 200 to a conductive seal is shown.

[0044] Further, in Fig. 4, a standard bearing, a first countermeasure bearing, and a second countermeasure bearing are displayed. The standard bearing is a bearing to which no countermeasure has been applied. The first countermeasure bearing indicates a bearing to which the first countermeasure described above has been applied. The second countermeasure bearing indicates a bearing to which the second countermeasure described above has been applied.

[0045] The comparison information 310 is information obtained by comparing at least one parameter between a countermeasure bearing to which the countermeasure proposed by the support device 100 is applied and a standard bearing. In Fig. 4, the at least one parameter includes shaft voltage, cost, estimated life, discharge frequency, and discharge amount.

[0046] Axial voltage is the voltage applied to the rotating shaft that the bearing receives. Cost is the total cost of the bearing. Estimated life is the estimated lifespan of the bearing. Discharge frequency is the number of discharges that occur per unit time during the operation of the bearing. Discharge amount is, for example, the amount of discharge in a single discharge.

[0047] In comparative information 310, the standard bearing is shown by a dashed-dotted line, the first countermeasure bearing by a dashed-dotted line, and the second countermeasure bearing by a solid line.

[0048] The life ratio information 320 shows the life ratio for each bearing under multiple operating conditions. The quotation information 330 shows the estimated price and delivery date for each bearing. For example, for the first countermeasure bearing, the total estimated price is A1 yen and the delivery date is B1. The quotation information 330 is also designed to allow customer A to identify the order of cost from lowest to highest among the multiple countermeasures proposed by the support device 100 (the first and second countermeasures in Figure 4). In the quotation information 330, the first countermeasure is the lowest cost.

[0049] Furthermore, the comparative information 310 and the lifespan ratio information 320 are information accompanying the countermeasures content information 340. The comparative information 310 and the lifespan ratio information 320 correspond to the "accompanying information" in this disclosure.

[0050] Figure 5 shows an example of a simplified results screen 390 displayed on the customer device 300 of a free purchaser. In step S12 of Figure 2, the support device 100 displays the simplified results screen 390 on the customer device 300.

[0051] The simplified results screen 390 displays the same screen regardless of the model number of the purchased bearing 200. In the example in Figure 5, the risk levels of the standard bearing, the first countermeasure bearing, and the second countermeasure bearing are shown for the user's (free purchaser's) usage conditions.

[0052] [Functional Block Diagram of the Support Device] Figure 6 is a functional block diagram of the support device 100. The support device 100 comprises an acquisition unit 102, an arithmetic unit 104, an output unit 106, and a storage unit 120. The acquisition unit 102 and the output unit 106 correspond to the interface 113 in Figure 1. The arithmetic unit 104 corresponds to the CPU 111 in Figure 1. The storage unit 120 corresponds to the memory 112 in Figure 1, and at least a portion of the storage area of ​​the memory 112 is used.

[0053] The memory unit 120 stores the calculation formula DB 122 and the countermeasure information DB 124. The calculation formula DB 122 is composed of multiple calculation formulas, as shown in Figure 7 below. The countermeasure information DB 124 is composed of multiple candidate countermeasures, as shown in Figure 9 below.

[0054] The customer device 300 transmits the information entered on the input screen in Figure 3 to the support device 100 as input information. The acquisition unit 102 acquires this input information. In other words, the acquisition unit 102 acquires the bearing information of the bearing 200, the requested time for the bearing 200, and the model number of the bearing 200.

[0055] The calculation unit 104 calculates a first evaluation value F1 and a second evaluation value F2 using a calculation formula corresponding to the type of bearing information. The first evaluation value F1 is an evaluation value regarding the presence or absence of ridge marks due to electrolytic corrosion of the bearing 200. The larger the first evaluation value F1, the higher the probability that electrolytic corrosion of the bearing 200 will occur in the future. The first evaluation value F1 may also be an evaluation value indicating the presence or absence of electrolytic corrosion. Furthermore, the first evaluation value F1 may also be an evaluation value indicating the single-discharge energy.

[0056] Furthermore, the second evaluation value F2 is an evaluation value relating to the total discharge energy of the bearing 200 during the required time (indicating the total discharge energy). The larger the second evaluation value F2, the higher the likelihood that electrolytic corrosion of the bearing 200 will occur in the future.

[0057] The calculation unit 104 then determines whether or not bearing corrosion will occur within the required time based on the first evaluation value F1 and the second evaluation value F2. The usage of the first evaluation value F1 and the second evaluation value F2 will be explained in Figure 10 below.

[0058] Furthermore, the calculation unit 104 determines countermeasures against this electrolytic corrosion. The calculation unit 104 then generates image data of a detailed results screen (see Figure 4) including this determination and transmits it to the customer device 300. The customer device 300 displays the detailed results screen based on this image data.

[0059] [Calculation Formula DB] Figure 7 shows an example of calculation formula DB122. In the example in Figure 7, the calculation formula is divided into cases where a discharge trace image is input by customer A, where waveform data is input, and where only the usage conditions are input.

[0060] First, we will explain the calculation formula used by the calculation unit 104 when an image of a discharge trace is input by customer A.

[0061] When a discharge trace image is input, the calculation unit 104 performs image processing on the discharge trace image to determine the diameter d of the discharge trace and the number of discharge traces. The diameter d of the discharge trace is, for example, the diameter. In some cases, the discharge trace image may contain images of multiple discharge traces. In this case, the calculation unit 104 calculates a representative value (for example, the average value) of the diameters of the multiple discharge traces as the diameter d. Then, the calculation unit 104 calculates a first evaluation value F1 by substituting the diameter d into the following formula (1).

[0062] F1 = f(d ３ ) (1) Here the function f(d) on the right side of equation (1) ３ ) is the diameter d of the discharge mark ３ This is the function to which the input is taken. The function f(d) outputs a larger value as the diameter d of the discharge trace increases. The function f(d) is given by, for example, the following equation (2).

[0063] f(d ３ ) = d ３ × a (2) However, the constant a on the right side of equation (2) is a predetermined positive value. For example, a = A × (B + C) / 0.688. Also, A is the density of bearing 200. For example, if bearing 200 is made of steel, density A is 7545 kg / m³. ３Furthermore, B is the latent heat of fusion of the bearing 200. The latent heat of fusion B is, for example, 247 kJ / kg when the bearing 200 is made of steel. Also, C is the latent heat of vaporization of the bearing 200. The latent heat of vaporization C is, for example, 6500 kJ / kg when the bearing 200 is made of steel.

[0064] Furthermore, if a discharge trace image is input, the calculation unit 104 calculates the second evaluation value F2 using the following formula (3).

[0065] F2 = F1 × n × T (3) Here, F1 in equation (3) is the value calculated by equation (1) or equation (2) above. n is the number of discharges per unit time while the bearing 200 is in operation. T is the requested time set by customer A on the input screen 301 in Figure 3.

[0066] Furthermore, the number of discharges per unit time n on the right-hand side of equation (3) is, for example, a value obtained by multiplying the switching frequency of the inverter to which the bearing 200 is applied by a predetermined value. The predetermined value is, for example, "3". Typically, when an inverter drives a motor by pulse width modulation control, which changes the duty cycle at a constant switching frequency, the bearing 200 supporting the rotor of the motor generally experiences three times the switching frequency of the inverter as discharges. Therefore, in this embodiment, the number of discharges per unit time n is set to three times the switching frequency of the inverter. Thus, the number of discharges n will be a value corresponding to the usage conditions of customer A.

[0067] Furthermore, "F1" in equation (3) corresponds to the "discharge energy when a single discharge occurs" as defined in this disclosure, and "n × T" in equation (3) corresponds to the "number of discharges in the required time T for the bearing" as defined in this disclosure.

[0068] Next, we will explain the calculation formula used by the calculation unit 104 when waveform data is input by customer A. Figure 8 is an example of waveform data input by customer A. This waveform data shows, for example, the waveforms of the bearing voltage and bearing current when a single discharge occurs. The horizontal axis in Figure 8 represents time. The vertical axis in Figure 8(A) shows the bearing voltage when a single discharge occurs, and the vertical axis in Figure 8(B) shows the bearing current when a single discharge occurs.

[0069] Furthermore, Figure 8 shows the starting point ts and ending point te of the single-discharge time.

[0070] When waveform data is input by customer A, the first evaluation value F1 is calculated using the following formula (4).

[0071]

[0072] Here, k on the right-hand side of equation (4) above is a predetermined coefficient. The coefficient k represents the ratio of the electrical energy of a single discharge that is imparted to the inner ring running surface 204, the outer ring running surface 205, and the rolling element 203. The coefficient k is the predetermined ratio (20% to 40%) mentioned above. The coefficient k will be a value corresponding to the model number of the bearing 200.

[0073] As also shown in Figure 8, ts and te are the start and end points of the single-discharge time, respectively. V is the instantaneous value (e.g., maximum voltage) of the bearing voltage during the single-discharge period, as shown in Figure 8(A). i is the instantaneous value (e.g., maximum current) of the bearing current during the single-discharge period, as shown in Figure 8(B).

[0074] Furthermore, the second evaluation value F2 is calculated by the above formula (3). In this case, F1 on the right side of the above formula (3) is the value calculated by the above formula (4).

[0075] Next, we will explain the calculation formula used by the calculation unit 104 when the usage conditions are entered by customer A. The first evaluation value F1 is calculated by the following formula (5).

[0076] F1 = g(α, β, γ) (5) Here, α in the function g(α, β, γ) on the right side of equation (5) is a mechanical parameter. The mechanical parameter α includes, for example, the load applied to the bearing 200. The load applied to the bearing 200 is determined, for example, from the operating conditions entered by customer A.

[0077] When the load on the bearing 200 is large, the oil film of the lubricant 206 thins, and the voltage at which dielectric breakdown occurs decreases. As a result, the discharge marks formed on the inner ring running surface 204, etc., when the oil film discharges become smaller. Consequently, the oil film becomes more susceptible to dielectric breakdown, but even if dielectric breakdown occurs, the likelihood of ridge marks forming decreases. Therefore, the larger the mechanical parameter α (load applied to the bearing 200), the larger the first evaluation value F1 g(α, β, γ) on the right side of equation (5) is defined to output.

[0078] In equation (5) above, β on the right-hand side is a parameter of the lubricant 206. More specifically, the lubricant parameter β includes at least one of the volume resistivity and viscosity of the lubricant 206.

[0079] For example, if the volume resistivity of the lubricant 206 is high, the oil film between the inner ring 201 or outer ring 202 and the rolling element 203 is less likely to undergo dielectric breakdown. In this case, the voltage at which the oil film undergoes dielectric breakdown becomes higher. Therefore, the discharge marks that occur on the inner ring running surface 204, etc., when the oil film undergoes dielectric breakdown become larger. This increases the likelihood of ridge marks forming. Accordingly, the larger the lubricant parameter β, which is the volume resistivity of the lubricant 206, the larger the g(α, β, γ) on the right side of equation (5) is defined to output a large first evaluation value F1.

[0080] Furthermore, if the viscosity of the lubricant 206 is high, the oil film described above becomes thicker. Consequently, the discharge marks formed by the increased voltage that causes dielectric breakdown become larger. Therefore, the larger the lubricant parameter β, which is the viscosity of the lubricant 206, the larger the g(α, β, γ) on the right side of equation (5) is defined to output a large first evaluation value F1.

[0081] γ on the right-hand side of equation (5) above is a parameter defined by the usage conditions entered into the input area 314 by customer A. The usage condition parameter γ includes at least one of the following usage condition parameters γ1 to γ5.

[0082] The operating condition parameter γ1 is the voltage supplied to the motor to which the bearing 200 is applied. When this voltage increases, the voltage applied to the bearing 200 increases, and the likelihood of ridge marks increases. Therefore, the larger the voltage supplied to the motor, which is the operating condition parameter γ1, the larger the first evaluation value F1 output of g(α, β, γ) on the right side of equation (5) is defined to be.

[0083] The operating condition parameter γ2 is the capacity of the motor to which the bearing 200 is applied. As this capacity increases, the voltage applied to the bearing 200 increases, and the likelihood of ridge marks increases. Therefore, the larger the motor capacity, which is the operating condition parameter γ2, the larger the first evaluation value F1 output of g(α, β, γ) on the right side of equation (5) is determined to be.

[0084] The operating condition parameter γ3 is the switching frequency of the inverter to which the bearing 200 is applied. As the switching frequency of the inverter increases, the voltage applied to the bearing 200 increases, and the likelihood of ridge marks increases. Therefore, the larger the switching frequency, which is the operating condition parameter γ3, the larger the first evaluation value F1 output of g(α, β, γ) on the right side of equation (5) is defined to be.

[0085] The operating condition parameter γ4 is the internal clearance of the bearing 200. The internal clearance is the gap between the first member (for example, the inner ring 201) and the second member (for example, the rolling element 203) of the bearing 200. When the internal clearance of the bearing 200 increases, the oil film of the lubricant 206 becomes thicker, and the voltage at which the oil film undergoes dielectric breakdown increases. As a result, the dielectric breakdown voltage of the oil film increases, making dielectric breakdown less likely. However, once dielectric breakdown occurs in the oil film between the inner ring 201 or outer ring 202 and the rolling element 203, the discharge marks generated on the inner ring running surface 204, etc., become larger. Therefore, the likelihood of ridge marks increases. Accordingly, the larger the internal clearance, which is the operating condition parameter γ4, the larger the first evaluation value F1 output of g(α, β, γ) on the right side of equation (5).

[0086] The operating condition parameter γ5 is the rotational speed of the rotating shaft of the bearing 200. As the rotational speed increases, the oil film of the lubricant 206 becomes thicker. Therefore, for the same reasons as the operating condition parameter γ4, g(α, β, γ) is defined such that the greater the rotational speed of the rotating shaft of the bearing 200, which is the operating condition parameter γ5, the larger the first evaluation value F1 output on the right side of equation (5).

[0087] Based on the above, g(α, β, γ) can be expressed, for example, as shown in equation (6) below: g(α, β, γ) = α・w1 + β・w2 + γ1・w3 + γ2・w4 + γ3・w5 + γ4・w6 + γ5・w7 (6) However, in the right-hand side of equation (6), "・" indicates multiplication, and w1 to w7 are weight coefficients. Note that g(α, β, γ) may be expressed by other equations. The second evaluation value F2 is calculated by the above equation (5).

[0088] [Countermeasure Information DB] Figure 9 shows an example of the countermeasure information DB 124. In the example in Figure 9, six candidate countermeasures (candidate countermeasures 1 to 6) are shown.

[0089] The first proposed solution is to change the design of the bearing 200. A change in the design of the bearing 200 includes, for example, changing at least one of the following: the internal clearance of the bearing 200, the number of rolling elements 203, the diameter of the rolling elements 203, the type of additive contained in the lubricant 206, the amount of said additive, and the wall thickness of a predetermined component of the bearing 200.

[0090] The second proposed solution is to replace the standard seal of bearing 200 with a conductive seal. The third proposed solution is to seal conductive grease inside bearing 200. The fourth proposed solution is to attach a conductive brush to the rotating shaft of bearing 200.

[0091] The fifth candidate countermeasure is to provide an insulating coating on the inner ring racing surface 204 or the outer ring racing surface 205 of the bearing 200. The sixth candidate countermeasure is to provide an insulating coating on the inner ring racing surface 204 or the outer ring racing surface 205 of the bearing 200.

[0092] Furthermore, the order of cost from lowest to highest is: 1st candidate solution, 2nd candidate solution, 3rd candidate solution, 4th candidate solution, 5th candidate solution, and 6th candidate solution. In other words, the 1st candidate solution is the cheapest, and the 6th candidate solution is the most expensive.

[0093] On the other hand, the order of effectiveness in suppressing electrolytic corrosion is as follows: sixth candidate countermeasure, fifth candidate countermeasure, fourth candidate countermeasure, third candidate countermeasure, second candidate countermeasure, and first candidate countermeasure. In other words, the sixth candidate countermeasure has the highest electrolytic corrosion suppression effect, and the first candidate countermeasure has the lowest effect. The coefficient s will be explained later in step S48 of Figure 11.

[0094] [Calculation Process] Figures 10 and 11 are flowcharts of the calculation process in step S8 of Figure 2. First, in step S22, the support device 100 determines whether or not a discharge trace image has been input on the input screen 301. If a discharge trace image has been input (YES in step S22), the process proceeds to step S24.

[0095] In step S24, the support device 100 determines, for example, by image recognition processing, whether the discharge trace image that was determined to be YES in step S22 is a true discharge trace image.

[0096] If the discharge trace image determined to be YES in step S22 is a true discharge trace image (YES in step S24), then in step S26, the support device 100 stores the discharge trace image in a predetermined storage area.

[0097] Furthermore, if the discharge trace image determined to be YES in step S22 is not a true discharge trace image (NO in step S24), the process proceeds to step S28.

[0098] In step S28, the support device 100 determines whether waveform data has been input on the input screen 301. If waveform data has been input (YES in step S28), the process proceeds to step S30. In step S30, the support device 100 stores the waveform data in a predetermined storage area.

[0099] If no waveform data is input (NO in step S28), the process proceeds to step S32. In step S32, the support device 100 determines whether or not usage conditions have been input. If usage conditions have been input (YES in step S32), the process proceeds to step S34. In step S34, the support device 100 stores the usage conditions in a predetermined memory area. If no usage conditions have been input (NO in step S32), the process proceeds to step S36. In step S36, the support device 100 suggests inputting a discharge trace image.

[0100] Once steps S26, S30, S34, and S36 are completed, the process proceeds to step S38.

[0101] In step S38, the support device 100 reads a first calculation formula corresponding to the input information (bearing information) from the calculation formula DB122 in Figure 7. Then, the support device 100 calculates a first evaluation value F1 by inputting the input information to the first calculation formula.

[0102] Next, in step S40, the support device 100 determines whether the first evaluation value F1 is greater than or equal to the first threshold Th1. The first threshold Th1 is defined, for example, according to the model number of the bearing 200. The first threshold Th1 is used in common for the first evaluation value F1 when a discharge trace image is input, the first evaluation value F1 when waveform data is input, and the first evaluation value F1 when operating conditions are input.

[0103] If the first evaluation value F1 is less than the threshold Th (NO in step S40), in step S42, the support device 100 determines that no ridge marks based on electrolytic corrosion are formed. Then, the calculation process ends.

[0104] On the other hand, if the first evaluation value F1 is greater than or equal to the first threshold Th1 (YES in step S40), the process proceeds to step S44.

[0105] In step S44, the support device 100 calculates a second evaluation value F2 using the first evaluation value F1 and the second calculation formula calculated in step S38 (see Figure 7). Then, in step S46, the support device 100 determines whether the second evaluation value F2 is equal to or greater than the second threshold Th2.

[0106] The second threshold Th2 is defined, for example, according to the model number and load of the bearing 200. More specifically, for example, the discharge energy required to cause electrolytic corrosion per unit area in an experimental bearing identical to the model number of bearing 200 is predetermined by the experimenter. Furthermore, the "area where discharge is expected to occur" is determined from the model number and load of bearing 200 through experimentation. The second threshold Th2 is then defined as the product of the "discharge energy required to cause electrolytic corrosion per unit area" and the "area where discharge is expected to occur".

[0107] Furthermore, the second threshold Th2 is used in common with the first evaluation value F1 when a discharge trace image is input, the first evaluation value F1 when waveform data is input, and the first evaluation value F1 when usage conditions are input.

[0108] If the second evaluation value F2 is greater than or equal to the second threshold Th2 (NO in step S46), the support device 100 estimates (identifies) that ridge marks indicate that electrolytic corrosion of the bearing 200 will occur within the requested time. Therefore, it is preferable to take measures to suppress electrolytic corrosion of the bearing 200.

[0109] In step S48, the support device 100 calculates a second evaluation value F2 for each of the multiple candidate countermeasures (in this case, the six candidate countermeasures shown in Figure 9), assuming that each of the multiple candidate countermeasures is implemented on the bearing 200. The calculated second evaluation value F2 is also referred to as the third evaluation value F3.

[0110] Furthermore, the number of potential countermeasures is also referred to as N, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2. The support device 100 is then configured with N coefficients s1 to sN corresponding to each of the N potential countermeasures.

[0111] Then, in step S48, the second evaluation value F2 calculated in step S44 is multiplied by N coefficients s1 to sN to calculate N third evaluation values ​​F3. Each of these N third evaluation values ​​F3 is the second evaluation value assuming that N countermeasures candidates have been implemented on the bearing 200.

[0112] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the larger the second evaluation value F2, the higher the probability that galvanic corrosion of the bearing 200 is occurring. In light of this, the coefficient s of the candidate countermeasure is specified to be smaller the higher the galvanic corrosion suppression effect of the candidate countermeasure. In other words, the higher the cost of the candidate countermeasure, the smaller the coefficient s of the candidate countermeasure is specified to be.

[0113] In the example in Figure 9, each of the first to sixth candidate countermeasures is associated with a first coefficient s1 to a sixth coefficient s6. For example, the first coefficient s1 is 0.9, which is the maximum value among the first to sixth coefficients s6. Also, the sixth coefficient s6 is 0, which is the minimum value among the first to sixth coefficients s6.

[0114] Next, in step S50, a candidate countermeasure is selected from among the multiple candidate countermeasures (six candidate countermeasures) whose second evaluation value F2 (i.e., third evaluation value F3) is smaller than the second threshold Th2. Then, in step S52, the cost order of the selected candidate countermeasures is identified. Once the processing in step S52 is completed, the process proceeds to step S10 in Figure 2. In step S10, the support device 100 generates image data for the detailed results screen based on the calculation results of step S8 and transmits the image data to the customer device 300. Note that the detailed results screen 380 in Figure 4 is the screen when the first candidate countermeasure (first countermeasure) and the second candidate countermeasure (second countermeasure) are selected.

[0115] The support device 100 may further select a predetermined number of candidate countermeasures from the selected candidate countermeasures. The predetermined number is, for example, two. Figure 4 shows an example in which these two candidate countermeasures are shown.

[0116] Furthermore, if the second evaluation value F2 is less than the second threshold Th2 in step S46 (NO in step S46), the process proceeds to step S54.

[0117] In step S54, the support device 100 displays information on the customer device 300 indicating the possibility of ridge marks forming. This information is, for example, possibility information indicating that ridge marks may occur if the bearing 200 is used under conditions that deviate from the usage conditions entered by customer A. In step S54, while the support device 100 is displaying this possibility information, it is possible to receive a request from customer A regarding whether or not countermeasures are necessary for the bearing 200.

[0118] In step S56, the support device 100 determines whether or not countermeasures are necessary. For example, if in step S54 the support device 100 is displaying possibility information and customer A inputs that countermeasures are necessary, then in step S56 the decision is made to YES and the process proceeds to step S48. On the other hand, if in step S56 the support device 100 is displaying possibility information and customer A inputs that countermeasures are not necessary, then in step S56 the decision is made to NO and the calculation process ends.

[0119] [Concealment Measures] As mentioned above, the first proposed countermeasure is to change the design of the bearing 200, for example, by changing the number of rolling elements 203. However, if the support device 100 displays the details of the changes on the customer device 300, the details may be leaked to competitors of the sales company 400, potentially causing damage to the sales company 400.

[0120] Therefore, in this embodiment, the support device 100 modifies the information of the first candidate countermeasure by concealing some of the information indicated by the first candidate countermeasure. The support device 100 then notifies the customer device 300 of the modified information of the first candidate countermeasure.

[0121] Figure 12 shows an example of the first candidate countermeasure before and after concealment. In the example in Figure 12, the numerical value or model number of the first candidate countermeasure is concealed. For the information "Change the lubricant model number to A" before concealment, "model number A" is concealed and it is changed to "Change the lubricant system". For the information "Change the numerical value of the rolling element diameter to B" before concealment, "diameter B" is concealed and it is changed to "Change the rolling element diameter".

[0122] Regarding the information before concealment, "Change the wall thickness of at least one of the inner and outer rings to C," the "wall thickness C" is concealed, and it is changed to "Change the wall thickness of at least one of the inner and outer rings."

[0123] Regarding the information "change the internal clearance of the bearing to D" before concealment, "internal clearance D" is concealed and changed to "change the internal clearance of the bearing". Regarding the information "change the number of rolling elements to E" before concealment, "number of rolling elements E" is concealed and changed to "change the number of rolling elements".

[0124] [Summary] (1) When customer A purchases a bearing, customer A may want to purchase a bearing 200 that is less prone to galvanic corrosion. In such a case, customer A may want to know about measures to suppress the occurrence of galvanic corrosion of the bearing 200.

[0125] In response to this, the support device 100 of this embodiment determines whether or not electrolytic corrosion of the bearing 200 (standard bearing) will occur within the time set by customer A (step S40 in Figure 11). If the support device 100 determines that electrolytic corrosion of the bearing 200 will occur within the time set by customer A (YES in step S40), it notifies customer A of countermeasures against the electrolytic corrosion (step S50 in Figure 11 and step S10 in Figure 2). Therefore, the support device 100 can make the customer aware of countermeasures to suppress the occurrence of electrolytic corrosion of the bearing 200.

[0126] (2) The support device 100 also calculates a first evaluation value F1 regarding the presence or absence of ridge marks due to electrolytic corrosion, and a second evaluation value F2 regarding the total discharge energy of the bearing 200 at the required time (steps S38 and S44 in Figure 11). Based on the first evaluation value F1 and the second evaluation value F2, the support device 100 can determine whether or not electrolytic corrosion has occurred. Therefore, the support device 100 can determine whether or not electrolytic corrosion has occurred in terms of the presence or absence of ridge marks and the discharge energy of the bearing 200.

[0127] (3) The support device 100 also determines that electrolytic corrosion of the bearing 200 will occur within the required time if the first evaluation value F1 is greater than the first threshold Th1 (YES in step S40) and the second evaluation value F2 is greater than the second threshold Th2 (YES in step S46). Therefore, the support device 100 can determine whether or not electrolytic corrosion will occur with a relatively simple process.

[0128] (4) The support device 100 also calculates a second evaluation value F2 for each of the multiple candidate countermeasures (in this embodiment, the six candidate countermeasures shown in Figure 9) assuming that each of the multiple candidate countermeasures is implemented on the bearing 200. The support device 100 then notifies customer A of the candidate countermeasures that correspond to the second evaluation value which is smaller than the second threshold Th2. Thus, the support device 100 can notify customer A of carefully selected candidate countermeasures in which the second evaluation value F2 is less than the second threshold.

[0129] (5) Furthermore, as shown in the estimation information 330 in Figure 4, if two or more candidate countermeasures are selected, the support device 100 notifies customer A of the two or more candidate countermeasures so that customer A can identify the order of the countermeasures from cheapest to most expensive. Thus, the support device 100 can make customer A aware of the order of the countermeasures from cheapest to most expensive.

[0130] (6) The multiple candidate countermeasures are the six candidate countermeasures shown in Figure 9. Therefore, the support device 100 can propose an appropriate countermeasure to customer A that can suppress the occurrence of electrolytic corrosion.

[0131] (7) In addition, the support device 100 notifies customer A of some of the information indicated by the first candidate countermeasure (see Figure 12). Therefore, it is possible to prevent all of the first candidate countermeasure from being leaked to competitors of sales company 400.

[0132] (8) When the support device 100 receives discharge mark image data indicating the diameter of the discharge marks formed on the rolling surface of the bearing, it calculates a first evaluation value F1 using the above formulas (1) and (2). In this way, since the support device 100 calculates the first evaluation value F1 based on the diameter of the discharge marks which are highly correlated with electrolytic corrosion, it is possible to improve the accuracy of estimating whether or not electrolytic corrosion has occurred.

[0133] (9) Furthermore, the support device 100 notifies customer A by displaying the confirmation information 306 in Figure 3 that the accuracy of determining whether or not electrolytic corrosion occurs is higher when a discharge trace image is input than when information other than a discharge trace image is input. Therefore, the input of discharge trace images, which improves the accuracy of determining whether or not electrolytic corrosion occurs, can be promoted.

[0134] (10) Furthermore, even when waveform data is input by customer A, the support device 100 can appropriately calculate the first evaluation value F1 using the above formula (4).

[0135] (11) Furthermore, even when the usage conditions are input by customer A, the support device 100 can appropriately calculate the first evaluation value F1 using formula (5) or formula (6) above.

[0136] (12) The support device 100 also calculates a second evaluation value F2 by multiplying the discharge energy when a single discharge occurs by the number of discharges of the bearing 200 in the required time, as shown in equation (3). Therefore, the support device 100 can appropriately calculate a second evaluation value F2 relating to the total discharge energy of the bearing 200 in the required time.

[0137] (13) The support device 100 also notifies paying customers who have paid a predetermined amount of the detailed results screen 380 shown in Figure 4. On the other hand, the support device 100 does not notify unpaid customers who have not paid a predetermined amount of the detailed results screen 380 (see Figure 5). Therefore, the support device 100 can encourage customer A to pay the predetermined amount.

[0138] (14) The support device 100 can also notify customer A of the price of the bearing 200 and the cost required for the countermeasures for the bearing 200 by displaying the estimate information 330 shown in Figure 4. Thus, the support device 100 can make customer A aware of the price of the bearing 200 and the cost required for the countermeasures for the bearing 200.

[0139] [Modification] In the above embodiment, a configuration was described in which the formula for calculating the second evaluation value F2 when a discharge trace image is input is formula (3) above. However, the support device 100 may calculate the second evaluation value F2 using a value based on the sum of the first evaluation values ​​F1 of each of at least one discharge trace included in the discharge trace image. Specifically, the support device 100 may calculate it using the following formula (7) shown in parentheses in Figure 7.

[0140] F2 = F1 × Number of discharge marks per unit area × Area where discharge is expected to occur (7) Here, "F1" on the right side of equation (7) is the value calculated by equation (1) or (2) above. Also, "Number of discharge marks per unit area" on the right side of equation (7) is determined from the discharge mark image. Also, "Area where discharge is expected to occur" on the right side of equation (7) is a value determined from the model number and load of the bearing 200 where discharge is expected to occur, as described above.

[0141] The support device 100 can also calculate the second evaluation value F2 when a discharge trace image is input using equation (7).

[0142] [Note] (Note 1) A support device comprising bearing information relating to bearings sold to a customer, an interface for acquiring the requested time set by the customer for the bearings, and a calculation device, wherein the calculation device determines, based on the bearing information, whether or not electrolytic corrosion of the bearing will occur within the requested time, and if it determines that electrolytic corrosion of the bearing will occur within the requested time, notifies the customer of countermeasures against the electrolytic corrosion.

[0143] (Note 2) The support device described in Note 1, wherein the calculation device calculates a first evaluation value regarding the presence or absence of ridge marks due to electrolytic corrosion and a second evaluation value regarding the total discharge energy of the bearings during the requested time, using a calculation formula corresponding to the type of bearing information, and determines whether or not electrolytic corrosion of the bearings occurs within the requested time based on the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value.

[0144] (Note 3) The support device described in Note 2, wherein the calculation device determines that electrolytic corrosion of the bearing will occur within the requested time if the first evaluation value is greater than the first threshold and the second evaluation value is greater than the second threshold.

[0145] (Note 4) The support device according to Note 3, wherein the countermeasure includes a plurality of candidate countermeasures, the calculation device calculates the second evaluation value for each of the plurality of candidate countermeasures assuming that each of the plurality of candidate countermeasures is implemented on the bearing, and notifies the customer of the candidate countermeasure corresponding to the second evaluation value of each of the plurality of candidate countermeasures that is smaller than the second threshold as the countermeasure.

[0146] (Note 5) The support device according to Note 4, wherein the computing device notifies the customer of the two or more candidate countermeasures as the countermeasures, so that the customer can identify the order of the two or more candidate countermeasures in terms of cost.

[0147] (Note 6) The support device described in Note 5, wherein the above-mentioned multiple candidate countermeasures include at least two of the following: a first candidate countermeasure of changing the design of the bearing; a second candidate countermeasure of replacing the standard seal of the bearing with a conductive seal; a third candidate countermeasure of sealing conductive grease inside the bearing; a fourth candidate countermeasure of attaching conductive brushes to the rotating shaft of the bearing; a fifth candidate countermeasure of providing an insulating coating on the inner surface of the inner ring or the outer surface of the outer ring of the bearing; and a sixth candidate countermeasure of replacing the bearing with a new bearing having ceramic rolling elements, wherein the cost of the first candidate countermeasure is the lowest, and the cost of the second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth candidate countermeasures is in that order.

[0148] (Note 7) The computing device is the support device described in Note 6, which notifies the customer of some of the information indicated by the first candidate countermeasure while concealing some of that information.

[0149] (Note 8) When the bearing information is first bearing information indicating discharge marks formed on the bearing, the calculation device calculates the first evaluation value using the following first formula: First evaluation value = f(d ３ ) However, d on the right side of the first equation is the diameter of the discharge mark, and the larger the diameter d of the discharge mark, the greater the f(d ３ ) is a support device described in any one of the items in Appendix 2 to Appendix 7 that outputs a large value.

[0150] (Note 9) The support device described in Note 8, which notifies the customer that the accuracy of determining whether or not electrolytic corrosion of the bearing occurs within the requested time is higher when the bearing information is the first bearing information than when the bearing information is different from the first bearing information.

[0151] (Note 10) When the bearing information is second bearing information showing voltage and current waveform data when a single discharge occurs in the bearing, the calculation device calculates the first evaluation value using the following second formula:

[0152]

[0153] However, in the right-hand side of the second equation, k is a predetermined coefficient, ts is the start timing of the single discharge time of the bearing as indicated by the waveform data, ts is the end timing of the single discharge time of the bearing as indicated by the waveform data, V is the voltage when the single discharge of the bearing occurs as indicated by the waveform data, and i is the current when the single discharge of the bearing occurs as indicated by the waveform data, as described in any one of the appendices 2 to 9.

[0154] (Note 11) When the bearing information is third bearing information, the calculation device calculates the first evaluation value by the following third equation, where the third bearing information is at least one parameter from the following: the voltage supplied to the motor to which the bearing is applied, the capacity of the motor, the switching frequency of the inverter to which the bearing is applied, the internal clearance of the bearing, and the rotational speed of the rotating shaft of the bearing, and the third equation is first evaluation value = g(α, β, γ), where in the right-hand side of the third equation, α is a parameter including the load on the bearing, β is a parameter including at least one from the volume resistivity and viscosity of the lubricant of the bearing, and γ is the at least one parameter, the larger α is, the larger the value of g(α, β, γ) output, the larger the value of g(α, β, γ) output, and the larger the value of g(α, β, γ) output, the larger the value of g(α, β, γ) output, the larger the value of g(α, β, γ) output, the larger the value of g(α, β, γ) output, the greater the value of g(α, β, γ) output. The support device according to any one of Notes 2 to 10.

[0155] (Note 12) The support device according to any one of Notes 8 to 11, wherein the calculation device calculates the second evaluation value by multiplying the discharge energy when a single discharge occurs by the number of discharges of the bearing in the required time.

[0156] Furthermore, if the bearing information is the first bearing information specified in Appendix 8, the calculation device may calculate the second evaluation value using a value based on the sum of the first evaluation values ​​for each of the at least one discharge marks included in the first bearing information.

[0157] (Note 13) The support device according to any one of Notes 1 to 11, wherein the computing device notifies the customer of the countermeasures and any associated information thereof, the customer includes a first customer who has purchased the bearings and paid a predetermined amount, and a second customer who has purchased the bearings but has not paid the predetermined amount, and the computing device notifies the first customer of the countermeasures and any associated information thereof, but does not notify the second customer of the associated information.

[0158] (Note 14) The calculation device is a support device according to any one of Notes 1 to 13, which notifies the customer who purchased the bearing of the price of the bearing and the cost required for the countermeasures.

[0159] (Note 15) A support method comprising: obtaining bearing information relating to a bearing to be sold to a customer and a requested time set by the customer for the bearing; determining whether or not electrolytic corrosion of the bearing will occur within the requested time based on the bearing information; and, if it is determined that electrolytic corrosion of the bearing will occur within the requested time, notifying the customer of countermeasures against the electrolytic corrosion.

[0160] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the description of the embodiments above, and all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims are intended to be included.

[0161] 100 Support device, 102 Acquisition unit, 104 Calculation unit, 106 Output unit, 112 Memory, 113 Interface, 120 Storage unit, 200 Bearing, 201 Inner ring, 202 Outer ring, 203 Rolling element, 300 Customer device, 301 Input screen, 306 Confirmation information, 310 Comparison information, 316 Exit button, 320 Life ratio information, 330 Quotation information, 340 Countermeasure content information, 380 Detailed results screen, 390 Simple results screen, 400 Sales company, 500 Support system.

Claims

1. A support device comprising: an interface for acquiring bearing information relating to bearings sold to a customer and a requested time set by the customer for the bearings; and a calculation device, wherein the calculation device determines, based on the bearing information, whether or not electrolytic corrosion of the bearing will occur within the requested time, and, if it determines that electrolytic corrosion of the bearing will occur within the requested time, notifies the customer of countermeasures against the electrolytic corrosion.

2. The support device according to claim 1, wherein the calculation device calculates a first evaluation value regarding the presence or absence of ridge marks due to electrolytic corrosion and a second evaluation value regarding the total discharge energy of the bearings during the requested time, using a calculation formula corresponding to the type of bearing information, and determines whether or not electrolytic corrosion of the bearings occurs within the requested time based on the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value.

3. The support device according to claim 2, wherein the calculation device determines that electrolytic corrosion of the bearing will occur within the requested time if the first evaluation value is greater than the first threshold and the second evaluation value is greater than the second threshold.

4. The support device according to claim 3, wherein the countermeasure includes a plurality of candidate countermeasures, the calculation device calculates the second evaluation value for each of the plurality of candidate countermeasures assuming that each of the plurality of candidate countermeasures is implemented on the bearing, and notifies the customer of at least one candidate countermeasure that corresponds to a second evaluation value among the plurality of candidate countermeasures that is smaller than the second threshold as the countermeasure.

5. The support device according to claim 4, wherein, when the at least one candidate countermeasure is two or more candidate countermeasures, the computing device notifies the customer of the two or more candidate countermeasures as the countermeasures so that the customer can identify the order of the two or more candidate countermeasures in terms of cost.

6. The support device according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of candidate countermeasures include at least two of the following: a first candidate countermeasure of changing the design of the bearing; a second candidate countermeasure of replacing the standard seal of the bearing with a conductive seal; a third candidate countermeasure of sealing conductive grease inside the bearing; a fourth candidate countermeasure of attaching conductive brushes to the rotating shaft of the bearing; a fifth candidate countermeasure of providing an insulating coating on the inner circumferential surface of the inner ring or the outer circumferential surface of the outer ring of the bearing; and a sixth candidate countermeasure of replacing the bearing with a new bearing having ceramic rolling elements.

7. The support device according to claim 6, wherein the computing device notifies the customer of some of the information indicated by the first candidate countermeasure, while concealing some of that information.

8. When the bearing information is first bearing information indicating a discharge mark formed on the bearing, the calculation device calculates the first evaluation value using the following first formula: First evaluation value = f(d ３ ) However, d on the right side of the first equation is the diameter of the discharge mark, and the larger the diameter d of the discharge mark, the greater the f(d ３ The support device according to any one of claims 2 to 6, which outputs a large value.

9. The support device according to claim 8, wherein the support device notifies the customer that the accuracy of determining whether or not electrolytic corrosion of the bearing occurs within the requested time is higher when the bearing information is first bearing information than when the bearing information is different from first bearing information.

10. When the bearing information is second bearing information indicating voltage and current waveform data when a single discharge occurs in the bearing, the calculation device calculates the first evaluation value using the following second formula: However, in the right-hand side of the second equation, k is a predetermined coefficient, ts is the start timing of the single discharge time of the bearing as indicated by the waveform data, ts is the end timing of the single discharge time of the bearing as indicated by the waveform data, V is the voltage when the single discharge of the bearing occurs as indicated by the waveform data, and i is the current when the single discharge of the bearing occurs as indicated by the waveform data, the support device according to any one of claims 2 to 6.

11. When the bearing information is third bearing information, the calculation device calculates the first evaluation value by the following third equation, where the third bearing information is at least one parameter from the following: the voltage supplied to the motor to which the bearing is applied, the capacity of the motor, the switching frequency of the inverter to which the bearing is applied, the internal clearance of the bearing, and the rotational speed of the rotating shaft of the bearing, and the third equation is first evaluation value = g(α, β, γ), where in the right-hand side of the third equation, α is a parameter including the load on the bearing, β is a parameter including at least one from the volume resistivity and viscosity of the lubricant of the bearing, and γ is the at least one parameter, the larger α is, the larger the value of g(α, β, γ) output, the larger the value of g(α, β, γ) output, and the larger the value of g(α, β, γ) output, the larger the value of g(α, β, γ) output, the larger the value of g(α, β, γ) output, the larger the value of g(α, β, γ) output, the greater the value of g(α, β, γ) output, the greater the value of g(α, β, γ) output 12. The support device according to claim 8, wherein the calculation device calculates the second evaluation value by multiplying the discharge energy when a single discharge occurs by the number of discharges of the bearing in the required time.

13. The support device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the computing device notifies the customer of the countermeasure and any associated information thereof, the customer includes a first customer who has purchased the bearing and paid a predetermined amount, and a second customer who has purchased the bearing but has not paid the predetermined amount, and the computing device notifies the first customer of the countermeasure and any associated information thereof, and does not notify the second customer of the associated information.

14. The support device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the calculation device notifies the customer who purchased the bearing of the price of the bearing and the cost required for the countermeasures.

15. A support method comprising: obtaining bearing information relating to a bearing to be sold to a customer and a requested time set by the customer for the bearing; determining, based on the bearing information, whether or not electrolytic corrosion of the bearing will occur within the requested time; and, if it is determined that electrolytic corrosion of the bearing will occur within the requested time, notifying the customer of countermeasures against the electrolytic corrosion.

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