DE102005033243A1 - Liquid low level warning device for use on nut of ball screw, has buoyage mounted on rail, serving to control turn on/off of terminal and producing mechanical input which is turned into electrical output by terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a circuit terminal (20) fixed to a wall of a lubricating device (A). A buoyage (40) is mounted on a rail (30), which serves to control turn on/off of the terminal and produces a mechanical input that is turned into an electrical output by the terminal. The rail is positioned in an inner space (B), and is connected to an end and located between two semicircular metal plates (22). The buoyage moves down until a conductive metal piece of the buoyage contacts the semicircular metal plates of the circuit terminal if the level of the lubricating oil is low for producing alarm signals.

Description

The The invention relates to a liquid level warning system for a Linear system, in particular a liquid level warning system, the in nuts of a ball screw is used or on an am End of a sliding carriage of a linear guide located lubricating device attached to the front of the stock of lubricating fluid to trigger warning signals in time.

• 1. Die Überprüfung des Ölstands lässt sich schwierig durchführen, weil die Kugelumlaufspindel 10 und Schmierbüchse 11 sehr klein dimensioniert sind. Eine Sichtprüfung des Ölstands in der Schmierbüchse 11 ist praktisch durchzuführen, woraus sich aber eine ungenaue Ermittelung ergeben kann. Die umständliche Standardprüfung kann zu Versäumnis der Prüfungsarbeiten führen, wodurch Flüchtigkeitsfehler, die von Menschen verursacht werden, entstehen.
• 2. Um das oben erwähnte Problem zu beseitigen, können folgende Methoden zum Anzeigen des Flüssigkeitsstands gewählt werden: a. Verwendung von Ultraschall zur Erfassung des Flüssigkeitsstands; und b. Anbringen eines Druckmessers am unteren Ende des Behälters.

It is very common to mount a lubricant lubricating lubricant button either at both ends of a ball screw or at both ends of a slide carriage of the linear guide. How out 1 can be seen, is a smooth operation of a ball screw 10 through a continuous supply with the inside of a lubricator 11 stored lubricating oil possible. Although the conventional product has been accepted in the market for a long period of time, it has the following disadvantages:

• 1. Checking the oil level is difficult because the ball screw 10 and lubrication box 11 are very small dimensions. A visual inspection of the oil level in the lubricator 11 is practical, but this may result in an inaccurate determination. The cumbersome standard test can lead to failure of the examination work, which leads to carelessness mistakes, which are caused by humans.
• 2. In order to eliminate the above-mentioned problem, the following methods for indicating the liquid level can be selected: a. Use of ultrasound for detecting the liquid level; and b. Attaching a pressure gauge at the bottom of the container.

The above-mentioned solutions for detecting the liquid level has complicated components and at the same time require a large cost, so they are not suitable for use in small lubrication boxes. In addition, the above-mentioned testing devices are all of a large size, which makes the design of the small lubricant box 11 or the handling of the entire system more difficult.

As already stated above, there is a regular check or replacement of the lubrication box 11 stored liquid necessary, it is hardly possible to attach a precise warning system to a low-cost product. This is not optimal.

Of the Invention is based on the object, a liquid level warning system create, which still has a small size with lower cost and achieves an excellent warning effect, whereby the liquid level warning system according to the invention by simple measures does not have the above-mentioned disadvantages.

These The object is achieved by a liquid level warning system, having the features specified in claim 1. Further advantageous Further developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

By The invention will be a liquid level warning system created, which flaw errors avoids and the review of the fluid level relieved by the liquid level warning system a connection, a rail and a float, wherein the connection in Connection with an external installation, such as. Buzzer or series lamp, stands, and being the front of the liquid level warning signals are triggered can, when the float with the lubricating fluid is moved.

hereby become human carelessness mistakes avoided, making the review easier becomes.

In addition, will by the invention, a liquid level warning system created, which has small size and cost-effective can be produced. The liquid level warning system according to the invention consists of only three components, with cable or radio transmission can be used. Due to the reduction in size, the Components installed inside the reservoir of the lubricator be without loss on the design and size of the product to cause.

in the Following are objects, features and operation of the invention on the basis of the preferred embodiment and the accompanying drawings be explained in more detail. It shows:

1 an overall perspective view of a construction according to the prior art;

2 an overall perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention;

3 an overall perspective view a lubricating device having a construction according to the invention;

4 the operation of the present invention in sectional view;

5 the operation of the present invention in sectional view, wherein an electrical connection is made;

6 a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention;

7 in a schematic representation of the operation of the further embodiment of the present invention according to 6 ; and

8th in a schematic representation of the operation of the further embodiment of the present invention according to 6 wherein a float is moved down to trigger warning signals.

Referring to 2 to 4 a liquid level warning system according to the invention has a connection 20 , a rail 30 and a float 40 on.

The connection 20 is mounted on a wall of a lubricating device A, wherein the terminal 20 on its lower side over two metal feet 21 is electrically connected to an external equipment such as buzzer, control system or standard lamps, while the upper side of the terminal 20 the storage space B of the lubricating device A faces, as in 4 is shown. The connection 20 is on a side facing the reservoir B side with two semicircular metal projections 22 provided, which serve as an electrical connection element.

The rod-shaped rail 30 is located in the reservoir B of the lubricating device A, wherein a lower end of the rail 30 with the connection 20 comes into contact and gets between the metal protrusions 22 located. In addition, the upper end of the rail goes 30 into a stop 31 above.

The float 40 is formed as a cylindrical body having a through hole 41 is provided, whose inner diameter is so slightly larger than the outer diameter of the rail 30 that the float 40 with its through hole 41 at the rail 30 is vertically displaceable, the float 40 bottom with a conductive piece of metal 42 is covered with the semicircular metal protrusions 22 of the connection 20 makes an electrical connection. The density of the float 40 is lower than that of the lubricating liquid C.

Hereinafter, the operation and advantages of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG 4 and 5 described. The float 40 becomes with its through hole 41 slidable on the rail 30 arranged, with the stop 31 as limiting the movement of the float 40 serves. It is also a conductive piece of metal 42 down to the terminal 20 glued and thus acts with the metal protrusions 22 of the connection 20 together. There is a certain amount of lubricating fluid C in the reservoir B of the lubricating device A, the float can 40 be kept under the influence of buoyancy on the surface of the lubricating fluid C, since the density of the float 40 smaller than that of the lubricating liquid C. This avoids the conductive metal piece 42 of the float 40 with the semicircular metal protrusions 22 of the connection 20 makes an electrical connection when certain amount of lubricating fluid C is present in the reservoir B. In this way, no warning signals are triggered.

If the supply of the lubricating liquid C is reduced to a certain level, where the lubricating liquid C approaches the lower end of the storage space B of the lubricating device A, the float sinks 40 with the liquid surface of the lubricating fluid C until the conductive metal piece 42 of the float 40 with the semicircular metal protrusions 22 of the connection 20 makes an electrical connection. The connection 20 is mounted on the wall of the lubricating device A, with signals over the metal feet 21 of the connection 20 to external plant, such as

Summer, Control system or series lamp, can be sent to a visual or audible Warning in case of insufficient or no supply of lubricating fluid C over the outer plant trigger.

In contrast to the conventional liquid level warning system, the liquid level warning system according to the invention is characterized by simple construction and lower space requirements, which causes a significant reduction in size. In practice, the liquid level warning system according to the invention may be dimensioned so that the diameter is 15 mm and the height is 20 mm, so that the float 40 has a sufficient weight to enforce the non-conductive oil film of the lubricating fluid C and thus a reliable electrical connection to the terminal 20 manufacture.

Hereinafter, another embodiment with a smaller configuration will be explained with reference to FIG 6 to 8th explained. In the embodiment according to 6 to 8th becomes the connection 20 through a commercially available photocell 50 replaced, which is provided on a side facing the storage space B with two projections, one of which as an infrared transmitter 51 and the other as an infrared receiver 52 is executed. Usually this can be done by the infrared transmitter 51 radiated infrared unhindered on the infrared receiver 52 fall when the float 40 in a raised position, as in 7 is shown. Sinks the float 40 , that is from the infrared transmitter 51 radiated infrared from the float 40 interrupted, as in 8th is shown. So can that from the infrared transmitter 51 radiated infrared not on the infrared receiver 52 fall. Now send the photocell 50 Signals over the metal feet 53 to the external system, such as buzzer, control system or standard lamps to trigger visual or audible warning signals with insufficient or no supply of lubricating fluid C on the external system, such as buzzer, control system or series lamp.

As the embodiment with the light barrier 50 in independence from the weight of the float 40 is operational, the present invention can be dimensioned in ten square millimeters, causing a reduction in size and manufacturing cost of the present invention.

The liquid level warning system according to the invention can also be found in wireless radio transmission use by inside the terminal 20 a signal transmitting element is provided, which the pin-like metal feet 21 replaced, wherein the radio signals can be sent via the signal transmission element to the external system, such as buzzer, control system or series lamp. Thus, the cable and radio transmission can be used in the present invention. This shows only a variant of the present invention and is thus within the scope of the present invention.

• – dass unter Kombination aus dem mechanischen Schwimmkörper und dem elektronischen Schalter, d.h. unter Verwendung der mechanischen Eingabe und der elektronischen Ausgabe eine Flüssigkeitsstandwarnung mit geringerem Kosten- und Raumaufwand möglich ist;
• – dass ein geschlossener Stromkreis oder eine getrennte Schaltung mit dem im Inneren des Vorratsraums B gelagerten ; Schwimmkörper erzielt wird, der mit der Flüssigkeitsoberfläche beweglich ist, wobei der Schwimmkörper 40 aus Material hergestellt ist, dessen Dichte kleiner ist als diejenige der Flüssigkeit, wodurch der Schwimmkörper 40 auf der Flüssigkeitsoberfläche gehalten werden kann, und wobei das untere Ende des Schwimmkörpers 40 aus leitfähigem Stoff besteht, wenn ein Kontaktschalter gebraucht wird, und wobei die Anwendung von leitfähigem Stoff nicht notwendig ist, wenn eine Lichtschranke 50 zum Einsatz kommt; und
• – dass der Anschluss 20 als Schalter eingesetzt wird, der eingeschaltet wird, wenn der Schwimmkörper 40 in die Warngrenze eintritt, wobei der Anschluss 20 in normalem Zustand untätig ist, und wobei der Anschluss 20 aus leitendem Stoff besteht, wenn der Kontaktschalter zum Einsatz kommt, und wobei die Anwendung von leitfähigem Stoff nicht notwendig ist, wenn eine Lichtschranke 50 zum Einsatz kommt.

It should be noted that

• - That under combination of the mechanical float and the electronic switch, ie using the mechanical input and the electronic output a liquid level warning with less cost and space is possible;
• - That a closed circuit or a separate circuit with the stored in the interior of the reservoir B; Float is achieved, which is movable with the liquid surface, wherein the float 40 made of material whose density is smaller than that of the liquid, whereby the float 40 can be held on the liquid surface, and wherein the lower end of the float 40 is made of conductive material when a contact switch is needed, and wherein the application of conductive substance is not necessary when a photoelectric barrier 50 is used; and
• - that the connection 20 is used as a switch, which is turned on when the float 40 enters the warning limit, with the connection 20 is inactive in normal condition, and where the connection 20 is made of conductive material when the contact switch is used, and wherein the application of conductive substance is not necessary when a photocell 50 is used.

10

Ball screw

11

lubricator

A

lubricator

B

pantry

C

lubricating fluid

20

connection

21

metal base

22

metal protrusion

30

rail

31

attack

40

float

41

Through Hole

42

conductive metal piece

50

photocell

51

infrared transmitter

52

Infrared receiver

53

metal base

Claims (10)

Liquid level warning system installed in a lubricating device (A) of a linear system, the lubricating device (A) having a reservoir (B) for receiving fluid, and the fluid level warning device comprising: a port ( 20 ) provided in the lubricating device (A), the port ( 20 ) communicates with its lower end in communication with an outer plant and with its upper end in communication with the reservoir (B) of the lubricating device (A); a rail ( 30 ) which is located in the reservoir (B) of the lubricating device (A), wherein a lower end of the rail ( 30 ) with the connection ( 20 ), while the upper end of the rail ( 30 ) into a stop ( 31 ) passes over; and a float ( 40 ) attached to the rail ( 30 ) and with which the connection ( 20 ) is displaceable in an open or closed circuit, the density of the floating body ( 40 ) is smaller as that of the liquid filled in the reservoir (B). Liquid level warning system according to claim 1, characterized in that - the connection ( 20 ) is used as an electrical switch, which is installed on the wall of the lubricating device (A), wherein the connection ( 20 ) over their metal feet ( 21 ) is connected to a specific external installation, and wherein the connection ( 20 ) on a side facing the storage space (B) with metal projections ( 22 ), which serve as an electrical connection element; - that the rail ( 30 ) is rod-shaped, with the bottom ( 20 ) and according to the metal projections ( 22 ) is arranged; and - that the float ( 40 ) is formed as a cylindrical body, with a through hole ( 41 ) is provided whose inner diameter is so slightly larger than the outer diameter of the rail ( 30 ) that the float ( 40 ) with its through hole ( 41 ) on the rail ( 30 ) is vertically displaceable, the float ( 40 ) at the bottom with a conductive metal piece ( 42 ), with the metal projections ( 22 ) of the connection ( 20 ) establishes an electrical connection. Liquid level warning system according to claim 1, characterized in that the connection as a light barrier ( 50 ) is executed, which is provided on a side facing the storage space (B) with two projections, one of which as an infrared transmitter ( 51 ) and the other as infrared receiver ( 52 ) is carried out, wherein an interruption of infrared radiation with the depending on the liquid level movable floats ( 40 ) can take place. Liquid level warning system according to claim 2, characterized in that the connection ( 20 ) on a side facing the storage space (B) with two semicircular metal projections ( 22 ), which serve as an electrical connection element, wherein the lower end of the rail ( 30 ) between the two semicircular metal projections ( 22 ) is located. Liquid level alarm according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the outer plant executed as buzzer is. Liquid level alarm according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the outer plant executed as a control system is. Liquid level alarm according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the outer plant designed as standard lamps is. Liquid level warning system according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the connection ( 20 ) is internally provided with a signal transmitting element which transmits a radio signal to the external equipment. Liquid level alarm according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the liquid level warning system in nuts of a ball screw is used. Liquid level alarm according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the liquid level warning system in the lubricating device at the end of a sliding carriage of a linear guide use place.