DE102011001739A1 - Arrangement for refilling a centralized lubrication system - Google Patents

Abstract

Arrangement for refilling a central lubrication system, comprising a central lubrication system and a filling device, the central lubrication system comprising a lubricant pump, a lubricant reservoir in fluid communication with the lubricant pump and at least one lubricant line leading to lubrication points, the filling device including a holder for receiving a lubricant container with lubricant Connecting element for detachable connection to the lubricant reservoir and a movable pressure element to press the lubricant into the lubricant reservoir, characterized in that the filling device further has a motor, in particular an electric motor, to move the pressure element by motor.

Description

• – eine Schmiermittelpumpe,
• – ein mit der Schmiermittelpumpe in Fluidverbindung stehendes Schmiermittelreservoir und
• – mindestens eine zu Schmierstellen führende Schmierstoffleitung, und wobei das Befüllungsgerät umfasst:
• – einen Halter zur Aufnahme eines Schmiermittelbehältnisses mit Schmiermittel,
• – ein Verbindungselement zur lösbaren Verbindung mit dem Schmiermittelreservoir und
• – ein bewegbares Druckelement, um das Schmiermittel in das Schmiermittelreservoir zu drücken.

The present invention relates to an arrangement for refilling a centralized lubrication system consisting of the centralized lubrication system and a filling device, the centralized lubrication system comprising:

• A lubricant pump,
• - A lubricant reservoir in fluid communication with the lubricant pump and
• At least one lubricant line leading to lubrication points, and wherein the filling device comprises:
• A holder for receiving a lubricant container with lubricant,
• - A connecting element for releasable connection with the lubricant reservoir and
• - A movable pressure element to push the lubricant in the lubricant reservoir.

• – einen Halter zur Aufnahme eines Schmiermittelbehältnisses mit Schmiermittel,
• – ein im Halter aufgenommenes Schmiermittelbehältnis mit Schmiermittel,
• – ein Verbindungselement zur lösbaren Verbindung mit einem Schmiermittelreservoir und
• – ein bewegbares Druckelement um das Schmiermittel in das Schmiermittelreservoir zu drücken.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a filling device, designed and determined for a refillable lubricant reservoir of a centralized lubrication system, in particular as part of an arrangement according to one of the claims 1 to 15, comprising:

• A holder for receiving a lubricant container with lubricant,
• A lubricant container with lubricant received in the holder,
• - A connecting element for releasable connection with a lubricant reservoir and
• - A movable pressure element to press the lubricant in the lubricant reservoir.

The invention also relates to a lubricant container having a substantially cylindrical shape, in particular for use in an arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 15.

• – eine Schmiermittelpumpe,
• – ein mit der Schmiermittelpumpe in Fluidverbindung stehendes Schmiermittelreservoir und
• – mindestens eine zu Schmierstellen führende Schmierstoffleitung,
• – einen Befüllungsanschluss.

Moreover, the invention relates to a central lubrication system comprising:

• A lubricant pump,
• - A lubricant reservoir in fluid communication with the lubricant pump and
• At least one lubricant line leading to lubrication points,
• - a filling connection.

• – Verbinden eines Befüllungsgerätes mit dem Schmiermittelreservoir,
• – Bewegung eines Druckelements derart, dass das Schmiermittel in das Schmiermittelreservoir gedrückt wird.

Finally, the invention also relates to a method for filling a lubricant reservoir, with the steps:

• Connecting a filling device to the lubricant reservoir,
• - Movement of a pressure element such that the lubricant is pressed into the lubricant reservoir.

Centralized lubrication systems are used to supply lubricant to several lubrication points within a technical system. Since in contrast to the individual lubrication of the lubricant supply hereby only has to be centrally checked and refilled, reduce central lubrication maintenance of the technical system. Typically, when using the technical equipment, the lubricant is consumed, i. H. The lubricant in the lubricant reservoir of the centralized lubrication system must be refilled at regular intervals.

The refilling of the lubricant reservoir of a centralized lubrication system z. B. over grease guns or barrel pumps. Such grease guns typically include a lever or push rod over which the grease can be forced into the lubricant reservoir by the user's muscular effort. For refilling the central lubrication system, an arrangement is formed in which the grease gun is detachably connected to the lubricant reservoir via a connecting element. Depending on the nature of the connection with the lubricant reservoir and depending on the viscosity and amount of the lubricant to be conveyed into the lubricant reservoir, the refilling of the centralized lubrication system requires a significant amount of time, typically several minutes.

Apart from the time required, it is also disadvantageous that the pressure exerted by muscle force on the lubricant is typically not constant. In particular, it happens that the operator becomes fatigued during the operation and in the meantime pauses briefly. During this time, no pressure is exerted on the lubricant and it may happen that the movable pressure element slips back. Due to this uneven pressure and uneven movement of the pressure element, it is possible that the lubricant reservoir is not properly filled. In turn, pumps with follower pistons require more power to fill.

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an arrangement for refilling a centralized lubrication system according to the preamble of protection claim 1, wherein a simpler, easier to maintain and more reliable refilling the centralized lubrication system is made possible.

This object is achieved by an arrangement for refilling a centralized lubrication system according to the protection claim 1. The object is also achieved by a filling device according to protection claim 16, a lubricant container according to protection claim 18 and a by a Centralized lubrication system according to protection claim 22. The object is also achieved by a method for filling a lubricant reservoir according to protection claim 23.

It is a core idea of the invention that the smooth but rapid movement of the motor can be translated by a suitable drive arrangement into a smooth, slow movement of the pressure element. By a high conversion ratio, it is possible that the engine exerts a high pressure on the lubricant and thus can also press lubricant with high viscosity quickly into the lubricant reservoir. Compared to hand-operated pumps has the advantage that with a motor even with extremely high viscosity of the lubricant, the lubricant from a (preferably wide) opening from the filling device can be pushed or pushed into a lubricant reservoir.

It is particularly possible that the engine is an electric motor. Electric motors are characterized by the fact that they are available in small and lightweight designs. Electric motors also have a low volume and a very low maintenance. Since electrical power is available almost everywhere, or can be provided by batteries, thus a very simple handling of the filling device is possible. In particular, it is possible that the filling device is so small and lightweight that it can be conveniently held in one hand.

According to an independent idea of the invention, it is provided that the lubricant container has an ID tag, preferably an RFID tag, and the central lubrication system has a read-out unit which is suitable for reading out the ID tag. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the ID tag in this case has information about the lubricant contained in the lubricant container, in particular it can be provided that a type and / or a condition and / or a quantity and / or a production date and / or a best before date and / or a manufacturer of the lubricant contained in the lubricant container by the ID tag are identifiable.

The ID tag can therefore have an ID, ie. H. include a unique identifier for the given lubricant container. However, it may also contain further information about the lubricant container, this further information may include numbers, letters, words or other types of data.

Thus, it is thus possible that a control electronics provided on the central lubrication system receives information about what type of lubricant the central lubrication system is being filled with. This information can be used for a variety of purposes, such. B. it is conceivable that the control electronics uses the information about the lubricant to z. B. adapts the pumping behavior to the lubricant used. For example, a tough lubricant might require a higher pumping force than a less tough lubricant. Likewise, it can be monitored when the durability of the lubricant stored in the lubricant reservoir expires.

According to one possible embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the central lubrication system comprises a logging unit for logging the lubricant used to fill the centralized lubrication system. The logging unit can therefore record when the central lubrication system was filled with which amount of which lubricant.

It is conceivable that different lubricants lead to a different wear of the central lubrication system. Thus, with the information from the protocol unit can be evaluated when the next maintenance of the centralized lubrication system is required. If the central lubrication system has been filled with unsuitable lubricant, it is in particular possible that this is detected from an evaluation of the protocol information and thus the wrong lubricant can be identified as a source of error. It is thus possible to avoid a possibly expensive troubleshooting.

According to a further possible embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the central lubrication system has a first communication module and the filling device has a second communication module, wherein the first communication module is adapted to send an OK signal to the second communication module and wherein the filling device is formed, the Pressure element only then to move by motor when the second communication module has received an OK signal from the first communication module.

It can thus be ensured that the central lubrication system is only filled with a lubricant when an electronic control unit has evaluated on the centralized lubrication system, that a filling is advantageous. For example, it could be provided that the first communication module sends an OK signal only if the level of the central lubrication system requires a filling at all.

In order to prevent damage through the use of unsuitable lubricant, it is thus possible that the filling device only then Filling if it has received an OK signal.

It is also possible for the first communication module to send further information to the second communication module, in addition to or instead of the OK signal. This additional information could include error codes or information about the maintenance status of the centralized lubrication system. This information could be displayed on a display of the filling device.

According to a possible embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the communication between the first and second communication module takes place via an electrical contact.

Since the filling device and the centralized lubrication system are in mechanical contact anyway during the filling of the centralized lubrication system, this contact can advantageously also be used as an electrical contact for the transmission of data. To encode the data as electrical signals known methods may be used, in particular analog or digital coding. In the case of digital data transmission, encryption is also conceivable. Thus, it can additionally be ensured that only lubricant supplied by the manufacturer and suitable for the centralized lubrication system is used for filling.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the communication between the first and second communication module takes place via a radio link.

A radio link has the advantage that no wear of a mechanical electrical contact occurs. Another advantage is that the filling device can already indicate that it has received an OK signal and that filling can take place before it has been brought into mechanical contact with the central lubrication system. As with the electrical contact, it is conceivable in the radio connection that the transmission of the OK signal is encrypted.

According to another possible embodiment of the invention it is provided that the filling device has a read-out unit which is suitable for reading out information from the ID tag of the lubricant container and the second communication module is suitable for sending the information to the first communication module.

In this embodiment, the reading of the ID tag thus takes place on the filling device. Since the lubricant container is positioned in the holder of the filling device, so anyway a mechanical contact is present, in this case, in particular a simple electrical contact can be used to read information from the ID tag. Since the information about the first and second communication module can be further communicated to the centralized lubrication system, the same information about the lubricant is available on the centralized lubrication system, but it is advantageously not necessary for the centralized lubrication system to have its own readout unit for ID tags. It is understood that according to this embodiment, the information can also be processed or modified on the filling device before it is sent to the central lubrication system via first and second communication module.

According to a possible embodiment of the arrangement it is provided that the lubricant container is substantially cylindrical and the pressure element is preferably moved substantially along the axis of the cylindrical lubricant container. The cylindrical lubricant container may, for. B. be a cartridge with a stable cylindrical frame. In this case, the pressure element may be formed as a piston which is movable along the axis of the cylindrical lubricant container. However, it is also conceivable that the cylindrical lubricant container has a flexible casing, in particular a film. In comparison to other forms, the cylindrical design has the advantage that in relation to the filling capacity of the lubricant container, only a comparatively small amount of material is required for the container wall, and such lubricant containers can nevertheless be transported and / or stored well. In addition, it is particularly well possible in cylindrical embodiments, to push the lubricant completely out of the container, since the piston presses uniformly on the lubricant wall. There remains only a small amount of residual agent in the container.

In a further preferred embodiment of the arrangement, the lubricant is grease. The proposed arrangement is particularly suitable for supplying grease to centralized lubrication systems. Because of the viscous flow properties of fat, it is particularly advantageous that the force is applied by a powerful motor and does not have to be tediously provided by the user's muscular power.

In a further preferred embodiment it is provided that the filling device has a heater, with which the lubricant is heatable. The heating can z. B. done by windings of heating wire, which are wound around the lubricant container. The heating wire can evenly over the axial extent of the holder for receiving the lubricant container be wrapped. But it is also an uneven distribution conceivable, for. For example, the heating wires may be wound more closely with increasing proximity to the connecting element in order to heat the grease particularly strongly, in particular, when it is about to be pressed into the lubricant reservoir by the connecting element. While the lubricant is being forced out of the charging device, only a portion of the heater encloses lubricant. In order to prevent overheating of the heater in the area in which the lubricant container has already been emptied and the heater no longer encloses lubricant, it can be advantageously provided that these parts of the heater are switched off.

The heater can z. B. be an electric heater. If the motor is an electric motor, it is thus possible that electric motor and heater are supplied from the same power source.

In a further embodiment, it is provided that the lubricant container has a lubricant filling capacity between 400 g and 5 kg, preferably in particular between 0.5 kg and 3 kg. It has been shown that such lubricant filling capacities are in great demand, for. As for filling central lubrication systems in the automotive sector or in the field of wind turbines, especially in the field of offshore wind turbines. In addition, a Schmierstoffüllkapazität in the aforementioned areas has the advantage that the entire filling device has a weight of at most a few kilograms and thus can be held in the hands.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the arrangement it is provided that the filling device is suitable, in particular motor and associated drive are designed such that the contents of the lubricant container can be transferred within less than a minute in the lubricant reservoir. This embodiment enables a particularly efficient refilling of the centralized lubrication system. The short refilling time is particularly advantageous if it is provided that the filling device is held in the hand during the refilling. The refill time is so short that no fatigue of the hand or arm occurs. In order to achieve such a short refilling time, it is advantageously provided that the motor is particularly strong and the holder for the lubricant container and the connecting element for connection to the lubricant reservoir are designed to be particularly stable.

In a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that the filling device has at least one power source, preferably a rechargeable battery, which supplies the filling device with power. Thus, it is possible that the filling device can be operated conveniently, even in places where no external electrical power supply is available. In particular, it is advantageous that the power source of the filling device is designed as a high-current battery, z. B. by using battery cells based on lead or lithium. The high current capability allows the motor to operate at high power during the filling of the lubricant reservoir.

In a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that the pressure element is connected to a push rod, wherein the push rod has a toothing and the motor drives a last gear whose rotation leads to a longitudinal movement of the push rod. This embodiment allows a particularly stable guidance of the push rod and thus offers a particularly good possibility to exert high pressure on the lubricant. It is conceivable that the pressure rod protrudes from the housing of the filling device at the proximal end of the filling device. In this case, it is possible for the user to manually apply additional force to the push rod manually in addition to the force applied by the motor. For this purpose, a suitably suitable end piece can be provided at the proximal end of the push rod.

According to an alternative possible embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the push rod has an external thread and is movable in the direction of the axis of the push rod by a spindle nut engaging around the push rod and driven by the motor. In this embodiment, the motor drive thus rotates the threaded nut which engages around the push rod. The push rod is mounted so that it can not rotate around its axis. The threaded nut has an internal thread, which corresponds to the external thread of the push rod. Thus, the rotational movement of the threaded nut leads to a translational movement of the push rod. The advantage of this arrangement is that the force is delivered uniformly to the push rod. This is particularly advantageous when very large forces are to be generated in the axial direction of the push rod.

In principle, it would alternatively also be possible that the threaded nut is fixedly mounted relative to the filling device and the push rod is rotated. In this case, a device must be attached to the piston to prevent the piston from rotating with the push rod. Likewise, advantageously, the proximal part of the push rod is covered, so that no moving parts of the push rod are accessible from the outside.

In a preferred embodiment of the lubricant container it is provided that the lubricant container has a substantially cylindrical shape and has a flexible shell, in particular a foil. In the filled state, the lubricant container is stabilized by the lubricant and kept in the intended form. It is thus possible with a particularly low cost of materials to provide a stable lubricant container. When emptying the lubricant container exerts the pressure element from one side, preferably from the proximal side of the lubricant container, pressure on the Schmiermittelbehätnis and pushes the lubricant after an opening of the shell, z. B. by cutting, from the lubricant container. In this process, the flexible sheath is compressed and can be removed and discarded after complete emptying of the lubricant container from the filling device.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the lubricant container is provided that the flexible sheath is a film. This makes a particularly favorable production of the lubricant container possible. In particular, the flexible sheath can advantageously be an at least partially transparent foil. This can be recognized from the outside already the nature of the lubricant. Thus, it is possible that any air bubbles or foreign bodies in the lubricant container are already detected before they are pressed into the lubricant reservoir.

In a further preferred embodiment of the lubricant container is provided that the flexible sheath has at least a first end portion which is closed with a closure means and can be provided to form a predetermined breaking point on the flexible sheath with a material weakening in the flexible sheath, wherein the Material weakening between the closure means and the area with the maximum circumference of the cylindrical shell is located. The maximum circumference is understood in this context as the envelope of the cross section of the lubricant container. In a substantially cylindrical shape of the lubricant container, the central part of the lubricant container has a circular cross section with a constant circumference.

Advantageously, the lubricant container is inserted into the holder in this embodiment so that the material weakening is in the vicinity of the connecting element. Thus, during the Auspressvorgang leakage of the lubricant is prevented in the holder or reduced to a minimum. Due to the pressure exerted by the pressure element from the proximal side, the distal end of the lubricant container rests close to the distal end of the holder during the entire filling process.

Preferably, the material weakening is at least partially disposed radially encircling the closure means. Thus, the flexible sheath along a curved line on a predetermined breaking point and it forms when opening under pressure, an advantageous opening. The material weakening can z. B. particularly inexpensive and precise with a laser attached to the lubricant container.

According to a possible embodiment of the invention, it is provided that an RFID tag is attached to the lubricant container. The RFID tag can be glued to the outside of the lubricant container, for example with adhesive. Alternatively, it may be mounted on the inside of the flexible sheath of the lubricant container.

The invention will be described with reference to further embodiments, which are explained in more detail with reference to the figures.

Show it:

1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a filling device according to the invention;

2a an inventive arrangement of a centralized lubrication system and a second embodiment of a filling device according to the invention;

2 B an inventive arrangement of a centralized lubrication system and the second embodiment of a filling device according to the invention, wherein the filling device according to the invention is connected to the centralized lubrication system;

3a a 3D representation of a first embodiment of a lubricant container according to the invention;

3b a cross-sectional view of the lubricant container of the invention 3a ;

4a a 3D representation of a second embodiment of a lubricant container according to the invention;

4b a cross-sectional view of the lubricant container according to the invention 4a ;

5a a 3D representation of a third embodiment of a lubricant container according to the invention;

5b a cross-sectional view of the lubricant container according to the invention 5a ;

6a a 3D representation of a fourth embodiment of a lubricant container according to the invention;

6b a cross-sectional view of the lubricant container according to the invention 6a ; and

7 a plan view of a fifth embodiment of a lubricant container according to the invention.

In the 1 shown embodiment of a filling device according to the invention is in its entirety by the reference numeral 1 designated. 1 shows a front view of the filling device 1 , with a holder 10 and a main body 2 , In the area of the owner 10 and the basic body 2 is partly a view of the inside of the filling device 1 played. The change between outside and inside view is characterized by wavy lines.

The filling device 1 includes the already mentioned holder 10 for receiving a lubricant container 20 with lubricant 21 , On the holder 10 is a first screw cap 11 provided with the holder 10 with the main body 2 of the filling device 1 can be attached. A second screw cap 12 is provided at the distal end of the holder to remove the lubricant container or safely stowed can. The holder 10 has a cylindrical shape corresponding to the cylindrical shape of the lubricant container 20 ,

The lubricant container 20 is filled with lubricant 21 , The lubricant 21 is about a pressure element 22 , formed in the present embodiment as a piston 22 , from the filling device 1 pressed.

At the distal end of the filling device 1 there is a connection element 30 , In the embodiment shown, the connecting element 30 a diameter of 3 cm. This ensures that the lubricant 21 in a short time from the filling device 1 can be pushed out. While the filling device 1 is not connected to a central lubrication system, there is a protective cap 31 on the connecting element 30 , The protective cap 31 gets through the holding piece 32 at the filling device 1 recorded.

On the proximal side of the lubricant container 20 there is a push rod 35 , The push rod 35 pushes the piston 22 in the distal direction against the lubricant 21 , At the proximal end of the push rod 35 there is an end piece 36 with a contact surface 37 over which a user pushes the push rod 35 can push in the distal direction.

In the main body 2 of the filling device 1 There is a trained here as an electric motor motor 40 with an upstream drive 41 who in 1 is shown simplified. The drive 41 includes gears 42 that the high number of revolutions of the engine 40 to a slower speed of rotation with higher torque. The drive 1 has elements 43 on, which rotate the axis of rotation through an angle of 90 °, leaving a final gear 44 into the gearing 38 the push rod 35 can intervene. Thus, overall, the rotational movement of the engine 40 in a longitudinal movement of the push rod 35 transformed.

The motor 40 is controlled by an electronic control unit 50 , by the user by two buttons 51 . 52 can be controlled. This is done by pressing the lower button 51 for a movement in the distal direction, an operation of the upper button to decouple the drive, after which the rod can be pulled back manually. Alternatively, it is possible that both are fully automated, an actuation of the lower button 51 So to a movement of the push rod 35 leads in the proximal direction. To the electronic control unit 50 are also a readout unit 54 and a second communication module 50b connected. (In other embodiments, only the centralized lubrication system 3 a readout unit). The second communication module 50b is suitable with a first communication module 73b (shown in the 2a and 2 B ) to communicate. The communication modules 50b . 73b and the elite unit 54 communicate in the embodiment shown via radio, but there are also other communication channels such. As an electrical contact or transmission by light, in particular infrared light possible. If the readout unit on the lubricant container 20 attached ID tag (in 1 not shown) via an electrical contact, the read-out unit z. B. on the piston 22 be attached.

After pressing the lower button 51 checks the electronic control unit 50 , whether already an OK signal from the first communication module 73b was received. Preferably, in this case, a warning signal is issued to alert the user that the centralized lubrication system 3 still no OK for filling the lubricant reservoir 71 was obtained. To or during output of the warning signal may be the engine 40 be controlled. In other embodiments, however, it may also be provided that the electronic control unit controls the engine 40 only then activates if an OK signal from the central lubrication system 3 was obtained. Thus it can be ensured that the central lubrication system 3 only with lubricant 21 is filled, if this previously as suitable for the centralized lubrication system 3 was identified.

cables 53 that the engine 40 power supply, are designed so thick that even under full load only a small drop in voltage on the lines 53 comes. The housing has ventilation slots at various points 55 on, can be dissipated via the resulting heat.

A battery 60 is via a (not shown) plug connection to the filling device 1 attached. The case of the battery 60 has a release device 61 on which the user uses the battery 60 from the main body 2 of the filling device 1 can lose weight.

The 2a and 2 B show an inventive arrangement of a second embodiment of a filling device according to the invention 1 and a centralized lubrication system 3 , It shows 2a the filling device 1 before it to the central lubrication system 3 is connected and 2 B shows the filling device 1 in the connected state.

In contrast to the first embodiment, in the embodiment shown here, the readout unit 73d instead of the filling device 1 at the central lubrication system 3 provided and directly with a centralized lubrication system control unit 73c connected.

The central lubrication system 3 has a pump 70 on, with the lubricant (not shown) from a lubricant reservoir 71 via a pump element 72 and from there via at least one lubricant line 78 at lubrication points in a technical device can be distributed. The (dashed line) lubricant line 78 is at the downside pipe connection 76 of the pump element 72 connected. On the upper side of the pump element 72 there is a pressure relief valve 77 with microswitch. If z. B. caused by the blockage of a lubrication point such an overpressure, this can be done by the pressure relief valve 77 be detected and the microswitch the pump 70 be deactivated and if necessary a warning signal are issued.

The level of the lubricant reservoir 71 is via a level gauge 73 supervised. The level gauge 73 (in 2 not shown in 3 shown in dashed lines) is located within the lubricant reservoir 71 , The level gauge 73 can for detection of the level z. B. be equipped with a capacitive proximity switch. To evaluate the level information is a jack 73a provided, to which a cable can be connected, the level information z. B. can forward to an external control electronics. It is also directly connected to the centralized lubrication control unit 73c , This is in turn connected to the first communication module 73b , Thus, the current level on the two communication modules to the filling device 1 be sent. In addition, it can be provided that the first communication module 73b sends an OK signal only if the level makes it necessary or even possible that lubricant 21 is filled. It is also possible that to the filling device 1 the information is transmitted, what amount of lubricant 21 in the lubricant reservoir 71 must be pressed. The electronic control unit 50 this can be the engine 40 so drive that the push rod 35 just moved so far that exactly the desired amount of lubricant 21 in the lubricant reservoir 71 is pressed.

In addition, the readout unit 73d Read more information from the RFID tag. This information can be z. For example, which base oil and which thickener were used for the grease, which hardness it has and which company is the manufacturer. Based on this information, the centralized lubrication control unit 73c Determine if the lubricant 21 for use in the centralized lubrication system 3 suitable or not. In addition, the information about the lubricant used 21 archived in a protocol unit (not shown). In particular, this is also logged when the lubricant reservoir was filled with a lubricant, with no ID tag was detected. Thus it can be stated in the protocol that possibly an unauthorized filling with an unauthorized lubricant has taken place.

A filling of the lubricant reservoir 71 the central lubrication system 3 via a lubricant reservoir 71 provided filling connection 75 , This is done at the filling connection 75 provided cover 74 unscrewed and the protective cap 31 from the connecting element 30 deducted. On it, the connecting element 30 as in 3 shown in the filling port 75 be introduced. Advantageously, this corresponds to the outer diameter of the connecting element 30 approximately the inner diameter of the filling port 75 , so that a lubricant-tight connection can arise. The Lubricant seal can be done by a screw, z. B. has the connecting element 30 an external thread (not shown) and the filling port on a corresponding internal thread (not shown). Instead of a typical (multiple) screw but it is also conceivable that a screw plug with interrupted thread is used. This makes it possible that a lubricious connection by a 90 ° rotation of the connecting element 30 takes place, for. B. by the entire filling device 1 is rotated by 90 °. It is also possible that only angles of rotation smaller than 90 ° are required. The pressure-tight docking of the filling device can thus be done in a time-saving manner with one hand. Alternatively, it is also possible that the connecting element 30 Having outside nubs, by guideways on the inside of the filling port 75 be guided. This may optionally be provided a Verhakungsmechanismus, so that the connecting element 30 secured against accidental release.

It is conceivable that at or in the filling connection 75 a filter is provided which prevents the ingress of foreign bodies into the lubricant reservoir 71 prevented.

In the illustrated embodiment of an inventive arrangement of filling device 1 and central lubrication system 3 is the lubricant capacity of the filling device 1 smaller than that of the lubricant reservoir 71 the central lubrication system 3 , Advantageously, in other embodiments, the storage capacity is approximately equal, so that a filling of the lubricant reservoir 71 can be done in one operation.

The in the 3a . 3b such as 4a . 4b shown embodiments of a lubricant container according to the invention 80 with an outer wall 84 have a piston 81 trained pressure element 81 on, which is intended to with the lubricant container 80 in the holder 10 to be used of the filling device. The figures show the position of the piston 81 in the deflated state of the lubricant container 80 , When filled, the piston is located 81 on the proximal side of the lubricant container 80 , on which also a pressure rod feedthrough 83 is provided. The piston 81 has a push rod engagement device 82 on through the pressure rod passage 83 can pass through. After the lubricant container 80 in the holder 10 of the filling device 1 has been used, can thus by simply performing the push rod 35 the push rod 35 at the middle of the piston 81 attack.

The outer wall 84 is in the illustrated first and second embodiments of a lubricant container 80 designed stably, so that the lubricant container maintains its shape even in the deflated condition. Such embodiments of a lubricant container 80 are also referred to as a cartridge.

At the in 3a shown embodiment of a lubricant container according to the invention 80 is on the cylindrical outer wall 84 an RFID tag 86 intended. This is with an adhesive (not shown) on the outer wall 84 attached.

At the in 4a shown embodiment of a lubricant container according to the invention 80 is an ID tag 87 provided by electrical contacts 88a . 88b can be read from the filling device. Advantageously, in this case the electrical contacts on the top surface 97 appropriate. The top surface 97 and thus also the electrical contacts 88a . 88b be pressed in the assembled state of the lubricant container against a corresponding read-out contact of the filling device. This allows a particularly stable electrical connection.

At the in 5a and 5b shown embodiment of a lubricant container according to the invention 90 it is also a cartridge that has a stable outer wall 94 having. In this embodiment, however, it is provided that the pressure element 22 with seal on the push rod 35 is attached and through the pressure element feedthrough 95 is passed. Before use, the lubricant container 90 at the pressure element feedthrough 95 For example, be closed with a film (not shown in the figures). The film may be in use of the printing element 22 be pierced, or it may be provided that the film is cut before use, manually withdrawn or otherwise removed.

This results in a lower cost of materials, since the pressure element 22 when changing the lubricant container 90 does not have to be replaced with. Advantageously, the inner diameter of the pressure element feedthrough 95 similar or equal to the inner diameter of the outer wall 94 , Thus, the pressure element closes 22 no gap on the inside of the outer wall 94 at. It is also conceivable that the pressure element 22 when passing through the lubricant container 90 radially expands.

The RFID tag 96 is on the outside wall 94 attached.

At the in 6a and 6b shown fourth embodiment of a lubricant container according to the invention 100 is the substantially cylindrical wall of the lubricant container 100 as a flexible shell 104 with two opposite end portions 102 . 102b ; 103a . 103b educated. The 6a and 6b show the lubricant container 100 in the filled state. Both the end area 102 . 102b on one side of the lubricant container 100 as well as the end area 103a . 103b on the other side of the lubricant container 100 are there with a closure 101 closed, the flexible sheath to the axis of the cylindrical lubricant container 100 contracts. The connecting line 102c between area 102 and area 102b as well as the connecting line 103c between area 103a and area 103b are designed here as a predetermined breaking point. In the embodiment shown, the lubricant container 100 symmetrically formed, which allows a particularly cost-effective production. But it is also possible that in other embodiments, the lubricant container 100 is designed so that only on one side a predetermined breaking point 102c is provided.

The RFID tag 106 is on the outside wall 104 attached.

7 shows a fifth embodiment of a lubricant container according to the invention 110 , The lubricant container 110 Here is a tubular flexible shell 114 educated. The tubular shell 114 is at both ends by closure devices 111 held together. The tubular sheath becomes the axis of the lubricant container 110 contracted, with wrinkles 113 form. A production of the lubricant container 110 from a hose-like flexible cover 114 is particularly inexpensive. For example, it is conceivable that during production a continuous tube is continuously filled with lubricant. This hose can now be cut into pieces by a downstream machine or divided into segments by closing and then the individual pieces of hose with closure devices 111 be provided.

Advantageously, on the side of the lubricant container which is intended on the distal side of the holder 10 to be used, a material weakening 112 intended. When the pressure element 22 Pressure on the lubricant container 110 exercises, breaks the lubricant container 110 at the point of material weakening 112 on and the lubricant 21 can through the connector 30 in the lubricant reservoir 71 be pressed.

This in 7 Lubricant container shown has no ID tag or RFID tag.

The illustrated embodiments of lubricant containers according to the invention 20 . 80 . 90 . 100 . 110 are not just for use in a filling device 1 suitable. It is also conceivable that such lubricant containers are used directly as a whole in a centralized lubrication system. Due to the cost-effective production of the lubricant containers, they can also be used generally for purposes in which lubricant must be transported.

In particular, it is conceivable that lubricant containers according to the invention are constructed in very small (for example less than 100 g) or very large (for example larger than 5 kg) embodiments.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

filling machine

2

body

3

Central greasing

10

holder

11

First screw cap

12

Second screw cap

20

lubricant container

21

lubricant

22

Printing element / plunger

30

connecting element

31

protective cap

32

holding piece

35

pushrod

36

tail

37

contact surface

38

gearing

40

engine

41

Upstream drive

42

gears

43

element

44

Last gear

50

Electronic control unit

50b

Second communication module

51

Lower button

52

Upper button

53

cables

54

Readout unit on the filling device

55

vents

60

battery pack

61

release device

70

pump

71

lubricant reservoir

72

pump element

73

level meter

73a

Rifle

73b

First communication module

73c

Central lubrication systems controller

73d

Central lubrication systems readout unit

73e

protocol unit

74

cover

75

filling connection

76

pipe connection

77

Pressure relief valve with microswitch

78

lubricant line

79

smudge

80

lubricant container

81

piston

82

Push rod engaging means

83

Push rod bushing

84

outer wall

86

RFID tag

87

ID tag

88a,

88b Electrical contact

90

lubricant container

94

outer wall

95

Pressure passage way

96

RFID tag

100

lubricant container

101

closure means

102

end

102b

end

102c

connecting line

103a

end

103b

end

103c

connecting line

104

Flexible shell

106

RFID tag

110

lubricant container

111

closure device

112

material weakening

113

wrinkle

114

Flexible shell

Claims (24)

Arrangement for refilling a centralized lubrication system ( 3 ), consisting of the central lubrication system ( 3 ) and a filling device ( 1 ), whereby the central lubrication system ( 3 ) comprises: - a lubricant pump ( 70 ), - one with the lubricant pump ( 70 ) fluidly connected lubricant reservoir ( 71 ) and - at least one to lubrication points ( 79 ) leading lubricant line ( 78 ), and wherein the filling device ( 1 ) comprises: - a holder ( 10 ) for receiving a lubricant container ( 20 . 80 . 90 . 100 . 110 ) with lubricant ( 21 ), - a connecting element ( 30 ) for detachable connection to the lubricant reservoir ( 71 ) and - a movable pressure element ( 22 ) to remove the lubricant ( 21 ) into the lubricant reservoir ( 71 ), characterized in that the filling device ( 1 ) continue a motor ( 40 ), in particular an electric motor ( 40 ), to the pressure element ( 22 ) to move by motor. Arrangement according to claim 1 or the preamble of claim 1, characterized in that the lubricant container ( 20 . 80 . 90 . 100 ) an ID tag ( 86 . 87 . 96 . 106 ), preferably an RFID tag ( 86 . 96 . 106 ), and the central lubrication system ( 3 ) a readout unit ( 73d ) suitable for reading out the ID tag. Arrangement according to claim 2, characterized in that the ID tag ( 86 . 87 . 96 . 106 ) information about the in the lubricant container ( 20 . 80 . 90 . 100 ) contained lubricants ( 21 ), in particular that a type and / or a condition and / or a quantity and / or a production date and / or a best before date and / or a manufacturer of the lubricant contained in the lubricant container by the ID tag are identifiable. Arrangement according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the central lubrication system ( 3 ) a protocol unit ( 73e ) for logging the to fill the central lubrication system ( 3 ) used lubricants ( 21 ). Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the central lubrication system ( 3 ) a first communication module ( 73b ) and the filling device ( 1 ) a second communication module ( 50b ), wherein the first communication module ( 73b ) is suitable, an OK signal to the second communication module ( 50b ) and wherein the filling device ( 1 ) is formed, the pressure element ( 22 ) only then to move by motor when the second communication module ( 50b ) from the first communication module ( 73b ) has received an OK signal. Arrangement according to claim 5, characterized in that the communication between the first and second communication module ( 73b . 50b ) via an electrical contact ( 88a . 88b ) he follows. Arrangement according to claim 5, characterized in that the communication between the first and second communication module ( 73b . 50b ) via a radio link. Arrangement according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the filling device ( 1 ) a readout unit ( 54 ), which is suitable for transferring information from the ID tag ( 86 . 87 . 96 . 106 ) of the lubricant container ( 20 . 80 . 90 . 100 ) and the second communication module ( 50b ) is suitable, the information to the first communication module ( 73b ) to send. Arrangement according to claim 8, characterized in that the first communication module ( 73b ) from a control unit ( 73c ) like this that the first communication module ( 73b ) sends an OK signal only if the information about the lubricant in the lubricant container ( 20 . 80 . 90 . 100 ) contained lubricants ( 21 ) states that it is one for the centralized lubrication system ( 3 ) approved lubricant ( 21 ). Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lubricant container ( 20 . 80 . 90 . 100 . 110 ) is substantially cylindrical and the pressure element ( 22 ) preferably substantially along the axis of the cylindrical lubricant container ( 20 . 80 . 90 . 100 . 110 ) is moved. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lubricant container ( 20 . 80 . 90 . 100 . 110 ) has a lubricant filling capacity between 400 g and 5 kg, preferably in particular between 0.5 kg and 3 kg. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filling device ( 1 ), in particular engine ( 40 ) and associated drive ( 41 ) are designed such that the content of the lubricant container ( 20 . 80 . 90 . 100 . 110 ) in less than one minute per 500 g of grease in the lubricant reservoir ( 71 ) is convertible. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filling device ( 1 ) at least one power source ( 60 ), preferably a rechargeable battery ( 60 ), which the filling device ( 1 ) supplied with electricity. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure element ( 22 ) with a push rod ( 35 ), the push rod ( 35 ) a gearing ( 38 ) and the engine ( 40 ) a last gear ( 44 ) whose rotation causes longitudinal movement of the push rod ( 35 ) leads. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the pressure rod has an external thread and by a pressure rod encompassing and driven by the motor spindle nut in the direction of the axis of the push rod is movable. Filling device, designed and intended for a refillable lubricant reservoir ( 71 ) of a centralized lubrication system ( 3 ), in particular as part of an arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 15, comprising: - a holder ( 10 ) for receiving a lubricant container ( 20 . 80 . 90 . 100 . 110 ) with lubricant ( 21 ), - a lubricant container accommodated in the holder ( 20 . 80 . 90 . 100 . 110 ) with lubricant ( 21 ), - a connecting element ( 30 ) for detachable connection to a lubricant reservoir ( 71 ) and - a movable pressure element ( 22 ) around the lubricant ( 21 ) into the lubricant reservoir ( 71 ), characterized in that the pressure element ( 22 ) by an electric motor ( 40 ) is movable. Filling device ( 1 ) according to claim 16, characterized in that the lubricant container ( 20 . 80 . 90 . 100 . 110 ) is substantially cylindrical and the pressure element ( 22 ) preferably substantially along the axis of the cylindrical lubricant container ( 20 . 80 . 90 . 100 . 110 ) is moved. Lubricant container ( 100 . 110 ) having a substantially cylindrical shape, in particular for use in an arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the lubricant container ( 100 . 110 ) a flexible envelope ( 104 . 114 ), in particular a film ( 104 . 114 ), having. Lubricant container ( 100 . 110 ) according to claim 17, characterized in that the flexible envelope ( 104 . 114 ) at least a first end region ( 102 . 102b ) provided with a closure means ( 101 ) is closed and the for forming a predetermined breaking point on the flexible sheath ( 104 ) with a material weakening ( 102c ) in the flexible envelope ( 104 ), wherein the material weakening ( 102c ) between the closure means ( 101 ) and the area with the maximum circumference of the cylindrical shell ( 104 ) is located. Lubricant container ( 20 . 80 . 90 . 100 . 110 ) according to one of claims 18 to 19, characterized in that the lubricant container ( 20 . 80 . 90 . 100 . 110 ) is filled with grease. Lubricant container ( 20 . 80 . 90 . 100 . 110 ), in particular according to one of claims 18 to 20, in particular for use in a filling device ( 1 ) according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that on the lubricant container ( 20 . 80 . 90 . 100 ) an RFID tag ( 86 . 96 . 106 ) is attached. Central lubrication system ( 3 ) comprising: - a lubricant pump ( 70 ), - one with the lubricant pump ( 70 ) fluidly connected lubricant reservoir ( 71 ) and - at least one to lubrication points ( 79 ) leading lubricant line ( 78 ), - a filling connection ( 75 ), characterized in that the central lubrication system further comprises a readout unit ( 73d ) for reading information from an RFID tag ( 86 . 96 . 106 ) via the filling connection ( 75 ) filled lubricant ( 21 ). Method for filling a lubricant reservoir ( 71 ), with the steps: - Connecting a filling device ( 1 ) with the lubricant reservoir ( 71 ), - movement of a pressure element ( 22 ) such that the lubricant ( 21 ) into the lubricant reservoir ( 71 ) is pressed, characterized in that the movement of the pressure element ( 22 ) by a motor ( 40 ) is driven. A method according to claim 22, characterized in that the filling of the lubricant reservoir ( 71 ) takes place in less than one minute per 500 g of fat.

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