JP2004251371A - Structure and device for sensing oil level of instrument to be lubricated, and the instrument to be lubricated - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a structure and a device for sensing the oil level of an instrument to be lubricated which are reliable and capable of adequately sensing storage of lubricating oil even when the oil level of the lubricating oil is transitionally uneven, and to provide the instrument to be lubricated. <P>SOLUTION: The instrument 10 to be lubricated includes a main lubricating oil storage part 14, a sub lubricating oil storage part 18 communicated with the main lubricating oil storage part 14 via an oil passage 16, an oil level sensor 20 disposed to sense the oil level of the sub lubricating oil storage part 18, and an oil passing amount adjustment means 22 to adjust the lubricating oil passing amount in the oil passage 16. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an oil level detection structure, an oil level detection device, and a lubricated device of a lubricated device used for, for example, industrial equipment and transport equipment.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, lubricated devices such as a prime mover and a transmission are often used in, for example, industrial equipment and transport equipment. Such a lubricated device generally stores lubricating oil at an oil level at which the lubricated member is immersed in lubricating oil to lubricate the lubricated member.
[0003]
On the other hand, the stored lubricating oil may decrease due to oil leakage, scattering, or the like, and if left unchecked, lubrication failure of the lubricated member may occur. There is known a lubricated device including an oil level sensor for automatically detecting an oil level in order to automatically detect such a shortage of lubricating oil and maintain good lubrication.
[0004]
As an oil level sensor, one using a float and a magnet (for example, see Patent Document 1), one using a thermistor (for example, see Patent Document 2), and one using a piezoelectric element (for example, see Patent Document 3) Etc. are known. From the viewpoints of protection of the oil level sensor, facilitation of mounting, and the like, the oil level sensor is often disposed slightly apart from the member to be lubricated.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-6-307913 (page 1, FIG. 11)
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-8-327433 (page 1)
[Patent Document 3]
JP-A-5-264324 (page 1)
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when the lubricated device starts and the lubricated member rotates, the viscosity of the lubricating oil may fluctuate transiently around the lubricated member due to the viscosity, and the oil level may become uneven. In particular, at low temperatures, the viscosity of the lubricating oil is high, so that the oil level tends to be uneven. As a result, a difference may occur between the oil level near the lubricated member and the oil level near the oil level sensor, and erroneous detection of the oil level sensor may occur. As an example, the oil level sensor may erroneously detect that the lubricating oil is insufficient even though the lubricated device stores sufficient lubricating oil.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and even if the oil level of the lubricating oil is transiently non-uniform, the reliability of properly detecting the stored amount of the lubricating oil is low. An object of the present invention is to provide an oil level detecting structure, an oil level detecting device, and a lubricated device of a high lubricated device.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention provides a main lubricating oil storage unit which is capable of storing the lubricating oil at an oil level at which the member to be lubricated is immersed in the lubricating oil, and communicates with the main lubricating oil storing unit via an oil passage. A sub-lubricating oil reservoir configured to store a lubricating oil having an oil level equal to the oil level of the lubricating oil storing unit, and an oil level disposed so as to be able to detect the oil level of the sub-lubricating oil storing unit A solution to the above-mentioned problem by an oil level detection structure of a lubricated device, comprising: a sensor; and an oil flow rate adjusting means for adjusting an oil flow rate of the lubricating oil in the oil flow path. It is.
[0009]
Generally, it is considered that the oil level can be detected more accurately if the speed of following the displacement of the oil level near the oil level sensor that follows the displacement of the oil level near the member to be lubricated is faster. On the other hand, the present invention is based on a completely different idea from the conventional idea of appropriately adjusting and delaying the following speed of the displacement of the oil level near the oil level sensor that follows the displacement of the oil level near the member to be lubricated. It was done.
[0010]
When the device to be lubricated is in a stopped state, the liquid levels of the lubricating oil in the main lubricating oil storing section and the auxiliary lubricating oil storing section are stable, and the oil levels of both are equal. Therefore, if an appropriate amount of lubricating oil is stored, the oil level sensor detects that the oil level is appropriate.
[0011]
On the other hand, when the lubricated device starts, the level of the lubricating oil fluctuates in the vicinity of the lubricated member and the oil level becomes non-uniform, and the oil level in the sub-lubricating oil reservoir changes accordingly. By restricting the amount of lubricating oil flowing in the oil passage, the displacement of the oil level in the auxiliary lubricating oil reservoir is limited to a small range for a certain period immediately after the lubricated device starts, and is equivalent to the oil level in the stopped state. Is held. Therefore, the oil level sensor detects that the oil level is appropriate even immediately after starting the lubricated device.
[0012]
Further, after a certain period of time has elapsed after the start of the lubricated device, the lubricating oil generates heat due to agitation and its viscosity is reduced, and the liquid level of the lubricating oil in the main lubricating oil reservoir is stabilized. Therefore, the oil level of the sub-lubricating oil reservoir is equal to the oil level of the main lubricating oil reservoir, and the oil level sensor detects that the oil level is appropriate even after a certain period of time has elapsed after the lubricated device started. Is detected.
[0013]
That is, if an appropriate amount of lubricating oil is stored in the lubricated device, the oil level sensor always detects that the oil level is appropriate.
[0014]
If the amount of the lubricating oil passing through the oil passage is limited to an excessively small value, the responsiveness of the displacement of the oil level in the sub-lubricating oil reservoir that follows the displacement of the oil level in the main lubricating oil reservoir deteriorates, and the main lubricating oil deteriorates. Even if the oil level in the oil storage unit actually falls below the allowable range, if the oil level is appropriate, the oil level sensor will erroneously detect the oil. The amount of lubricating oil passing through the oil passage may be appropriately adjusted according to the type of the device to be lubricated.
[0015]
Further, the oil flow rate adjusting means may be configured to include a closing member for partially closing the oil passage, and a mounting member for detachably attaching the closing member to the oil passage. .
[0016]
With this configuration, the amount of lubricating oil flowing through the oil passage can be adjusted by a simple operation of attaching and detaching the closing member. Further, by preparing a plurality of types of closing members and selectively attaching them to the oil passage, the amount of lubricating oil passing through the oil passage can be increased or decreased in multiple stages. Furthermore, a member having a simple shape such as a plate-like body or a rod-like body can be used as the closing member, and the cost is low.
[0017]
Further, the main lubricating oil storing section and the sub-lubricating oil storing section may be provided separately, and both may be connected via an oil passage pipe having the oil passage.
[0018]
By separately providing the main lubricating oil storage unit and the auxiliary lubricating oil storage unit in this way, the auxiliary lubricating oil storage unit can be easily manufactured using, for example, a pipe. Further, by using the oil passage pipe, the connection between the main lubricating oil storage unit and the auxiliary lubricating oil storage unit is also easy. Further, the oil flow rate adjusting means may be attached to the oil flow pipe, and the work of mounting the oil flow rate adjusting means and the operation of adjusting the oil flow rate are easy.
[0019]
Further, in this case, the oil passage pipe has a T-shape having first, second and third opening ends, and the main lubricating oil reservoir is connected to the first opening end, and The auxiliary lubricating oil storing section may be connected to the opening end of the oil passage, and the oil flow amount adjusting means may be detachably attached using the third opening end.
[0020]
By doing so, the operation of attaching the oil flow rate adjusting means to the oil flow pipe and the operation of adjusting the oil flow rate are further facilitated. Also, a large number of T-shaped oil passage pipes are distributed in the market and are low in cost.
[0021]
Further, the present invention comprises the auxiliary lubricating oil storing section, the oil level sensor, the oil flow rate adjusting means, and the oil flow pipe, which constitute an oil level detecting structure of the lubricated device. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an oil level detecting device which can be attached to a device to be lubricated having the main lubricating oil storing section.
[0022]
The oil level detecting device configured as described above has the above-described effects and can be attached to various lubricated devices such as existing lubricated devices, and has high versatility.
[0023]
Further, the present invention has solved the above-mentioned problem by a lubricated device having an oil level detecting structure for the lubricated device.
[0024]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0025]
FIG. 1 is a side sectional view showing the entire structure of a device to be lubricated 10 according to the present embodiment.
[0026]
The lubricated device 10 includes a main lubricating oil storage unit 14 that can store lubricating oil at an oil level 14A where the lubricated member 12 is immersed in lubricating oil, and a main lubricating oil storage unit 14 through an oil passage 16. The auxiliary lubricating oil reservoir 18 is configured to store the lubricating oil so that the oil level 18A is equal to the oil level 14A of the main lubricating oil reservoir 14, and the oil level of the auxiliary lubricating oil reservoir 18 is detected. An oil level sensor 20 disposed so as to be possible, and an oil flow rate adjusting means 22 for adjusting the oil flow rate of the lubricating oil in the oil passage 16. The oil level 14A of the main lubricating oil storage section 14 can be detected based on the oil level 18A of the main lubricating oil storage section, and the displacement of the oil level 18A of the sub-lubricating oil storing section 18 that follows the displacement of the oil level 14A of the main lubricating oil storing section 14 Follow-up It is characterized by having an oil level detecting structure was adjustable by Tsuyu amount adjusting means 22 speed.
[0027]
Other structures are the same as those of the conventional lubricated device, and the description will be omitted as appropriate.
[0028]
The lubricated device 10 is specifically a transmission, and has a structure in which an output shaft 24 arranged in the up-down direction projects upward from a casing 26.
[0029]
The lubricated member 12 is a gear 28 coaxially mounted on the output shaft 24, a bearing 30 for rotatably supporting the output shaft 24, and the like, and is housed in the casing 26. The gear 28 is engaged with another gear (not shown).
[0030]
The main lubricating oil storage part 14 is formed as an inner part of the casing 26, and is capable of storing lubricating oil up to an oil level 14A where the gear 28 is immersed in lubricating oil.
[0031]
An oil passage hole 26 </ b> A opened laterally is formed near the bottom of the casing 26, and constitutes a part of the oil passage 16. In the vicinity of the upper portion of the casing 26, a ventilation hole 26B that opens laterally is formed.
[0032]
The sub-lubricating-oil storage unit 18 is separate from the main-lubricating-oil storing unit 14, and is connected to the main-lubricating-oil storing unit 14 by an oil passage pipe 32 that forms a part of the oil passage 16.
[0033]
FIG. 2 is an enlarged side sectional view showing the structure around the auxiliary lubricating oil storage unit 18.
[0034]
The sub-lubricating oil storage section 18 is specifically formed as an inner portion of a tube 34 arranged vertically.
[0035]
A vertical pipe 40 is coaxially mounted inside the tube 34 via a coupling 36, an adapter 38, and the like, and the oil level sensor 20 is mounted on the pipe 40.
[0036]
FIG. 3 is an enlarged side sectional view showing the structure of the oil level sensor 20.
[0037]
The oil level sensor 20 includes a reed switch 20A, a float 20B, and a magnet 20C provided inside the float 20B.
[0038]
The reed switch 20 </ b> A is provided inside the pipe 40. The lower end of the pipe 40 is closed.
[0039]
The float 20B has a tubular shape and is loosely fitted to the outside of the pipe 40, and is movable within a certain range in the vertical direction.
[0040]
The magnet 20C moves up and down together with the float 20B in conjunction with the rise and fall of the oil level 18A, and approaches and separates from the reed switch 20A. The oil level sensor 20 detects the oil level 18A when the reed switch 20A detects the approach / separation of the magnet 20C.
[0041]
A vent 36A is formed in the adapter 36 and is connected to a vent 26B of the casing 26 via a vent pipe 42, and a space above the oil level 18A in the sub-lubricating oil storage section 18 and a main lubricating oil storage The space above the oil level 14A in the portion 14 communicates with the space.
[0042]
The oil passage pipe 32 has a T-shape having a first open end 32A, a second open end 32B, and a third open end 32C, and the main lubricating oil reservoir 14 is provided in the first open end 32A. Are connected via a nipple 44, the auxiliary lubricating oil reservoir 18 is connected to the second opening end 32B, and the oil flow rate adjusting means 22 is detachably attached using the third opening end 32C. ing.
[0043]
The second opening end 32B of the oil passage pipe 32 is arranged to open upward, and the lower end of the tube 34 is connected to the opening end 32B.
[0044]
The third opening end 32C is opened to the side, and the oil flow amount adjusting means 22 is attached.
[0045]
FIG. 4 is an enlarged side view showing the structure of the oil flow amount adjusting means 22, and FIG. 5 is a front view showing an arrow V in FIG.
[0046]
The oil flow adjusting means 22 includes a plug 46 for closing the third open end 32C of the oil pipe 32, a bolt 48 coaxially screwed with the plug 46, and a disk-shaped throttle inserted through the bolt 48. It has a plate 50, a magnet 52 inserted through the bolt 48, and a plurality of nuts 54 screwed to the bolt 48.
[0047]
The aperture plate 50 has an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the oil passage 16, and has four radial cutouts 50 A at equal circumferential intervals, and is fixed near the head 48 A of the bolt 48 by the nut 54. Have been. That is, the plug 46, the bolt 48, and the nut 54 constitute an attachment member for detachably attaching the throttle plate (blocking member) 50 to the oil passage 16.
[0048]
The magnet 52 is inserted into the bolt 48 in a ring shape having an outer diameter smaller than that of the diaphragm plate 50, and is fixed between two nuts 54. Note that the nut 54 is also provided at a position where it abuts on the plug 46, and forms a detent for the bolt 48.
[0049]
Next, the operation of the lubricated device 10 will be described.
[0050]
When the lubricated device 10 is in the stopped state, the liquid levels of the lubricating oil in the main lubricating oil storage section 14 and the auxiliary lubricating oil storage section 18 are stable, and the oil levels 14A and 18A of both are equal (see FIG. 1). Therefore, if an appropriate amount of lubricating oil is stored in the lubricated device 10, the oil level sensor 20 detects that the oil level 14A (18A) is appropriate.
[0051]
Next, when the lubricated device 10 is started, the liquid level of the lubricating oil fluctuates near the lubricated member 12 due to the viscosity of the lubricating oil, and the oil level 14A becomes non-uniform. Following this, the oil level 18A of the sub-lubricating oil reservoir 18 is also displaced, but the throttle plate 50 of the oil flow adjusting means 22 restricts the amount of lubricating oil passing through the oil passage 16 so that the oil level is reduced. For a certain period immediately after the start of the lubrication device 10, the displacement of the oil level 18A of the auxiliary lubricating oil storage section 18 is limited to a small range, and is maintained at the same oil level as the oil level 18A in the stopped state (see FIG. 6). . Therefore, the oil level sensor 20 detects that the oil level 14A (18A) is appropriate even after the lubrication target device 10 is started.
[0052]
Next, when a certain period of time has elapsed after the start of the lubricated device 10, the lubricating oil generates heat due to agitation and the viscosity decreases, and the liquid level of the lubricating oil in the main lubricating oil reservoir 14 is stabilized. Following this, the oil level 18A of the sub-lubricating oil reservoir 18 is stabilized to be equal to the oil level 14A of the main lubricating oil reservoir 14 (see FIG. 1). Therefore, the oil level sensor 20 detects that the oil level 14A (18A) is appropriate even after a certain period of time has elapsed after the lubrication target device 10 is started. That is, if an appropriate amount of lubricating oil is stored in the lubricated device 10, the oil level sensor 20 always detects that the oil level 14A (18A) is appropriate.
[0053]
If the oil passage 16 is excessively narrowed, the responsiveness of the displacement of the oil level of the sub-lubricating oil reservoir 18 that follows the displacement of the oil level of the main lubricating oil reservoir 14 deteriorates. If the oil level falls below the allowable range, the oil level sensor 20 may erroneously detect that the oil level is appropriate. It may be appropriately adjusted according to the use environment such as the ambient temperature, the viscosity and amount of the lubricating oil, the type of the device to be lubricated, and the like.
[0054]
The adjustment of the oil passing amount will be specifically described below.
[0055]
The adjustment of the oil passing amount is performed by replacing the throttle plate 50 of the oil passing amount adjusting means 22 with another throttle plate. For example, if a throttle plate having a larger outer diameter than the throttle plate 50 and a throttle plate having a shape in which some or all of the four notches 50A are partially closed are attached to the bolts 48, the throttle effect in the oil passage 16 increases. Therefore, the amount of oil passing can be reduced accordingly.
[0056]
On the other hand, if a diaphragm plate having an outer diameter smaller than the diaphragm plate 50 or a diaphragm plate provided with a notch larger than the notch 50A is mounted on the bolt 48, the throttling effect in the oil passage 16 is reduced. Oil flow increases.
[0057]
If the throttle plate is not attached to the bolt 48, the throttle effect in the oil passage 16 is further reduced, and the amount of oil passing can be increased. Further, by removing the bolt 48 from the plug 46, it is possible to further increase the amount of oil flow.
[0058]
When iron powder or the like is mixed in the lubricating oil, the magnet 52 may be magnetized with the iron powder or the like. .
[0059]
Thus, even if the oil level of the lubricating oil in the main lubricating oil storing section 14 is transiently uneven, the lubricated device 10 can properly detect the amount of the stored lubricating oil, and the reliability is improved. high.
[0060]
Further, since the oil flow rate adjusting means 22 is detachable from the T-shaped oil flow pipe 32, the operation of adjusting the oil flow rate is also easy.
[0061]
Further, since the main lubricating oil storage section 14 and the sub-lubricating oil storing section 18 are separate bodies, the sub-lubricating oil storing section 18, the oil level sensor 20, the oil flow rate adjusting means 22, and the oil flow pipe 32 are covered. As an oil level detecting device separate from the lubricating device, it can be mounted on various lubricated devices. The oil level detecting device having this configuration can appropriately detect the oil level as described above, and can be mounted on, for example, existing lubricated devices, and has high versatility.
[0062]
In the first embodiment, the oil passage pipe is formed in a T shape. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an L-shaped oil passage pipe may be used, and the oil passage pipe may be removed from the casing. The operation of adjusting the oil passing amount may be executed.
[0063]
In the first embodiment, the main lubricating oil reservoir 14 and the auxiliary lubricating oil reservoir 18 communicate with each other through the ventilation pipe 42. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A breather or the like may be provided above the lubricating oil storage unit 14 and the auxiliary lubricating oil storage unit 18 to open both lubricating oil storage units to the atmosphere.
[0064]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0065]
FIG. 7 is a side sectional view showing the entire structure of a lubricated device 60 according to the second embodiment.
[0066]
The lubricated device 60 is characterized in that the auxiliary lubricating oil storage portion 62 is formed integrally with the main lubricating oil storage portion 64 inside the casing 63 with respect to the lubricated device 10. The other configuration is the same as that of the lubricated device 10, and the description will be appropriately omitted.
[0067]
Inside the casing 63, there is provided a partition wall 66 for separating the sub-lubricating-oil storing section 62 and the main-lubricating-oil storing section 64. An oil passage hole (oil passage) 66A is formed near the bottom of the partition wall 66.
[0068]
Further, a screw hole (not shown) is formed near the oil passage hole 66A in the partition wall 66, and the oil passage amount control means 72 is detachable. A ventilation hole 66B is formed near the upper portion of the partition 66.
[0069]
FIG. 8 is an enlarged side sectional view showing the structure of the oil passing amount adjusting means 72.
[0070]
The oil flow adjusting means 72 is, specifically, a ring-shaped plate-shaped throttle plate (blocking member) 73 arranged coaxially with the oil flow hole 66A, and a bolt for attaching the throttle member 73 to the partition wall 66. (Attachment member) 74.
[0071]
It is sufficient that the oil passing amount adjusting means can adjust the oil passing amount to the oil passing hole 66A. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, a rectangular plate-shaped throttle plate (blocking member) 76 is bolted ( (Attaching member) 77 so as to be removably attached, and a part of the oil passage hole 66A may be closed.
[0072]
In the first and second embodiments, the oil level sensor is of a type using a float and a magnet, but the present invention is not limited to this, and an oil level sensor using a thermistor and a piezoelectric element The present invention is naturally applicable also to an oil level sensor utilizing the above.
[0073]
In the first and second embodiments, both the oil flow rate adjusting means and the plate-shaped throttle plate (closing member) are attached to and detached from the oil flow path in order to adjust the oil flow rate in the oil flow path. Although the present invention is configured with a mounting member for freely mounting, the present invention is not limited to this, and the shape, mechanism, arrangement portion, and the like may be any configuration that can adjust the amount of oil passing through the oil passage. Is not particularly limited.
[0074]
Also, in the first and second embodiments, the lubricated devices 10 and 60 are transmissions in which the output shaft 24 is arranged in the vertical direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention is also applicable to other lubricated devices such as a transmission and a prime mover in which are horizontally arranged.
[0075]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, even when the oil level of the lubricating oil is transiently non-uniform, an excellent effect that the stored amount of the lubricating oil can be properly detected is provided. .
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a side sectional view showing the entire structure of a device to be lubricated according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a side sectional view showing an enlarged structure around a sub-lubricating oil reservoir of the device to be lubricated; FIG. 3 is a side view showing a further enlargement of the structure of an oil level sensor of the lubricated device. FIG. 4 is a side view showing an enlarged structure of an oil flow rate adjusting means of the lubricated device. FIG. 6 is a side sectional view showing an oil level immediately after starting the lubricated device. FIG. 7 is a side sectional view showing an entire structure of a lubricated device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a side view showing an enlarged structure of an oil flow rate adjusting means of the lubricated device. FIG. 9 is a side view showing an enlarged structure of another oil flow amount adjusting means of the lubricated device. Explanation of reference numerals]
10, 60 ... lubricated device 12, 102 ... lubricated member 14, 64 ... main lubricating oil reservoir 14A, 18A, 62A, 64A ... oil level 16, 66A ... oil passage 18, 62 ... sub lubricating oil reservoir 20 ... oil level sensors 22, 72 ... oil flow amount adjusting means 32 ... oil passage pipe 32A ... first opening end 32B ... second opening end 32C ... third opening end 50, 73, 76 ... diaphragm plate ( Closing member)

Claims (6)

A main lubricating oil reservoir that is capable of storing the lubricating oil at an oil level at which the lubricated member is immersed in the lubricating oil; and a main lubricating oil reservoir that communicates with the main lubricating oil reservoir through an oil passage. A sub-lubricating oil storage unit configured to store a lubricating oil having an oil level equal to the oil level of the oil level, an oil level sensor disposed so as to be able to detect the oil level of the sub-lubricating oil storing unit, An oil level detecting structure for a lubricated device, comprising: an oil passing amount adjusting means for adjusting an oil passing amount of the lubricating oil in the oil passage. In claim 1,
The oil flow rate adjusting means has a closing member for partially closing the oil passage, and an attaching member for detachably attaching the closing member to the oil passage. Oil level detection structure for lubricated equipment. In claim 1 or 2,
An oil level detecting structure for a lubricated device, wherein the main lubricating oil storage section and the sub-lubricating oil storing section are separate bodies and are connected via an oil passage pipe having the oil passage. In claim 3,
The oil passage pipe has a T-shape having first, second and third open ends, the main lubricating oil reservoir is connected to the first open end, and the second open end is provided. An oil level detecting means for the lubricated device, wherein the auxiliary lubricating oil storing portion is connected to the lubricating oil storage portion, and the oil passing amount adjusting means is detachably attached by using the third opening end. An oil level detecting structure for the lubricated device according to claim 3 or 4, comprising the auxiliary lubricating oil storage section, the oil level sensor, the oil flow rate adjusting means, and the oil flow pipe. An oil level detecting device, which can be attached to a lubricated device having the main lubricating oil storage section. A lubricated device having an oil level detection structure for a lubricated device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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