JP2009133342A - Lubrication control device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a lubrication control device with a flow control means for controlling the flow rate of lubricating oil to be supplied to a lubricated part of a transmission while reducing the loss of the transmission with an increase in the amount of oil to be stored in the transmission. <P>SOLUTION: The lubrication control device 10 has the flow control means 11 for controlling the flow rate of lubricating oil to be supplied to the lubricated part 1a of the transmission 1. The device comprises a storage amount control means 12 for controlling the storage amount of the lubricating oil to be stored in an oil pan in accordance with the oil level of the lubricating oil stored in the oil pan 8 in the transmission. The storage amount control means is provided in a return passage 3 via which extra lubricating oil is returned to the oil pan when the flow control means supplies the lubricating oil to the lubricated part. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a lubrication control device, and more particularly, to a lubrication control device having flow rate control means for controlling the flow rate of lubricating oil supplied to a lubricated portion of a transmission.

  The transmission has a lubricated part such as a bearing or a gear that requires lubrication. Lubricating oil is supplied to the lubricated part, and the lubricated part is lubricated by the supplied lubricating oil, and the lubricated part is cooled, or foreign matter in the lubricated part is washed away.

  In the transmission, loss due to dragging or idling loss due to the lubricating oil supplied to the lubricated part occurs. When the flow rate of the lubricating oil supplied to the portion to be lubricated is large, the loss due to this drag or the like increases compared to when the flow rate is small.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a lubricating oil amount control valve device that reduces the amount of lubricating oil at a high speed stage speed stage where the internal load (torque) of the transmission is small.

Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 61-91659

  When the amount of lubricating oil (the flow rate of lubricating oil supplied to the lubricated part) is reduced as in Patent Document 1, loss such as idling loss can be reduced, but the amount of oil inside the transmission increases. There is a problem that the loss caused by doing so increases. When the amount of the lubricating oil is decreased, the oil level of the lubricating oil stored in the transmission (for example, the oil pan) increases, and the loss due to the stirring resistance of the rotating body increases.

  In the case where the flow rate control means for controlling the flow rate of the lubricating oil supplied to the lubricated portion of the transmission is provided, it is desired that the loss of the transmission accompanying an increase in the amount of oil stored in the transmission can be reduced. .

  An object of the present invention is to reduce transmission loss caused by an increase in the amount of oil stored in a transmission when a flow rate control means for controlling the flow rate of lubricating oil supplied to a lubricated portion of the transmission is provided. It is to provide a lubrication control device that can be used.

  The lubrication control device of the present invention is a lubrication control device having a flow rate control means for controlling the flow rate of the lubricating oil supplied to the lubricated portion of the transmission, and is lubricated in an oil pan inside the transmission. A storage amount control means for controlling a storage amount of lubricating oil stored in the oil pan based on an oil level of the oil is provided.

  In the lubrication control device of the present invention, the flow rate control means controls the flow rate of the lubricating oil flowing through the lubrication path for sending the lubricating oil pressure-fed from the oil pan to the lubricated part, and the excess lubricating oil is A first control unit configured to flow a lubrication path and a return path communicating with the oil pan, wherein the storage amount control unit is provided in the return path and is different from the oil pan and stores the lubricating oil. And a second control unit that is provided in the return path closer to the oil pan than the storage unit and controls the storage amount by adjusting a flow rate of lubricating oil flowing toward the oil pan. It is characterized by.

  In the lubrication control device according to the aspect of the invention, the transmission is mounted on a vehicle, and the flow rate control unit calculates a flow rate of the lubricating oil supplied to the lubricated portion based on a running state of the vehicle. It is characterized by controlling to a necessary minimum flow rate.

  In the lubrication control device of the present invention, the storage amount control means controls the storage amount so that the oil level becomes a predetermined minimum value of the oil level.

  In the lubrication control device of the present invention, a heating section for heating the lubricating oil is provided in the return path.

  In the lubrication control device of the present invention, the storage section is provided with a heat retaining means for suppressing temperature change of the lubricating oil.

  According to the present invention, when the flow rate control means for controlling the flow rate of the lubricating oil supplied to the lubricated portion of the transmission is provided, for example, the amount of oil stored in the transmission is increased by a stirring resistance or the like. The accompanying transmission loss can be reduced.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a lubrication control device of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
The first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. The present embodiment relates to a lubrication control device having flow rate control means for controlling the flow rate of lubricating oil supplied to a lubricated portion of a transmission. In the present embodiment, the case where the transmission whose supply flow rate of lubricating oil is adjusted by the lubrication control device is a transmission mounted on a vehicle will be described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the lubrication control device of this embodiment can be applied even when the transmission is a transmission used in an industrial machine.

  The lubrication control device (see reference numeral 10 in FIG. 1) of the present embodiment controls the flow rate of lubricating oil supplied to a lubricated part (see reference numeral 1a in FIG. 1) of a transmission (see reference numeral 1 in FIG. 1). It has a flow control means (see reference numeral 11 in FIG. 1). By controlling the flow rate of the lubricating oil supplied to the lubricated part 1a by the flow control means 11 to an appropriate amount, losses due to drag loss, stirring loss, etc. due to the lubricating oil supplied to the lubricated part 1a are reduced. The

  Here, when the flow rate of the lubricating oil supplied to the lubricated portion 1a is controlled by the flow rate control means 11, as described above, the lubrication stored in the oil pan of the transmission 1 (see reference numeral 8 in FIG. 1). Oil storage varies. When the flow rate of the lubricating oil supplied to the portion to be lubricated 1a is decreased, the amount of lubricating oil stored in the oil pan 8 is increased. In this case, the stirring resistance of the rotating body in the transmission 1 due to the stored lubricating oil increases.

  The lubrication control device 10 according to the present embodiment stores not only the flow rate control means 11 but also the amount of lubricating oil stored in the oil pan 8 based on the oil level (liquid level position) of the lubricating oil stored in the oil pan 8. Storage amount control means (see reference numeral 12 in FIG. 1). The storage amount control means 12 controls the storage amount of the lubricating oil so that the oil level of the lubricating oil stored in the oil pan 8 becomes a predetermined lower liquid level position. Thereby, it is suppressed that the amount of the lubricating oil stored in the oil pan 8 increases too much and the stirring resistance increases.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a transmission. The transmission 1 transmits an output torque of an engine (not shown) to a drive shaft of a vehicle on which the transmission 1 is mounted. The engine output torque input to the transmission 1 is transmitted to the drive shaft via a gear (gear), a friction engagement device, or the like (not shown).

  An oil pan 8 for storing lubricating oil is provided at the lower portion of the transmission 1. The transmission 1 is connected to a lubrication path 2 for sending the lubricating oil stored in the oil pan 8 to the lubricated part 1 a in the transmission 1. Here, the to-be-lubricated part 1a is a part which needs lubrication in the transmission 1, such as a bearing, a gear (gear), and an engagement element. Reference numeral 10 denotes a lubrication control device of the present embodiment. The lubrication control device 10 controls the oil pan 8 based on the flow rate control means 11 for controlling the flow rate of the lubricating oil supplied to the lubricated portion 1 a of the transmission 1 and the oil level of the lubricating oil stored in the oil pan 8. And a storage amount control means 12 for controlling the storage amount of the stored lubricating oil. Details of the flow rate control means 11 and the storage amount control means 12 will be described later.

  The transmission 1 is provided with a pump (not shown) that pumps the lubricating oil, and the lubricating oil stored in the oil pan 8 is pumped to the lubricating path 2 as indicated by an arrow A by the pump. Reference sign Q12 indicates a flow rate of the lubricating oil pumped from the oil pan 8 to the lubricating path 2 by the pump (hereinafter simply referred to as a pumping flow rate). Lubricating oil flowing through the lubricating path 2 is sent to the lubricated part 1a of the transmission 1 as indicated by an arrow B.

  A return path 3 that connects the lubrication path 2 and the oil pan 8 is connected to the lubrication path 2. One end of the return path 3 is connected to the lubrication path 2, and the other end is connected to the oil pan 8. In the following description, a portion where the lubrication path 2 and the return path 3 are connected is referred to as a connection portion 2a. When the flow rate of the lubricating oil flowing through the lubricating path 2 is controlled, the surplus lubricating oil is returned to the oil pan 8 via the return path 3. Reference sign Q1 indicates a flow rate of lubricating oil supplied to the lubricated portion 1a through the lubrication path 2 (hereinafter referred to as a lubrication flow rate). Reference sign Q2 indicates the flow rate of lubricant oil that becomes redundant and is discharged from the lubrication path 2 to the return path 3 (hereinafter referred to as discharge flow rate).

  A first flow rate adjusting valve 4 for controlling the flow rate of the lubricating oil flowing in the lubricating route 2 (lubricating flow rate Q1) is provided downstream of the connecting portion 2a in the lubricating route 2 in the flow direction of the lubricating oil. The first flow rate adjusting valve 4 can be adjusted to an arbitrary opening degree.

  The return path 3 is provided with a second flow rate adjusting valve 5 that controls the flow rate of the lubricating oil flowing through the return path 3 (discharge flow rate Q2). The second flow rate adjustment valve 5 can be adjusted to an arbitrary opening degree. The first control means of this embodiment includes a first flow rate adjustment valve 4 and a second flow rate adjustment valve 5. That is, by adjusting the opening degree of the first flow rate adjusting valve 4 and the second flow rate adjusting valve 5, the lubricating flow rate Q1 flowing through the lubrication path 2 and sent to the lubricated portion 1a is controlled. The flow rate of the lubricating oil discharged from the lubrication path 2 to the return path 3 as surplus lubricating oil when the lubricating flow rate Q1 is controlled is the discharged flow rate Q2.

  A reservoir 6 is provided downstream of the installation position of the second flow rate adjusting valve 5 in the return path 3 in the lubricating oil flow direction. The storage unit 6 is configured to be able to store lubricating oil therein. The storage unit 6 of the present embodiment is disposed outside the transmission 1, but may be provided as a part of the transmission 1 instead. The reservoir 6 is a constant temperature bath. The storage part 6 is provided with a heat insulating part (heat insulating means) 6 a that suppresses heat transfer between the inside and the outside of the storage part 6. Thereby, it is suppressed that the temperature of the lubricating oil stored in the storage part 6 changes. For example, even if the outside of the storage unit 6 is at a lower temperature than the inside of the storage unit 6, the temperature drop of the lubricating oil stored in the storage unit 6 is suppressed.

  Lubricating oil that has flowed through a portion 3 a upstream of the installation position of the storage unit 6 in the return path 3 (hereinafter simply referred to as an upstream return path) 3 a flows into the storage unit 6. The lubricating oil stored in the storage unit 6 flows out from the lower part of the storage unit 6 to a portion downstream of the installation position of the storage unit 6 in the return path 3 (hereinafter simply referred to as a downstream return path) 3b.

  The downstream return path 3b is provided with a third flow rate adjusting valve (second control means) 7 for controlling the flow rate of the lubricating oil flowing through the downstream return path 3b. Reference sign Q3 indicates a flow rate of the lubricating oil returned from the storage unit 6 to the oil pan 8 (hereinafter referred to as a return flow rate). The third flow rate adjusting valve 7 has a variable throttle, and can be adjusted to an arbitrary throttle amount to control the return flow rate Q3.

  The flow rate adjusting valves 4, 5, 7 are connected to the control circuit 20 and are controlled by the control circuit 20. The flow rate adjusting valves 4, 5 and 7 are provided with flow rate detection devices for detecting the flow rate of the lubricating oil passing through the flow rate adjustment valves 4, 5 and 7, respectively, and the detection results of the respective flow rate detection devices are controlled. It is output to the circuit 20.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the flow rate control means 11 of this embodiment includes a first flow rate adjustment valve 4 and a second flow rate adjustment valve 5 as first control means. The storage amount control means 12 includes a second flow rate adjustment valve 5, a storage unit 6, and a third flow rate adjustment valve 7.

  As described above, the flow rate control unit 11 adjusts the opening degree of the first control unit (the first flow rate adjustment valve 4 and the second flow rate adjustment valve 5) to flow through the lubrication path 2 and The lubricating flow rate Q1 sent to the portion to be lubricated 1a is controlled. The command value of the lubrication flow rate Q1 is determined based on vehicle information (vehicle running state). Based on the vehicle information, the minimum value (the necessary minimum flow rate) of the lubrication flow rate Q1 is calculated. The minimum value of the lubricating flow rate Q1 is referred to as the minimum lubricating flow rate Qlim in the following description. The minimum lubrication flow rate Qlim is set, for example, as the minimum value of the lubrication flow rate Q1 that can suppress the occurrence of insufficient lubrication in the lubricated portion 1a. By controlling the lubrication flow rate Q1 to the minimum lubrication flow rate Qlim by the flow rate control means 11, the lubrication state in the lubricated portion 1a is set to an appropriate state, and drag loss or idling due to the lubricating oil supplied to the lubricated portion 1a is reduced. Loss due to loss or the like can be reduced.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the storage amount of the lubricating oil stored in the oil pan 8 is controlled by the storage amount control means 12. Reference numeral VOIL indicates a storage amount of lubricating oil stored in the oil pan 8 (hereinafter simply referred to as storage amount). The control circuit 20 controls the storage amount Voil by adjusting the opening degree of the third flow rate adjusting valve 7 and adjusting the return flow rate Q3. When the storage amount Voil is decreased, the control circuit 20 adjusts (throttles) the opening of the third flow rate adjustment valve 7 so that the return flow rate Q3 is smaller than the discharge flow rate Q2. On the other hand, when the storage amount Voil is increased, the control circuit 20 adjusts (opens) the opening of the third flow rate adjustment valve 7 so that the return flow rate Q3 is larger than the discharge flow rate Q2.

  In the present embodiment, the storage amount Voil is controlled to the necessary minimum storage amount (hereinafter referred to as the minimum storage amount Vlim) so as to reduce the stirring resistance of the rotating body in the transmission 1. The minimum storage amount Vlim is, for example, a minimum oil level that is set based on an air suction limit of a pump that sucks out lubricating oil in the transmission 1 and a lifting lubrication limit by a rotating body such as a differential gear of the transmission 1. Value (lower limit). As a result, it is possible to reduce the stirring resistance of the transmission 1 while suppressing the amount of storage Voil from becoming too small and causing insufficient lubrication of the transmission 1.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the following description, it is assumed that the control flow shown in FIG. 2 has been executed once in advance, and that the following three conditions have already been established.
(1) The lubrication flow rate Q1 is equal to the minimum lubrication flow rate Qlim.
(2) The storage amount Voil is equal to the minimum storage amount Vlim.
(3) The storage amount Voil is kept constant (discharge flow rate Q2 = return flow rate Q3).

  First, in step S <b> 1, vehicle information is acquired by the control circuit 20. As vehicle information, for example, the throttle opening of the engine, the transmission gear ratio (shift speed) of the transmission 1, the input / output rotational speed of the transmission 1, the oil temperature of the transmission 1, the lubricating flow rate Q1, and the periphery of the lubricated portion 1a Examples thereof include temperature and storage amount Voil. For example, the control circuit 20 can acquire the lubrication flow rate Q1 based on the detection result of the flow rate detection device provided in the first flow rate adjustment valve 4. Further, the storage amount Voil can be calculated based on the detection result of the level sensor that detects the amount of lubricating oil stored in the storage unit 6.

  Next, in step S2, the control circuit 20 calculates the minimum lubrication flow rate Qlim and the minimum storage amount Vlim. The control circuit 20 calculates the minimum lubrication flow rate Qlim and the minimum storage amount Vlim based on the vehicle information acquired in step S1. When step S2 is executed, the process proceeds to step S3.

  The vehicle information acquisition (step S1) and the calculation of the minimum lubrication flow rate Qlim and the minimum storage amount Vlim (step S2) are always performed during the execution of this control flow. For example, step S1 and step S2 are repeatedly executed at predetermined intervals. As a result, when at least one of the minimum lubrication flow rate Qlim and the minimum storage amount Vlim changes, an interrupt command is input, and even if the other steps of this control flow are being executed, the control flow starts again from step S3. Is executed.

  In step S3, the control circuit 20 determines whether or not the lubrication flow rate Q1 is larger than the minimum lubrication flow rate Qlim. As a result of the determination, if it is determined that the lubrication flow rate Q1 is larger than the minimum lubrication flow rate Qlim (Q1> Qlim), the process proceeds to step S4. Otherwise (Q1 <Qlim), the process proceeds to step S8. move on.

  In step S4, the control circuit 20 performs control to decrease the lubrication flow rate Q1 so that the lubrication flow rate Q1 becomes the minimum lubrication flow rate Qlim. The control circuit 20 reduces the lubrication flow rate Q1 by reducing the opening of the first flow rate adjustment valve 4 (changing it to the opening on the valve closing side), and opens the second flow rate adjustment valve 5 (on the valve opening side). The discharge flow rate Q2 is increased by changing to an opening degree. The control circuit 20 gradually decreases the lubrication flow rate Q1 by changing the opening degree of the first flow rate adjustment valve 4 and the second flow rate adjustment valve 5 (for example, by a change amount of a predetermined opening degree), and the lubrication flow rate Q1. Adjust the opening degree of the first flow rate adjusting valve 4 and the second flow rate adjusting valve 5 so that the minimum lubrication flow rate Qlim becomes. By controlling the lubrication flow rate Q1 to the minimum lubrication flow rate Qlim in step S4, it is possible to reduce stirring loss, dragging loss, and the like that occur in the lubricated portion 1a. After step S4, the process proceeds to step S5.

  In step S5 and the next step S6, the control circuit 20 controls the storage amount Voil to be the minimum storage amount Vlim. As a result of the control for reducing the lubrication flow rate Q1 in step S4, the storage amount Voil increases, and the liquid level of the lubricating oil stored in the oil pan 8 may increase. For this reason, control which controls the increase in the storage amount Voil and adjusts the storage amount Voil to the minimum storage amount Vlim is performed.

  First, in step S5, the opening degree of the third flow rate adjusting valve 7 is adjusted by the control circuit 20 so that the discharge flow rate Q2 is larger than the return flow rate Q3. As a result, the storage amount Voil decreases, while the amount of lubricating oil stored in the storage unit 6 increases.

  Next, in step S6, the control circuit 20 determines whether or not the storage amount Voil is equal to the minimum storage amount Vlim. The storage amount Voil used for the determination in step S6 is calculated based on the amount of oil that has been injected into the transmission 1 from the beginning and the respective integrated flow rates of the lubricating oil that has passed through the flow rate adjusting valves 4, 5, and 7. Value. The storage amount Voil may be calculated by directly measuring the amount of lubricating oil stored in the storage unit 6 using a sensor or the like. As a result of the determination in step S6, if it is determined that the storage amount Voil is equal to the minimum storage amount Vlim (step S6-Y), the process proceeds to step S7, and if not (step S6-N), the process proceeds to step S5. Then, the control for reducing the storage amount Voil is continued.

  In step S7, the opening degree of the third flow rate adjusting valve 7 is adjusted by the control circuit 20 so that the discharge flow rate Q2 and the return flow rate Q3 are equal. As a result, the storage amount Voil is kept at the minimum storage amount Vlim. Even if the lubrication flow rate Q1 is reduced in accordance with the operation state or the like by the operations in steps S5 to S7 (step S4), the storage amount Voil can be kept at the minimum necessary amount without increasing. In other words, it is possible to suppress the change in the storage amount Voil caused by the change in the lubricating flow rate Q1, and keep the storage amount Voil at the minimum amount that can satisfy the reliability of the flow control means 11. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of stirring loss due to the rotating body in the transmission 1. When step S7 is executed, this control flow is returned.

  When the process proceeds from step S3 to step S8, in step S8, the control circuit 20 performs control to increase the lubrication flow rate Q1 so that the lubrication flow rate Q1 becomes the minimum lubrication flow rate Qlim. The control circuit 20 increases the lubricating flow rate Q1 by opening the first flow rate adjustment valve 4 (changing the opening amount to the valve opening side), and throttles the opening amount of the second flow rate adjustment valve 5 (on the valve closing side). The discharge flow rate Q2 is decreased by changing the opening. The control circuit 20 adjusts the opening degrees of the first flow rate adjustment valve 4 and the second flow rate adjustment valve 5 so that the lubrication flow rate Q1 becomes the minimum lubrication flow rate Qlim.

  Next, in step S9 and step S10, the control circuit 20 controls the storage amount Voil to be the minimum storage amount Vlim. Since the control for increasing the lubrication flow rate Q1 is performed in step S8, the storage amount Voil may be reduced. In this case, it is conceivable that the liquid level of the lubricating oil stored in the oil pan 8 is lowered and falls below the air suction limit of the pump in the transmission 1 and the lifting lubrication limit by the rotating body. Therefore, the state where the return flow rate Q3 exceeds the discharge flow rate Q2 is maintained, and the storage amount Voil is increased.

  First, in step S9, the opening degree of the third flow rate adjusting valve 7 is adjusted by the control circuit 20 so that the return flow rate Q3 exceeds the discharge flow rate Q2. Thereby, the storage amount Voil increases, while the oil amount of the lubricating flow stored in the storage unit 6 decreases.

  Next, in step S10, the control circuit 20 determines whether or not the storage amount Voil is equal to the minimum storage amount Vlim. As a result of the determination, if it is determined that the storage amount Voil is equal to the minimum storage amount Vlim (step S10-Y), the process proceeds to step S11. If not (step S10-N), the process proceeds to step S9. Control for increasing the storage amount Voil is continued.

  In step S11, the opening degree of the third flow rate adjusting valve 7 is adjusted by the control circuit 20 so that the discharge flow rate Q2 and the return flow rate Q3 are equal. As a result, the storage amount Voil is kept at the minimum storage amount Vlim. Even if the lubrication flow rate Q1 is increased in accordance with the operation state or the like by the operation of the above steps S9 to S11 (step S8), the storage amount Voil is not excessively decreased and is kept at the minimum necessary amount. Can do. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of stirring loss due to the rotating body in the transmission 1. When step S11 is executed, this control flow is returned.

  As described above, the lubrication control device 10 of the present embodiment includes the lubricating oil stored in the oil pan 8 in addition to the flow rate control means 11 that controls the lubrication flow rate Q1 sent to the lubricated portion 1a of the transmission 1. Storage amount control means 12 for controlling the storage amount Voil. Thereby, not only can the amount of lubricating oil supplied to the lubricated part 1a be the minimum necessary amount but also the stirring loss and dragging loss that occur in the lubricated part 1a can be reduced, and the oil pan 8 is stored. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of stirring loss by the rotating body by setting the amount of lubricating oil to the minimum necessary amount.

  Moreover, in the lubrication control apparatus 10 of this embodiment, the storage amount control means 12 is provided in the return path 3, and the oil path of the flow control means 11 and the oil path of the storage amount control means 12 are made common. Yes. A function of adjusting the oil level in the transmission 1 can be added simply by providing the storage portion 6 and the third flow rate adjusting means 7 in the return path 3. Therefore, compared with the case where the storage amount control means 12 is provided independently of the flow rate control means 11, it is possible to achieve both the function of adjusting the lubricating flow rate Q1 and the function of adjusting the storage amount Voil while suppressing weight, physique, and cost. it can.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, the storage part 6 is made into the thermostat. As a result, as described below, the transmission 1 can be warmed up early at the time of starting.

  When the vehicle is stopped (transmission 1 is neutral or the driving wheel is stopped by a braking device), the number of elements rotating in the transmission 1 is small, and the amount required as the lubrication flow rate Q1 is small. It is. Therefore, when the vehicle is stopped, a large amount of lubricating oil is stored in the storage unit 6.

  When the engine is stopped from that state, the third flow rate adjusting valve 7 is fully closed, so that warm lubricating oil can be stored in the storage unit 6 as a thermostatic bath. When the engine is started next time, the third flow rate adjusting valve 7 can be opened to supply warm lubricating oil to the inside of the transmission 1. Thereby, since warming-up of the transmission 1 is implement | achieved at an early stage, the drag loss and stirring loss of each part of the transmission 1 immediately after a start can be suppressed.

  In order to store more warm lubricating oil in the storage unit 6, it is desirable to be able to operate a pump that pumps the lubricating oil stored in the oil pan 8 even after the engine 1 is stopped. However, in a structure in which the pump in the transmission 1 is directly connected to the rotation shaft of the engine (the pump is driven only when the engine is rotating), the lubricating oil is sent to the reservoir 6 after the engine is stopped. I can't. In this case, a power source for driving the pump for a while after the operator (driver) of the vehicle sends an engine stop instruction is required separately from the engine. For example, an auxiliary oil pump that does not use the engine as a power source can be added to the lubrication control device 10 as means for sending lubricating oil to the storage unit 6 after the engine is stopped.

  In this embodiment, since a part of lubricating oil which lubricates the transmission 1 is stored in the storage part 6, the transmission 1 can be reduced in size by making the capacity | capacitance of the oil pan 8 smaller.

  In the present embodiment, the storage amount control means 12 is provided in the return path 3 that is a part of the oil passage of the flow rate control means 11, but instead, the storage amount control means 12 is provided in the flow rate control means 11. And can be provided independently. In other words, the oil passage of the storage amount control means 12 may be provided in parallel (independently) with the oil passage of the flow control means 11.

(Second Embodiment)
A second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the second embodiment, only differences from the first embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of an apparatus according to the present embodiment. The lubrication control device 60 according to the present embodiment includes a flow rate control unit 61 and a storage amount control unit 62 as in the first embodiment. In the flow rate control means 61 of the present embodiment, a flow rate distribution valve 50 is provided as a first control means instead of the first flow rate adjustment valve 4 and the second flow rate adjustment valve 5 of the first embodiment (FIG. 1). ing. The point which can control lubrication flow Q1 and discharge flow Q2 with one valve is different from the 1st embodiment of the above.

  The main body 51 of the flow distribution valve 50 is provided with a supply port 52, a first discharge port 53, a second discharge port 54, a signal pressure port 55, a spool 56, and a spring 57. A lubrication path 2 is connected to the supply port 52, and lubricating oil pumped from the oil pan 8 of the transmission 1 by the pump flows into the main body 51 from the supply port 52. The first discharge port 53 is connected to the lubrication path 2, and the lubricating oil that has flowed from the main body 51 to the first discharge port 53 is supplied to the lubricated part 1 a via the lubrication path 2. The second discharge port 54 is connected to the return path 3, and the lubricating oil flowing out from the second discharge port 54 flows into the storage unit 6.

  The signal pressure port 55 is supplied with hydraulic oil having a signal pressure P. A spool 56 is provided inside the main body 51 so as to be slidable in the axial direction of the main body 51 (hereinafter simply referred to as the axial direction). The hydraulic fluid supplied to the signal pressure port 55 is guided to one end of the spool 56 in the axial direction, and the spool 56 is driven in the axial direction by the signal pressure P. A spring 57 is provided between the other end portion of the spool 56 in the axial direction and the main body 51. The spool 56 is urged and supported in the direction opposite to the driving force by the signal pressure P by the urging force of the spring 57. The spool 56 is driven by the signal pressure P and slides in the axial direction, whereby the flow rate of the lubricating oil (lubricating flow rate Q1) discharged to the lubricating path 2 through the first discharge port 53 and the second discharge. The flow rate of the lubricating oil discharged to the return path 3 via the port 54 (discharge flow rate Q2) can be adjusted.

  When the signal pressure P increases, the spool 56 reduces the flow passage cross-sectional area of the first discharge port 53 and increases the flow cross-sectional area of the second discharge port 54 against the biasing force of the spring 57. It moves in the direction (see arrow X1). Therefore, when the signal pressure P is increased, the lubrication flow rate Q1 decreases and the discharge flow rate Q2 increases. On the other hand, when the signal pressure P decreases, the spool 56 increases the cross-sectional area of the first discharge port 53 and decreases the cross-sectional area of the second discharge port 54 by the biasing force of the spring 57. Move in the direction (see arrow X2). Therefore, when the signal pressure P is decreased, the lubrication flow rate Q1 increases and the discharge flow rate Q2 decreases.

  Instead of the control circuit 20 of the first embodiment, a control circuit 70 is provided. The control circuit 70 controls the lubrication flow rate Q1 and the discharge flow rate Q2 by adjusting the signal pressure P. The control circuit 70 controls, for example, a hydraulic control device that adjusts the signal pressure P. The control circuit 70 decreases the signal pressure P when increasing the lubrication flow rate Q1, and increases the signal pressure P when decreasing the lubrication flow rate Q1. Other operations can be the same as those in the first embodiment.

(Third embodiment)
A third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the third embodiment, only differences from the above embodiments will be described.

  The lubrication control device 10 according to the present embodiment is different from the above embodiments in that a heater 15 as a heating unit that heats the lubricating oil is provided in the return path 3. By providing the heating unit, it is possible to promote warming up of the transmission 1 at the time of starting, for example, at the time of cold starting. At the cold start, the viscosity of the lubricating oil is high, and the stirring loss and dragging loss in the transmission 1 are likely to be large. According to this embodiment, it is possible to achieve both a reduction in loss in the transmission 1 and a warm-up effect at the time of starting.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the storage unit 6 is provided with a heater 15 that heats the lubricating oil stored in the storage unit 6. Examples of the heat source of the heater 15 include exhaust heat of an engine (prime mover), an electric heater, and cooling water of the engine (prime mover).

  About operation | movement of this embodiment, it can be the same as that of said each embodiment (FIG. 2). By controlling the lubrication flow rate Q1 to the minimum lubrication flow rate Qlim, the discharge flow rate Q2 that becomes surplus and is sent to the storage unit 6 increases. It is possible to suppress an increase in stirring loss and dragging loss due to supply of excess lubricating oil to the lubricated part 1a, and the amount of lubricating oil supplied to the heater 15 increases and the transmission 1 Warm-up is promoted. That is, both the loss reduction effect and the warm-up effect in the transmission 1 can be achieved. In particular, in this embodiment, since the heater 15 is provided in the storage part 6 which is a thermostat, warm-up efficiency is good and the transmission 1 can be warmed up early.

  In the present embodiment, the heater 15 is provided not in the lubrication path 2 but in the return path 3. For this reason, all the lubricating oil that has passed through the heater 15 is returned to the oil pan 8. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of stirring loss and dragging loss without supplying lubricating oil in a state where the viscosity is still high (oil temperature is low) in the initial stage of warm-up to the lubricated part 1a.

  The installation position of the heater 15 is not limited to the storage unit 6. For example, it can be provided in the return path 3 other than the storage unit 6. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the heater 15 may be provided in the return path 3 without providing the reservoir 6 and the third flow rate adjusting valve 7. Even with such a configuration, it is possible to promote warm-up of the transmission 1 while suppressing the stirring flow loss and dragging loss of the transmission 1 by minimizing the lubrication flow rate Q1.

It is a schematic block diagram of 1st Embodiment of the lubrication control apparatus of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of 1st Embodiment of the lubrication control apparatus of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram of 2nd Embodiment of the lubrication control apparatus of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram of 3rd Embodiment of the lubrication control apparatus of this invention. It is a figure which shows the other structural example of 3rd Embodiment of the lubrication control apparatus of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Transmission 1a To-be-lubricated part 2 Lubrication path | route 2a Connection part 3 Return path | route 3a Upstream return path | route 3b Downstream return path | route 4 1st flow regulating valve 5 2nd flow regulating valve 6 Storage part 7 3rd flow regulating valve 8 Oil pan DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Lubrication control apparatus 11 Flow control means 12 Storage amount control means 20 Control circuit 50 Flow distribution valve 51 Main body 52 Supply port 53 First discharge port 54 Second discharge port 55 Signal pressure port 56 Spool 57 Spring 60 Lubrication control apparatus 61 Flow control Means 62 Storage amount control means Q1 Lubrication flow rate Qlim Minimum lubrication flow rate Q12 Pumping flow rate Q2 Discharge flow rate Q3 Return flow rate Voil Retention amount Vlim Minimum storage amount

Claims (6)

A lubrication control device having flow rate control means for controlling the flow rate of lubricating oil supplied to a lubricated portion of a transmission,
A lubrication control apparatus comprising: a storage amount control unit that controls a storage amount of the lubricating oil stored in the oil pan based on an oil level of the lubricating oil stored in an oil pan inside the transmission. The lubrication control device according to claim 1,
The flow rate control means controls the flow rate of the lubricating oil flowing through the lubricating path for sending the lubricating oil pressure-fed from the oil pan to the lubricated part, and the excess lubricating oil is passed through the lubricating path and the oil pan. Having first control means for flowing to the return path that communicates,
The storage amount control means is provided in the return path and different from the oil pan, and stores the lubricating oil, and is provided in the return path closer to the oil pan than the storage part. And a second control means for controlling the storage amount by adjusting a flow rate of the lubricating oil flowing toward the pan. In the lubrication control device according to claim 1 or 2,
The transmission is mounted on a vehicle,
The lubrication control device, wherein the flow rate control means controls the flow rate of the lubricating oil supplied to the lubricated portion to a necessary minimum flow rate calculated based on a running state of the vehicle. In the lubrication control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The lubrication control device, wherein the storage amount control means controls the storage amount so that the oil level is a predetermined minimum value of the oil level. In the lubrication control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A lubrication control device, wherein a heating section for heating the lubricating oil is provided in the return path. In the lubrication control device according to any one of claims 2 to 5,
The storage controller is provided with heat retaining means for suppressing temperature change of the lubricating oil.

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