JP2018529053A - Lubricating apparatus and method for lubricating machine parts - Google Patents

Abstract

  In order to provide a lubrication device that lubricates a machine part that is simple in structure and enables efficient lubrication of the machine part, it is proposed that the lubrication apparatus comprises: carrier gas and lubrication An aerosol generator for preparing an aerosol having an agent; a supply device for supplying aerosol to a machine internal space, in which a machine part to be lubricated is disposed; a carry-out device for carrying aerosol out of the machine internal space; A control device for controlling the aerosol generator and / or the supply device and / or the carry-out device so that the pressure in the internal space is variable.

Description

  The present invention relates to a lubricating device for lubricating a machine part. The lubrication device can be, for example, a minimum amount lubrication system, which can be used to supply lubricant to a machine part to be lubricated, such as a transmission gear.

  The lubrication apparatus is, for example, German Patent Application No. 102005043104 (A1), German Patent Application Publication No. 10139347 (B4), German Patent Publication No. 1625888, German Patent Publication No. 2237742. It is known from the description and from DE 38 38 786 A1.

German Patent Application Publication No. 102005043104 (A1) Specification German Patent Application Publication No. 10139347 (B4) specification German Patent Publication No. 1625888 German Patent Publication No. 2237742 German Patent Application Publication No. 3838786 (A1) Specification

  An object of the present invention is to provide a lubrication device that has a simple structure and enables efficient lubrication of machine parts.

This problem is solved according to the invention by means of a lubricating device for lubricating a machine part comprising:
An aerosol generator for preparing an aerosol having a carrier gas and a lubricant;
A supply device for supplying aerosol to the interior space of the machine, in which the machine part to be lubricated is arranged;
Unloading device for unloading aerosol from the machine interior space;
A control device for controlling the aerosol generator and / or the supply device and / or the carry-out device so that the pressure in the internal space of the machine is variable.

  The lubrication device preferably allows a change of pressure in the machine interior space so that the aerosol prepared by the aerosol generator can be easily and reliably delivered to all areas of the machine interior space, Finally and simply and reliably supplies lubricant to all machine parts to be lubricated.

  The controller of the lubrication device is preferably formed and arranged so that the method described below for lubricating the machine part can be carried out. In that case, the method can preferably be carried out automatically and / or with open loop control and / or closed loop control.

  In this specification and the appended claims, a “mechanical part” is at least two parts of a mechanical device that are movable with respect to each other. In that case, the machine parts are preferably moved along with each other, so that mechanical loads of the machine parts can occur, for example due to friction. In order to reduce this load, a lubricating film is preferably provided at least in the region of the contact surface of the machine part. This lubricating film is preferably formed by supplying an aerosol composed of a carrier gas and a lubricant onto the machine part.

  The mechanical part is, for example, a transmission component of a transmission or an engine component of an engine.

  The lubrication device can be transferred to the carry-out drive by the control device, and at that time, at least a part of the aerosol is removed from the machine internal space through the carry-out device and the pressure in the machine internal space is reduced. Can be

  In this unloading drive, the machine interior space is preferably prepared to contain fresh aerosol and concomitant fresh lubricant.

  In particular, in the carry-out drive, based on the pressure reduction, the gas contained in the machine internal space, possibly with fluid droplets, preferably from the machine internal space until a predetermined minimum pressure dominates in the machine internal space. It is carried out substantially uniformly.

  It may be preferred if the lubrication device can be shifted to a lubrication drive by the control device, in which aerosol is supplied by the supply device to the machine interior space and the pressure in the machine interior space increases.

  In the lubrication drive of the lubrication apparatus, the supplied aerosol and, accordingly, the lubricant that is a component of the aerosol reaches the entire interior space of the machine substantially uniformly, preferably based on the pressure increase, Accordingly, lubricant is supplied to all machine parts to be lubricated.

  It may be preferred if the lubrication device can be shifted to a maintenance drive by the control device, in which the pressure in the machine interior space is maintained substantially constant.

  In the maintenance drive of the lubrication apparatus, the pressure in the machine internal space is preferably at a level that exists after the end of the lubrication drive or after the end of the carry-out drive.

  In the maintenance drive of the lubrication device, preferably, the pressure increased in the interior space of the machine compared to the ambient pressure dominates.

  In the lubrication drive and / or in the maintenance drive, a reliable wetting with the lubricant of the machine part to be lubricated is preferably obtained, in particular on the basis of the increased pressure compared to the ambient pressure in the interior space of the machine.

  Alternatively or additionally, the maintenance drive is preferably used to minimize the total amount of lubricant supplied. In that case, the maintenance drive is preferably only with respect to its length of time, when it is required, calculated and / or concerned that the machine part is not sufficiently lubricated for a reliable drive of the machine. The sustain drive is selected so as to end.

  Preferably, the lubrication device can be alternately and sequentially shifted by the control device to the unloading drive, then to the lubrication drive, and then to the maintenance drive, so that the lubrication in which the used carrier gas is still contained therein is preferably provided first. With the agent, it is at least partially removed from the machine interior space and is then replaced with a fresh aerosol with a high lubricant percentage. In subsequent maintenance drives, the lubrication device is preferably driven until the amount of lubricant supplied is no longer sufficient for reliable driving of the machine.

  In that case, the necessary lubrication of the machine part to be lubricated can be updated and / or optimized by newly carrying out the unloading drive and the lubrication drive.

  In a form of the invention, the lubrication device can have a sealing system for sealing the machine interior space against its surroundings.

  The closed system preferably has a shut-off gas supply, which can be used to supply the shut-off gas to at least one insertion opening that fluidly connects the machine interior space to the surroundings.

  The insertion opening portion is a shaft insertion portion for inserting a rotatable machine part.

  The mechanical device is preferably configured so that fluid overflow from the machine interior space to the environment and vice versa is minimized. Using a closed system, preferably with a shut-off gas supply, to ensure that the aerosol does not flow out of the machine interior space and does not reach the environment, or that only a small amount of aerosol flows out and reaches the environment can do. In particular, this can be ensured by the shut-off gas supply, preferably even when the pressure in the machine interior space is above the ambient pressure.

  The lubricating device preferably has a coupling device, by which the aerosol pressure of the aerosol guided into the interior space of the machine and the shut-off gas of the shut-off gas supplied to at least one insertion opening The pressures can be combined with each other.

  In that case, the coupling device is preferably adjustable and / or open-loop controllable and / or closed-loop controllable so that the shut-off gas pressure is above the aerosol pressure.

  Lubricating apparatus has a coupling device, and the temporal transition of the aerosol pressure of the aerosol guided into the interior space of the machine by the coupling device and the shut-off of the shut-off gas supplied to at least one insertion opening It can be effective if the time evolution of the gas pressures can be combined with each other.

  Here again, the shut-off gas pressure is above the aerosol pressure, especially in the carry-out drive, in the lubrication drive and / or in the maintenance drive.

  However, the lubrication device also has a coupling device, in accordance with the aerosol pressure and / or the aerosol supply to the machine interior space by means of the coupling device, in particular a shut-off gas having a variable shut-off gas pressure to the at least one insertion opening It can be supplied or can be supplied.

  For example, the supply of the blocking gas to the at least one insertion opening can be started by shifting the time after the start of the introduction of the aerosol into the internal space of the machine using the coupling device. Thereby, before the blocking gas removes the aerosol from the periphery of the insertion opening and / or the insertion opening, the aerosol is applied to the bearing member or the bearing location arranged in the region of the insertion opening or adjacent to the insertion opening. Can be ensured that, therefore, the lubricant is supplied.

  Preferably, the lubrication device has a pressure gas supply for preparing a carrier gas for the aerosol generator and / or for preparing a shut-off gas for the shut-off gas supply of the sealing system of the lubrication device. There is a case.

  The pressure gas supply is in particular a common pressure gas supply for preparing a carrier gas and for preparing a shut-off gas.

  In that case, the carrier gas and the cutoff gas are preferably compressed air.

  The lubrication device may have a pressure reducing valve to prepare an aerosol having a carrier gas and / or a predetermined aerosol pressure.

  Alternatively or additionally, the lubrication device can have a pressure reducing valve to provide a shut-off gas having a predetermined shut-off gas pressure.

  The two pressure reduction valves can be different pressure reduction valves. However, the lubricating device also has only one pressure reducing valve, which is used to form a carrier gas on the one hand and a cut-off gas (carrier gas pressure / cut-off gas pressure) having a predetermined pressure on the other hand. You can also. In particular, if the pressure of the carrier gas is reduced as it passes through the aerosol generator, it can cause an automatic coupling so that eventually the shut-off gas pressure is above the aerosol pressure. .

  In addition, the lubrication device can use different pressure reducing valves and / or different shut-off valves and / or control valves to allow the desired adjustment of the aerosol pressure and / or shut-off gas pressure. In particular, manometers and other sensors can be provided with associated closed-loop and / or open-loop control techniques.

  The lubrication device is preferably suitable for a mechanical device having a machine part to be lubricated to reduce friction, wear and / or temperature.

  For example, the mechanical device can be a transmission device.

  The invention therefore also relates to a transmission device having a transmission with a plurality of transmission components movable relative to one another. Preferably, the transmission device further includes a lubricating device according to the present invention.

  The transmission device or, in general, each conceivable mechanical device preferably further has one or more of the features and / or advantages described in connection with the lubricating device according to the invention.

  The invention further relates to a method of lubricating a machine part.

  The object of the present invention in this regard is to provide a method that is simple to implement and that allows efficient lubrication of machine parts.

This problem is solved according to the invention by a method of lubricating a machine part, in which case the method has the following:
Aerosol is prepared by an aerosol generator, in which case the aerosol has a carrier gas and a lubricant;
Aerogas is supplied to the machine interior by means of a supply device, in which case the machine part to be lubricated is arranged in the machine interior;
The aerosol is unloaded from the machine internal space by the unloading device,
The aerosol generator and / or the supply device and / or the unloading device are controlled by the control device so that the pressure in the internal space of the machine changes with time.

  The method according to the invention is particularly suitable for being carried out on a lubricating device according to the invention.

  Preferably, the lubrication device according to the invention is formed and arranged in particular so that the method according to the invention can be carried out on the lubrication device according to the invention, based on the control device.

  The method according to the invention preferably further has individual or multiple features and / or advantages as described in connection with the lubricating device according to the invention and / or the transmission device according to the invention.

  It may be preferred if the lubrication device is driven selectively and / or one after another, in particular in turn, with a carry-out drive and / or with a lubrication drive and / or with a maintenance drive.

  In the carry-out drive, at least part of the aerosol is removed from the machine interior space via the carry-out device, in particular thereby reducing the pressure in the machine interior space.

  In the lubrication drive, the aerosol is supplied to the machine internal space by the supply device, and in particular, the pressure in the machine internal space increases.

  In the maintenance drive, the pressure in the machine interior space is preferably maintained substantially constant.

  In particular, the pressure in the machine interior space during the maintenance drive is preferably maintained at a pressure level that is increased with respect to the ambient pressure.

  The machine interior space is sealed to its surroundings, preferably by a sealing system, in which case preferably a shut-off gas is connected to the at least one insertion opening, in particular connecting the machine interior space with the surroundings, in particular. The machine interior space and its surroundings are supplied in such a way that they are effectively separated from each other by the shut-off gas.

  It may be effective if the pressure in the machine interior space is pulsated and / or regularly raised and / or lowered.

  In particular, the pressure can be reduced regularly and then immediately increased again.

  When the pressure increases, the pressure in the machine interior space is preferably increased to at least about 500 hPa, in particular at least about 800 hPa, above ambient pressure. For example, the pressure is increased to about 1000 hPa above the ambient pressure (1 atu).

  The pressure in the machine interior space can be kept substantially constant for a predetermined period of time after the pressure rise, for example for at least about 5 minutes, in particular for at least about 10 minutes. In individual embodiments, further, the pressure in the machine interior space can be maintained substantially constant for a predetermined period of at least about 20 minutes after the pressure increase.

  It may be preferred if the pressure in the internal space of the machine is reduced to a maximum of about 200 hPa, in particular up to about 100 hPa, before the pressure increase, in particular just before the pressure increase, for example above the ambient pressure. In the form of the present invention, in particular, the pressure in the machine interior space can be reduced before the pressure rise so that the pressure in the machine interior space substantially corresponds to the ambient pressure.

  Both the pressure rise and the pressure drop can be controlled open-loop and / or closed-loop, for example using sensors in particular and / or in particular according to predetermined and / or measured pressure values, temperature values, etc. .

  The control of the lubrication device can be performed, for example, according to the characteristic values and / or measured values and / or drive parameters of the mechanical device having the machine part to be lubricated. In particular, the frequency, in particular the frequency, at which the lubrication device transitions to the carry-out drive and then to the lubrication drive can be selected according to the load generated in the machine device or according to the rotational speed of the machine part to be lubricated.

  Alternatively or additionally, the strength of the pressure fluctuation between the pressure drop (pressure reduction) and the subsequent pressure rise can be varied.

  For example, the maximum pressure difference between the pressure in the machine internal space immediately after carrying out the carry-out drive (minimum pressure) and that immediately after carrying out the lubrication drive (maximum pressure) is at least about 500 hPa, such as at least about 800 hPa, Preferably it can be at least about 1000 hPa.

  In addition, variations in droplet size, aerosol density (ratio of lubricant per unit volume) and / or lubricant viscosity can be provided to suit the required and / or desired lubrication.

  Preferably, furthermore, the rate of change of pressure that implements the pressure decrease and the subsequent pressure increase can be varied.

  The minimum pressure that dominates the interior space of the machine immediately after carrying out the carry-out drive can correspond to, for example, the ambient pressure. However, the minimum pressure may also be below ambient pressure or above ambient pressure.

  Furthermore, the maximum pressure present in the machine interior space immediately after the lubrication drive is performed corresponds to the ambient pressure, or may be below or above ambient pressure.

  The unloading device preferably has a damming valve, which can be dammed in order to be able to increase the pressure in the machine interior space.

  Furthermore, the unloading device preferably comprises a filter and / or other separating device, in particular an oil separator, in order to be able to separate the aerosol unloaded from the machine interior space into its components. Yes.

  The lubrication device can be used, for example, in vehicles, in particular in land machines, automobiles and freight vehicles, in particular for lubricating the aforementioned vehicle transmission devices.

  Furthermore, the lubrication device according to the present invention, the transmission device according to the present invention and / or the method according to the present invention may have individual or multiple of the features and / or advantages described below.

  The lubrication device can be shifted to two different maintenance drives by the control device. In this case, the first maintenance drive is preferably a maintenance drive in which the pressure in the machine interior space after the lubrication drive is maintained at least approximately at the maximum pressure. The other maintenance drive is preferably a maintenance drive in which the pressure in the machine interior space is at least approximately maintained at a minimum pressure after the carry-out drive is performed.

  By changing the pressure in the machine internal space according to the invention, preferably complicated and costly piping in the machine internal space for supplying the aerosol to the area to be lubricated can be omitted.

  In order to form a new aerosol by using a lubrication device having a reflux device and using that lubricant and / or a lubricant separated from a carrier gas by a separation device (filter device). It may be preferable to be able to supply an aerosol generator.

  Other preferred features and / or advantages of the present invention are the subject of the following description of the embodiments and the representation of the drawings.

1 schematically shows a conventional embodiment of a mechanical device including a lubricating device for lubricating a machine part, in which case the lubricating device has a supply passage, by means of which the supply of aerosol to the interior of the mechanical device It can be supplied as desired to individual regions within the space. FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of another conventional embodiment of a mechanical device, corresponding to FIG. 1, in which there is provided an aerosol flow through the interior of the machine. 1 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a mechanical device corresponding to FIG. 1, in which a lubricating device is provided that varies in pressure to lubricate the machine part, in which case the lubricating device is lubricated Driven in drive. FIG. 3 is a schematic view corresponding to FIG. 1 of the mechanical device of FIG. 3, in which case the lubricating device is driven in carry-out drive. Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a mechanical device with a lubricating device, in which case an additional shut-off gas supply is provided to seal the internal machine space. FIG. 6 is a schematic representation corresponding to FIG. 5 of a third embodiment of a mechanical device having a lubrication device, in which case aerosol supply and shut-off gas supply are sensor controlled. FIG. 6 is a schematic representation corresponding to FIG. 5 of a fourth embodiment of a mechanical device having a lubricating device, in which case an additional shut-off device is provided for interrupting the aerosol supply.

  In all the drawings, the same or functionally equivalent members are provided with the same reference numerals.

  1 and 2 show a conventional modification of a mechanical device, indicated as a whole by the reference numeral 100.

  This type of mechanical device 100 is, for example, a transmission device 102.

  The mechanical device 100 preferably includes a plurality of mechanical portions 104 that are movable relative to one another and that contact each other at a friction point 106 and / or a bearing point 108.

  In order to minimize friction between the machine parts 104, the machine device 100 preferably has a lubrication device 110.

  The lubrication device 110 is, for example, a minimum amount lubrication system.

  Lubricator 110 preferably allows lubricant to be supplied to friction point 106 and / or bearing point 108.

  In the embodiment of the mechanical device 100 shown in FIG. 1, the lubrication device 110 has a plurality of supply passages 112 that can be used to supply lubricant directly to the friction location 106 and / or the bearing location 108. it can.

  Such a structure of the lubrication device 110 is very complex and costly. This is because, in order to finally supply the lubricant to the friction point 106 and / or the bearing point 108, the supply passage 112 must be provided in particular in the machine interior space 114 of the machine device 100.

  In an alternative embodiment of the conventional mechanical device 100 shown in FIG. 2, the mechanical device 100 has a supply device 116 by which an aerosol composed of a lubricant, in particular a carrier gas and a lubricant, is machined. It can be introduced into the machine interior space 114 of the device 100.

  The lubricant, in particular the aerosol, can be transported out of the machine internal space 114 again by the transport device 118 of the mechanical device 100.

  Since the supply device 116 and the unloading device 118 are preferably arranged on opposite sides of the housing 120 of the machine device 100, the machine interior space 114 forming the interior space of the housing 120 is as completely lubricant as possible. In particular, it can flow through aerosols.

  The embodiment of the mechanical device 100 shown in FIG. 2 may have the disadvantage that dust lubricant is not reliably supplied to all friction points 106 and / or bearing points 108. This is because, according to experience, the lubricant flow, especially the aerosol flow, flows along the main flow direction route and does not flow sufficiently or does not flow sufficiently to the region located outside the main flow route. It is.

  The first embodiment of the preferred mechanical device 100 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 differs from the above-described embodiment in that the lubrication device 110 can be driven in various drive modes to change the pressure in the machine interior space 114. Is substantially different.

  In that case, the lubrication device 110 has a supply device 116 in particular, and an aerosol composed of a carrier gas and a lubricant can be introduced into the machine internal space 114 by the supply device. In that case, the supply takes place such that the pressure in the machine interior space 114 is increased, in particular by at least about 500 hPa, for example at least about 800 hPa.

  During delivery of the aerosol, preferably no unloading from the machine interior space 114 takes place. Accordingly, in that case, the unloading device 118 is closed in a fluid-tight manner.

  Due to the pressure increase in the machine interior space 114, the aerosol is distributed substantially evenly throughout the machine interior space 114, and thus reaches all the friction points 106 and / or bearing points 108, which should eventually be lubricated. Lubricant is supplied to the machine portion 104.

  The aerosol shown in FIG. 3 is supplied in the lubrication drive of the lubrication device 110.

  Preferably, the pressure in the machine interior space 114 remains constant after the lubrication drive has been performed, particularly until the desired lubrication quality is reduced and a new supply of lubricant is required.

  Thereafter, the lubrication device 110 is switched to an unloading drive in which the gas or aerosol disposed in the machine interior space 114 is at least partially removed from the machine interior space 114, thereby increasing the pressure in the machine interior space 114. Decreases. In particular, this results in a pressure drop of at least about 500 hPa, such as at least about 800 hPa.

  In the form of the mechanical device 100, in the carry-out drive of the lubricating device 110 shown in FIG. 4, the pressure in the mechanical internal space 114 can be reduced to the ambient pressure around the mechanical device 100 at least approximately.

  Instead of or supplementing the maintenance drive of the lubrication device 110, the pressure in the machine interior space 114 corresponds to the pressure that dominates after the lubrication drive is performed. Then, after carrying out the carry-out drive, it can be driven in the maintenance drive corresponding to the pressure governing the inside of the machine internal space 114.

  Preferably as little as possible by appropriately selecting the pressure level to be determined and / or by appropriately selecting the length of time of each drive, in particular the lubrication drive, the maintenance drive and / or the unloading drive By using a lubricant, the machine part 104 to be lubricated can be reliably lubricated.

  The second embodiment of the mechanical device 100 shown in FIG. 5 substantially corresponds to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, but in more detail to explain the structure and function method more precisely. It is shown.

  In the second embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the lubrication apparatus 110 has an aerosol generator 122, and a pressure gas used as a carrier gas is supplied from the pressure gas supply unit 126 to the aerosol generator using a carrier gas conduit 124. can do.

  To form an aerosol, a lubricant is supplied to the carrier gas in the aerosol generator 122 and the aerosol can be supplied into the machine interior space 124 of the machine device 100 via the aerosol conduit 128.

  A control valve 130 and a pressure reducing valve 132 are provided in the carrier gas conduit 124.

  The control valve 130 can preferably control the carrier gas flow to be supplied to the aerosol generator 122.

  The pressure reduction valve 132 can preferably reduce the supply pressure of the pressure gas used as the carrier gas generated in the pressure gas supply unit 126 to a desired pressure at the inlet of the aerosol generator 122.

  The carrier gas conduit 124, the control valve 130, the pressure reducing valve 12, the aerosol generator 122 and the aerosol conduit 128 are preferably components of the supply device 116 or form the supply device 116.

  The aerosol conduit 128 of the supply device 116 preferably terminates in the housing 120 of the mechanical device 100.

  The aerosol provided via the aerosol conduit 128 can then be introduced into the machine interior space 114, particularly via the inlet opening 134 in the housing 120.

  The housing 120 preferably further has an outlet opening 136 through which gas and / or aerosol disposed in the machine interior space 114 can be transported out of the machine interior space 114.

  In particular, a carry-out device 118 is connected to the outlet opening 136.

  The unloading device 118 preferably has an unloading conduit 138, a damming valve 140, a filter 142 and a gas outlet 144.

  The outlet opening 136 is preferably located at the end of the housing 120 opposite the inlet opening 134 or on the opposite side.

  Preferably, the outlet opening 136 is disposed in the bottom region 146 of the housing 120. In this way, the outlet opening 136 is also used to carry out the lubricant collected in the bottom region 146.

  The dam valve 140 is used to shut off the carry-out conduit 138 in order to shift the lubrication device 110 to the lubrication drive.

  The filter 142 is used to separate the lubricant from the carrier gas stream, which carrier gas stream can be purified and then discharged through the gas outlet 144, and in particular can be discharged to the surroundings.

  The filter 142 can be or have any separator, for example an oil separator, for example.

  As can be read from FIG. 5, the mechanical device 100 preferably has one or more shafts 148 on which the gears 150 are respectively fixed.

  The gears 150 mesh with each other to transmit rotational motion from one shaft 148 to another shaft 148.

  In this case, the gears 150 come into contact with each other, so that at least one friction point 106 of the mechanical device 100 is formed, and a lubricant must be supplied to the friction point.

  The shaft 148 is mounted on the housing 120 at one or more bearing points 108.

  These bearing points 108 must also preferably be supplied with a lubricant in order to ensure a reliable drive of the mechanical device 100.

  One shaft 148 or a plurality of shafts 148 are also each derived from the housing 120, preferably at an insertion opening 152 in the housing 120, in order to transmit rotational motion to components located outside the housing 120.

  The area of the insertion opening 152 is a potentially non-hermetic area of the machine device 100 where aerosol can flow out of the machine interior space 114 and reach the periphery of the machine device 100.

  Accordingly, the insertion opening 152 is preferably sealed by the sealing system 154.

  The sealing system 154 includes, for example, a shutoff gas supply 156, and can be used to supply a shutoff gas to the insertion opening 152 via a separate shutoff gas passage 158 in some cases.

  In that case, the shut-off gas can be introduced into the insertion opening 152 such that the shut-off gas forms a barrier, particularly for the aerosols arranged in the machine interior space 114. Thereafter, the aerosol preferably does not reach the outside through the insertion opening 152 outward.

  In particular, a shut-off gas can be passed through the gap 160 surrounding the shaft 148, thereby enabling sealing.

  The shut-off gas supply 156 preferably further comprises a shut-off gas conduit 162, which is provided with a control valve 130 and / or a pressure reducing valve 132, for example.

  The shut-off gas conduit 162 is preferably supplied from a pressure gas supply 126.

  For example, a distribution valve 164 is provided to guide the pressure gas from the pressure gas supply 126 on the one hand to the carrier gas conduit 124 and on the other hand to the shut-off gas conduit 162.

  Accordingly, the shut-off gas is preferably pressure gas from the pressure gas supply 126 as well.

  The control valve 130 can preferably adjust the shut-off gas supply to the insertion opening 152 as desired.

  A pressure reducing valve 132 in the shut-off gas conduit 162 preferably allows the predetermined shut-off gas pressure to be adjusted and / or closed loop controlled.

  The shut-off gas pressure is preferably selected slightly higher than the aerosol pressure. To that end, the pressure reducing valve 132 in the shut-off gas conduit 162 is preferably adjusted to a slightly higher value than the pressure reducing valve 132 in the carrier gas conduit 124.

  In that case, the control valve 130 can further adjust at what point the aerosol and / or shut-off gas is supplied to the machine interior space 114 or the insertion opening 152 as desired.

  A signal line 166 shown in broken lines in FIG. 5 can preferably provide open loop control and / or closed loop control of the pressure reducing valve 132 in the shut-off gas conduit 162. In particular, the pressure reducing valve 132 in the shut-off gas conduit 162 may be configured according to an open loop control and / or in accordance with the actual aerosol pressure in the aerosol conduit 128, preferably so that the shut-off gas pressure is always above the aerosol pressure. Closed loop control is possible.

  The lubrication device 110 preferably further includes a control device 168.

  The control device 168 allows the supply device 116, the sealing system 154 and / or the unloading device 118 to be open-loop controllable and / or closed-loop controllable.

  The control device 168 preferably has a connection end 170 for machine control (not shown) of the machine device 100.

  Thereby, the lubrication device 110 is preferably open-loop controllable and / or closed-loop controllable according to the machine parameters, in particular the drive parameters of the machine device 100, so that the machine device 100 is optimally optimized with minimal use of lubricant. Driving is guaranteed.

  The embodiment of the mechanical device 100 shown in FIG. 5 functions as follows:

  In driving the mechanical device 100, a plurality of machine parts 104, such as the housing 120 and the shaft 148 and the shaft 148 gear 150, may be moved relative to each other, which may cause friction between components (due to direct contact). Or indirectly based on friction at special positions between components).

  Lubrication of the machine part 104 is necessary for a reliable and long-lasting drive of the machine device 100.

  For this purpose, the lubricating device 110 can form an aerosol containing a lubricant and introduce it into the machine interior space 114.

  In order to evenly distribute the lubricant in the machine interior space 114 and thereby wet the entire machine part 104 with the lubricant, the lubrication device 100 is preferably operable in various drive modes.

  In the lubrication drive of the lubrication device 110, the dam valve 140 of the carry-out device 118 is closed, and the aerosol containing the lubricant is introduced into the machine internal space 114 via the supply device 116. In that case, the pressure in the machine interior space 114 rises, for example, roughly from ambient pressure to an overpressure of at least about 500 hPa, such as an overpressure of at least about 800 hPa.

  Based on this pressure change, the aerosol not only reaches the point where it flows directly in the interior space of the machine based on the shape of the inlet opening 134. Rather, due to the pressure increase, the aerosol diffuses substantially uniformly within the machine interior space 114.

  Due to the pressure change, the gas curtain, which is formed in a component rotating at a high speed and makes it difficult to reliably supply the lubricant, is broken. Therefore, it is preferable that the lubricant can be reliably supplied to the machine part 104 that rotates at high speed.

  As soon as a predetermined pressure is generated in the machine interior space 114, the supply of aerosol is stopped. For example, the control valve 30 in the carrier gas conduit 124 is closed. However, it is also possible to simply wait until the pressure in the machine interior space 114 corresponds to the aerosol pressure, so that no further aerosol delivery is performed.

  The lubrication device 110 is then driven with a maintenance drive, in which the pressure in the machine interior space 114 is preferably maintained substantially constant.

  In that case, the pressure is greater than the ambient pressure around the mechanical device 100 in particular.

  Thereby, aerosol can pass from the machine interior space 114 through the bearing point 108 of the shaft 148 and finally through the insertion opening 152 to the surroundings.

  In order to avoid this undesirable lubricant spill, preferably the shut-off gas is guided into the insertion opening 152 via the shut-off gas supply 156, thereby forming a barrier with a shut-off gas free of lubricant therein. The

  By having the shut-off gas pressure preferably higher than the aerosol pressure in the machine interior space 114, the shut-off gas can flow through the bearing location 108 in the direction of the machine interior space 114, which ultimately results in the bearing location 108. Lubrication can be compromised.

  Therefore, preferably, the shut-off gas supply 156 is activated by the controller 168 only when a predetermined aerosol pressure already exists in the machine interior space 114 and provides sufficient lubrication of the bearing location 108.

  In particular, this can easily be enabled by suitably driving the control valve 130 by the control device 168, possibly adapted to the machine control of the mechanical device 100.

  The third embodiment of the mechanical device 100 shown in FIG. 6 differs from the first embodiment shown in FIG. 5 in that additional components of the lubricating device 110 are optimized to optimize the reliable driving of the lubricating device 110. It is distinguished only by being provided.

  In particular, a pressure switch 172 is provided in the aerosol conduit 128 and a pressure switch 172 is provided in the shut-off gas conduit 162. This type of pressure switch 172 allows in particular a more precise adjustment of the selected pressure level, in particular an open loop control and / or a closed loop control.

  In particular, a manometer 174 in the aerosol conduit 128 and / or a manometer 174 in the shut-off gas conduit 162 may be disposed to monitor and / or control the lubrication device 110 in a closed loop.

  Otherwise, the third embodiment of the mechanical device 100 shown in FIG. 6 is identical to the second embodiment shown in FIG.

  The embodiment of the mechanical device 100 shown in FIG. 7 differs from the third embodiment shown in FIG. 6 in that the lubrication measure 110 has a shut-off valve 176 in addition to the components and components mentioned above. It is different by being. This shut-off valve 176 is located in the aerosol conduit 128 and allows the aerosol conduit 128 to be closed downstream of the aerosol generator 122 and thus independent of the control valve 130 in the carrier gas conduit 124.

  In that case, the shut-off valve 176 can be operated in particular pneumatically, for example by appropriately supplying pressure gas from the pressure gas supply 126. In that case, the shut-off valve 176 can select in particular whether the pneumatic circulation 180 that opens or closes the shut-off valve 176 is flowed in one direction or in the other direction.

  Control of the valve 178 is preferably performed via the controller 168.

  Otherwise, the fourth embodiment of the mechanical device 100 shown in FIG. 7 corresponds to the third embodiment shown in FIG. 6 in terms of structure and function, so that the above description is referred to.

  In other (not shown) embodiments of the mechanical device 100 and / or the lubrication device 110, the individual or features and / or advantages of the above-described embodiments can be arbitrarily combined with each other. For example, without using the pressure switch 172 and manometer 174 (see FIG. 6), an additional shut-off valve 176 shown in FIG. 7 may be provided.

  The lubrication device 110 can preferably be used in any mechanical device 100 having a point 104 to be lubricated. In particular, the lubrication device 110 is suitable for the lubrication of the mechanical part 104 of land machines, motor vehicles, in particular freight vehicles and stationary machines.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Mechanical apparatus 102 Transmission apparatus 104 Mechanical part 106 Friction location 108 Bearing location 110 Lubricating device 112 Supply passage 114 Machine interior space 116 Supply device 118 Unloading device 120 Housing 122 Aerosol generator 124 Carrier gas conduit 126 Pressure gas conduit 128 Aerosol conduit 130 Control valve 132 Pressure reducing valve 134 Inlet opening 136 Outlet opening 138 Unloading conduit 140 Damping valve 142 Filter 144 Gas outlet 146 Bottom region 148 Shaft 150 Gear 152 Insertion opening 154 Sealing system 156 Shut off gas supply 158 Shut off gas passage 160 Clearance 162 Shut off Gas conduit 164 Distributor 166 Signal line 168 Controller 170 Connection end 172 Pressure switch 174 Manometer 176 Shut-off valve 178 Valve 80 pneumatic circuit

Claims (17)

A lubrication device (110) for lubricating the machine part (104), comprising:
An aerosol generator (122) for preparing an aerosol, comprising a carrier gas and a lubricant;
A supply device (116) for supplying aerosol to a machine interior space (114) having a machine part (104) to be lubricated therein;
An unloading device (118) for unloading the aerosol from the machine interior space (114);
A controller (168) for controlling the aerosol generator (122) and / or the supply device (116) and / or the unloading device (118) so that the pressure in the machine interior space (114) can be varied;
Having a lubrication device.   The lubrication device (110) can be shifted to the carry-out drive by the control device (168), and in the carry-out drive, at least a part of the aerosol is removed from the machine interior space (114) via the carry-out device (118), and the machine Lubricating device (110) according to claim 1, characterized in that the pressure in the internal space (114) is reduced.   The lubrication device (110) can be shifted to the lubrication drive by the control device (168), and the aerosol is supplied to the machine interior space (114) by the supply device (116) in the lubrication drive, and the machine interior space (114). Lubricating device (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the internal pressure is increased.   The lubrication device (110) can be shifted to a maintenance drive by a control device (168), wherein the pressure in the machine interior space (114) is maintained substantially constant in the maintenance drive. The lubricating device (110) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   The lubrication device (110) has a sealing system (154) for sealing the machine interior space (114) to the surroundings, according to any one of the preceding claims. Lubricating device (110).   The closed system (154) has a shut-off gas supply (156), and using the shut-off gas supply, at least one insertion opening (fluidically connecting the machine interior space (114) with the surroundings ( 152. Lubricating device (110) according to claim 5, characterized in that a shut-off gas can be supplied to 152).   The lubrication device (110) has a coupling device, by which the aerosol pressure of the aerosol guided into the machine interior space (114) and the cutoff supplied to the at least one insertion opening (152) Lubricating device (110) according to claim 6, characterized in that the shut-off gas pressures of the gases can be combined with each other.   The lubrication device (110) has a coupling device, and the time variation of the aerosol pressure of the aerosol guided into the machine interior space (114) by the coupling device and to the at least one insertion opening (152). Lubricating device (110) according to any one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the temporal transitions of the shut-off gas pressure of the supplied shut-off gas can be coupled to each other.   Lubricator (110) prepares cut-off gas for preparing carrier gas for aerosol generator (122) and / or for cut-off gas supply (156) of sealing system (154) of lubricator (110) Lubricating device (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a pressure gas supply (126) for the purpose.   A lubrication device (110) for preparing a pressure reducing valve (132) for preparing a carrier gas and / or an aerosol having a predetermined aerosol pressure and / or a barrier gas having a predetermined barrier gas pressure; 10. Lubricating device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a pressure-reducing valve (132) is provided, in which case the shut-off gas pressure is preferably above the aerosol pressure. 110).   Transmission device (102) comprising a transmission comprising a plurality of transmission parts movable relative to one another and a lubrication device (110) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 for lubricating the transmission parts. . A method of lubricating a machine part (104) comprising:
-Preparing an aerosol using an aerosol generator (122), in which case the aerosol has a carrier gas and a lubricant;
The aerosol is supplied to the machine interior space (114) by means of the supply device (116), in which case the machine part (104) to be lubricated is located in the machine interior space (114);
-Unloading the aerosol from the machine interior space (114) by the unloading device (118);
The aerosol generator (122) and / or the supply device (116) and / or the unloading device (118) are controlled by the control device (168) so that the pressure in the machine interior space (114) varies over time. ,
How to lubricate machine parts. The lubrication device (110) is driven selectively and / or sequentially, in particular alternately, with an unloading drive and / or a lubrication drive and / or a maintenance drive,
In that case, in the carry-out drive, at least a part of the aerosol is removed from the machine internal space (114) via the carry-out device (118), and the pressure in the machine internal space (114) is reduced,
In that case, in the lubrication drive, aerosol is supplied to the machine internal space (114) by the supply device (116), and the pressure in the machine internal space is increased,
In that case, in the sustain drive, the pressure in the machine interior space (114) is maintained substantially constant,
The method according to claim 12.   At least one through-opening in which the machine interior space (114) is sealed to its surroundings by a sealing system (154), in which case a shut-off gas fluidly and effectively connects the machine interior space (114) with the surroundings 14. The machine according to claim 12, wherein the machine interior space (114) and its surroundings are supplied to the part (152), in particular by means of a shut-off gas, in such a way that they are fluidly and effectively separated from one another. The method according to item.   13. The pressure in the machine interior space (114) is increased so as to pulsate and / or regularly above the ambient pressure, for example at least about 500 hPa, in particular at least about 800 hPa. 15. The method according to any one of 14.   The pressure in the machine interior space (114) is maintained substantially constant for a predetermined period of time after the pressure increase, for example for at least about 5 minutes, in particular for at least about 10 minutes. The method according to claim 15.   The pressure in the machine interior space (114) is reduced above the ambient pressure, for example up to about 200 hPa, in particular up to about 100 hPa, before the pressure increase, in particular immediately before the pressure increase. The method according to any one of 15 or 16.

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