WO2020076205A1

WO2020076205A1 - A lubrication arrangement and a vehicle comprising such a lubrication arrangement

Info

Publication number: WO2020076205A1
Application number: PCT/SE2019/050857
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dieter Slapak
Original assignee: Scania Cv Ab
Priority date: 2018-10-09
Filing date: 2019-09-12
Publication date: 2020-04-16
Also published as: DE112019005056T5

Abstract

The invention relates to a lubrication arrangement (10) for a vehicle (1). The lubrication arrangement (10) comprising a container (12) accommodating a lubricant and a level pipe (20) arranged through a bottom wall (14) of the container (12). The level pipe (20) comprises a first end (22) arranged inside the container (12) and a second end (24) arranged outside the container (12). The second end (24) of the level pipe (20) is configured to be selectively opened to evacuate lubricant from the container (12) and the position of the first end (22) in relation to the bottom wall (14) of the container (12) corresponds to a desired level (L_d) of lubricant in the container (12). The level pipe (20) is removably attached to an attachment portion (30) of the container (12). The invention also relates to a vehicle (1) comprising such a lubrication arrangement and a use of such a lubrication arrangement for regulating the lubrication level in a container (12).

Description

A lubrication arrangement and a vehicle comprising such a lubrication arrangement

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a lubrication arrangement for a vehicle and a vehicle comprising such a lubrication arrangement. The invention also relates to a use of such a lubrication arrangement for regulating the lubrication level in a container. More specifically the present invention relates to a lubrication arrangement for a gearbox.

BACKGROUND

Lubrication is essential for many components in a vehicle. For example, the gearwheels in a gearbox have to be lubricated as well as components inside an engine. Although these applications differs, the object is the same: to supply lubricant to the internal components to reduce friction.

In a transmission system, the oil level in the gearbox is crucial for lubrication of gears, bearings etc. For this reason, conventional gearbox housings typically comprise an oil sump at the bottom of the housing. The oil sump is filled with oil up to a certain level. The components in the gearbox are then lubricated by oil, which is pumped from the oil sump. The oil provides both lubrication and cooling of the components. The level of oil directly affects whether the gearbox can work reliably for a long time. If the oil level is too low, the components in the gearbox may not be fully lubricated. This may cause these components to wear out quickly and fail. A too high oil level may also affect the gearbox negatively. The oil temperature may, for example, increase and there is a risk that the oil rapidly deteriorates. A too high oil level may also lead to air getting into the oil, or to unnecessary power losses in the gearbox due to rotary resistance. Consequently, it is very important to have a correct oil level in order to ensure an effective and reliable lubrication. The correct oil level depends on the vehicle, the drive system, and the effect and torque transmitted by the gearbox etc. It can be difficult to determine the volume of oil present in the gearbox. It can also be difficult to adjust the level, or volume, of oil in the gearbox, and to determine how much oil should be added or removed from the gearbox in order to obtain the correct oil level.

One known solution to adjust the oil level in an oil sump of a gearbox is disclosed in document SE 1451478 A1. The document discloses a lubrication system where a bypass line comprises a reservoir configured to store a variable amount of the oil in the gearbox in order to adjust the oil level in the oil sump.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Despite known solutions in the field, it would be desirable to develop a lubrication arrangement which overcomes or alleviates at least some of the drawbacks of the prior art.

An object of the present invention is thus to achieve an advantageous lubrication arrangement, which increases flexibility and ensures an effective and reliable lubrication.

Another object of the invention is to achieve an advantageous lubrication arrangement, which is adapted to regulate a level of lubricant in a container.

The herein mentioned objects are achieved by a lubrication arrangement for a vehicle, a use of such a lubrication arrangement for regulating a level of lubricant in a container, and a vehicle comprising such a lubrication arrangement, according to the independent claims.

Hence, according to an aspect of the present invention a lubrication arrangement for a vehicle is provided. The lubrication arrangement comprises a container accommodating a lubricant and a level pipe arranged through a bottom wall of the container, wherein the level pipe comprises a first end arranged inside the container and a second end arranged outside the container, wherein the second end of the level pipe is configured to be selectively opened to evacuate lubricant from the container and wherein the position of the first end in relation to the bottom wall of the container, corresponds to a desired level of lubricant in the container. The level pipe is removably attached to an attachment portion of the container. According to another aspect of the invention, a use of a lubrication arrangement for regulating the lubrication level in a container is provided. The lubrication arrangement comprises a container accommodating a lubricant and a level pipe arranged through a bottom wall of the container, wherein the level pipe comprises a first end arranged inside the container and a second end arranged outside the container, wherein the second end of the level pipe is configured to be selectively opened to evacuate lubricant from the container and wherein the position of the first end in relation to the bottom wall of the container corresponds to a desired level of lubricant in the container. The level pipe is removably attached to an attachment portion of the container.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, a vehicle comprising a lubrication arrangement as herein disclosed is provided.

Today, level pipes are typically fixedly arranged in containers accommodating lubricant. By having a level pipe in the container, the level of lubricant in the container may be controlled to a desired level. If the end of the level pipe arranged outside the container is open, and the lubrication level in the container is above the end of the level pipe inside the container, lubricant will flow out through the level pipe and be evacuated from the container. When the outflow through the level pipe stops, it may be concluded that the lubricant level inside the container corresponds to the position of the inner end of the level pipe, in relation to the bottom wall of the container. The level pipe may therefore be configured with a length corresponding to a desired lubrication level in the container. By having a level pipe, which is removably attached to an attachment portion of the container according to the present disclosure, the level pipe may easily be exchanged to another level pipe with a different length. Also, with a removable level pipe, a damaged level pipe can easily be removed and replaced. Thus, the same container may be used with different level pipes and the lubrication arrangement may be customized to the current application. The level pipe may be selected on the basis of the desired level of lubricant in a specific container for a specific application. The desired level of lubricant may depend on the vehicle, the operation of the vehicle, and the effect and torque transmitted by a gearbox etc. The possibility to customize the same container for different applications may be time- and cost-efficient, as the container may be easily customized in-situ. This means that the level pipe may be removed, exchanged, and/or moved to another position, when the container is installed in a vehicle. Understandably, the lubrication arrangement may also be customized while the container is not installed in a vehicle. Furthermore, by using a removable level pipe, only one type of container may be manufactured and stored, which also reduces time, costs, logistics, storage space and other important parameters. The same type of container may then be customized by selecting a desired level pipe. Thus, the same type of container may be used in different types of vehicles or applications, or for various values of transmitted power and/or torque as long as the lubrication arrangement is customized by the selected level pipe, and/or the position of the level pipe. Further objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent to one skilled in the art from the following details, and also by putting the invention into practice. Whereas the invention is described below, it should be noted that it is not restricted to the specific details described. Specialists having access to the teachings herein will recognise further applications, modifications and incorporations within other fields, which are within the scope of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For fuller understanding of the present invention and further objects and advantages of it, the detailed description set out below should be read together with the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference notations denote similar items in the various drawings, and in which:

Figure 1 schematically illustrates a vehicle according to an

example of the present disclosure;

Figure 2 schematically illustrates a lubrication arrangement according to an example of the present disclosure; Figures 3a-b schematically illustrates a lubrication arrangement according to examples of the present disclosure;

Figure 4 schematically illustrate a lubrication arrangement

according to an example of the present disclosure; Figure 5 schematically illustrate details of a lubrication

arrangement according to an example of the present disclosure;

Figures 6a-b schematically illustrates details of a lubrication

arrangement according to examples of the present disclosure; and

Figures 7a-b schematically illustrate a lubrication arrangement

according to examples of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The lubrication arrangement will be described in further detail below. It is understood that all the various examples of the lubrication arrangement also applies for the use of such a lubrication arrangement for regulating the lubrication level in a container and a vehicle comprising such a lubrication arrangement.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a lubrication arrangement for a vehicle is provided. The lubrication arrangement comprises a container accommodating a lubricant and a level pipe arranged through a bottom wall of the container. The level pipe comprises a first end arranged inside the container and a second end arranged outside the container. The second end of the level pipe is configured to be selectively opened to evacuate lubricant from the container. The position of the first end in relation to the bottom wall of the container corresponds to a desired level of lubricant in the container. The level pipe is removably attached to an attachment portion of the container.

The container may be a gearbox housing with an oil sump, but could be any other container accommodating lubricant, such as an engine housing. The level pipe extends through the bottom wall of the container, such that a first end of the level pipe is arranged inside the container and a second end of the level pipe is arranged on the other side of the bottom wall, i.e. on the outside of the container. The container may comprise an inlet opening for supply of lubricant. The inlet opening may be arranged in a top wall of the container. The inlet opening may be laterally displaced in relation to the level pipe, i.e. not situated directly above the level pipe. Thus, the inlet opening and the level pipe are not coaxially arranged. The level pipe may extend longitudinally between the first end and the second end. The level pipe may comprise a first opening at the first end, and a second opening at the second end. The second opening will hereby be referred to as an outlet opening. The outlet opening is configured to be selectively opened to evacuate lubricant from the container. The outlet opening may thus be closed to prevent evacuation of lubricant from the container. The outlet opening at the second end of the level pipe may be selectively opened and closed by a plug, tap, valve or similar. The lubrication arrangement may thus comprise a device arranged in association with the second end of the level pipe, to selectively open or close the outlet opening. In a first position of the device, the outlet opening may be open and lubricant may be evacuated from the container. In a second position of the device, the outlet opening may be closed and evacuation of lubricant is thereby inhibited. The device may be movably arranged on the level pipe. Such device may be a plug, valve, tap or similar. Such device is considered to be known and is not part of the invention per se. The outlet opening may be selectively opened or closed manually or automatically. To ensure a desired level of lubricant in the container, the inlet opening may be opened. If lubricant is flowing out through the outlet opening, the level of lubricant in the container is above the first end of the level pipe. When the flow stops, it can be concluded that the level of lubricant in the container corresponds to the position of the first end of the level pipe. The position of the first end of the level pipe thus corresponds to a desired level of lubrication. Thus, by evacuating lubricant until the outflow of lubricant through the outlet opening stops, a desired level of lubricant in the container can be ensured. If no lubricant flows out through the outlet opening, the level of lubricant in the container is below the first end of the level pipe. The container may then be filled with lubricant via the inlet opening while the outlet opening of the second end is open. Lubricant may be supplied into the container until lubricant starts flowing out through the outlet opening. The filling will then be terminated and evacuation of lubricant will continue until the first end of the level pipe is aligned with the surface of the lubricant in the container. The position of the first end, and thus the first opening, in relation to the bottom wall of the container will thereby correspond to the level of lubrication in the container. The distance between the first end of the level pipe and the bottom of the container then corresponds to the level of lubricant accommodated in the container. The position of the first end of the level pipe in relation to the bottom wall of the container may be described as the distance between the first end of the level pipe and the bottom wall of the container. The position of the first end may be altered by using a level pipe of a different length or a level pipe that is movable in an axial direction. By altering the distance between the first end of the level pipe and the bottom wall of the container, the desired level of lubricant in the container may be regulated. By selecting the distance between the first end of the level pipe and the bottom wall of the container, a desired level of lubricant may be selected. The desired level may be the level of lubricant needed for the current application. For example, if the container is a gearbox, the desired level may depend on the required transmitted power or torque for the current application. As an example, a vehicle frequently operating uphill may require a higher level of lubrication in the gearbox compared to a vehicle operating long haulage.

The attachment portion may be of any type suitable for attaching a pipe to a container. The attachment portion may comprise threaded parts, press fit parts, clamping parts, bayonet connectors, jaws, magnets, flanges, flexible members as springs or other elastic parts, or be of any other suitable type of coupling or connector. As an example, the attachment portion may comprise a quick coupling. The lubrication arrangement may comprise a sealing device arranged between the attachment portion and the level pipe. The sealing device may comprise a rubber sealing, such as an O-ring and/or a gasket. The sealing device may comprise pipe sealing tape, a resin compound or any other suitable type of sealing. Such sealing device is considered to be known and is not part of the invention per se.

According to an example, the level pipe may be removably attached from the outside of the container. According to an example, the lubrication arrangement may comprise a level sensor and/or a level indicator.

According to an example, the level pipe and the attachment portion may be configured to allow at least two different positions of the first end of the level pipe. By altering the position of the first end of the level pipe, the desired level of lubricant in the container may easily be regulated. Two different positions of the first end of the level pipe corresponds to two different desired levels of lubricant in the container. The level pipe and the attachment portion may be configured to allow more than two different positions. The number of possible settings of the position of the first end corresponds to the number of desired levels of lubricant in the container that can be regulated. Thus, with an increasing number of possible settings of the position of the first end, the possibilities to regulate the lubrication level increases.

The level pipe may comprise at least one circumferential protrusion configured to engage with the attachment portion to restrict axial movement of the level pipe, wherein the at least one circumferential protrusion is arranged axially off-centre, such that the position of the first end of the level pipe depends on the orientation of the level pipe when installed. This means that the same level pipe can be installed in two different directions, i.e. both ends of the level pipe may be the first end configured to be arranged inside the container and both ends may be the second end, configured to be arranged outside the container. The circumferential protrusion may be arranged on the level pipe, such that the distance between the first end and the bottom wall of the container is longer when the level pipe is installed in a first position than when the level pipe is installed in a second position. Thus, the level pipe may be arranged in a first position with the first end at a first distance from the bottom wall of the container. The level pipe may then be removed from the container and be turned 180 degrees, so that the other end of the level pipe can be inserted into the container and thereby constitute the first end. The level pipe may then be arranged in a second position, with the first end at a second distance from the bottom wall of the container. The second distance between the first end and the bottom wall of the container may be longer or shorter than the first distance. By this arrangement, the same level pipe can be used for enabling at least two different desired levels of lubricant in the container. According to an example of the present disclosure, the level pipe is movably arranged in an axial direction. The axial direction is the axial direction of the level pipe. By moving the level pipe in the axial direction, the position of the first end of the level pipe in relation to the bottom wall of the container may be adjusted. As the position of the first end of the level pipe corresponds to the desired level of lubricant in the container, the desired level of lubricant may be regulated. Consequently, by moving the level pipe in an axial direction, the desired level of lubricant may be regulated. The level pipe may be configured to be moved axially in different ways. The level pipe may be configured to enable automatic movement in the axial direction or the level pipe may be configured to enable manual movement in the axial direction. Automatic movement in the axial direction may be performed by means of an electrically controlled actuator arranged in connection with the level pipe. The level pipe may comprise a threaded portion and the attachment portion may be correspondingly threaded. The threaded portion may extend along at least a part of the longitudinal extension of the level pipe. The threaded portion suitably extends along the circumferential outer surface of the level pipe. The threaded portion of the level pipe and the correspondingly threaded attachment portion enable connection of the level pipe to the attachment portion. The level pipe may thus be moved in the axial direction by rotating the level pipe in relation to the attachment portion. Hence, by screwing in/out the level pipe in relation to the container, the position of the first end of the level pipe may vary. The desired level of lubricant in the container may thus be finely adjusted. The level pipe may comprise a level indicator device. The level indicator device may provide specific information regarding how far the level pipe has been screwed in/out in relation to the container. As an example, the level indicator device may be a simple ruler, marked up in units, indicating the distance between the first end of the level pipe and the bottom wall of the container. According to another example, the level indicator device may comprise markings for a number of pre-selected levels of lubricant. Thus, the level indicator device may then be used to adjust and set the desired level of lubricant in the container. According to an example of the present disclosure, the level pipe comprises at least two grooves configured to engage with a protruding stop element of the attachment portion. The protruding stop element may surround the level pipe circumferentially. The at least two grooves may enable at least two different positions of the first end of the level pipe in relation to the bottom wall of the container, which correspond to at least two different desired levels of lubricant in the container. Each groove may correspond to a predetermined desired level of lubricant in the container. Thus, the level pipe may be arranged in a first position, where a first groove is engaged with the stop element of the attachment portion and the first end of the level pipe is at a first distance from the bottom wall of the container. When the level pipe is arranged in a second position with a second groove engaged with the stop element, the first end of the level pipe may be at a second distance from the bottom wall of the container. The first distance and the second distance are suitably different from each other. Thus, the level pipe may be moved in the axial direction by pushing it in relation to the attachment portion. Thus, the level of lubricant in the container may easily be regulated to different desired levels of lubricant, by moving the level pipe axially, such that the protruding stop element engage with different grooves. By means of the at least two grooves of the level pipe and the corresponding stop element of the attachment portion, the level pipe and the attachment portion essentially function as a snap fit coupling or quick coupling.

The protruding stop element may be flexible. The flexible stop element may be a spring washer or any other elastic member. Also, the flexible stop element may be a yielding flange or collar projecting from the attachment portion towards the level pipe. The stop element may be flexible to allow movement of the level pipe in the axial direction. When there is no level pipe connected to the attachment portion, the stop element may be in a normal state. When the level pipe is moved in the axial direction, the force of the level pipe will act on the stop element, such that the stop element is in a deformed state. When the level pipe is in a position where a groove is aligned with the stop element, the stop element will automatically go back to its normal state and engage with the groove. When the stop element is engaged with the groove, the level pipe is retained in that position. In the event that the stop element is a spring washer, the attachment portion may further comprise a recess in which the spring washer is arranged. The spring washer may be arranged to surround the level pipe. The opening of the spring washer may, in a normal state, be slightly smaller than the diameter of the level pipe. Thus, when the level pipe is moved axially through the spring washer the spring washer will expand, such that the opening of the spring washer is increased in size. This way, the level pipe can be moved to different positions. When the level pipe is in a position where a groove is aligned with the spring washer, the spring washer will spring back to the normal state with the opening being smaller than the level pipe diameter. This way, the level pipe will be held in place.

Alternatively, the attachment portion comprises at least two grooves or recesses configured to engage with a protruding stop element of the level pipe. The level pipe may thus comprise a flange portion adapted to be received by any one of the at least two grooves of the attachment portion. The at least two grooves may enable at least two different positions of the first end of the level pipe in relation to the bottom wall of the container, which correspond to at least two different desired levels of lubricant in the container. Each groove may correspond to a predetermined desired level of lubricant in the container. The protruding stop element may be flexible/elastic. When the level pipe is moved in the axial direction, the attachment portion will act on the stop element, such that the stop element is in a compressed deformed state. When the level pipe is in a position where the stop element is aligned with a groove, the stop element will automatically go back to its protruding normal state and engage with the groove. When the stop element is engaged with the groove, the level pipe is retained in that position. According to an example of the present disclosure, the attachment portion of the container protrudes from the bottom wall into the container. The attachment portion may thus be seen as an inward bend of the bottom wall of the container. The height of the attachment portion may be defined as the distance between the protruding end of the attachment portion and the bottom wall of the container. With a protruding attachment portion, the container may be used with the level pipe removed, i.e. without a level pipe. The protruding attachment portion may then function as a level pipe, where the position of the protruding end of the attachment portion corresponds to a specific desired level of lubricant in the container. The attachment portion may thus comprise an opening at the protruding end, through which opening lubricant can be evacuated from the container. When a level pipe is attached to such a protruding attachment portion, another desired level of lubrication can be achieved. By using an inwardly protruding attachment portion and a level pipe, a lubrication arrangement is achieved, which enables at least two different desired levels of lubrication in the container. According to an example of the present disclosure, the container constitutes a gearbox housing. The lubrication may be oil. In a gearbox housing, gearbox oil may provide lubrication and cooling to gearwheels and shafts. According to another example of the present disclosure, the container constitutes an engine housing. In an engine housing, engine oil may provide lubrication and cooling to the crankshaft, the camshaft and/or other components.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, use of a lubrication arrangement as disclosed herein, for regulating a lubrication level in a container is provided.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle comprising a lubrication arrangement is provided. The lubrication arrangement comprises a container accommodating a lubricant and a level pipe arranged through a bottom wall of the container. The level pipe comprises a first end arranged inside the container and a second end arranged outside the container. The second end of the level pipe is configured to be selectively opened to evacuate lubricant from the container. The position of the first end in relation to the bottom wall of the container corresponds to a desired level of lubricant in the container. The level pipe is removably attached to an attachment portion of the container.

The present disclosure will now be further illustrated with reference to the appended figures, wherein for the sake of clarity and understanding of the disclosure some details of no importance are deleted from the figures. Moreover, the figures shall not be considered drawn to scale as some features may be exaggerated in order to more clearly illustrate the invention. Figure 1 schematically illustrates a side view of a vehicle 1 according to an example of the present disclosure. The vehicle 1 comprises a propulsion unit 2, which may be a combustion engine, gas engine, electric motor or other. The vehicle 1 further comprises a gearbox 4. The vehicle 1 may comprise a lubrication arrangement 10. The vehicle 1 may be a heavy vehicle, e.g. a truck or a bus. The vehicle 1 may alternatively be a passenger car. The vehicle 1 may be manually operated, remotely operated or autonomously operated. In this figure, the vehicle 1 is illustrated as a truck. The lubrication arrangement 10 may form part of the propulsion unit 2 or the gearbox 4. The lubrication arrangement 10 will be further described in relation to Figure 2, Figures 3a-b, Figure 4, Figure 5, Figures 6a-b and Figures 7a-b.

Figure 2 schematically illustrates a lubrication arrangement 10 according to an example of the present disclosure. The lubrication arrangement 10 comprises a container 12 accommodating a lubricant. The container 12 may be a gearbox housing but could be any other container accommodating lubricant, such as an engine housing. The lubrication arrangement also comprises a level pipe 20 arranged through a bottom wall 14 of the container 12, such that a first end 22 of the level pipe 20 is arranged inside the container 12 and a second end 24 of the level pipe 20 is arranged on the other side of the bottom wall 14, i.e. on the outside of the container 12. The container 12 may be filled with lubricant through an inlet opening 16. The inlet opening 16 may be arranged in a top wall 18 of the container 12. The level pipe 20 may comprise a first opening 25 at the first end 22. The level pipe 20 may comprise a second opening 26 at the second end 24 of the level pipe 20. The second opening 26 will herein be referred to as an outlet opening 26. The outlet opening 26 is configured to be selectively opened to evacuate lubricant from the container 12. The lubrication arrangement 10 may further comprise an openable and closable device 27 arranged in association with the outlet opening 26. The outlet opening 26 at the second end 24 of the level pipe 20 may thus be selectively opened and closed by the device 27. The device 27 may be a plug, tap, valve or any other openable and closable device. In Figure 2, the device 27 is illustrated as a plug.

The position of the first end 22 of the level pipe 20 may be defined as the distance D between the first end 22 of the level pipe 20 and the bottom wall 14 of the container 12. The position of the first end 22 in relation to the bottom wall 14 of the container 12 corresponds to a desired level of lubrication Ld. The desired level of lubrication Ld may be altered by using a level pipe 20 of different length or a level pipe 20 that is movable in an axial direction A. In order to be able to exchange or move the level pipe 20, the level pipe 20 is removably attached to an attachment portion 30 of the container 12. According to an example, the level pipe 20 may be removably attached from the outside of the container 12. According to an example, the lubrication arrangement may comprise a level sensor 40 and/or a level indicator.

Figures 3a-b illustrate a lubrication arrangement 10 according to an example of the present disclosure. The lubrication arrangement 10 may be configured as disclosed in Figure 2. Figure 3a and Figure 3b illustrate the lubrication arrangement 10 comprising level pipes 20 of different length. Level pipes 20 with different lengths result in different positions of the first end 22 of the respective level pipe 20, in relation to the bottom wall 14 of the container 12. In figure 3a, the lubrication arrangement comprises a level pipe 20, which is shorter than the level pipe 20 in figure 3b. Consequently, the desired level Ld of lubricant in figure 3a is lower than the desired level Ld of lubricant in figure 3b. Figure 4 schematically illustrates a lubrication arrangement 10 according to an example of the present disclosure. The lubrication arrangement 10 may be configured as disclosed in Figure 2 and Figures 3a-b. In this example, the level pipe 20 comprises at least one circumferential protrusion 28 configured to engage with the attachment portion 30 to restrict axial movement of the level pipe 20. The at least one circumferential protrusion 28 is arranged axially off- centre, such that the position of the first end 22 of the level pipe 20 depends on the orientation of the level pipe 20 when installed. The level pipe 20 may be removed and then the orientation of the level pipe 20 may be turned 180 degrees, such that the level pipe end 22, which was arranged inside the container 12 instead is arranged outside the container 12 and vice versa. I.e. the same level pipe 20 may be installed in two different directions and consequently allow for two different positions of the first end 22 of the level pipe 20 arranged inside the container 12. Thus, the desired level Ld of lubricant may be changed by selecting which end of the level pipe 20 to be on the inside of the container 12.

Figure 5 schematically illustrates details of a lubrication arrangement 10 according an example of the present disclosure. The lubrication arrangement 10 may be configured as disclosed in Figure 2 and Figures 3a-b. In this example, the level pipe 20 comprises a treaded portion 32 extending along at least a part of the circumferential outer surface of the level pipe 20. The attachment portion 30 is correspondingly threaded and connected to the bottom wall 14 of the container 12. By rotating/screwing the level pipe 20, the first end 22 of the level pipe 20 will move axially by means of the threading. The desired level Ld of lubricant in the container 12 may thus be finely adjusted.

Figures 6a-b schematically illustrate details of a lubrication arrangement 10 according examples of the present disclosure. The lubrication arrangement 10 may be configured as disclosed in Figure 2 and Figures 3a-b. In this example, the level pipe 20 comprises at least two grooves 34 configured to engage with a protruding stop element 36 of the attachment portion 30. The at least two grooves 34, or recesses, may enable at least two different axial positions of the level pipe 20 and thus the first end 22 of the level pipe 20. Each position correspond to different desired levels Ld of lubricant in the container 12. Thus, each groove 34 corresponds to a predetermined desired level Ld of lubricant in the container. The desired level Ld of lubricant in the container 12 may easily be regulated by moving the level pipe 20 axially, such that the protruding stop element 36 engage with one of the grooves 34. The stop element 36 may be arranged circumferentially surrounding the level pipe 20. The protruding stop element 36 may be flexible. The stop element 36 may be configured to be in a normal state when there is no level pipe 20 connected to the attachment portion 30. The stop element 36 may further be configured, such that when the level pipe 20 is moved in the axial direction, the force of the level pipe 20 will act on the stop element 36, such that the stop element 36 is in a deformed state. When the level pipe 20 is in a position where a groove 34 is aligned with the stop element 36, the stop element 36 will automatically go back to its normal state and engage with the groove 34. When the stop element 36 is engaged with the groove 34, the level pipe 20 may be retained in that position. The flexible stop element 36 may comprise a spring washer or any similar elastic member as schematically shown in Figure 6a. The flexible stop element 36 may alternatively comprise a yielding flange or collar projecting towards the level pipe 20 as schematically shown in Figure 6b.

Figures 7a-b schematically illustrate details of a lubrication arrangement 10 according to an example of the present disclosure. The lubrication arrangement 10 may be configured as disclosed in Figure 2, Figure 3a-b, Figure 4, Figure 5 or Figure 6a-b. In this example, the attachment portion 30 of the container 12 protrudes from the bottom wall 14 into the container 12. With a protruding attachment portion 30, the container 12 may be used with the level pipe 20 removed, i.e. without a level pipe, as shown in figure 7a. The protruding attachment portion 30 will then function as a level pipe in itself, where the position of a protruding end 31 of the attachment portion 30 corresponds to one specific desired level Ld of lubricant in the container 12. The attachment portion 30 may thus comprise an opening 33 at the protruding end 31 , through which opening 33 lubricant can be evacuated from the container 12. A protruding attachment portion 30 may also be used with a level pipe 20 installed as shown in figure 7b.

The foregoing description of the preferred examples of the present disclosure is provided for illustrative and descriptive purposes. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to restrict the invention to the variants described. Many modifications and variations will obviously be apparent to one skilled in the art. The examples of the present disclosure have been chosen and described in order best to explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications and hence make it possible for specialists to understand the invention for various embodiments and with the various modifications appropriate to the intended use.

Claims

1. A lubrication arrangement (10) for a vehicle (1 ), the lubrication arrangement (10) comprising:

a container (12) accommodating a lubricant; and

a level pipe (20) arranged through a bottom wall (14) of the container (12);

wherein the level pipe (20) comprises a first end (22) arranged inside the container (12) and a second end (24) arranged outside the container (12), wherein the second end (24) of the level pipe (20) is configured to be selectively opened to evacuate lubricant from the container (12) and wherein the position of the first end (22) in relation to the bottom wall (14) of the container (12) corresponds to a desired level (Ld) of lubricant in the container (12), characterized in that the level pipe (22) is removably attached to an attachment portion (30) of the container (12).

2. The lubrication arrangement (10) according to claim 1 , wherein the level pipe (20) and the attachment portion (30) are configured to allow at least two different positions of the first end (22) of the level pipe (20). 3. The lubrication arrangement (10) according to claim 2, wherein the level pipe comprises at least one circumferential protrusion (28) configured to engage with the attachment portion (30) to restrict axial movement of the level pipe (20), wherein the at least one circumferential protrusion (28) is arranged axially off- centre, such that the position of the first end (22) of the level pipe (20) depends on the orientation of the level pipe (20) when installed.

4. The lubrication arrangement (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the level pipe (20) is movably arranged in an axial direction (A). 5. The lubrication arrangement (10) according to claim 4, wherein the level pipe

(20) comprises a threaded portion (32) and the attachment portion (30) is correspondingly threaded.

6. The lubrication arrangement (10) according to claim 4, wherein the level pipe (20) comprises at least two grooves (34) configured to engage with a protruding stop element (36) of the attachment portion (30).

7. The lubrication arrangement (10) according to claim 6, wherein the protruding stop element (36) is flexible.

8. The lubrication arrangement (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the attachment portion (30) of the container (12) protrudes from the bottom wall (14) into the container (12).

9. The lubrication arrangement (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container (12) constitutes a gearbox housing.

10. Use of a lubrication arrangement (10) according to any one of claims 1 -9, for regulating a level of lubricant in a container (12).

1 1. A vehicle (1 ), characterized in that it comprises a lubrication arrangement (10) according to any one of claim 1 -9.