Lubricant discharge pump

Abstract

The grease pump (1) comprises: an outer cylinder (5) which defines a box storage chamber (5c) for storing a box (3) which is retractable in one direction and filled with grease in a detachable manner; a grease discharge mechanism (45) which comprises a rod (20) connected to the outer cylinder (5) via a connecting rod (15) and a torsion spring (7) which applies force to the rod (20) in a direction of expansion relative to the outer cylinder (5), and when a user moves the rod (20) in a direction of contraction toward the outer cylinder (5), the grease discharge mechanism (45) discharges grease from the box (3) stored in the box storage chamber (5c); and a counter (50) which displays the number of times the rod (20) contracts.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with an international application date of May 24, 2019, a national application number of 201980096181.3, and an invention name of “Lubricant Discharge Pump”. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a lubricant discharge pump used when supplying lubricant to a bearing or the like. Background Art

[0003] In the past, as a lubricant discharge pump, there is a grease gun described in Patent Document 1. The grease gun includes an outer cylinder, a cover, a connecting rod, a rod, and a spring. The outer cylinder accommodates a grease box having a corrugated structure. In addition, the cover has a cylinder chamber, a plunger accommodated in the cylinder chamber in a manner capable of reciprocating, a pipe connection port, and a check valve provided between the cylinder chamber and the discharge port. The pipe connection port is connected to the cylinder chamber. In addition, the pipe connection port has an internal thread that is screwed with an external thread of a liquid filling port of the grease box arranged in the outer cylinder. The connecting rod is mounted on the cover in a swingable manner, and the rod is mounted on the plunger and the connecting rod in a swingable manner. In addition, the spring presses the plunger in the cylinder chamber to an introduction position where the cylinder chamber is connected to the pipe connection port. If the user presses the rod, the grease filled in the cylinder chamber is discharged from the discharge port to the outside through the check valve. After the grease is discharged, the spring pushes the plunger to the retracted position, causing the plunger to retract. The grease in the grease cartridge flows through the filling port into the negatively pressurized cylinder chamber, filling the cylinder chamber with grease. This grease gun repeats this action, discharging grease each time the user presses the lever.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-193793 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] Grease is supplied to the rolling bearings that rotatably support the elevator sheaves, for example, in the following manner. Specifically, for a rolling bearing specified to be filled with 120g of grease, a conventional grease pump is prepared that discharges 0.6g of grease each time the rod is lowered to the floor. Alternatively, this grease pump may be a grease gun having the structure described in Patent Document 1, which discharges 0.6g of grease each time the rod is lowered to the floor. Next, after removing the cap sealing the grease inlet in the rolling bearing, grease is injected through the inlet using the grease pump.

[0009] Specifically, the user counts the number of times the rod is lowered using the grease pump while injecting grease through the grease inlet until the rod is raised and lowered 50 times. Then, after rotating the bearing 90°, grease is injected through the grease inlet again until the rod is raised and lowered 50 times. Next, the bearing is rotated another 90°, and grease is injected through the grease inlet again until the rod is raised and lowered 50 times. After that, the bearing is rotated another 90°, and grease is injected through the grease inlet again until the rod is raised and lowered 50 times. This way, the high-viscosity grease is evenly distributed throughout the circumference of the rolling bearing.

[0010] When injecting grease into the rolling bearing, the user counts the number of times the rod is raised and lowered every few dozen times to accurately count the number of times the rod is raised and lowered. However, if a cell phone call sounds during operation due to business contacts, etc., and the number of times the rod is raised and lowered becomes unclear, it is impossible to determine whether the rolling bearing has been filled with the correct amount of grease. In this context, for example, if more grease than necessary is filled into the rolling bearing, there will be an excess of grease, and the remaining grease will seep out of the rolling bearing. The seeped grease may fall and contaminate the environment such as the pit below the shaft. Furthermore, a specified amount of grease, such as 0.6g of grease, is discharged to the outside only when the rod is lowered to the bottom. Therefore, if the user does not lower the rod to the bottom, the amount of grease filled will be less, and the specified amount of grease cannot be filled into the rolling bearing.

[0011] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a lubricant discharge pump that can easily fill a rolling bearing or the like with an accurate amount of lubricant.

[0012] Means for solving problems

[0013] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the lubricant discharge pump disclosed in the present invention comprises: an outer cylinder, which has a box storage chamber, which can store a box filled with lubricant that can be extended and retracted in one direction in a detachable manner; a lubricant discharge mechanism, which has a rod connected to the outer cylinder directly or via a connecting part, and a force unit that applies force to the rod in a direction of expansion relative to the outer cylinder, if the user moves the rod in a direction of contraction toward the outer cylinder side, the lubricant discharge mechanism discharges the lubricant from the box stored in the box storage chamber; and a counter, which displays the number of times the rod contracts.

[0014] According to the present disclosure, even if the user does not count the number of times the rod is raised and lowered, the counter displays the number of times the rod is retracted. Therefore, the user does not make a mistake in the number of times the rod is raised and lowered, and can easily fill the rolling bearing or the like with an accurate amount of lubricant.

[0015] In addition, the present disclosure may also include a pawl mechanism, which has a tooth row and a pawl portion, and the pawl portion moves relative to the tooth row in conjunction with the movement of the rod, and the pawl portion is present in an engaged position with the tooth row or a disengaged position from the tooth row. If the rod is not retracted to the retracted position, the pawl mechanism does not allow the rod to expand.

[0016] According to the above structure, the rod can be retracted to the retracted position without fail. Therefore, the amount of lubricant discharged during one rod lowering operation can be kept at a predetermined amount. Therefore, a more accurate amount of lubricant can be filled into the rolling bearing or the like.

[0017] Furthermore, in the present disclosure, the counter may display the number of times the rod has been retracted based on an electrical signal generated when the rod has reached the retracted position.

[0018] According to the above configuration, a counter capable of performing accurate counting in conjunction with the pawl mechanism can be realized.

[0019] Furthermore, the present disclosure may also include: a spring member that applies force to the cartridge housed in the cartridge housing chamber to shrink the cartridge, and the spring member is housed in the cartridge housing chamber; and a notification mechanism having a chain or a rope-like member, the chain or the rope-like member including one end portion fixed to the spring member and the other end portion located outside the outer tube and moving toward the outer tube side as the spring member extends, the notification mechanism notifying that the spring member has extended to a predetermined position.

[0020] If the rod is raised or lowered without noticing that there is not enough lubricant in the cartridge, a dry discharge occurs, where the lubricant is not discharged even when the rod is lowered, resulting in an insufficient amount of lubricant to be filled in the rolling bearing or the like.

[0021] According to the above configuration, by setting the predetermined position to a position where a predetermined amount of lubricant remains in the cartridge, the user can be alerted to the impending depletion of lubricant in the cartridge. Therefore, the user can choose to replace the cartridge at this stage, or carefully raise and lower the lever from this point onward to use up the lubricant without spraying any lubricant or leaving any remaining lubricant in the cartridge. This ensures not only a more accurate amount of lubricant is applied to the rolling bearing, but also sufficient lubricant in the cartridge.

[0022] Furthermore, in the present disclosure, the notification mechanism may include a mark disposed at a predetermined location of the chain or the string-like member.

[0023] According to the above structure, the user can recognize that the amount of lubricant in the box is low simply by confirming that the mark reaches the outer cylinder. Therefore, the user can be reminded of the low amount of lubricant remaining in the box in a simple and low-cost manner.

[0024] Furthermore, in the present disclosure, the notification mechanism may include a movement restriction portion that restricts movement of the other end portion toward the outer tube, and the movement restriction portion may include a magnet fixed to one side in an extending direction of the outer tube.

[0025] According to the above structure, the user can recognize that the amount of lubricant in the box is low simply by confirming that the other end is restricted by the movement restriction portion. Therefore, the user can be easily and inexpensively reminded that the amount of lubricant remaining in the box is low.

[0026] Furthermore, in the present disclosure, the notification mechanism may include a sound output device configured to output sound to notify that the spring member has extended to a predetermined position.

[0027] According to the above configuration, the user can recognize that the amount of lubricant in the box is low by using the sense of hearing. Therefore, it is possible to substantially prevent the user from ignoring the notification.

[0028] In addition, the lubricant discharge pump disclosed in the present invention comprises: an outer cylinder, which has a box storage chamber, which stores a box that can be extended and retracted in one direction and is filled with lubricant in a detachable manner; a lubricant discharge mechanism, which has a rod connected to the outer cylinder directly or via a connecting portion, and a force unit that applies force to the rod in a direction of expansion relative to the outer cylinder, if the user moves the rod in a direction of contraction toward the outer cylinder side, the lubricant discharge mechanism discharges the lubricant from the box stored in the box storage chamber; and a pawl mechanism, which has a tooth row and a claw portion, the claw portion moves relative to the tooth row in conjunction with the movement of the rod, and the claw portion is in an engaged position with the tooth row or a disengaged position from the tooth row, if the rod is not contracted to the contracted position, the pawl mechanism does not allow the rod to expand.

[0029] According to the present disclosure, the rod can be retracted to the retracted position without fail. Therefore, the amount of lubricant discharged by one downward movement of the rod can be set to a predetermined amount, making it easy to fill a rolling bearing or the like with an accurate amount of lubricant.

[0030] In addition, the lubricant discharge pump disclosed in the present invention includes: an outer cylinder, which has a cartridge storage chamber, which stores a cartridge that can be extended and retracted in one direction and is filled with lubricant in a detachable manner; a lubricant discharge mechanism, which has a rod connected to the outer cylinder directly or via a connecting portion, and a force applying unit that applies force to the rod in a direction of expansion relative to the outer cylinder, and when a user moves the rod in a direction of contraction toward the outer cylinder side, the lubricant discharge mechanism discharges the lubricant from the cartridge stored in the cartridge storage chamber; a spring member, which applies force to the cartridge stored in the cartridge storage chamber to shrink the cartridge, and the spring member is stored in the cartridge storage chamber; and a notification mechanism, which has a chain or rope-like member, the chain or rope-like member including one end fixed to the spring member and the other end located outside the outer cylinder and moving toward the outer cylinder side as the spring member extends, the notification mechanism notifying that the spring member has extended to a specified position.

[0031] According to the present disclosure, by setting the predetermined position at a point where a predetermined amount of lubricant remains in the cartridge, the user can be alerted to the impending depletion of lubricant within the cartridge. This allows the user to replace the cartridge at this stage, or to carefully raise and lower the rod from this point onward to use up the lubricant without wasting time or leaving any remaining lubricant in the cartridge. This ensures not only a more accurate amount of lubricant applied to rolling bearings, but also sufficient lubricant within the cartridge.

[0032] Effects of the Invention

[0033] According to the lubricant discharge pump of the present disclosure, it is easy to fill a rolling bearing or the like with an accurate amount of lubricant. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Figure 1 It is a schematic side view of a grease pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure as viewed from the side.

[0035] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the ratchet mechanism of the grease pump and its operation.

[0036] Figure 3 This is a functional block diagram of the counter of the grease pump mentioned above.

[0037] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a counter storage circuit in one example of the grease pump.

[0038] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 Figure 1. A diagram of the timing diagram for negative edge triggering in the structure shown.

[0039] Figure 6 It shows Figure 4The table shows the correspondence between each Q output of the counter storage circuit and a decimal number.

[0040] Figure 7 (a) is a perspective view of the main body of the adapter of the grease pump. Figure 7 (b) is a top view of the adapter from the rear side. Figure 7 (c) is a plan view showing the end surface shape of one end surface of the chain retaining member of the adapter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in the following, when multiple embodiments, variations, etc. are included, it is initially envisaged that their characteristic parts are appropriately combined to construct a new embodiment. In addition, in the following embodiments, the same structure is marked with the same reference numeral in the drawings, and repeated descriptions are omitted. In addition, schematic diagrams are included in multiple drawings, and the dimension ratios of the vertical, horizontal, height, etc. of each component may not be consistent between different drawings. In addition, among the constituent elements described below, the constituent elements that are not described in the independent claims representing the superordinate concepts are arbitrary constituent elements and are not necessary constituent elements. In addition, in this specification, when the word "roughly" is used, it is used with the same meaning as the word "generally speaking", and as long as it looks roughly like that to a person, the condition of "roughly" is met.

[0042] Figure 1 This is a schematic side view of a grease pump 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 As shown, a grease pump 1 as an example of a lubricant discharge pump includes an outer tube 5, a cover 10, a connecting rod 15 as an example of a connecting portion, a rod 20, a liquid injection joint 25, a pawl mechanism 30, a counter 50, a coil spring 70 as an example of a spring component, and a notification mechanism 80.

[0043] The outer cylinder 5 has a cylindrical portion 5a and a bottom portion 5b having a through-hole. The bottom portion 5b is integrally formed with the cylindrical portion 5a and is located axially to one side of the cylindrical portion 5a. The outer cylinder 5 has a cartridge storage chamber 5c. The coil spring 70 is housed at the bottom of the outer cylinder 5, and the cartridge 3 is housed within the outer cylinder 5 closer to the opening than the coil spring 70. The cartridge is filled with grease, an example of a lubricant.

[0044] The lid 10 includes a cylinder chamber 10a, a plunger 10b, a cylindrical outer cylinder mounting portion 10c, and a cylindrical cartridge mounting portion 10d. The outer circumference of the cartridge mounting portion 10d is radially opposed to the inner circumference of the outer cylinder mounting portion 10c, with a gap therebetween. The outer circumference of the cylindrical portion 5a is pressed into the inner circumference of the outer cylinder mounting portion 10c, and the external threads of the injection port 3a of the cartridge 3 are screwed into the internal threads of the inner circumference of the cartridge mounting portion 10d. In this manner, the outer cylinder 5 and cartridge 3 are mounted to the lid 10. In this mounted state, the coil spring 70 biases the cartridge 3 toward the lid 10.

[0045] The plunger 10b is capable of advancing and retracting within the cylinder chamber 10a. Furthermore, when the outer tube 5 and the cartridge 3 are attached to the lid 10, the space within the cartridge 3 is in communication with the cylinder chamber 10a. The connecting rod 15 is swingably attached to the lid 10. Furthermore, a rod 20 is swingably attached to one end of each of the plunger 10b and the connecting rod 15.

[0046] The cap 10 includes a liquid injection nipple connection port 10e, a liquid passage 10f, and a check valve 10g. A liquid injection nipple 25 is attached to the liquid injection nipple connection port 10e. Connecting the liquid injection nipple 25 to the liquid injection nipple connection port 10e allows the grease discharge port to be positioned away from the cap 10, making it easier to fill grease into a destination such as a rolling bearing. The liquid passage 10f connects the cylinder chamber 10a to the liquid injection nipple connection port 10e. Furthermore, a check valve 10g is provided midway along the liquid passage 10f between the cylinder chamber 10a and the liquid injection nipple connection port 10e.

[0047] The grease pump 1 further includes a torsion spring 7 as an example of a biasing element. The torsion spring 7 is wound around a pin 8 that rotates the rod 20 relative to the connecting rod 15. The torsion spring 7 biases the upper wall 20a of the rod 20 counterclockwise relative to the front wall 15a of the connecting rod 15. This biases the rod 20 toward the open position, pressing the plunger 10b to a position where the cylinder chamber 10a communicates with the cartridge connection hole in the cartridge mounting portion 10d.

[0048] When the user presses the lever 20, the grease filling the cylinder chamber 10a passes through the check valve 10g and is discharged from the discharge port 25a of the liquid filling nipple 25. After the grease is discharged, the torsion spring 7 presses the plunger 10b to the retracted position, causing the plunger 10b to retract. The grease in the cartridge 3 flows through the cartridge 3's discharge port into the negative pressure cylinder chamber 10a, filling the cylinder chamber 10a with grease. The grease pump 1 repeats this action, discharging grease from the discharge port 25a of the liquid filling nipple 25 each time the user presses the lever 20. The portion of the grease pump 1 excluding the outer tube 5, the pawl mechanism 30, the counter 50, and the notification mechanism 80 constitutes a grease discharge mechanism 45, an example of a lubricant discharge mechanism.

[0049] The cartridge 3 has an accordion structure and is constantly biased toward the lid 10 by the coil spring 70. Therefore, as grease is discharged from the cartridge 3, the cartridge 3 contracts in its extended direction, gradually decreasing in volume, and the end portion 3b on the coil spring 70 side moves toward the lid 10. This prevents dry discharge of grease, which occurs when the user lowers the lever 20.

[0050] Furthermore, the rod 20 is prohibited from returning to the open position until it is pressed to a predetermined position by the pawl mechanism 30. Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the pawl mechanism 30 and its operation are described. Figure 2 1 is a side view showing a part of the ratchet mechanism 30, and is a side view for explaining the operation of the ratchet mechanism 30. Figure 1 As shown, the pawl mechanism 30 includes a first flat portion 31, a second flat portion 32, a first prismatic rod 33, and a second prismatic rod 34. The rod 20 has a first flat portion (not shown) with a substantially flat surface on at least a portion of its side surface, and the outer cylinder 5 has a second flat portion (not shown) with a substantially flat surface on at least a portion of its side surface. The first flat portion 31 is secured to the first flat portion by a fixing means such as welding, adhesive, or fasteners, and the second flat portion 32 is secured to the second flat portion by a fixing means such as welding, adhesive, or fasteners. In the width direction of the rod 20, the first flat portion 31 is positioned at a distance from the outer cylinder 5. Therefore, regardless of the position of the rod 20, the first flat portion 31 does not contact the outer cylinder 5.

[0051] The first prismatic rod 33 has a shaft portion 33a at one end thereof, and the shaft portion 33a is rotatably mounted on the first flat plate portion 31. Figure 2 As shown in (a), the other end of the first prismatic rod 33 is in the shape of an elongated plate, and the second prismatic rod 34 has a pair of guide portions 34a and 34b for guiding the other end of the first prismatic rod 33 so that it can advance and retreat along its extending direction. The second prismatic rod 34 is rotatably mounted on the second flat plate portion 32 (see Figure 1 ) shaft portion 34c.

[0052] The first prismatic rod 33 has a tooth row 33b formed of multiple sawtooth-shaped engaging portions on the lower side of the other end. Furthermore, a recessed portion 33c connected to the tooth row 33b is provided closer to one end of the tooth row 33b. Furthermore, the second prismatic rod 34 includes a base 34d and a claw portion 34e rotatably mounted to the base 34d. The claw portion 34e has M-shaped engaging teeth 9 that can engage with and disengage from the tooth row 33b and fit into the recessed portion 33c. The claw portion 34e is fixed to the base 34d via a coil spring 6 and is pressed against the tooth row 33b by the coil spring 6.

[0053] Reference Figure 1 When the rod 20 rotates relative to the outer tube 5 in the direction of arrow A and becomes the most open state relative to the outer tube 5, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown in (a), the first prismatic rod 33 is located closest to the rod 20 relative to the guide portions 34a and 34b (see Figure 1 Furthermore, the claw portion 34e is located at a position spaced apart from the first prismatic rod 33, and is in a state of being disengaged from the tooth row 33b.

[0054] If the user lowers the rod 20 from this state in order to discharge the grease, Figure 2 As shown in (b), the first prismatic rod 33 moves relative to the second prismatic rod 34 in the direction indicated by arrow B, and the M-shaped engaging teeth 9 of the claw portion 34e engage with the tooth row 33b. The M-shaped engaging teeth 9 and the tooth row 33b constitute the main components of the ratchet mechanism 30. Specifically, the M-shaped engaging teeth 9 and the tooth row 33b are shaped so as to allow relative movement of the tooth row 33b relative to the M-shaped engaging teeth 9 in the direction indicated by arrow B, while prohibiting relative movement of the M-shaped engaging teeth 9 relative to the tooth row 33b in the direction indicated by arrow B.

[0055] As a result, if the user lowers the lever 20 once, the lever 20 cannot be moved to the open side while the M-shaped engaging teeth 9 are engaged with the tooth row 33b. Figure 2 As shown in (c), the first prismatic rod 33 further moves relative to the second prismatic rod 34 in the direction indicated by arrow B, causing the M-shaped engaging teeth 9 to disengage from the tooth row 33b and enter the recessed portion 33c. The grease pump 1 is configured so that when the rod 20 reaches the fully closed position, the M-shaped engaging teeth 9 enter the recessed portion 33c. The pawl mechanism 30 is configured to prevent the rod 20 from expanding unless it has retracted to the retracted position. In this embodiment, the fully closed position of the rod 20 is where the M-shaped engaging teeth 9 enter the recessed portion 33c, thus achieving this retracted position.

[0056] The M-shaped engaging teeth 9 entering the recessed portion 33c are directed upward by the force of the coil spring 6. In this state, if the user weakens the gripping force of the lever 20, the torsion spring 7 (see FIG. Figure 1 ) force, the second prismatic rod 34 moves back relative to the first prismatic rod 33 to Figure 2 In the state shown in (a), the rod 20 is opened to the fully open state.

[0057] When the grease pump 1 is in the state where the M-shaped engaging teeth 9 enter the recessed portion 33c Figure 2 In the state shown in (c), the counter 50 is displayed on the display unit 51 (refer to Figure 1 ) increases by 1. Next, use Figures 1 to 6 The counter 50 and its operation will be described. Figure 3 is a functional block diagram of the counter 50. Figure 1 As shown, the counter 50 includes a display portion 51, a reset button 52, and a cover 53 for closing the battery storage chamber. Figure 2 As shown, the counter 50 includes a magnetic sensor 54 fixed to the second prismatic rod 34. Figure 2 (c) A permanent magnet 55 is fixed to the first prismatic rod 33 at a position facing the magnetic sensor 54 in the height direction when the M-shaped engaging tooth 9 is in the recessed portion 33c. The magnetic sensor 54 detects the M-shaped engaging tooth 9 in the recessed portion 33c by detecting the permanent magnet 55, and outputs an electrical signal indicating that the rod 20 is in the retracted position to the control device 58 (see FIG. Figure 3 The magnetic sensor 54 may have any structure. For example, a reed switch that is actuated by a magnet may be used, a Hall element that amplifies and detects a Hall voltage generated by a magnetic field may be used, or a magnetoresistive element that detects an increase in element resistance caused by a magnetic field may be used.

[0058] like Figure 3 As shown, the counter 50 further includes a control device 58 , which includes a control unit 56 and a storage unit 57 . Figure 1 The button 61 shown is a power button for selecting the power on or off. Figure 3 If the user uses button 61 (refer to Figure 1 ) Selecting Power On supplies power from the power supply 60 (i.e., the battery stored in the battery compartment) to the reset button 52, magnetic sensor 54, control unit 58, and display unit 51. Selecting Power Off shuts off power to these components. Control unit 58 receives signals from the reset button 52 and magnetic sensor 54. Furthermore, the display unit 51 displays numbers based on the signals from control unit 58.

[0059] The control unit 56 is suitably configured, for example, by a microcomputer and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit). Furthermore, the storage unit 57 is configured by non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and volatile memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory). Furthermore, the display unit 51 is configured by, for example, segmented LEDs, a liquid crystal panel, or an organic EL panel. The CPU reads and executes programs pre-stored in the storage unit. Furthermore, the non-volatile memory pre-stores control programs, predetermined threshold values, and the like. Furthermore, the volatile memory temporarily stores read programs and processed data.

[0060] The storage unit 57 includes a count storage circuit 59 . Figure 4 : is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the counter storage circuit 59. The counter storage circuit 59 of this embodiment stores a state based on the concept of a T flip-flop, and the output is inverted every time an input (clock) signal is input. Figure 4 , T is the input, on the other hand, the output is Q or Q', the logic of Q and Q' is always opposite. T flip-flop has positive edge trigger and negative edge trigger. In positive edge trigger, when T input changes to "L→H", the output changes. Figure 5 In the negative edge trigger of the signal waveform shown in , the output changes when the T input changes from "H to L".

[0061] In more detail, Figure 4 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of an up-counter using 6 (stages) of negative-edge-triggered T flip-flops. Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 The control unit 56 (see Figure 3 ) If the signal is received, it indicates that the magnetic sensor 54 has detected the permanent magnet 55 (refer to Figure 2 ) detection signal, then to the first stage input wiring 64 (refer to Figure 4 ) outputs a clock signal. In addition, the T input of the T flip-flop after the second stage is the Q output of the previous stage.

[0062] Whenever there is an input to the T flip-flop, the output is inverted, so the Q output of each stage is as follows Figure 5 The user can reset the Q output of each stage to L. In detail, if the user operates the reset button 52 (see Figure 1 、 Figure 3 ), the control unit 56 sends a signal to the reset wiring 65 (see Figure 4 ) outputs a reset signal. Then, the Q output of each stage becomes L.

[0063] When a clock signal is input to input wiring 64 from this state, the Q1 output of the first-stage T flip-flop inverts to H. Furthermore, with the second clock signal, Q1 inverts to L, and the H and L invert with each clock signal input. Furthermore, the input of the second and subsequent T flip-flops becomes the Q output of the previous stage, and this also repeats the inversion operation of each Q output. Figure 6 This is a table showing the correspondence between each Q output and a decimal number. Figure 6 As shown, in the 6-stage T flip-flop structure, it is possible to store 2 6 The control unit 56 can distinguish the 64 different states from each other based on the information stored in the count storage circuit 59, and output a signal indicating one of the numbers 0 to 63 to the display unit 51 based on the recognized state.

[0064] like Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , when all Q outputs are H (63 in decimal), if a clock signal is input to the input wiring 64, all Q outputs return to L (0 in decimal). In addition, the case where the counter storage circuit 59 includes a 6-stage T flip-flop structure has been described, but the counter storage circuit 59 may also include an N (N is an arbitrary natural number) stage T flip-flop structure, and the counter may also be able to count values from 0 to (2 N -1) is counted. As described above, in the case of greasing a rolling bearing that rotatably supports an elevator sheave, a case has been described in which grease is discharged 50 times in four groups of 0.6 g each time in a rolling bearing of one specification. However, in rolling bearings of other specifications frequently used in elevator sheaves, there is also a case in which grease is discharged 83 times in four groups of 0.6 g each time. In this case, in the case of a counting storage circuit having the above structure, a T-flip-flop structure of seven or more levels is required in the counting storage circuit. In addition, a case has been described in which the counter 50 is composed of a logic IC. However, the counter can also be composed of a microcomputer.

[0065] Next, the purpose, structure, and operation of the notification mechanism 80 will be described. If the user fails to notice that the cartridge 3 is empty and raises or lowers the rod 20, the grease will not be discharged even if the rod 20 is raised or lowered, resulting in a dry spray of grease, preventing the accurate amount of grease from being supplied to the rolling bearings, etc. The notification mechanism 80 serves to notify the user that the grease in the cartridge 3 is low.

[0066] Reference Figure 1The coil spring 70 has a disc-shaped cover portion at the cover-side end. Furthermore, the notification mechanism 80 includes a chain 83. One end of the chain 83 is fixed, for example, to the center portion of the back surface of the coil spring 70's cover portion, opposite the cover 10. Furthermore, the chain 83 extends to the outside through a through-hole (not shown) provided in the bottom 5b of the outer tube 5, with the other end of the chain 83 located outside the outer tube 5. The notification mechanism 80 also includes an adapter 84, which serves as an example of a movement restriction portion.

[0067] Figure 7 (a) is a perspective view of the main body 85 of the adapter 84. Figure 7 (b) is a top view of the adapter 84 when viewed from the rear side. Figure 7 (c) is a top view showing the end face shape of one end face of the chain anti-slip component 86 of the adapter 84. Figure 7 As shown in (a), the main body 85 has a circular plate structure having a recess 87 that penetrates in the thickness direction and opens on one side in the radial direction. The main body 85 has a base 88 of a circular plate structure and a permanent magnet 89 fixed to the end face on one side in the thickness direction of the base 88. The permanent magnet 89 can also be composed of a magnetic sheet. The base 88 and the permanent magnet 89 have approximately the same end faces, and there is a cutout on each end face of the base 88 and the permanent magnet 89 that is consistent with the planar shape of the recess 87. The main body 85 is formed by fixing the end face of the permanent magnet 89 to the end face of the base 88 using a fixing means such as an adhesive, while the cutout of the permanent magnet 89 overlaps with the cutout of the base 88 in the thickness direction.

[0068] The outer cylinder 5 is made of metal. Figure 7 As shown in (a), by installing the permanent magnet 89 on the outer cylinder 5 and the cover 10 (refer to Figure 1 ) side, so that the main body 85 is fixed to the outer tube 5. Figure 7 As shown in (b), the main body 85 has a pair of protrusions 81 on both sides of the recess 87 in the width direction, which protrude from a pair of inner surfaces defining the recess 87 toward the center of the recess 87. The protrusions 81 extend in the thickness direction of the main body 85.

[0069] Figure 7 The width of the concave portion 87 shown in a1 in (b) is greater than Figure 7 The width dimension of the rectangular chain anti-falling component 86 shown in a2 in (c) is slightly smaller. Figure 7As shown in (a), the permanent magnet 89 is fixed to the outer tube 5 with a portion of the protrusion of the chain 83 protruding from the outer tube 5 accommodated in the recess 87. Then, the chain anti-slip component 86 is pressed into the recess 87 until a portion of the upper surface 86a of the chain anti-slip component 86 abuts against the lower surface 81a of the pair of protrusions 81. This pressing prevents the chain 83 from being detached from the adapter 84, and the adapter 84 is completely installed on the outer tube 5.

[0070] like Figure 7 As shown, the other end of the chain 83 is formed by a ring 75 having a larger diameter. This ring 75 cannot pass through a through hole defined by the cooperation between the main body 85 and the chain retaining member 86 mounted thereon. As described above, as the grease in the case 3 decreases, the coil spring 70 extends to contract the case 3, thereby causing the chain 83 to move toward the cover 10.

[0071] In the grease pump 1, the ring 75 contacts the main body 85 when only a predetermined amount of grease is present in the cartridge 3. Thus, the user can visually confirm that the ring 75 and main body 85 are in contact and that only a predetermined amount of grease is present in the cartridge 3.

[0072] As described above, the grease pump 1 includes an outer cylinder 5 defining a cartridge storage chamber 5c for detachably storing a grease-filled cartridge 3 that is expandable and retractable in one direction. Furthermore, the grease pump 1 includes a grease discharge mechanism 45 comprising a rod 20 connected to the outer cylinder 5 via a connecting rod 15 and a torsion spring 7 biasing the rod 20 in an expansion direction relative to the outer cylinder 5. When a user moves the rod 20 in a direction retracting toward the outer cylinder 5, the grease discharge mechanism 45 discharges grease from the cartridge 3 stored in the cartridge storage chamber 5c. The grease pump 1 also includes a counter 50 that displays the number of times the rod 20 has retracted.

[0073] Therefore, even if the user does not count the number of times the rod is raised and lowered, the counter 50 displays the number of times the rod 20 is retracted. Therefore, the user does not make a mistake in the number of times the rod 20 is raised and lowered, and it is easy to fill the rolling bearing or the like with an accurate amount of lubricant.

[0074] In addition, the grease pump 1 may also include a pawl mechanism 30, which has a tooth row 33b and a claw portion 34e. The claw portion 34e moves in conjunction with the movement of the rod 20 and is present in an engaged position with the tooth row 33b or a disengaged position from the tooth row 33b. If the rod 20 is not retracted to the retracted position, the pawl mechanism 30 does not allow the rod 20 to expand.

[0075] According to this structure, the rod 20 can be retracted to the retracted position without fail. Therefore, the amount of grease discharged during one downward movement of the rod 20 can be set to a predetermined amount. Therefore, a more accurate amount of grease can be filled into the rolling bearing or the like.

[0076] In addition, the counter 50 may also display the number of times the rod 20 has been retracted based on an electrical signal generated when the rod 20 reaches the retracted position.

[0077] According to this configuration, it is possible to realize the counter 50 that can accurately count in conjunction with the pawl mechanism 30 .

[0078] In addition, the grease pump 1 may also include: a coil spring 70 that applies force to the cartridge 3 housed in the cartridge housing chamber 5c to shrink the cartridge 3, and the coil spring 70 is housed in the cartridge housing chamber 5c; and a notification mechanism 80 that has one end fixed to the coil spring and the other end located outside the outer tube 5 and moving toward the outer tube 5 as the coil spring 70 extends, and the notification mechanism 80 notifies that the coil spring 70 has extended to a specified position.

[0079] If the rod 20 is raised or lowered without noticing that there is not enough grease in the box 3, a dry discharge occurs, where grease is not discharged even when the rod 20 is lowered, resulting in insufficient grease filling the rolling bearing and the like.

[0080] According to the above configuration, by setting the predetermined position to a position where a predetermined amount of lubricant remains in cartridge 3, the user can be alerted to the impending depletion of grease within cartridge 3. Therefore, the user can choose to replace cartridge 3 at this stage, or carefully raise and lower rod 20 from this point onward to use up the grease in cartridge 3 without any dry spray or residual grease. This ensures that the amount of grease applied to the rolling bearing, etc., is more accurate and that the grease in cartridge 3 is fully used up.

[0081] Alternatively, the notification mechanism 80 may include a chain 83 having one end and the other end, and an adapter 84 that restricts the other end from moving toward the outer tube 5 , wherein the adapter 84 includes a permanent magnet 89 fixed to one side of the outer tube 5 in the extending direction.

[0082] According to the above structure, the user can recognize that the amount of grease in the cartridge 3 is low simply by confirming that the other end of the chain 83 is restrained by the adapter 84. Therefore, the user can be easily notified of the low amount of grease remaining in the cartridge 3 at a low cost. In addition, the adapter 84 of the notification mechanism 80 can be easily fixed to one side of the extension direction of the outer tube 5 using the permanent magnet 89.

[0083] In addition, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment and its modifications, and various improvements and changes can be made within the scope of the matters described in the claims of the present application and their equivalents.

[0084] For example, in the above embodiment, the notification mechanism 80 is described as including the chain 83, but the notification mechanism may include a string-like member instead of the chain 83. Furthermore, one end of the string-like member may be attached to the end of the coil spring on the box side, while the other end of the string-like member may be fixed to a ring having a larger diameter, for example.

[0085] Furthermore, the description has been made of a case where the notification mechanism 80 includes the adapter 84. However, the notification mechanism may not include the adapter and may include a chain or string member having one end and the other end and a mark provided at a predetermined position of the chain or string member.

[0086] According to this modification, the user can recognize that the amount of lubricant in the box is low simply by confirming that the mark reaches the outer cylinder. Therefore, the user can be easily and inexpensively reminded that the amount of lubricant remaining in the box is low.

[0087] Furthermore, the notification mechanism may include a sound output device that outputs sound to notify that the spring member has extended to a predetermined position. The sound output device may have the following configuration, for example.

[0088] Specifically, a switch portion that can be pressed toward the outer tube may be provided in the peripheral area of the recessed portion of the adapter. Furthermore, the configuration may be such that when a link or the like located at the other end of the chain or string-like member presses the switch due to movement of the chain or string-like member, the switch is turned on, and a battery detachably disposed within the adapter supplies power to a speaker built into the adapter, causing the speaker to output sound.

[0089] Alternatively, the structure can also be such that a permanent magnet is arranged on the other end side of the chain or rope-like component. If the magnetic sensor provided in the adapter detects the permanent magnet, a battery arranged in the adapter in a detachable manner supplies power to a speaker built into the adapter, and the speaker outputs sound.

[0090] According to this modification, the user can use his or her sense of hearing to recognize that the amount of grease in the box is low, thereby substantially preventing the user from ignoring the notification.

[0091] Furthermore, the following description describes a case where the counter 50 increments when the rod is in the retracted position and the magnetic sensor 54 detects magnetic force. However, the micro switch may be turned on when the rod is in the retracted position, or the counter may increment based on the micro switch being turned on.

[0092] Alternatively, the counter may be configured to increment without using electrical signals. Specifically, a button may be provided on the outer tube side, and when a lever is pressed, a protrusion on the lever provided on the outer tube side presses the button. Furthermore, a mechanical counter may be configured such that each time the button is pressed, the counter increments by one.

[0093] Furthermore, although the grease pump 1 has been described as including the ratchet mechanism 30 in which the tooth rows 33 b are located on a straight line, the grease pump may also include a ratchet mechanism in which the tooth rows are located on the outer peripheral side of the gear.

[0094] Furthermore, although the grease pump 1 has been described as including the counter 50 , the ratchet mechanism 30 , and the notification mechanism 80 , the grease pump may include a counter without including one or both of the ratchet mechanism and the notification mechanism.

[0095] Alternatively, the grease pump may include a ratchet mechanism instead of one or both of the counter and the notification mechanism. Specifically, the grease pump of the present disclosure may include: an outer cylinder having a cartridge storage chamber that removably stores a cartridge that is expandable and retractable in one direction and filled with grease; a grease discharge mechanism having a rod connected to the outer cylinder directly or via a connecting portion, and a biasing unit that biases the rod in a direction of expansion relative to the outer cylinder, such that when a user moves the rod in a direction of contraction toward the outer cylinder, the grease discharge mechanism discharges grease from the cartridge stored in the cartridge storage chamber; and a ratchet mechanism having a tooth row and a claw portion that moves in conjunction with movement of the rod, the claw portion being in an engaged position with the tooth row or a disengaged position with the tooth row, and the ratchet mechanism preventing the rod from expanding unless the rod is contracted to the contracted position.

[0096] The grease pump of this structure can retract the rod to the retracted position without fail, and can discharge a predetermined amount of grease in one rod lowering operation. This makes it easy to fill a rolling bearing or the like with an accurate amount of grease.

[0097] Alternatively, the grease pump may include a notification mechanism instead of one or both of the counter and the ratchet mechanism. Specifically, the grease pump of the present disclosure may include: an outer cylinder having a cartridge storage chamber that removably stores a cartridge that is expandable and retractable in one direction and filled with grease; a grease discharge mechanism having a rod connected to the outer cylinder directly or via a connecting portion, and a biasing unit that biases the rod in a direction of expansion relative to the outer cylinder, such that when a user moves the rod in a direction of contraction toward the outer cylinder, the grease discharge mechanism discharges grease from the cartridge stored in the cartridge storage chamber; a spring member that biases the cartridge stored in the cartridge storage chamber to shrink the cartridge, the spring member being stored in the cartridge storage chamber; and a notification mechanism having a chain or rope-like member, the chain or rope-like member including one end fixed to the spring member and another end located outside the outer cylinder and moving toward the outer cylinder as the spring member extends, the notification mechanism providing notification that the spring member has extended to a predetermined position.

[0098] With this structure, the grease pump can alert the user that the grease in the cartridge is nearing depletion by setting the predetermined position to the point where a predetermined amount of grease remains in the cartridge. This allows the user to replace the cartridge at this stage, or to carefully raise and lower the rod from this point onward to use up the grease without any empty spray or residual grease in the cartridge. This ensures not only a more accurate amount of grease is applied to the rolling bearing, but also sufficient grease in the cartridge.

[0099] Furthermore, while the rod 20 has been described as being connected to the outer cylinder 5 via the connecting rod 15 as an example of a connection portion, the rod may be directly connected to the outer cylinder. Furthermore, while the description has been given of the supply of grease to the rolling bearing, the lubricant may be a lubricating oil with a lower viscosity than grease, rather than grease, and the lubricant may be supplied to any machine other than the rolling bearing, rather than the rolling bearing.

[0100] Description of labels

[0101] 1: Grease pump; 3: Cassette; 5: Outer cylinder; 5c: Cassette storage chamber; 7: Torsion spring; 20: Rod; 30: Ratchet mechanism; 33b: Tooth row; 34e: Claw; 45: Grease discharge mechanism; 50: Counter; 70: Coil spring; 80: Notification mechanism; 83: Chain; 84: Adapter; 89: Permanent magnet.

Claims

1. A lubricant discharge pump comprising: an outer cylinder having a cartridge receiving chamber for detachably receiving a cartridge filled with a lubricant and capable of extending and contracting in one direction; a lubricant discharge mechanism including a rod connected to the outer cylinder directly or via a connecting portion, and a biasing unit for biasing the rod in a direction of expansion relative to the outer cylinder, wherein when a user moves the rod in a direction of contraction toward the outer cylinder, the lubricant discharge mechanism discharges the lubricant from the cartridge housed in the cartridge housing chamber; a counter that displays the number of times the rod is retracted; a spring member that applies force to the cartridge housed in the cartridge housing chamber to shrink the cartridge, and the spring member is housed in the cartridge housing chamber; as well as a notification mechanism including a chain or a rope-like member, wherein the chain or the rope-like member includes one end portion fixed to the spring member and the other end portion located outside the outer tube and moving toward the outer tube as the spring member extends, the notification mechanism notifying that the spring member has extended to a predetermined position; The notification mechanism includes a movement restriction portion that restricts the other end portion from moving toward the outer tube. and is provided with a magnet fixed to one side of the extension direction of the outer cylinder, The magnet is a unit that fixes the movement restricting portion to the outer cylinder.

2. The lubricant discharge pump according to claim 1, wherein: The notification mechanism includes a sound output device that outputs sound to notify that the spring member has extended to a predetermined position.

3. A lubricant discharge pump comprising: an outer cylinder having a cartridge receiving chamber for detachably receiving a cartridge filled with a lubricant and capable of extending and contracting in one direction; a lubricant discharge mechanism including a rod connected to the outer cylinder directly or via a connecting portion, and a biasing unit for biasing the rod in a direction of expansion relative to the outer cylinder, wherein when a user moves the rod in a direction of contraction toward the outer cylinder, the lubricant discharge mechanism discharges the lubricant from the cartridge housed in the cartridge housing chamber; a spring member that applies force to the cartridge housed in the cartridge housing chamber to shrink the cartridge, and the spring member is housed in the cartridge housing chamber; as well as a notification mechanism including a chain or a rope-like member, wherein the chain or the rope-like member includes one end portion fixed to the spring member and the other end portion located outside the outer tube and moving toward the outer tube as the spring member extends, the notification mechanism notifying that the spring member has extended to a predetermined position; The notification mechanism includes a movement restriction portion that restricts the other end portion from moving toward the outer tube. and is provided with a magnet fixed to one side of the extension direction of the outer cylinder, The magnet is a unit that fixes the movement restricting portion to the outer cylinder.

4. A lubricant discharge pump comprising: an outer cylinder having a cartridge receiving chamber for detachably receiving a cartridge filled with a lubricant and capable of extending and contracting in one direction; a lubricant discharge mechanism including a rod connected to the outer cylinder directly or via a connecting portion, and a biasing unit for biasing the rod in a direction of expansion relative to the outer cylinder, wherein when a user moves the rod in a direction of contraction toward the outer cylinder, the lubricant discharge mechanism discharges the lubricant from the cartridge housed in the cartridge housing chamber; a first rod connected to the rod; a second rod including a guide portion for guiding the first rod; as well as a counter which displays the number of times the rod has retracted, The counter has a permanent magnet fixed to the first rod and a magnetic sensor fixed to the guide part. When the rod contracts, the first rod moves relative to the guide part, the permanent magnet approaches the magnetic sensor, and the magnetic sensor detects the permanent magnet, thereby increasing the count of the counter.

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