Supercharger

Abstract

A supercharger comprises: a bearing; a housing for accommodating the bearing; and a first thermometer, the first thermometer including a first temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of lubricating oil; the housing including a lubricating oil discharge portion, the lubricating oil discharge portion forming a lubricating oil outlet for discharging lubricating oil from the supercharger; the lubricating oil discharge portion including a lubricating oil storage portion for storing lubricating oil; and the first temperature sensor being arranged in the lubricating oil storage portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a supercharger.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-177660 filed with the Japan Patent Office on October 22, 2020, and uses the contents thereof herein. Background Art

[0003] The temperature of the lubricating oil at the lubricating oil outlet of the supercharger is one of the parameters that can be used to monitor the condition of the supercharger's bearings. Therefore, conventionally, a thermometer for measuring the lubricating oil temperature has been installed at the lubricating oil outlet of the supercharger (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] In this case, conventionally, a temperature sensor of a thermometer is installed in an oil outlet pipe that discharges lubricating oil from the supercharger, and the temperature of the lubricating oil in the oil outlet pipe is measured.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 59-162320

[0008] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0009] Since the oil outlet piping of the supercharger discharges the misted air inside the bearing stand of the supercharger together with the lubricating oil, the cross-sectional area of the oil outlet piping is sized to be able to discharge the air layer and the oil layer even at the maximum flow rate of the lubricating oil. The flow rate of the lubricating oil flowing through the supercharger varies depending on the speed of the supercharger, the temperature of the lubricating oil, the pressure of the lubricating oil, the characteristics of the lubricating oil, etc. If the back pressure downstream of the oil outlet piping is high, the flow rate of the lubricating oil is not constant and sometimes moves like a pulsation. Affected by various factors like these, when the thermometer in the oil outlet piping is in contact not only with the oil but also with the air (not oil-tight), there is a technical problem: the temperature measured by the thermometer becomes unstable, resulting in a reduction in measurement accuracy. Summary of the Invention

[0010] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a supercharger capable of measuring the outlet temperature of lubricating oil with high accuracy.

[0011] Technical means for solving technical problems

[0012] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, at least one embodiment of the present invention relates to a supercharger comprising:

[0013] bearings;

[0014] a housing that houses the bearing; and

[0015] a first thermometer comprising a first temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the lubricating oil,

[0016] The housing includes a lubricating oil discharge portion having a lubricating oil outlet formed therein for discharging the lubricating oil from the supercharger.

[0017] The lubricating oil discharge portion includes a lubricating oil storage portion for storing the lubricating oil.

[0018] The first temperature sensor is disposed in the lubricating oil reservoir.

[0019] Effects of the Invention

[0020] According to the present invention, a supercharger capable of measuring the outlet temperature of lubricating oil with high accuracy is provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of a supercharger 2 according to one embodiment, and shows a cross section of the supercharger 2 along the rotation axis C of the main shaft 3 .

[0022] Figure 2 Yes Figure 1 Schematic cross-sectional view of a structural example of the vicinity of the lubricating oil discharge portion 28 in FIG.

[0023] Figure 3 Yes Figure 2 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a detailed structure of the vicinity of the lubricating oil discharge portion 28 shown.

[0024] Figure 4 Yes Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another example of the detailed structure of the vicinity of the lubricating oil discharge portion 28 shown.

[0025] Figure 5 Yes Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another example of the detailed structure of the vicinity of the lubricating oil discharge portion 28 shown.

[0026] Figure 6 Yes Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another example of the detailed structure of the vicinity of the lubricating oil discharge portion 28 shown.

[0027] Figure 7 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a case where the inner diameter of the protruding tube 48 is smaller than the diameter of the lubricating oil outlet 26 .

[0028] Figure 8 Yes Figure 1 Schematic cross-sectional view of another structural example near the lubricating oil discharge portion 28 in FIG.

[0029] Figure 9 Yes Figure 1 Schematic cross-sectional view of another structural example near the lubricating oil discharge portion 28 in FIG.

[0030] Figure 10 It is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the height from the bottom cover 46 to the tip of the probe 37 and the like.

[0031] Figure 11 It means Figure 10 The structure shown is tilted at an angle θ with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0032] Figure 12 Yes Figure 1 Schematic cross-sectional view of another structural example near the lubricating oil discharge portion 28 in FIG.

[0033] Figure 13 Yes Figure 1 Schematic cross-sectional view of another structural example near the lubricating oil discharge portion 28 in FIG.

[0034] Figure 14 Yes Figure 1 Schematic cross-sectional view of another structural example near the lubricating oil discharge portion 28 in FIG.

[0035] Figure 15 Yes Figure 1 Schematic cross-sectional view of another structural example near the lubricating oil discharge portion 28 in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Several embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components described in the embodiments or shown in the drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the invention and are merely illustrative examples.

[0037] For example, expressions such as "toward a certain direction", "along a certain direction", "parallel", "orthogonal", "center", "concentric" or "coaxial" that indicate relative or absolute configurations not only indicate strictly such configurations, but also indicate a state of relative displacement at an angle or distance with a tolerance or a degree that can achieve the same function.

[0038] For example, expressions such as “same,” “equal,” and “homogeneous” indicating a state in which things are equal refer not only to a state of being strictly equal but also to a state in which there is a tolerance or a difference to the extent that the same function can be obtained.

[0039] For example, expressions indicating shapes such as a quadrilateral and a cylinder not only indicate shapes such as a quadrilateral and a cylinder in a strict geometric sense, but also indicate shapes including concave and convex portions, chamfered portions, etc., within a range that can produce the same effect.

[0040] On the other hand, the expressions “have”, “have”, “complete”, “include” or “have” are not exclusive expressions that exclude other structural elements.

[0041] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of a supercharger 2 according to one embodiment, and shows a cross section of the supercharger 2 along the rotation axis C of the main shaft 3 .

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, the supercharger 2 includes a turbine 4 , a compressor 6 , and a bearing arrangement 8 .

[0043] The turbine 4 includes a turbine wheel 10 and a turbine housing 12 that houses the turbine wheel 10 .

[0044] The compressor 6 includes a compressor impeller 14 and a compressor housing 16 that houses the compressor impeller 14. The turbine impeller 10 and the compressor impeller 14 are connected via a main shaft 3 and share the main shaft 3. Therefore, the turbine impeller 10 and the compressor impeller 14 are configured to rotate integrally about a rotation axis C. Exhaust gas supplied from an engine (not shown) rotates the turbine impeller 10, thereby rotating the compressor impeller 14, compressing air and discharging the compressed air. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the axial direction of the main shaft 3 will be referred to simply as "axial direction," the radial direction of the main shaft 3 will be referred to simply as "radial direction," and the circumferential direction of the main shaft 3 will be referred to simply as "circumferential direction."

[0045] Bearing assembly 8 includes journal bearings 17 and 18 that rotatably support main shaft 3; a thrust bearing 19 that restricts axial movement of main shaft 3; and a bearing stand 20 (bearing housing) that accommodates journal bearings 17 and 18 and thrust bearing 19. In the illustrated example, thrust bearing 19, journal bearing 17, and journal bearing 18 are arranged in this order in the axial direction, starting from the compressor impeller 14 side.

[0046] The bearing table 20 includes a lubricating oil receiving portion 24 and a lubricating oil discharge portion 28. The lubricating oil receiving portion 24 includes a lubricating oil inlet 22 for receiving lubricating oil from the outside of the bearing table 20 to the inside of the bearing table 20, and the lubricating oil discharge portion 28 includes a lubricating oil outlet 26 for discharging lubricating oil from the inside of the bearing table 20 to the outside of the bearing table 20. The bearing table 20 supports the bearing 18. As described below, lubricating oil is stored within the lubricating oil discharge portion 28, and an oil level 40 of the lubricating oil is formed. In the illustrated example, the lubricating oil inlet 22 is formed at the top of the bearing table 20, and the lubricating oil outlet 26 is formed at the bottom of the bearing table 20.

[0047] The lubricating oil inlet 22 and the lubricating oil outlet 26 are connected through the internal space of the bearing base 20. At least a portion of the lubricating oil flowing into the internal space of the bearing base 20 through the lubricating oil inlet 22 is supplied to the journal bearings 17, 18, or thrust bearing 19 to reduce friction with the main shaft 3. The lubricating oil is then discharged from the lubricating oil outlet 26 through a cavity 32 formed below the main shaft 3 within the bearing base 20.

[0048] Figure 2 Yes Figure 1 Schematic cross-sectional view of a structural example of the vicinity of the lubricating oil discharge portion 28 in FIG.

[0049] like Figure 2 As shown, the lubricating oil discharge portion 28 of the bearing stand 20 includes a lubricating oil reservoir 34 for storing lubricating oil. Furthermore, the supercharger 2 includes a thermometer 36. The thermometer 36 includes a probe 37, at the tip of which is provided a temperature sensor 38 (temperature sensing element) for measuring the temperature of the lubricating oil.

[0050] The thermometer 36 is, for example, an electrical oil thermometer that converts lubricating oil temperature information into an electrical signal via a wire (not shown) connected to a temperature sensor 38. The probe 37 of the thermometer 36 is inserted into the lubricating oil reservoir 34 through a mounting hole 86 formed in the bottom cover 46, described later. At least a portion of the temperature sensor 38 of the thermometer 36 is disposed within the lubricating oil reservoir 34. The tip of the probe 37 is positioned below the oil level 40 of the lubricating oil stored in the lubricating oil reservoir 34, and the temperature sensor 38 of the thermometer 36 is positioned below the oil level 40 of the lubricant stored in the lubricating oil reservoir 34. An annular sealing member 87 may be provided between the inner circumference of the mounting hole 86 and the outer circumference of the probe 37 to prevent leakage of lubricating oil. The sealing member 87 may be, for example, a tapered screw (tapered airtight screw).

[0051] The lubricating oil discharge portion 28 includes a substantially cylindrical housing portion 45 and a bottom cover 46 (bottom wall of the lubricating oil discharge portion 28). The housing portion 45 is located on the spindle 3 (see FIG. Figure 1 ) below the bottom cover 46, which has a vertically extending cavity 32 formed therein. The bottom cover 46 covers the opening formed at the lower end of the housing portion 45. The lubricating oil reservoir 34 includes a protruding pipe 48, which is provided to protrude upward from the upper surface 47 of the bottom cover 46. The protruding pipe 48 is connected from above to the lubricating oil outlet 26 formed in the bottom cover 46 and protrudes upward from the lubricating oil outlet 26.

[0052] The lubricating oil reservoir 34 is configured to store lubricating oil between the outer circumferential surface 50 of the protruding tube 48 and the inner circumferential surface 42 of the lubricating oil discharge portion 28. More specifically, the lubricating oil reservoir 34 is an annular recess 54 formed by the outer circumferential surface 50 of the protruding tube 48, the inner circumferential surface 42 of the housing 45, and the upper surface 47 of the bottom cover 46. The lubricating oil is stored in the annular recess 54. Furthermore, the temperature sensor 38, located at the tip of the probe 37, is located within the annular recess 54. In the illustrated example, the tip of the probe 37 is positioned lower than the tip of the protruding tube 48 (the upper end of the protruding tube 48) to position it below the oil level 40. Furthermore, the recess 54 does not need to be annular. That is, the cross-sections of the outer circumferential surface 50 and the inner circumferential surface 42 do not need to be circular; they may also be other shapes, such as a rectangle (quadrilateral).

[0053] like Figure 2 As shown, the lubricating oil reservoir 34 includes a plurality of drain holes 56 for draining lubricating oil from the lubricating oil reservoir 34 to the lubricating oil outlet 26. Each of the drain holes 56 extends through a wall 58 of the protruding tube 48. The drain holes 56 include a plurality of lower drain holes 56A disposed in a lower portion 60 of the protruding tube 48. The lower drain holes 56A are spaced apart circumferentially around the protruding tube 48 and extend through the wall 58 of the protruding tube 48. The number of lower drain holes 56A formed in the protruding tube 48 is not particularly limited; for example, a total of four lower drain holes 56A may be provided at 90-degree intervals.

[0054] exist Figure 2 In the illustrated example, a flange 70 for connecting to a flange 72 of an oil outlet pipe 80 is provided on the lower surface of the bottom cover 46. The flange 70 on the bottom cover 46 side and the flange 72 on the oil outlet pipe 80 side are connected by a plurality of bolts 82. The lubricating oil stored in the lubricating oil reservoir 34 is discharged to the oil outlet pipe 80 via the lower drain hole 56A, the inside of the protruding tube 48, and the lubricating oil outlet 26.

[0055] according to Figure 2In the structure shown, since the temperature sensor 38 is arranged in the lubricating oil reservoir 34, the lubricating oil stored in the lubricating oil reservoir 34 can be used to suppress the temperature sensor 38 from coming into contact with the air. In other words, the oil-tight state of the temperature sensor 38 can be ensured. As a result, the outlet temperature of the lubricating oil in the supercharger 2 can be stably and accurately measured. In addition, by providing the lubricating oil reservoir 34, the lubricating oil falls into the lubricating oil reservoir 34 at one time and is mixed, thereby uniformizing the temperature of the entire lubricating oil to a certain extent. Therefore, the unevenness of the temperature of the lubricating oil measured by the temperature sensor 38 can be suppressed, and the average temperature of the lubricating oil can be measured. For example, although the temperature of the lubricating oil discharged from the bearing 18 on the turbine side is likely to be higher than the temperature of the lubricating oil discharged from the bearings 17 and 19 on the compressor side, in such a case, the average temperature of the lubricating oil can be measured by mixing the lubricating oil in the lubricating oil reservoir 34.

[0056] Furthermore, as described above, by providing the lower oil drain hole 56A in the lower portion 60 of the protruding tube 48, the metabolism of the lubricating oil in the lubricating oil reservoir 34 can be effectively promoted by utilizing gravity. Therefore, with a simple structure, the temperature of the lubricating oil, which accurately reflects the condition of the journal bearings 17 and 18 and the condition of the thrust bearing 19 of the supercharger 2, can be measured with high precision.

[0057] exist Figure 2 In the illustrated example, the plurality of lower drain holes 56A include a plurality of lower drain holes 56A1 provided at the lower end 62 of the protruding tube 48. The plurality of lower drain holes 56A1 are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the protruding tube 48, and each of the plurality of lower drain holes 56A1 is formed to penetrate the wall surface 58 of the protruding tube 48.

[0058] By providing the lower end drain hole 56A1 at the lower end 62 of the protruding tube 48 in this manner, the lubricating oil in the lubricating oil reservoir 34 can be drained from the lower end drain hole 56A1 when the supercharger 2 is stopped. This prevents lubricating oil from remaining in the lubricating oil reservoir 34 when the supercharger 2 is stopped. Consequently, when the bottom cover 46 is removed from the lubricating oil reservoir 34, oil can be prevented from flowing out of the lubricating oil reservoir 34. Furthermore, in addition to removing the bottom cover 46, oil can also be prevented from flowing out of the lubricating oil reservoir 34 when, for example, the temperature sensor 38 is removed (replaced), or when the supercharger 2 is transported, etc.

[0059] Furthermore, if lower oil drain hole 56A is not provided at lower end 62 of protruding tube 48, old lubricating oil may remain at the bottom of lubricating oil reservoir 34. If old lubricating oil remains at the bottom, there is a concern that the accuracy of lubricating oil temperature measurement may be reduced, and that degraded lubricating oil remaining at the bottom, for example, during vessel swaying, may circulate throughout the lubricating oil circuit and affect bearing lubrication. By providing lower oil drain hole 56A at lower end 62 of protruding tube 48, the accumulation of old lubricating oil at the bottom of lubricating oil reservoir 34 can be suppressed, eliminating these concerns.

[0060] Figure 3 Yes Figure 2 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a detailed structure of a portion near the lubricating oil discharge portion 28 shown.

[0061] Figure 4 Yes Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of the detailed structure of the portion near the lubricating oil discharge portion 28. FIG.

[0062] Figure 5 Yes Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of the detailed structure of the portion near the lubricating oil discharge portion 28. FIG.

[0063] Figure 6 Yes Figure 2 The schematic cross-sectional view of another example of the detailed structure of the portion near the lubricating oil discharge portion 28 is shown. In the embodiments described below, reference numerals common to the previously described structures represent the same structures as those described above unless otherwise specified, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0064] For example, Figures 3 to 6 As shown, in some embodiments, the base end portion of the protruding tube 48 can be fixed to the upper surface 47 of the bottom cover 46 by welding. In the illustrated example, the lubricating oil discharge portion 28 includes a weld portion 74 (weld metal) connecting the outer peripheral surface 50 of the protruding tube 48 to the upper surface 47 of the bottom cover 46, and a weld portion 78 (weld metal) connecting the inner peripheral surface 76 of the protruding tube 48 to the upper surface of the bottom cover 46.

[0065] For example, Figure 3 As shown, in this case, the lower oil drain hole 56A (or the lower end oil drain hole 56A1) can be formed to sequentially penetrate the weld portion 74, the protruding tube 48, and the weld portion 78. Thus, the lower oil drain hole 56A can be formed at a relatively low position, thereby effectively promoting the metabolism of the lubricating oil in the lubricating oil reservoir 34. Furthermore, when the supercharger 2 is stopped, the lubricating oil in the lubricating oil reservoir 34 can be substantially emptied.

[0066] In addition, for example Figure 4 As shown, the lower oil drain hole 56A can be formed at a position higher than the welds 74 and 78, avoiding the welds 74 and 78. This can suppress damage to the welds 74 and 78 and improve the bonding strength between the protruding tube 48 and the bottom cover 46.

[0067] In addition, for example Figure 5 As shown, the lower end oil drain hole 56A1 can be formed by digging out the upper surface 47 of the bottom cover 46. Figure 5 In the illustrated example, the lower end oil drain hole 56A1 is formed along the lower end of the weld 74, the boundary between the protruding tube 48 and the bottom cover 46, and the weld 78. This further improves the oil draining performance of the lower end oil drain hole 56A1.

[0068] In addition, for example Figure 6 As shown, the inner diameter D1 of the protruding tube 48 may be larger than the diameter D0 of the lubricating oil outlet 26. Figure 6 When the diameter decreases downward as shown, the diameter D0 of the lubricating oil outlet 26 means the diameter at the upper end of the lubricating oil outlet 26. Figure 6 In the illustrated structure, a weld 84 connecting the lower end of the lubricating oil outlet 26 in the bottom cover 46 to the upper surface of the flange 70 and a weld 85 connecting the lower surface of the bottom cover 46 to the outer peripheral surface of the flange 70 are provided.

[0069] Assume that Figure 7 As shown, when the inner diameter D1 of the protruding tube 48 is the same as or smaller than the diameter D0 of the lubricating oil outlet 26, if a lower end oil drain hole 56A1 is provided in the protruding tube 48 near the bottom cover 46, the lubricating oil may leak outward from the bolt hole 83 of the flange 70 through the path passing through the welding parts 74 and 84 (the path passing between the lower end of the protruding tube 48 and the bottom cover 46 and between the bottom cover 46 and the flange 70), as shown by the arrow F1.

[0070] In this regard, through Figure 6 As shown in FIG, the inner diameter D1 of the protruding tube 48 is set to be larger than the diameter D0 of the lubricating oil outlet 26, so that the lower end of the protruding tube 48 is located at a position away from the welding portion 84 in the horizontal direction, which can reduce the occurrence of Figure 7 There is a possibility of leakage of lubricating oil as shown by arrow F1.

[0071] In several embodiments, for example, Figures 3 to 6In any of the illustrated configurations, the sum of the cross-sectional areas (passage cross-sectional areas) of all lower oil drain holes 56A formed in the protruding tube 48 is smaller than the cross-sectional area (passage cross-sectional area) of the lubricating oil outlet 26. For example, if the protruding tube 48 has four lower oil drain holes 56, the sum of the passage cross-sectional areas of the four lower oil drain holes 56A is smaller than the passage cross-sectional area of the lubricating oil outlet 26. Furthermore, the sum of the cross-sectional areas of all lower oil drain holes 56A formed in the protruding tube 48 is an area sufficient to ensure that the flow rate of lubricating oil flowing through all lower oil drain holes 56A formed in the protruding tube 48 is no more than 70% of the minimum flow rate of lubricating oil supplied to the supercharger 2 during operation (the lower limit of the flow rate of lubricating oil supplied to the lubricating oil inlet 22 during operation).

[0072] According to the related structure, even if the flow rate of the lubricating oil supplied to the supercharger 2 is the minimum flow rate, the lubricating oil can be stored in the lubricating oil reservoir 34, and the temperature sensor 38 can be arranged in the lubricating oil reservoir 34 by the thermometer 36 (refer to Figure 2 ) and stably and accurately measure the outlet temperature of the lubricating oil in the supercharger 2.

[0073] In several embodiments, for example Figure 8 As shown, the thermometer 36 is arranged with the tip of the probe 37 tilted relative to the vertical direction toward the protruding tube 48. In the illustrated example, the thermometer 36 is provided on the bottom cover 46, and is arranged with the longitudinal direction of the probe 37 tilted relative to the vertical direction so that the distance from the protruding tube 48 decreases as it moves upward from the bottom cover 46 (as it moves toward the tip of the probe 37 in the longitudinal direction of the thermometer 36).

[0074] According to the above structure, the base end side of the probe 37 (the side opposite to the temperature sensor 38) can be prevented from being in contact with the flanges 70, 72 connected to the lubricating oil outlet 26 and the oil outlet pipe 80 (see FIG. Figures 2 to 6 ), and the temperature sensor 38 of the thermometer 36 can be brought close to the oil drain hole 56 of the protruding tube 48 to measure the temperature of the lubricating oil near the oil drain hole 56 (i.e., the lubricating oil not stagnating in the lubricating oil reservoir 34). Therefore, interference between the base end of the thermometer 36 and the flange 72 connected to the lubricating oil outlet 26, the oil outlet piping 80, and the like can be suppressed, and the temperature of the lubricating oil, which accurately reflects the condition of the bearings 17 to 19, can be measured with high accuracy.

[0075] In several embodiments, for example Figure 9As shown, the thermometer 36 is arranged with the tip of the probe 37 tilted relative to the vertically protruding tube 48. In the illustrated example, the thermometer 36 is provided on the inner circumferential surface 42 of the housing 45 and is arranged with the longitudinal direction of the probe 37 tilted relative to the vertical direction. The distance from the protruding tube 48 decreases as the distance increases downward from the inner circumferential surface 42 of the housing 45 (as the distance increases toward the temperature sensor 38 in the longitudinal direction of the probe 37).

[0076] According to the above structure, the base end side of the probe 37 (the side opposite to the temperature sensor 38) can be prevented from being in contact with the flanges 70, 72 connected to the lubricating oil outlet 26 and the oil outlet pipe 80 (see FIG. Figures 2 to 6 ) and the like, and the temperature sensor 38 of the thermometer 36 can be brought close to the drain hole 56 of the protruding tube 48 to measure the temperature of the lubricating oil near the drain hole 56 (i.e., the lubricating oil that is not retained in the lubricating oil storage portion 34). Therefore, it is possible to suppress the interference of the base end side of the thermometer 36 with the flange 72 connected to the lubricating oil outlet 26, the oil outlet piping 80, the unillustrated support legs of the supercharger 2, and other structures, and to measure the temperature of the lubricating oil that well reflects the state of the bearings 17 to 19 with high precision. In addition, compared with the structure of inserting the probe 37 of the thermometer 36 from the mounting hole provided in the bottom cover 46 into the lubricating oil storage portion 34 (for example Figure 8 Compared to the structure shown in the figure, the possibility of lubricating oil remaining on the bottom cover 46 of the lubricating oil reservoir 34 leaking from the mounting hole of the thermometer 36 when the thermometer 36 is removed from the lubricating oil reservoir 34 can be reduced. In addition, as described above, the base end side of the thermometer 36 can be prevented from interfering with structures such as the flange 72 connected to the lubricating oil outlet 26, the oil outlet pipe 80, and the support legs (not shown) of the supercharger 2, thereby facilitating the installation of the thermometer 36 into the housing 45.

[0077] However, when the supercharger 2 is, for example, a marine supercharger, even if the supercharger 2 is tilted at the specified tilt angle of 22.5 degrees specified by the ship classification regulations, the temperature sensor 38 at the top end of the probe 37 is preferably located at a position lower than the oil level 40 of the lubricating oil in the lubricating oil storage section 34.

[0078] For example, Figure 10 As shown, when the height from the bottom cover 46 of the lubricating oil reservoir 34 to the top of the probe 37 of the thermometer 36 is set as X, the height from the bottom cover 46 of the lubricating oil reservoir 34 to the top of the protruding pipe 48 is set as A, and the distance between the inner peripheral surface 76 of the protruding pipe 48 at the position farthest from the thermometer 36 in the circumferential direction of the protruding pipe 48 and the probe 37 is set as B, when the supercharger 2 is tilted at an angle θ with respect to the horizontal direction, the position of the oil level 40 of the lubricating oil in the lubricating oil reservoir 34 becomes Figure 11Here, if angle θ is set to the larger of the maximum inclination angle specified by the ship class or the maximum inclination angle considered in the ship or engine design, the tip of thermometer 36 can be located lower than oil level 40 as long as the following formula (a) is satisfied. Alternatively, angle θ may be 22.5 degrees, for example.

[0079] X <A-Btanθ (a)

[0080] This prevents the tip of the probe 37 of the thermometer 36 from coming into contact with air, allowing for stable and highly accurate measurement of the outlet temperature of the lubricating oil in the supercharger 2. Furthermore, the height of the tip of the probe 37 and the height of the protruding tube 48 can be adjusted to account for vibrations in the oil level 40 caused by external vibrations.

[0081] In several embodiments, for example Figure 12 As shown, the upper surface 47 of the bottom cover 46 of the lubricating oil reservoir 34 includes an inclined surface 88 that is inclined downward toward the protruding tube 48 .

[0082] exist Figure 12 In the illustrated structure, the upper surface of the bottom cover 46 is formed into a concave shape that is recessed vertically downward. The bottom cover 46 is formed, for example, in a roughly truncated cone shape and includes an annular flat plate portion 90 and an annular inclined plate portion 92. The flat plate portion 90 has a lubricating oil outlet 26 formed at its center. The inclined plate portion 92 is connected to the outer periphery of the flat plate portion 90 and is inclined so as to face upward as it moves horizontally away from the protruding tube 48. The outer peripheral end of the inclined plate portion 92 is connected to the lower end of the housing portion 45, and the upper surface of the inclined plate portion 92 forms an inclined surface 88. The flange 70 is fixed to the lower surface of the flat plate portion 90 by welding. The probe 37 of the thermometer 36 is inserted into the lubricating oil reservoir 34 through the mounting hole 86 provided in the inclined plate portion 92. The thermometer 36 is configured so that the tip of the probe 37 is inclined toward the protruding tube 48 relative to the vertical direction. In addition, when the bottom cover 46 includes the inclined surface 88 , the shape of the bottom cover 46 is not limited to a substantially truncated cone shape, and may be another shape such as a substantially truncated pyramid shape.

[0083] Since the lubricating oil can be guided to the drain hole 56 of the protruding tube 48 along the inclined surface 88, the discharge performance of the lubricating oil can be improved, and the metabolism of the lubricating oil in the lubricating oil reservoir 34 can be promoted. As a result, the temperature of the lubricating oil that well reflects the state of the bearings 17 to 19 can be measured with high precision. In addition, since the residual amount of lubricating oil in the lubricating oil reservoir 34 can be almost drained when the operation of the supercharger 2 is stopped, the leakage of lubricating oil when the bottom cover 46 is removed can be suppressed. In addition, Figure 12 In the structure shown, the bottom cover 46 is not limited to a truncated cone shape, and may also be a quadrangular truncated cone shape or the like.

[0084] In several embodiments, for example Figure 13 As shown, in addition to the aforementioned thermometer 36, a thermometer 94 configured to measure the temperature of the lubricating oil is further provided. In this case, the thermometer 94 is disposed at a different position from the thermometer 36 in the circumferential direction of the protruding tube 48, and at least a portion of the temperature sensor 38 of the thermometer 94 is disposed within the lubricating oil reservoir 34.

[0085] Thermometer 94 has the same structure as thermometer 36. Thermometer 94 includes a probe 95, at the tip of which is a temperature sensor 96 (temperature sensor) for measuring the temperature of the lubricating oil. The tip of probe 95 is positioned below the oil level 40 of the lubricating oil stored in the lubricating oil reservoir 34. Consequently, temperature sensor 96 of thermometer 94 is positioned below the oil level 40 of the lubricant stored in the lubricating oil reservoir 34. Furthermore, the height Y from the top surface 47 of the bottom cover 46 of the lubricating oil reservoir 34 to the tip of probe 95 of thermometer 94 is different from the height X from the top surface 47 of the bottom cover 46 of the lubricating oil reservoir 34 to the tip of probe 37.

[0086] exist Figure 13 In the illustrated configuration, since the thermometer 36 and the thermometer 94 are provided at different positions along the circumference of the protruding tube 48, even when the supercharger 2 is tilted, such as in a ship, the temperature sensor of either thermometer can be easily maintained below the oil level 40 in the lubricating oil reservoir 34. Furthermore, the lubricating oil temperature at multiple height positions, such as the temperature of the lubricating oil near the oil level 40 in the lubricating oil reservoir 34 and the temperature of the lubricating oil near the bottom cover 46 of the lubricating oil reservoir 34, can be measured with high accuracy. Furthermore, three or more thermometers may be provided in the lubricating oil reservoir 34.

[0087] In several embodiments, for example Figure 14 As shown, the lubricating oil discharge portion 28 of the bearing stand 20 further includes a cover portion 98 that covers the opening of the upper end portion of the protruding tube 48. Figure 14 In the illustrated structure, protruding tube 48 includes a plurality of lower drain holes 56A extending through wall surface 58 of lower portion 60 of protruding tube 48, and a plurality of upper drain holes 56B extending through wall surface 58 of protruding tube 48 above lower drain holes 56A. The plurality of upper drain holes 56B are spaced apart and arranged at the same height in the circumferential direction of protruding tube 48.

[0088] Here, the diameter of upper drain hole 56B is larger than that of lower drain hole 56A. Furthermore, the sum of the cross-sectional areas (passage cross-sectional areas) of all lower drain holes 56A formed in protruding tube 48 and the sum of the cross-sectional areas (passage cross-sectional areas) of all upper drain holes 56B formed in protruding tube 48 is equal to or greater than the cross-sectional area (passage cross-sectional area) of lubricating oil outlet 26. In other words, the sum of the cross-sectional areas of all lower drain holes 56A formed in protruding tube 48 and the sum of the cross-sectional areas of all upper drain holes 56B formed in protruding tube 48 is equal to or larger than the cross-sectional area of lubricating oil outlet 26. Furthermore, if the passage cross-sectional area of each hole is not constant, the cross-sectional area of the hole refers to the minimum value of the passage cross-sectional area of the hole.

[0089] exist Figure 14 In the illustrated structure, by covering the opening at the upper end of the protruding tube 48 with the cover 98, the lubricating oil that descends from above (the lubricating oil that descends from the bearings 17 to 19) is prevented from flowing into the protruding tube 48 without passing through the lubricating oil reservoir 34. This ensures that the lubricating oil that descends from above will fall into the lubricating oil reservoir 34 all at once, making it easier to store the lubricating oil in the lubricating oil reservoir 34. Furthermore, by ensuring that the lubricating oil always passes through the lubricating oil reservoir 34, the lubricating oil is stirred in the lubricating oil reservoir 34, making the oil temperature uniform and enabling highly accurate measurement of the average temperature of the entire lubricating oil.

[0090] Furthermore, by providing an upper oil drain hole 56B of an appropriately larger size above the lower oil drain hole 56A, the oil level 40 of the lubricating oil in the lubricating oil reservoir 34 can be maintained at the level of the upper oil drain hole 56B. This prevents the oil level 40 of the lubricating oil in the lubricating oil reservoir 34 from rising to an undesirable height (e.g., the height of any of the bearings 17 to 19 of the supercharger 2, the height of the main shaft 3 of the supercharger 2, or the height of a seal (not shown) for preventing lubricating oil leakage).

[0091] Furthermore, the lubricating oil outlet 26 of the supercharger 2 has a cross-sectional area sufficient to allow the maximum flow rate of lubricating oil specified for the supercharger 2 to flow unimpeded. By setting the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the lower drain hole 56A and the upper drain hole 56B to be larger than that of the lubricating oil outlet 26 having such a cross-sectional area, the height of the lubricating oil level 40 in the lubricating oil reservoir 34 can be restricted to the height of the upper drain hole 56B even when the maximum flow rate of lubricating oil specified for the supercharger 2 is flowing. This prevents the lubricating oil level 40 in the lubricating oil reservoir 34 from rising to the undesirable height described above.

[0092] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and includes modified embodiments of the above-described embodiment and appropriate combinations of these embodiments.

[0093] For example, Figure 15 As shown, the oil drain hole 56 may not be formed in the protruding tube 48. In this case, for example, Figure 15 The mounting hole 86 shown is utilized as an oil drain hole for draining the lubricating oil from the lubricating oil reservoir 34. Alternatively, another oil drain hole may be provided in the housing portion 45 or the bottom cover 46 to drain the lubricating oil from the lubricating oil reservoir 34. In this case, the lubricating oil drained from the oil drain hole may be supplied to the oil outlet pipe 80.

[0094] In addition, in e.g. Figure 2 In the structure shown in FIG. , a plurality of oil drain holes 56 (lower oil drain hole 56A or lower end oil drain hole 56A1 ) are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction. However, the number of the oil drain hole 56 may be only one, as long as there is at least one.

[0095] In addition, Figure 14 In the illustrated structure, multiple lower oil drain holes 56A (or lower end oil drain holes 56A1) are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction. However, the number of lower oil drain holes 56A (or lower end oil drain holes 56A1) may be only one, as long as there is at least one. Furthermore, multiple upper oil drain holes 56B are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction. However, the number of upper oil drain holes 56B may be only one, as long as there is at least one.

[0096] The contents described in each of the above-mentioned embodiments can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0097] (1) The supercharger according to the present invention (for example, the supercharger 2 described above) includes:

[0098] bearings (e.g., bearings 17, 18, 19 described above), which are supplied with lubricating oil;

[0099] a housing (such as the bearing stand 20 described above), which houses the bearing; and

[0100] a first thermometer (such as the aforementioned thermometer 36 ), which includes a first temperature sensor (such as the aforementioned temperature sensor 38 ) for measuring the temperature of the lubricating oil,

[0101] The housing includes a lubricating oil discharge portion (such as the lubricating oil discharge portion 28 described above), which is formed with a lubricating oil outlet (such as the lubricating oil outlet described above) for discharging lubricating oil from the supercharger.

[0102] The lubricating oil discharge portion includes a lubricating oil storage portion (such as the lubricating oil storage portion 34 described above) for storing the lubricating oil.

[0103] The first temperature sensor is disposed in the lubricating oil reservoir.

[0104] According to the supercharger described in (1) above, since the first temperature sensor is arranged in the lubricating oil storage section, the lubricating oil stored in the lubricating oil storage section can be used to suppress the first temperature sensor from contacting with the air. That is, the oil-tight state of the first temperature sensor can be ensured. As a result, the outlet temperature of the lubricating oil in the supercharger can be stably and accurately measured. In addition, by providing a lubricating oil storage section, the lubricating oil falls into the lubricating oil storage section at one time and is mixed, thereby making the temperature of the entire lubricating oil uniform to a certain extent. Therefore, the unevenness of the temperature of the lubricating oil measured by the first temperature sensor can be suppressed, and the average temperature of the lubricating oil can be measured.

[0105] (2) In some embodiments, in the supercharger described in (1),

[0106] The lubricating oil reservoir includes at least one drain hole (eg, the drain hole 56 , the lower drain hole 56A, the lower end drain hole 56A1 , and the upper drain hole 56B) for draining the lubricating oil from the lubricating oil reservoir.

[0107] According to the supercharger described in (2), by discharging the lubricating oil stored in the lubricating oil reservoir from the oil drain hole, it is possible to suppress the lubricating oil from being continuously retained in the lubricating oil reservoir, thereby promoting the metabolism of the lubricating oil in the lubricating oil reservoir. Therefore, it is possible to measure the temperature of the lubricating oil with high accuracy, which well reflects the state of the supercharger's bearings.

[0108] In addition, if the old lubricating oil continues to remain in the lubricating oil storage section, when the old lubricating oil flows out of the lubricating oil storage section for some reason, the oil quality of the lubricating oil circuit will be reduced. However, in the structure described in (2) above, the metabolism of the lubricating oil in the lubricating oil storage section can be promoted, thereby suppressing the reduction in the quality of the lubricating oil.

[0109] (3) In some embodiments, in the supercharger described in (1) or (2),

[0110] The first thermometer includes a first probe (for example, the probe 37 described above) having the first temperature sensor at its tip.

[0111] The tip of the first probe is provided at a position lower than the oil level of the lubricating oil stored in the lubricating oil storage portion.

[0112] According to the supercharger described in (3), since the tip of the first probe is positioned lower than the oil level of the lubricating oil stored in the lubricating oil reservoir, the lubricating oil stored in the lubricating oil reservoir can be used to suppress contact between the temperature sensor of the first thermometer and air. In other words, an oil-tight state can be ensured for at least a portion of the first temperature sensor. This allows for stable and highly accurate measurement of the outlet temperature of the lubricating oil in the supercharger.

[0113] (4) In some embodiments, in the supercharger described in any one of (1) to (3),

[0114] The lubricating oil storage portion includes a protruding pipe (such as the protruding pipe 48 described above) protruding upward from the lubricating oil outlet.

[0115] The lubricating oil reservoir is configured to store the lubricating oil between an outer peripheral surface of the protruding pipe and an inner surface of the lubricating oil discharge portion.

[0116] According to the supercharger described in (4), lubricating oil can be stored around the lubricating oil outlet of the lubricating oil discharge portion with a simple structure. Therefore, the outlet temperature of the lubricating oil in the supercharger can be measured with high accuracy with a simple structure.

[0117] (5) In some embodiments, in the supercharger described in (4) above,

[0118] The inner diameter of the protruding pipe (for example, the inner diameter D1 mentioned above) is larger than the diameter of the lubricating oil outlet (for example, the inner diameter D0 mentioned above).

[0119] According to the supercharger described in (5) above, when the protruding pipe and the lubricating oil outlet are connected by welding, leakage of the lubricating oil due to damage of the welded portion can be suppressed.

[0120] (6) In some embodiments, in the supercharger described in (4) or (5),

[0121] The lubricating oil reservoir includes at least one drain hole (such as the drain hole 56, the lower drain hole 56A, the lower end drain hole 56A1, and the upper drain hole 56B) for draining the lubricating oil from the lubricating oil reservoir.

[0122] The at least one oil drain hole is formed to pass through a wall surface of the protruding tube.

[0123] According to the supercharger described in (6), by discharging the lubricating oil stored in the lubricating oil reservoir from the oil drain hole of the protruding pipe, it is possible to suppress the lubricating oil from continuing to stagnate in the lubricating oil reservoir with a simple structure, thereby promoting the metabolism of the lubricating oil in the lubricating oil reservoir. Therefore, it is possible to measure the temperature of the lubricating oil, which accurately reflects the condition of the supercharger's bearings, with high precision with a simple structure. In addition, by promoting the metabolism of the lubricating oil in the lubricating oil reservoir, it is possible to suppress the degradation of the lubricating oil quality.

[0124] (7) In some embodiments, in the supercharger described in (6),

[0125] The at least one oil drain hole includes at least one lower oil drain hole (eg, the aforementioned lower oil drain hole 56A), which is formed to pass through the wall surface of the lower portion of the protruding pipe.

[0126] According to the supercharger described in (7), by providing the lower oil drain hole at the lower portion of the protruding pipe, the metabolism of the lubricating oil in the lubricating oil reservoir can be effectively promoted by utilizing gravity. Therefore, the temperature of the lubricating oil, which effectively reflects the state of the supercharger's bearings, can be measured with high precision using a simple structure. Furthermore, degradation of the lubricating oil quality can be effectively suppressed.

[0127] (8) In some embodiments, in the supercharger described in (7),

[0128] The at least one lower oil drain hole includes at least one lower oil drain hole (such as the aforementioned lower oil drain hole 56A1 ) provided at the lower end of the protruding tube.

[0129] According to the supercharger described in (8) above, by providing a lower end drain hole at the lower end of the protruding pipe, the metabolism of the lubricating oil in the lubricating oil storage section can be effectively promoted by utilizing gravity. In addition, by discharging the lubricating oil in the lubricating oil storage section from the lower end drain hole when the operation of the supercharger is stopped, the lubricating oil in the lubricating oil storage section can be roughly emptied. Therefore, by preventing the old lubricating oil from remaining at the bottom of the lubricating oil storage section, the measurement accuracy of the lubricating oil temperature can be suppressed from decreasing, and the lubricating oil with deteriorated quality remaining at the bottom can be suppressed from circulating in the entire lubricating oil circuit when the ship is rocking, etc., thereby affecting the lubrication of the bearings. In addition, the oil can be suppressed from flowing out of the lubricating oil storage section when the shell is disassembled, etc. (for example, when the bottom cover is removed when the lubricating oil storage section has a bottom cover). In addition, in addition to when the bottom cover is removed, the oil can also be suppressed from flowing out of the lubricating oil storage section when, for example, the temperature sensor is removed (replaced) or when the supercharger is transported.

[0130] (9) In some embodiments, in the supercharger described in (8),

[0131] The at least one lower end oil drain hole is formed by hollowing out the upper surface of the bottom wall of the lubricating oil discharge portion (for example, the above-mentioned bottom cover 46 ).

[0132] According to the supercharger described in (9) above, the discharge performance of the lubricating oil from the lubricating oil storage portion can be improved.

[0133] (10) In some embodiments, in the supercharger described in any one of (7) to (9),

[0134] The total cross-sectional area of all the lower oil drain holes provided in the protruding pipe is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the lubricating oil outlet.

[0135] According to the supercharger described in (10) above, the lubricating oil can be efficiently stored in the lubricating oil storage portion, and the outlet temperature of the lubricating oil in the supercharger can be stably measured with high accuracy.

[0136] (11) In some embodiments, in the supercharger described in any one of (7) to (10),

[0137] The sum of the cross-sectional areas of all the lower oil drain holes provided in the protruding pipe is an area that makes the sum of the flow rates of the lubricating oil flowing through all the lower oil drain holes provided in the protruding pipe less than 70% of the minimum flow rate of the lubricating oil supplied to the supercharger when the supercharger is operating.

[0138] According to the supercharger described in (11) above, even if the flow rate of lubricating oil supplied to the supercharger is the minimum flow rate specified in the supercharger, lubricating oil can be stored in the lubricating oil storage portion, and the outlet temperature of the lubricating oil in the supercharger can be stably measured with high accuracy.

[0139] (12) In some embodiments, in the supercharger described in any one of (6) to (11),

[0140] The first thermometer includes a first probe having the first temperature sensor at a distal end thereof, and the first thermometer is arranged such that the distal end of the first probe is tilted toward the protruding tube relative to a vertical direction.

[0141] According to the supercharger described in (12), interference between the base end side of the first probe (the side opposite to the temperature sensor) and the flange, piping, etc. connected to the lubricating oil outlet can be suppressed, and the first temperature sensor can be placed close to the oil drain hole of the protruding pipe to measure the temperature of the lubricating oil near the oil drain hole (i.e., the lubricating oil not stagnating in the lubricating oil reservoir). Therefore, interference between the base end side of the first probe and the flange, piping, etc. connected to the lubricating oil outlet can be suppressed, and the temperature of the lubricating oil, which accurately reflects the condition of the bearing, can be measured with high accuracy.

[0142] (13) In some embodiments, in the supercharger described in any one of (6) to (12),

[0143] The upper surface of the bottom wall of the lubricating oil reservoir includes an inclined surface (for example, the above-mentioned inclined surface 88 ) that is inclined downward toward the protruding tube.

[0144] According to the supercharger described in (13), the lubricating oil can be guided along the inclined surface to the oil drain hole of the protruding pipe, thereby improving the discharge of the lubricating oil and promoting the metabolism of the lubricating oil in the lubricating oil reservoir. As a result, the temperature of the lubricating oil, which well reflects the state of the bearing, can be measured with high precision.

[0145] (14) In some embodiments, in the supercharger described in any one of (6) to (13),

[0146] The at least one oil drain hole includes a plurality of oil drain holes (eg, the above-mentioned oil drain hole 56 , lower oil drain hole 56A, lower end oil drain hole 56A1 , and upper oil drain hole 56B) spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the protruding tube.

[0147] According to the supercharger described in (14), even when the supercharger is tilted, for example, for use in a ship, the lubricating oil remaining in the lubricating oil reservoir can be nearly drained when the supercharger stops operating.

[0148] (15) In some embodiments, in the supercharger described in any one of (4) to (14),

[0149] A second thermometer (for example, the aforementioned thermometer 94 ) is provided, the second thermometer including a second temperature sensor (for example, the aforementioned temperature sensor 96 ) for measuring the temperature of the lubricating oil,

[0150] At least a portion of the second temperature sensor is disposed within the lubricating oil reservoir.

[0151] The second thermometer is arranged at a position different from that of the first thermometer in the circumferential direction of the protruding pipe.

[0152] According to the supercharger described in (15), since the first thermometer and the second thermometer are provided at different positions in the circumferential direction, even when the supercharger is tilted, such as when used on a ship, it is possible to easily maintain the temperature sensor of either thermometer below the oil level in the lubricating oil reservoir. Furthermore, the lubricating oil outlet temperature measuring device may include three or more thermometers provided at different positions in the circumferential direction of the protruding pipe.

[0153] (16) In some embodiments, in the supercharger described in (15),

[0154] The first thermometer includes a first probe (for example, the probe 37 described above) having the first temperature sensor at its tip.

[0155] The second thermometer includes a second probe (for example, the probe 95 described above) having the second temperature sensor at the tip side.

[0156] The height from the upper surface of the bottom wall of the lubricating oil reservoir to the top end of the first probe (eg, the height X) is different from the height from the upper surface of the bottom wall of the lubricating oil reservoir to the top end of the second probe (eg, the height Y).

[0157] According to the supercharger described in (16), the temperature of the lubricating oil at multiple height positions, such as the temperature of the lubricating oil near the oil surface in the lubricating oil reservoir and the temperature of the lubricating oil near the bottom of the lubricating oil reservoir, can be measured with high accuracy.

[0158] (17) In some embodiments, in the supercharger described in any one of (4) to (14),

[0159] The first thermometer includes a first probe having the first temperature sensor at its tip.

[0160] The distal end of the first probe is disposed at a position lower than the upper end of the protruding tube.

[0161] According to the supercharger described in (17) above, when the lubricating oil accumulates in the lubricating oil storage section to a height position above the upper end of the protruding tube, the top end of the first probe can be positioned below the oil level of the lubricating oil in the lubricating oil storage section, thereby preventing the first temperature sensor from contacting the air and measuring the temperature of the lubricating oil with high precision.

[0162] (18) In some embodiments, in the supercharger described in any one of (4) to (14),

[0163] The first thermometer includes a first probe having the first temperature sensor at its tip.

[0164] When the height from the bottom wall of the lubricating oil reservoir to the top end of the first probe is X, the height from the bottom surface of the lubricating oil reservoir to the top end of the protruding pipe is A, the distance between the inner circumferential surface of the protruding pipe at the position farthest from the first thermometer in the circumferential direction of the protruding pipe and the top end of the first probe is B, and the larger angle is θ, whichever is greater, the following formula (a) is satisfied:

[0165] X <A-Btanθ(a)。

[0166] According to the supercharger described in (18), even when the supercharger is tilted at the larger of the maximum tilt angle specified by the ship classification or the maximum tilt angle considered in the design of the ship or the engine, the tip of the first thermometer can be prevented from protruding from the oil surface. As a result, the portion of the first thermometer disposed in the lubricating oil reservoir can be prevented from coming into contact with air, and the outlet temperature of the lubricating oil in the supercharger can be stably and accurately measured.

[0167] (19) In some embodiments, in the supercharger described in any one of (6) to (14),

[0168] A cover portion (for example, the above-mentioned cover portion 98 ) is further provided, which covers the opening at the end portion of the protruding tube.

[0169] According to the supercharger described in (19), by covering the opening at the end of the protruding pipe with the cover, it is possible to prevent the lubricating oil that descends from above from flowing into the protruding pipe without passing through the lubricating oil reservoir between the outer peripheral surface of the protruding pipe and the inner surface of the lubricating oil discharge portion. Thus, the lubricating oil that descends from above is guaranteed to fall into the lubricating oil reservoir at once, making it easy to store the lubricating oil in the lubricating oil reservoir. Furthermore, by ensuring that the lubricating oil always passes through the lubricating oil reservoir, the lubricating oil is stirred in the lubricating oil reservoir, making the oil temperature uniform, and enabling high-precision measurement of the average temperature of the entire lubricating oil.

[0170] (20) In some embodiments, in the supercharger described in (19),

[0171] The at least one oil drain hole has at least one lower oil drain hole (such as the above-mentioned lower oil drain hole 56A, lower end oil drain hole 56A1) that passes through the wall of the lower part of the protruding tube and at least one upper oil drain hole (such as the above-mentioned upper oil drain hole 56B) that passes through the wall of the protruding tube above the at least one lower oil drain hole.

[0172] According to the supercharger described in (20) above, by providing a lower oil drain hole at the lower part of the protruding pipe, the metabolism of the lubricating oil in the lubricating oil storage section can be effectively promoted by utilizing gravity. Therefore, the temperature of the lubricating oil that well reflects the state of the bearing of the supercharger can be measured with high precision through a simple structure. In addition, by providing an upper oil drain hole of an appropriate size above the lower oil drain hole, the height of the oil level of the lubricating oil in the lubricating oil storage section can be limited to the height of the upper oil drain hole. Thus, the oil level of the lubricating oil in the lubricating oil storage section can be suppressed from rising to an unpreferable height position (for example, the height position of the bearing of the supercharger, the height position of the main shaft of the supercharger, or the height position of the sealing portion for preventing leakage of the lubricating oil, etc.).

[0173] (21) In some embodiments, in the supercharger described in (20),

[0174] A hole diameter of the at least one upper oil drain hole is larger than a hole diameter of the at least one lower oil drain hole.

[0175] According to the supercharger described in (21), by providing an upper oil drain hole having an appropriately larger hole diameter than the lower oil drain hole above the lower oil drain hole, the height of the oil level in the lubricating oil reservoir can be limited to the height of the upper oil drain hole. As a result, the oil level in the lubricating oil reservoir can be prevented from rising to the undesirable height position described above.

[0176] (22) In some embodiments, in the supercharger described in (20) or (21),

[0177] The first thermometer includes a first probe having the first temperature sensor at its tip.

[0178] The top end of the first probe is located between the lower oil drain hole and the upper oil drain hole in the height direction.

[0179] According to the supercharger described in (22) above, when the lubricating oil accumulates in the lubricating oil storage section to the height position of the upper oil drain hole, the top end of the first probe can be located below the oil level of the lubricating oil in the lubricating oil storage section, and the first temperature sensor can be prevented from contacting the air and the temperature of the lubricating oil can be measured with high precision.

[0180] (23) In some embodiments, in the supercharger described in any one of (20) to (22),

[0181] A total of a sum of cross-sectional areas of all the lower oil drain holes formed in the protruding pipe and a sum of cross-sectional areas of all the upper oil drain holes formed in the protruding pipe is equal to or greater than a cross-sectional area of the lubricating oil outlet.

[0182] According to the supercharger described in (23) above, the lubricating oil outlet of the supercharger has a cross-sectional area that allows the maximum flow rate of lubricating oil specified in the supercharger to flow without hindrance. By setting the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the lower drain hole and the upper drain hole to be greater than or equal to the lubricating oil outlet having such a cross-sectional area, the height of the lubricating oil level in the lubricating oil reservoir can be limited to the height of the upper drain hole even when the maximum flow rate of lubricating oil specified in the supercharger flows. As a result, the oil level of the lubricating oil in the lubricating oil reservoir can be prevented from rising to the unpreferable height position described above.

[0183] Explanation of symbols

[0184] 2 Booster

[0185] 3 spindles

[0186] 4 Turbine

[0187] 6 Compressor

[0188] 8 Bearing assembly

[0189] 10 Turbine impeller

[0190] 12 Turbine housing

[0191] 14 Compressor impeller

[0192] 16 Compressor housing

[0193] 17, 18 journal bearings

[0194] 19 thrust bearing

[0195] 20 bearing table

[0196] 22 Lubricating oil inlet

[0197] 24 Lubricating oil receiving part

[0198] 26 Lubricating oil outlet

[0199] 28 Lubricating oil discharge part

[0200] 32 Hollow

[0201] 34 Lubricating oil storage

[0202] 36 Thermometer

[0203] 37 probe

[0204] 38 Temperature Sensor

[0205] 40 Oily noodles

[0206] 42 inner circumference

[0207] 45 housing

[0208] 46 bottom cover

[0209] 47 upper surface

[0210] 48 protruding tube

[0211] 50 outer surface

[0212] 54 recess

[0213] 56 Oil drain hole

[0214] 56A lower oil drain hole

[0215] 56A1 lower end oil drain hole

[0216] 56B upper oil drain hole

[0217] 58 wall

[0218] 60 lower part

[0219] 62 lower end

[0220] 70, 72 flanges

[0221] 74, 78, 84, 85 welding parts

[0222] 76 inner circumference

[0223] 80 Oil outlet piping

[0224] 82 bolts

[0225] 83 bolt holes

[0226] 86 mounting holes

[0227] 87 Sealing component

[0228] 88 Inclined surface

[0229] 90 Flat Plate

[0230] 92 inclined plate

[0231] 94 Thermometer

[0232] 95 probe

[0233] 96 Temperature Sensor

[0234] 98 cover

Claims

1. A supercharger comprising: bearings, which are supplied with lubricating oil; a housing that houses the bearing; and a first thermometer comprising a first temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the lubricating oil, It is characterized by: The housing includes a lubricating oil discharge portion having a lubricating oil outlet formed therein for discharging the lubricating oil from the supercharger. The lubricating oil discharge portion includes: a housing portion, the housing portion forming a cavity along the up-down direction below the bearing; a bottom cover covering an opening formed at a lower end of the housing portion and having the lubricating oil outlet formed therein; and a lubricating oil reservoir configured to store the lubricating oil that has fallen from the bearing on the bottom cover, The first temperature sensor is disposed in the lubricating oil reservoir.

2. The supercharger according to claim 1, characterized in that The lubricating oil reservoir includes at least one oil drain hole for draining the lubricating oil from the lubricating oil reservoir.

3. The supercharger according to claim 1, characterized in that The first thermometer includes a first probe having the first temperature sensor at its tip. The tip of the first probe is provided at a position lower than the oil level of the lubricating oil stored in the lubricating oil storage portion.

4. The supercharger according to claim 1, characterized in that further comprising a second thermometer including a second temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the lubricating oil in the lubricating oil reservoir, the second thermometer being arranged at a position different from that of the first thermometer in a circumferential direction around the center of the lubricating oil outlet; The second temperature sensor is arranged in the lubricating oil storage portion. The first thermometer includes a first probe having the first temperature sensor at its tip. The second thermometer includes a second probe having the second temperature sensor at the tip side. A height from the bottom cover to a top end of the first probe is different from a height from the bottom cover to a top end of the second probe.

5. A supercharger comprising: bearings, which are supplied with lubricating oil; a housing that houses the bearing; and a first thermometer comprising a first temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the lubricating oil, It is characterized by: The housing includes a lubricating oil discharge portion having a lubricating oil outlet formed therein for discharging the lubricating oil from the supercharger. The lubricating oil discharge portion includes a lubricating oil storage portion for storing the lubricating oil. The first temperature sensor is arranged in the lubricating oil storage portion, The lubricating oil storage portion includes a protruding pipe protruding upward from the lubricating oil outlet. The lubricating oil reservoir is configured to store the lubricating oil between an outer peripheral surface of the protruding pipe and an inner surface of the lubricating oil discharge portion.

6. The supercharger according to claim 5, characterized in that The inner diameter of the protruding pipe is larger than the diameter of the lubricating oil outlet.

7. The supercharger according to claim 5, characterized in that The lubricating oil storage portion includes at least one oil drain hole for draining the lubricating oil from the lubricating oil storage portion. The at least one oil drain hole is formed to pass through a wall surface of the protruding tube.

8. The supercharger according to claim 7, characterized in that The at least one oil drain hole includes at least one lower oil drain hole, and the lower oil drain hole is formed to pass through a wall surface of a lower portion of the protruding pipe.

9. The supercharger according to claim 8, characterized in that The at least one lower oil drain hole includes at least one lower end oil drain hole provided at the lower end of the protruding tube.

10. The supercharger according to claim 9, characterized in that The at least one lower end oil drain hole is formed by hollowing out the upper surface of the bottom wall of the lubricating oil drain portion.

11. The supercharger according to claim 8, characterized in that The total cross-sectional area of all the lower oil drain holes provided in the protruding pipe is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the lubricating oil outlet.

12. The supercharger according to claim 8, characterized in that The total cross-sectional area of all the lower oil drain holes provided in the protruding pipe is an area that makes the total flow rate of the lubricating oil flowing through all the lower oil drain holes provided in the protruding pipe less than 70% of the minimum flow rate of the lubricating oil supplied to the supercharger when the supercharger is operating.

13. The supercharger according to claim 7, characterized in that The first thermometer includes a first probe having the first temperature sensor at a distal end thereof, and the first thermometer is arranged such that the distal end of the first probe is tilted toward the protruding tube relative to a vertical direction.

14. The supercharger according to claim 7, characterized in that The upper surface of the bottom wall of the lubricating oil reservoir includes an inclined surface that is inclined downward toward the protruding tube.

15. The supercharger according to claim 7, characterized in that The at least one oil drain hole includes a plurality of oil drain holes provided at intervals in the circumferential direction of the protruding pipe.

16. The supercharger according to claim 5, characterized in that A second thermometer is provided, the second thermometer including a second temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the lubricating oil, At least a portion of the second temperature sensor is disposed within the lubricating oil reservoir. The second thermometer is arranged at a position different from that of the first thermometer in the circumferential direction of the protruding pipe.

17. The supercharger according to claim 16, characterized in that The first thermometer includes a first probe having the first temperature sensor at its tip. The second thermometer includes a second probe having the second temperature sensor at the tip side. A height from an upper surface of the bottom wall of the lubricating oil reservoir to a tip of the first probe is different from a height from an upper surface of the bottom wall of the lubricating oil reservoir to a tip of the second probe.

18. The supercharger according to claim 5, characterized in that The first thermometer includes a first probe having the first temperature sensor at its tip. The distal end of the first probe is disposed at a position lower than the upper end of the protruding tube.

19. The supercharger according to claim 5, characterized in that The first thermometer includes a first probe having the first temperature sensor at its tip. When the height from the bottom wall of the lubricating oil reservoir to the top end of the first probe is X, the height from the bottom surface of the lubricating oil reservoir to the top end of the protruding pipe is A, the distance between the inner circumferential surface of the protruding pipe at the position farthest from the first thermometer in the circumferential direction of the protruding pipe and the top end of the first probe is B, and the larger angle is θ, whichever is greater, the following formula (a) is satisfied: X <A-Btanθ(a)。 20. The supercharger according to any one of claims 7 to 15, characterized in that: A cover portion is further provided, the cover portion covering the opening at the end portion of the protruding pipe.

21. The supercharger according to claim 20, characterized in that The at least one oil drain hole includes at least one lower oil drain hole penetrating the wall surface of the lower portion of the protruding tube and at least one upper oil drain hole penetrating the wall surface of the protruding tube above the at least one lower oil drain hole.

22. The supercharger according to claim 21, characterized in that A hole diameter of the at least one upper oil drain hole is larger than a hole diameter of the at least one lower oil drain hole.

23. The supercharger according to claim 21, characterized in that The first thermometer includes a first probe having the first temperature sensor at its tip. The top end of the first probe is located between the lower oil drain hole and the upper oil drain hole in the height direction.

24. The supercharger according to claim 21, characterized in that A total of a sum of cross-sectional areas of all the lower oil drain holes formed in the protruding pipe and a sum of cross-sectional areas of all the upper oil drain holes formed in the protruding pipe is equal to or greater than a cross-sectional area of the lubricating oil outlet.

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