A new oil change tool and its use method
By designing a new type of oil change fixture, which utilizes a shut-off check valve, transition pipe, rigid pipe, and storage bag, the problems of complex operation and safety hazards in changing intermediate bearing oil have been solved, achieving the effect of simplifying the oil change process and improving safety.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HUDONG ZHONGHUA SHIPBUILDINGGROUP
- Filing Date
- 2026-03-03
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-29
AI Technical Summary
In the existing technology, changing the oil in intermediate bearings is a complicated operation that requires multiple people to work together, and there are risks of oil splashing and safety hazards.
A novel oil change tool is designed, including a shut-off check valve, a transition pipe, a rigid pipe, a flexible hose, and a storage bag. Through threaded connections and anti-loss chains, the oil change process is simplified, and oil leakage and parts loss are prevented.
It reduces the difficulty of oil changes, saves manpower, improves safety and equipment safety, prevents lubricating oil leakage, and facilitates the storage and retrieval of parts.
Smart Images

Figure CN122107253A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of marine technology, specifically to a novel oil change tool and its usage method. Background Technology
[0002] Long-shaft vessels typically employ intermediate bearings to support the operation of the intermediate shaft. These bearings contain an oil chamber, and their routine maintenance significantly impacts their service life and reliability. During use, the oil in the oil chamber needs periodic replacement according to maintenance guidelines and actual operating conditions. Oil changes are generally performed through an oil change port on the bottom side of the intermediate bearing, with a small bucket or similar container used to collect the oil. However, in real-world ship designs, the space occupied by intermediate bearings is often limited, requiring multiple personnel to coordinate oil changes. Figure 1 As shown, during an oil change, the operator first secures the container below the oil change port of the intermediate bearing, while other operators remove the valve A from the oil change port. If the oil volume is large, valve A needs to be removed and reinstalled multiple times, and the oil needs to be changed and collected multiple times to complete the oil change. This method of oil change is complex, requires several people to work together, and is prone to splashing oil during the process, posing a certain safety hazard.
[0003] Therefore, we have designed a new type of oil change tool and its usage method to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by providing a novel oil change tool and its usage method, thereby solving the problems mentioned in the background art.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: A novel oil change fixture includes a main body comprising a shut-off check valve, a transition connector, a first rigid pipe, a second rigid pipe, and a hose. The shut-off check valve is connected to a detachable transition connector and the first rigid pipe at its front and rear ends, respectively. A detachable second rigid pipe is connected to the rear end of the first rigid pipe, and a hose is fitted onto the rear end of the second rigid pipe. A storage bag is connected to the bottom of the shut-off check valve via a connecting chain. A threaded plug is connected to the first rigid pipe via an anti-loss chain. Two symmetrically arranged threaded cylinders are fixed to the outer sides of both the transition connector and the threaded plug, and extension arms can be connected to the threaded cylinders.
[0006] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the rear end of the transition pipe and the rear end of the first rigid pipe are both provided with internal threads, and the front end of the shut-off check valve, the front end of the transition pipe, and the front end of the second rigid pipe are all provided with external threads that can mate with the internal threads.
[0007] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the threaded plug can engage with the internal thread at the rear end of the first rigid pipe.
[0008] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the rear end of the shut-off check valve and the front end of the first rigid pipe are both fixed with flanges, and the flanges of the two are connected by bolts and nuts.
[0009] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, one end of the extension arm is fixed with a threaded post that can be threadedly connected to the threaded cylinder, and the other end of the extension arm is fixed with a handle.
[0010] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the opening of the storage bag is located on its upper side, and a zipper is installed at the opening of the storage bag.
[0011] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, one end of the anti-loss chain is fixed to a threaded plug, and the other end is fixedly connected to a collar, which is sleeved on the first rigid tube.
[0012] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a limiting ring is fixed on the outer ring of the first rigid pipe. The outer ring radius of the limiting ring is larger than the inner ring radius of the collar, and the collar is disposed between the limiting ring and the flange on the first rigid pipe.
[0013] A method for using a novel oil change tool, applicable to a new type of oil change tool, specifically includes the following steps: S1. First, remove the oil change plug at the bottom of the intermediate bearing on the hull base. Then, measure the distance L1 from the oil change plug hole at the bottom of the intermediate bearing to the edge of the hull base on the same side. Calculate the required number of transition pipes based on L1. S2. Tighten the required number of transition pipes in sequence, then connect the transition pipes to the oil change plug hole at the bottom of the intermediate bearing via threads, and connect the shut-off check valve to the transition pipe and the first hard pipe respectively. Close the shut-off check valve, and tighten the threaded plug into the internal thread at the rear end of the first hard pipe. Although the shut-off check valve is closed here, the threaded plug still needs to be installed to prevent the shut-off check valve from being accidentally opened due to misoperation, resulting in accidental leakage of lubricating oil. S3. Add lubricating oil to the intermediate bearing and put the remaining transition pipe, second rigid pipe, and hose into the storage bag for later use. S4. When the intermediate bearing reaches the maintenance time and the lubricating oil needs to be changed, first remove the threaded plug and hang it on the first hard tube using the anti-loss chain. Then take out the second hard tube and hose from the storage bag, and attach one end of the hose to the rear end of the second hard tube. Then tighten the external thread at the front end of the second hard tube into the internal thread at the rear end of the first hard tube. S5. Place the hose into the waste oil tank interface on the receiving vessel, open the shut-off check valve to release the lubricating oil in the intermediate bearing, clean the lubricating oil chamber of the intermediate bearing after the lubricating oil is released, close the shut-off check valve, remove the second hard pipe and hose, put the second hard pipe and hose into the recycling bag for later use, reinstall and tighten the threaded plug, and add lubricating oil to the intermediate bearing again. S6. Repeat steps S4 and S5 during subsequent oil changes.
[0014] Compared with the prior art, the present invention provides a novel oil change tool and its usage method, which has the following beneficial effects: 1. This new type of oil changing tool, by replacing the original oil changing plug of the equipment, fundamentally solves the inconvenience caused by the need to repeatedly disassemble and reassemble the oil changing plug for oil changing operations, greatly reduces the difficulty of changing the oil of the intermediate bearing, saves manpower consumption, and adopts a double safety of shut-off check valve and threaded plug to prevent lubricating oil leakage caused by operator misoperation of the shut-off check valve when the intermediate bearing is in normal use, thereby improving the safety of the tool and equipment. 2. This new type of oil change tool can be directly extended into the ship's waste oil tank by setting up a hose, eliminating the inconvenience of repeatedly collecting oil using containers in the past, preventing oil leakage during the oil change process, and improving safety. 3. This new type of oil change tool has a storage bag at the bottom of the shut-off check valve, which can store excess transition pipes, as well as unused second rigid pipes, hoses and extension arms in the storage bag for later use. This not only prevents these parts from being lost, but also makes it convenient for operators to retrieve them later. Attached Figure Description
[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the oil change operation of intermediate bearings in long-shafted ships in the existing technology.
[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the oil draining state of the oil changing tool of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure of each pipe fitting in this invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the oil change fixture in the closed state of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the auxiliary disassembly state of the oil change tool of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the extension arm structure of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the anti-loss chain structure of the present invention.
[0017] Reference numerals: 1. Stop check valve; 2. Transition pipe; 3. First rigid pipe; 4. Second rigid pipe; 5. Hose; 6. Connecting chain; 7. Storage bag; 8. Anti-loss chain; 9. Threaded plug; 10. Internal thread; 11. External thread; 12. Flange; 13. Threaded cylinder; 14. Extension arm; 15. Threaded post; 16. Handle; 17. Zipper; 18. Limiting ring; 19. Collar. Detailed Implementation
[0018] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention. Example 1
[0019] Please see Figures 2-7 This embodiment provides a novel oil change fixture, whose structure includes a fixture body composed of a shut-off check valve 1, a transition connector 2, a first rigid pipe 3, a second rigid pipe 4, and a hose 5. The rear ends of the transition connector 2 and the first rigid pipe 3 are both provided with internal threads 10. The front ends of the shut-off check valve 1, the transition connector 2, and the second rigid pipe 4 are all provided with external threads 11 that can mate with the internal threads 10. The external thread 11 at the front end of the transition connector 2 can mate with the thread inside the oil change plug hole at the bottom of the intermediate bearing. The number of transition connectors 2 connected depends on the intermediate bearing. The space around the oil change plug hole at the bottom of the bearing is determined, and it must be ensured that the shut-off check valve 1 will not touch the base of the intermediate bearing after connection. The rear end of the shut-off check valve 1 and the front end of the first rigid pipe 3 are both fixed with flanges 12. The front end of the shut-off check valve 1 is connected to the rear end of the transition pipe 2 through a thread. The rear end of the shut-off check valve 1 is connected to the front end of the first rigid pipe 3 through flange 12. The rear end of the first rigid pipe 3 can be connected to the front end of the second rigid pipe 4 through a thread. The rear end of the second rigid pipe 4 is fitted with a hose 5. All threaded connections are equipped with sealing rings to prevent oil leakage during use.
[0020] The bottom of the shut-off check valve 1 is connected to a storage bag 7 via a connecting chain 6. This bag can store excess transition pipe 2, and can also store the second rigid pipe 4 and flexible pipe 5 after they have been removed, to prevent these pipe fittings from being lost. It also makes it convenient for operators to retrieve them later. The opening of the storage bag 7 is located on its upper side, and a zipper 17 is installed at the opening of the storage bag 7. The zipper 17 prevents the pipe fittings from falling out of the storage bag 7 after they have been stored, thereby further preventing the pipe fittings from being lost.
[0021] A threaded plug 9 is connected to the first rigid pipe 3 via an anti-loss chain 8. One end of the anti-loss chain 8 is fixed to the threaded plug 9, and the other end is fixedly connected to a collar 19. The collar 19 is fitted onto the first rigid pipe 3. The anti-loss chain 8 prevents the threaded plug 9 from being lost after removal. When rotating the threaded plug 9, the anti-loss chain 8 can rotate through the collar 19 on the outer ring of the first rigid pipe 3, thereby preventing the anti-loss chain 8 from twisting or breaking or affecting the rotation of the threaded plug 9. A limit ring 18 is fixed on the outer ring of the first rigid pipe 3. The outer radius of the limit ring 18 is larger than the inner radius of the collar 19. The collar 19 is positioned between the limit ring 18 and the flange 12 on the first rigid pipe 3. The limit ring 18 prevents the collar 19 from falling off the first rigid pipe 3, thereby further preventing the threaded plug 9 from being lost. The threaded plug 9 can mate with the internal thread 10 at the rear end of the first rigid pipe 3.
[0022] Both the transition pipe 2 and the threaded plug 9 have two symmetrically arranged threaded cylinders 13 fixed on their outer sides. An extension arm 14 can be connected to the threaded cylinder 13. One end of the extension arm 14 is fixed with a threaded post 15 that can be threadedly connected to the threaded cylinder 13. The other end of the extension arm 14 is fixed with a handle 16. By connecting the extension arm 14 to the transition pipe 2 or the threaded plug 9, the operator can easily unscrew the transition pipe 2 or the threaded plug 9. Example 2
[0023] The novel oil change fixture of this embodiment is applied to the oil change operation of intermediate bearings in long-shafted ships. Before the operation, the main body of the fixture is installed first. Then, the plug A at the bottom of the intermediate bearing on the hull base is removed. The distance L1 from the oil change plug hole at the bottom of the intermediate bearing to the edge of the hull base on the same side is measured. The number of transition pipes 2 required is calculated based on L1. Then, these transition pipes 2 are tightened in sequence. Finally, the connected transition pipes 2 are threadedly connected to the thread on the inside of the oil change plug hole at the bottom of the intermediate bearing through the external thread 11 at their front end.
[0024] Next, connect the external thread 11 at the front end of the shut-off check valve 1 to the internal thread 10 at the rear end of the transition pipe 2. Then connect the flange 12 at the rear end of the shut-off check valve 1 to the flange 12 at the front end of the first rigid pipe 3 with bolts and nuts. Close the shut-off check valve 1 and tighten the threaded plug 9 into the internal thread 10 at the rear end of the first rigid pipe 3. Although the shut-off check valve 1 is closed, installing the threaded plug 9 can prevent accidental opening of the shut-off check valve 1 due to misoperation, which could lead to accidental leakage of lubricating oil.
[0025] After the main body of the tooling is installed, add lubricating oil to the intermediate bearing, put the remaining transition pipe 2, second rigid pipe 4, and flexible hose 5 into the storage bag 7, and then zip up the zipper 17 at the opening of the storage bag 7 to prevent items from falling out.
[0026] When the intermediate bearing reaches its maintenance time and the lubricating oil needs to be changed, first remove the threaded plug 9. Fix one end of the anti-loss chain 8 to the threaded plug 9, and the other end of the chain 8 is fitted onto the first rigid tube 3. The collar 19 is positioned between the limiting ring 18 on the outer ring of the first rigid tube 3 and the flange 12 on the first rigid tube 3. This prevents the collar 19 from sliding too much and causing the threaded plug 9 to be lost. At this time, the threaded plug 9 is suspended on the first rigid tube 3 by the anti-loss chain 8. Then, take out the second rigid tube 4 and the hose 5 from the storage bag 7. Fit one end of the hose 5 onto the rear end of the second rigid tube 4 and tighten it into the internal thread 10 at the rear end of the first rigid tube 3 using the external thread 11 at the front end of the second rigid tube 4.
[0027] After preparation, place hose 5 into the waste oil tank interface on the receiving vessel, open check valve 1 to drain the lubricating oil from the intermediate bearing, clean the lubricating oil chamber of the intermediate bearing after draining the lubricating oil, then close check valve 1, remove the second rigid pipe 4 and hose 5, and place them in the collection bag 7. Zip up zip 17, then reinstall and tighten the threaded plug 9, and add lubricating oil back into the intermediate bearing. Repeat the above steps of draining and adding lubricating oil during subsequent oil changes.
[0028] If the threaded plug 9 is found to be difficult to unscrew during operation due to being overtightened or corroded, an extension arm 14 can be connected to the threaded cylinder 13 on the outside of the threaded plug 9. The threaded post 15 at one end of the extension arm 14 is connected to the threaded cylinder 13 by thread. The operator holds the handle 16 at the other end of the extension arm 14 to operate, thereby helping the operator to unscrew the threaded plug 9 by extending the lever arm.
[0029] If the transition pipe 2 is difficult to unscrew when disassembling the main body of the tooling, the extension arm 14 can be connected to the threaded cylinder 13 on the outside of the transition pipe 2. When the extension arm 14 is not in use, it can be stored in the storage bag 7 for easy access by the operator later.
[0030] Finally, it should be noted that the above descriptions are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A novel oil change fixture, comprising a fixture body, characterized in that: The main body of the tooling includes a shut-off check valve (1), a transition pipe (2), a first rigid pipe (3), a second rigid pipe (4), and a hose (5). The front and rear ends of the shut-off check valve (1) are respectively connected to the detachable transition pipe (2) and the first rigid pipe (3). The rear end of the first rigid pipe (3) is connected to the detachable second rigid pipe (4). The rear end of the second rigid pipe (4) is fitted with a hose (5). The bottom of the shut-off check valve (1) is connected to a storage bag (7) via a connecting chain (6). The first rigid pipe (3) is connected to a threaded plug (9) via an anti-loss chain (8). The outer sides of the transition pipe (2) and the threaded plug (9) are fixed with two symmetrically arranged threaded cylinders (13). An extension arm (14) can be connected to the threaded cylinder (13).
2. The novel oil change fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rear end of the transition pipe (2) and the rear end of the first hard pipe (3) are both provided with internal threads (10), and the front end of the stop check valve (1), the front end of the transition pipe (2) and the front end of the second hard pipe (4) are both provided with external threads (11) that can cooperate with the internal threads (10).
3. The novel oil change fixture according to claim 2, characterized in that: The threaded plug (9) can be engaged with the internal thread (10) at the rear end of the first hard tube (3).
4. The novel oil change fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rear end of the shut-off check valve (1) and the front end of the first rigid pipe (3) are both fixed with flanges (12), and the flanges (12) of the two are connected by bolts and nuts.
5. The novel oil change fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that: One end of the extension arm (14) is fixed with a threaded post (15) that can be threadedly connected to the threaded cylinder (13), and the other end of the extension arm (14) is fixed with a handle (16).
6. The novel oil change fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that: The opening of the storage bag (7) is located on its upper side, and a zipper (17) is installed at the opening of the storage bag (7).
7. The novel oil change fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that: One end of the anti-loss chain (8) is fixed to the threaded plug (9), and the other end is fixedly connected to a collar (19), which is sleeved on the first rigid tube (3).
8. A novel oil change fixture according to claim 7, characterized in that: The outer ring of the first rigid pipe (3) is fixed with a limiting ring (18). The outer radius of the limiting ring (18) is larger than the inner radius of the collar (19). The collar (19) is located between the limiting ring (18) and the flange (12) on the first rigid pipe (3).
9. A method for using a novel oil change tool, characterized in that, It is applicable to a novel oil change fixture as described in any one of claims 1-8, and specifically includes the following steps: S1. First, remove the oil change plug at the bottom of the intermediate bearing on the hull base. Then measure the distance L1 from the oil change plug hole at the bottom of the intermediate bearing to the edge of the hull base on the same side. Calculate the required number of transition pipes (2) based on L1. S2. Tighten the required number of transition pipes (2) in sequence, then connect the transition pipes (2) to the oil change plug hole at the bottom of the intermediate bearing through the thread, and connect the shut-off check valve (1) to the transition pipe (2) and the first hard pipe (3) respectively. Close the shut-off check valve (1), and tighten the threaded plug (9) into the internal thread (10) at the rear end of the first hard pipe (3). Although the shut-off check valve (1) is closed here, the threaded plug (9) still needs to be installed to prevent the shut-off check valve (1) from being opened by mistake due to misoperation, resulting in accidental leakage of lubricating oil. S3. Add lubricating oil to the intermediate bearing and put the remaining transition pipe (2), second hard pipe (4), and hose (5) into the storage bag (7) for later use; S4. When the intermediate bearing reaches the maintenance time and the lubricating oil needs to be replaced, first remove the threaded plug (9) and hang it on the first hard tube (3) using the anti-loss chain (8). Then take out the second hard tube (4) and hose (5) from the storage bag (7), and attach one end of the hose (5) to the rear end of the second hard tube (4). Then tighten the external thread (11) at the front end of the second hard tube (4) into the internal thread (10) at the rear end of the first hard tube (3). S5. Place the hose (5) into the waste oil tank interface on the receiving ship, open the shut-off check valve (1) to release the lubricating oil in the intermediate bearing, clean the lubricating oil chamber of the intermediate bearing after the lubricating oil is released, close the shut-off check valve (1), remove the second hard pipe (4) and hose (5), and put the second hard pipe (4) and hose (5) into the recycling bag (7) for later use. Then reinstall and tighten the threaded plug (9), and add lubricating oil to the intermediate bearing again. S6. Repeat steps S4 and S5 during subsequent oil changes.