Electric lubricant supply device and method for discharging lubricant from electric lubricant supply device

Abstract

This invention provides an electric lubricant supply device and a method for discharging lubricant from the electric lubricant supply device. One embodiment involves an electric lubricant supply device comprising a motor, a pump, a drive circuit, and a control circuit. The pump (i) is driven by the motor and (ii) discharges lubricant. The drive circuit drives the motor. The control circuit rotates the motor by means of the drive circuit. During the driving of the motor, the control circuit performs prescribed processing based on the load torque satisfying a first requirement. The load torque (i) is applied to the motor from outside and (ii) is generated based on the load received from the pump. The first requirement corresponds to a state where gas has been mixed into the pump.

Description

[0001] [Applications with cross-references]

[0002] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-233016, filed with the Japanese Patent Office on December 27, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to an electric lubricant supply device. Background Technology

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-134818 discloses a grease discharge device equipped with a pump. According to this grease discharge device, the pump receives grease from a housing and discharges the grease. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Depending on the grease discharge device, air may get into the grease inside the pump. When air gets into the pump, proper grease discharge from the pump may be hindered. For example, the amount of grease discharged may be temporarily reduced, or grease may not be discharged temporarily.

[0006] It is hoped that one aspect of the present invention can properly detect the situation where gas mixes into the pump.

[0007] In this invention, the terms "first," "second," etc., are merely intended to distinguish elements from each other, and are not intended to limit the order or number of elements. Therefore, the first element can be called the second element, and similarly, the second element can be called the first element. In addition, the first element can be present without the second element, and similarly, the second element can be present without the first element.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention provides an electric lubricant supply device comprising a motor, a pump, a drive circuit, and a control circuit.

[0009] The pump is driven by the motor. The pump discharges lubricant. The drive circuit drives the motor.

[0010] The control circuit causes the motor to rotate via the drive circuit.

[0011] The control circuit performs specified processing during the driving process of the motor based on the fact that the load torque has met the first requirement.

[0012] The load torque (i) is applied to the motor from outside the motor and (ii) is generated based on the load received from the pump. The first requirement is a requirement of the load torque corresponding to the state in which gas has been mixed into the pump. The first requirement may also correspond to the state in which gas may have been mixed into the pump. That is, the load torque satisfying the first requirement may also indicate that gas (or possibly) has been mixed into the pump.

[0013] The electric lubricant supply device configured in this way can properly detect the situation where the gas is mixed into the pump.

[0014] Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for discharging lubricant from an electric lubricant supply device, the method comprising the following steps:

[0015] The electric lubricant supply pump is driven by a motor, the pump being configured to discharge the lubricant; and

[0016] During the driving process of the motor, a specified process is performed in the electric lubricant supply based on the load torque meeting a specified requirement, the load torque (i) being applied to the motor from outside and (ii) being generated based on the load received from the pump, the specified requirement being a requirement corresponding to the state in which gas has been mixed into the pump.

[0017] According to this method, the situation where the gas mixes into the pump can be properly detected in the electric lubricant supply device. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the electric lubricant supply device according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a central longitudinal sectional view of an electric lubricant supply unit.

[0020] Figure 3 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating how a plunger moves up and down via the rotation of a motor.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a top view of the control panel in the electric lubricant supply unit.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a circuit diagram showing the electrical configuration of an electric lubricant supply unit.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a functional block diagram of the control circuit in an electric lubricant supply unit.

[0024] Figure 7This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of motor operation when the motor is started under gas entrainment conditions.

[0025] Figure 8 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of motor operation when the motor decelerates under normal conditions.

[0026] Figure 9 This is an illustration diagram used to schematically illustrate the torque applied to a motor.

[0027] Figure 10 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of motor operation (especially the estimated torque) when the motor is started under gas entrainment conditions.

[0028] Figure 11 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of motor operation (especially the estimated torque) when the motor decelerates under normal conditions.

[0029] Figure 12 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of setting the first threshold.

[0030] Figure 13 This is the flowchart for the main processing.

[0031] Figure 14 This is a flowchart of the process in progress.

[0032] Figure 15 It is a flowchart of the processing in the action.

[0033] Figure 16 This is a flowchart of the gas entrainment detection process in the first embodiment.

[0034] Figure 17 This is a flowchart of continuous decision-making and processing.

[0035] Figure 18 This is a flowchart of the gas entrainment detection process in the second embodiment.

[0036] Figure 19 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of motor operation (especially the differential value of the estimated torque) when the motor is started under gas entrainment conditions.

[0037] Figure 20 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of motor operation (especially the differential value of the estimated torque) when the motor decelerates under normal conditions.

[0038] Figure 21 This is a flowchart of the gas entrainment detection process in the third embodiment.

[0039] Figure 22 This is a flowchart of a part of the gas entrainment detection process in the fourth embodiment.

[0040] Figure 23 This is another part of the gas entrainment detection process in the fourth embodiment. Figure 22 (The following is a flowchart.)

[0041] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0042] 1…Electric lubricant supply; 8…Trigger switch; 9…Trigger; 15…Battery pack; 20…Motor; 28A~28C…1st~3rd rotary position sensors; 48…Slider; 50…Plug; 60…Pump; 63…Cavity; 66A…Outlet; 70…Operation panel; 80…Control circuit; 80A…CPU; 80B…Semiconductor memory; 82…Drive circuit. Detailed Implementation

[0043] 1. Overview of Implementation Methods

[0044] One embodiment may provide an electric lubricant supply having at least one of the following features.

[0045] Feature 1: Motor.

[0046] Feature 2: Pump.

[0047] Feature 3: The pump is configured to be driven by the motor.

[0048] Feature 4: The pump is configured to discharge lubricant.

[0049] Feature 5: Drive circuit.

[0050] Feature 6: The drive circuit is configured to drive the motor.

[0051] Feature 7: Control circuit.

[0052] Feature 8: The control circuit is configured to rotate the motor by means of the drive circuit (in other words, to perform the first action). The control circuit may also be configured to control the drive circuit, thereby causing the motor to rotate.

[0053] Feature 9: The control circuit is configured to perform a prescribed process (in other words, execute the second action) based on the fact that the load torque has met the first requirement during the driving process of the motor.

[0054] Feature 10: The load torque (i) is applied to the motor from outside the motor (specifically, to the rotating shaft) and (ii) is generated based on the load received from the pump (hereinafter referred to as "pump load") (in other words, caused by the operation of the pump).

[0055] Feature 11: The first element is the load torque element corresponding to the state in which gas (or bubbles) has been mixed into the pump. The first element may also indicate that the gas has been mixed into the pump.

[0056] An electric lubricant supply device having at least features 1 to 11 is capable of properly detecting the situation where the gas is mixed into the pump.

[0057] The motor is in the form of an electric motor. The motor may also be configured to generate a driving force (or rotational driving force, or driving torque as described later, or rotational force, or torque). The pump may also be configured to: (i) directly or indirectly receive the driving force from the motor, or (ii) be driven by the driving force. "Driven by the motor" can mean: receiving the driving force (or at least a portion of the driving torque) from the motor, and being driven accordingly.

[0058] The motor may also be configured to: (i) receive current and rotate accordingly, and (ii) output the driving torque (or the torque or the rotational force) corresponding to the current. The motor may also receive the current from the drive circuit.

[0059] Examples of motors include: DC motors, AC motors, and stepper motors. Examples of DC motors include: brushless motors (or brushless DC motors) and brushed DC motors.

[0060] Examples of the lubricant include liquid lubricants and semi-solid lubricants. Examples of liquid lubricants include lubricating oil. Examples of semi-solid lubricants include lubricating grease. Specifically, examples of electric lubricant dispensers include electric grease guns.

[0061] The pump can be configured to: (i) receive the lubricant and (ii) discharge the received lubricant. The lubricant can flow into (i.e. be received) the pump by receiving pressure against the pump from outside the pump. Alternatively, the pump can be configured to generate a negative pressure within the pump, through which the lubricant is received (i.e. drawn in).

[0062] The pump can include all types of pumps. Examples of the pump include positive displacement pumps. Examples of positive displacement pumps include reciprocating pumps and rotary pumps. Examples of reciprocating pumps include plunger pumps configured as plungers and diaphragm pumps configured as diaphragms. Examples of the pump may also include non-positive displacement pumps.

[0063] The drive circuit may also include multiple switching elements electrically connected to the motor. Examples of the drive circuit include a full-bridge circuit and a half-bridge circuit.

[0064] The full-bridge circuit can also be electrically connected to the motor. In this case, the motor can also be a three-phase motor (e.g., the brushless motor). The motor can also (i) have three terminals, and (ii) be configured to receive power from the full-bridge circuit (i.e., from the drive circuit) via the three terminals, thereby rotating.

[0065] The full-bridge circuit may also have six switching elements. Examples of the six switching elements include semiconductor switches and mechanical relays. Examples of semiconductor switches include field-effect transistors (FETs), bipolar transistors, insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs), thyristors, and solid-state relays (SSRs).

[0066] The six switching elements may also include: three high-side switches and three low-side switches. The three high-side switches may be electrically connected to the positive terminal of a power source (e.g., a DC power source) and the three terminals of the motor. The three low-side switches may also be electrically connected to the negative terminal of the power source and the three terminals of the motor. The three high-side switches may also (i) be respectively configured on three positive-side energizing paths, or (ii) be configured to respectively connect or disconnect the three positive-side energizing paths. The three positive-side energizing paths respectively connect the three terminals of the motor to the positive terminal of the power source. The three low-side switches may also (i) be respectively configured on three negative-side energizing paths, or (ii) be configured to respectively connect or disconnect the three negative-side energizing paths. The three negative-side energizing paths respectively connect the three terminals of the motor to the negative terminal of the power source.

[0067] In this pump, especially during lubricant discharge, pressure can be received from the lubricant, increasing the pump load. Therefore, the pump load can vary depending on the pump's operation. Specifically, the pump load can increase during lubricant discharge and decrease during lubricant reception. Accordingly, the pump load can exhibit periodic fluctuations. The magnitude of these fluctuations depends on whether gas is mixed into the pump. When gas is mixed into the pump, the pressure received by the pump from the lubricant is lower compared to when no gas is mixed in. Therefore, when gas is mixed into the pump, the increase in pump load during lubricant discharge is suppressed, and consequently, the fluctuation in pump load is smaller.

[0068] The load torque varies according to the pump load as described above. When the lubricant is discharged and no gas is introduced into the pump, the load torque and its variation are greater than when the lubricant is discharged and gas is introduced into the pump. Therefore, based on the load torque, it is possible to determine whether gas has entered the pump.

[0069] The torque applied to the motor from outside the motor (hereinafter referred to as "external input torque") may include: the load torque and torques other than the load torque (hereinafter referred to as "non-load torque"). The non-load torque may include: mechanical loss torque and / or inertial torque. The mechanical loss torque is applied to the motor based on mechanical factors or mechanical losses (e.g., friction) generated by the transmission mechanism described later. The inertial torque is applied to the motor due to the inertial torque of the motor. The inertial torque is due to the mechanical characteristics of the transmission system as a whole. The transmission system (i) transmits the drive torque from the motor to the pump, and (ii) transmits the drive torque.

[0070] The external input torque can also be equal to the driving torque, or it can be considered as equal to the driving torque.

[0071] The load torque can also be expressed in other words as the torque among the drive torques that contributes to the operation of the pump (i.e., is used for or consumed in the operation of the pump). The torque contributing to the operation of the pump includes at least the torque that contributes to the discharge of the lubricant. When the mechanical losses in the pump are small or negligible, the load torque can be considered equal to the torque that contributes to the discharge of the lubricant. In other words, when the pump load can be considered to arise solely from the discharge of the lubricant, the load torque can be considered equal to the torque that contributes to the discharge of the lubricant. The torque contributing to the operation of the pump may include at least the torque that contributes to the reception and discharge of the lubricant. However, the torque that contributes to the reception of the lubricant is generally less than the torque that contributes to the discharge and can be ignored.

[0072] The driving torque may include: the torque that contributes to the operation of the pump (i.e., the torque corresponding to the load torque) and the torque that does not contribute to the operation of the pump (i.e., the torque corresponding to the non-load torque). The driving torque may be equal to the sum of the load torque and the non-load torque, or it may be considered equal to them. Specifically, the driving torque may be equal to the sum of at least one of the load torque, the mechanical loss torque, and the inertial torque, or it may be considered equal to them.

[0073] The control circuit can determine whether the load torque meets the first requirement without relying on the current supplied to the motor (in other words, without using the magnitude of the current). The load torque can also be obtained by any method. For example, the load torque can be calculated (i.e., estimated) using the prescribed calculations described later. Alternatively, for example, the electric lubricant supply can also include a sensor capable of detecting the magnitude of the pressure applied to the pump when the lubricant is discharged. In this case, the load torque can also be obtained based on the magnitude of the pressure detected by the sensor.

[0074] The first requirement can also indicate that the gas may have been mixed into the pump. That is, the load torque satisfying the first requirement can also mean that the gas has been mixed into the pump, or that the gas may have been mixed into the pump. Alternatively, "the gas has been mixed into the pump" can itself include the meaning that "the gas may have been mixed into the pump".

[0075] The gas being mixed into the pump may include: (i) the gas being mixed into the lubricant within the pump, and / or (ii) the gas being mixed into a receiving portion (e.g., a chamber described later) within the pump that contains the lubricant.

[0076] The prescribed treatment can also be any treatment corresponding to the presence of gas in the pump. The prescribed treatment can also be a treatment that should be performed or is desired to be performed when gas has been present in the pump. When gas has been present in the pump, the lubricant may not be properly discharged. Specifically, it is possible that the amount of lubricant discharged is reduced or that the lubricant is not discharged at all. Accordingly, the prescribed treatment can also be a treatment corresponding to the state where the lubricant may not be properly discharged, i.e., a treatment that should be performed or is desired to be performed in that state. Examples of such prescribed treatments will be described later.

[0077] In one embodiment, the control circuit may also be integrated into a single electronic unit, a single electronic device, or a single circuit board.

[0078] In one embodiment, the control circuit may also be a combination of two or more electronic circuits, two or more electronic units, or two or more electronic devices individually disposed on or within the electric lubricant supply.

[0079] In one embodiment, the control circuit may also include: a microcomputer (or microcontroller, or microprocessor), wiring logic, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an application-specific general-purpose product (ASSP), a programmable logic device (PLD) (e.g., a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), etc.), discrete electronic components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0080] In one embodiment, the electric lubricant dispenser may also be handheld (in other words, portable). That is, the electric lubricant dispenser may also have a handle configured to be held by a user. The electric lubricant dispenser can also be used while the user holds the handle.

[0081] In addition to having at least one of features 1 to 11, or alternatively, a certain implementation may also have the following features.

[0082] Feature 12: The first requirement is satisfied based on the maximum value of the load torque during the specified driving period being below the first threshold.

[0083] An electric lubricant supply device having at least features 1 to 12 is capable of detecting with high precision the situation where the gas is mixed into the pump.

[0084] Feature 12 can be described as follows: the first requirement includes the maximum value of the load torque during the specified driving period being below the first threshold.

[0085] The specified drive period is a specified period during which the motor is driven. In cases where the pump is configured to repeatedly perform a specified action, the specified drive period may also include at least the period during which the specified action is performed.

[0086] The first threshold may also be less than the range of load torques that can be generated under normal conditions (e.g., its minimum value). The first threshold may also be greater than the range of load torques that can be generated under abnormal conditions (e.g., its maximum value). The normal state corresponds to a state in which no gas is mixed into the pump, and the abnormal state corresponds to a state in which gas is mixed into the pump.

[0087] In addition to having at least one of features 1 to 12, or alternatively, a certain embodiment may also have the following features.

[0088] Feature 13: The first requirement is satisfied when the maximum amplitude of the load torque during the specified driving period is below the second threshold.

[0089] An electric lubricant supply device having at least features 1 to 11, 13 is capable of detecting with high precision the situation where the gas is mixed into the pump.

[0090] Feature 13 can be described as follows: the first requirement includes the maximum value of the amplitude during the specified driving period being below the second threshold. The first requirement can also be described as follows: during the specified driving period, the amplitude of the load torque does not exceed the second threshold. The amplitude of the load torque can also be defined as the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the load torque as a time-series variation (continuous). The maximum value of the amplitude can also be the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the load torque during the specified driving period.

[0091] The second threshold may also be less than the range of amplitudes that can be generated under the normal state (e.g., its minimum value). The second threshold may also be greater than the range of amplitudes that can be generated under the abnormal state (e.g., its maximum value).

[0092] In addition to having at least one of features 1 to 13, or alternatively, a certain embodiment may also have the following features.

[0093] Feature 14: The first requirement is satisfied when the maximum value of the derivative of the load torque during the specified driving period is below the third threshold.

[0094] An electric lubricant supply device having at least features 1 to 11, 14 is capable of detecting with high precision the situation where the gas is mixed into the pump.

[0095] Feature 14 can be described as follows: the first requirement includes the maximum value of the differential value during the specified driving period being below the third threshold. The first requirement can also be described as follows: during the specified driving period, the differential value does not exceed the third threshold.

[0096] The differential value of the load torque can also be calculated arbitrarily. For example, the differential value of the load torque can be calculated based on the time derivative. That is, the differential value can be calculated as the change in load torque per specified unit time. Alternatively, for example, the differential value of the load torque can be calculated based on the rotation angle derivative. That is, the differential value can be calculated as the change in load torque during a specified unit rotation angle of the motor.

[0097] The third threshold may also be less than: the range of absolute values ​​of the differential that can be generated under the normal state (e.g., its minimum value). The third threshold may also be determined to be a value greater than the range of absolute values ​​of the differential that can be generated under the abnormal state (e.g., its maximum value).

[0098] In addition to having at least one of features 1 to 14, or alternatively, a certain embodiment may also have the following features.

[0099] Feature 15: The control circuit is configured to change the first threshold according to the operating state of the electric lubricant supply.

[0100] An electric lubricant supply device having at least features 1 to 12, 15 can detect the gas mixing into the pump with higher precision.

[0101] The operating state can include all states that affect the load torque. In other words, the operating state can include all states in which the load torque changes according to the changes in the operating state.

[0102] In addition to having at least one of features 1 to 15, or alternatively, a certain embodiment may also have the following features.

[0103] Feature 16: The control circuit is configured to change the second threshold according to the operating state of the electric lubricant supply.

[0104] An electric lubricant supply device having at least features 1 to 11, 13, and 16 can detect the gas mixing into the pump with higher precision.

[0105] In addition to having at least one of features 1 to 16, or alternatively, a certain implementation may also have the following features.

[0106] Feature 17: The control circuit is configured to change the third threshold according to the operating state of the electric lubricant supply.

[0107] An electric lubricant supply device having at least features 1 to 11, 14, and 17 can detect the mixing of gas into the pump with higher precision.

[0108] In addition to having at least one of features 1 to 17, a certain embodiment may also have at least one of the following features.

[0109] Feature 18: The control circuit is configured to set a target rotational speed. The target rotational speed is a target value for the rotational speed of the motor.

[0110] Feature 19: The control circuit is configured to control the drive circuit in such a way that the rotational speed of the motor matches the target rotational speed (i.e., the set target rotational speed).

[0111] Feature 20: The action state includes the target rotation speed.

[0112] An electric lubricant supply device having at least features 1 to 12, 15, 18 to 20, an electric lubricant supply device having at least features 1 to 11, 13, 16, 18 to 20, and an electric lubricant supply device having at least features 1 to 11, 14, 17 to 20 can detect the situation where the gas is mixed into the pump with higher precision.

[0113] In addition to having at least one of features 1 to 20, or alternatively, a certain embodiment may also have at least one of the following features.

[0114] Feature 21: The control circuit is configured to output a pulse width modulation signal with a duty cycle to the drive circuit to control the drive circuit.

[0115] Feature 22: The drive circuit is configured to (i) receive the pulse width modulation signal and (ii) drive the motor according to the duty cycle of the received pulse width modulation signal.

[0116] Feature 23: The action state includes the duty cycle.

[0117] An electric lubricant supply device having at least features 1 to 12, 15, 21 to 23, an electric lubricant supply device having at least features 1 to 11, 13, 16, 21 to 23, and an electric lubricant supply device having at least features 1 to 11, 14, 17, 21 to 23 can detect the situation where the gas is mixed into the pump with higher precision.

[0118] The drive circuit can also be configured to supply power (or current) corresponding to the duty cycle to the motor to drive it. Specifically, the drive circuit can also be configured such that a larger duty cycle results in a larger power (or current). Alternatively, the duty cycle can increase as the target rotation speed increases.

[0119] When the drive circuit includes the plurality of switching elements, at least one of the plurality of switching elements may be configured to: (i) receive the pulse width modulation signal, and (ii) turn on or off according to the duty cycle of the pulse width modulation signal (thereby turning on or off the corresponding energizing path). That is, the larger the duty cycle, the longer the period during which the circuit is turned on (i.e., the corresponding energizing path is turned on), and consequently the greater the power supplied to the motor (and thus the output of the motor and / or the actual rotational speed).

[0120] In addition to having at least one of features 1 to 23, or alternatively, a certain embodiment may also have the following features.

[0121] Feature 24: The operating state includes the actual rotational speed of the motor.

[0122] An electric lubricant supply device having at least features 1 to 12, 15, and 24, an electric lubricant supply device having at least features 1 to 11, 13, 6, and 24, and an electric lubricant supply device having at least features 1 to 11, 14, 17, and 24 can detect the situation where the gas is mixed into the pump with higher precision.

[0123] The control circuit can also arbitrarily set thresholds for the target object (i.e., the first threshold, the second threshold, and / or the third threshold) based on the action state. The control circuit can set the thresholds according to a pre-prepared function that uses the action state as a variable. Alternatively, the control circuit can refer to a pre-prepared chart or a similar database to set the thresholds. In the chart, a correspondence is established between the action state and the threshold.

[0124] The control circuit may also increase the first threshold and / or the second threshold and / or the third threshold as the target rotation speed increases. The control circuit may also increase the first threshold and / or the second threshold and / or the third threshold as the duty cycle increases.

[0125] In addition to having at least one of features 1 to 24, or alternatively, a certain embodiment may also have at least one of the following features.

[0126] Feature 25: The control circuit is configured to acquire the temperature of the electric lubricant supply.

[0127] Feature 26: The action state includes: the temperature.

[0128] An electric lubricant supply device having at least features 1 to 12, 15, 25, and 26, an electric lubricant supply device having at least features 1 to 11, 13, 16, 25, and 26, and an electric lubricant supply device having at least features 1 to 11, 14, 17, 25, and 26 can detect the situation where the gas is mixed into the pump with higher precision.

[0129] The control circuit can also acquire the temperature of the electric lubricant supply at any point (anywhere). The temperature can be either the temperature of the lubricant or a temperature that can be considered as the temperature of the lubricant (or its variation).

[0130] In one embodiment, the electric lubricant supply may also include a temperature detector configured and arranged to directly or indirectly detect the temperature of the lubricant. The control circuit may also change the first threshold, the second threshold, and / or the third threshold based on the temperature detected by the temperature detector.

[0131] The temperature detector can also be in direct contact with the lubricant. In this case, the temperature detector can directly detect the temperature of the lubricant. Alternatively, the temperature detector can be detached from the lubricant. The temperature detector can also be any form capable of detecting the temperature. Examples of the temperature detector include: positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistors, negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistors, and critical temperature resistor (CTR) thermistors.

[0132] In a certain embodiment with features 12, 25, and 26, the control circuit may also be configured to decrease the first threshold as the acquired temperature increases.

[0133] In a certain embodiment with features 13, 25, and 26, the control circuit may also be configured to reduce the second threshold as the acquired temperature increases.

[0134] In a certain embodiment with features 14, 25, and 26, the control circuit may also be configured to reduce the third threshold as the acquired temperature increases.

[0135] The operating state may also include physical quantities other than the target rotational speed, the duty cycle, the actual rotational speed, and the temperature. Examples of the operating state include physical quantities representing the magnitude of the voltage applied to the motor by the drive circuit, or indirectly representing the magnitude of its voltage. When the drive circuit is configured to apply a power supply (e.g., a battery) voltage to the motor, the operating state may include the voltage of the battery. In this case, when the voltage of the battery decreases, the voltage applied to the motor also decreases. Thus, the first threshold can be set in such a way that the first threshold decreases as the voltage of the battery decreases. The same applies to the second and third thresholds. One embodiment may include a voltage detector configured to detect the voltage of the battery. The voltage detector may be configured to: (i) receive the voltage of the battery, and (ii) output a voltage detection signal corresponding to the magnitude of its voltage to the control circuit. The control circuit may also (i) obtain the magnitude of the battery voltage based on the voltage detection signal from the voltage detector, and (ii) set the first threshold (or the second threshold or the third threshold) based on the obtained magnitude.

[0136] In addition to having at least one of features 1 to 26, a certain embodiment may also have at least one of the following features.

[0137] Feature 27: (i) connected to the motor and (ii) configured as a transmission mechanism for transmitting the rotational force of the motor to the pump.

[0138] Feature 28: The drive circuit is configured to supply current to the motor, thereby causing the motor to rotate.

[0139] Feature 29: The control circuit is configured to calculate the load torque or load-inclusive torque based on the magnitude of the current supplied to the motor from the drive circuit and the acceleration of the motor. The load-inclusive torque is a portion or all of the torque applied to the motor from outside the motor. The load-inclusive torque (i) includes the load torque, and (ii) varies substantially the same as the load torque (i.e., with the same or similar tendency).

[0140] • Feature 30: The control circuit is configured to perform a predetermined process based on the calculated load torque satisfying the first requirement. Alternatively, the control circuit is configured to perform a predetermined process based on the calculated load torque including the load torque satisfying the first requirement.

[0141] In an electric lubricant supply device having at least features 1 to 11 and 27 to 30, it is easy to determine whether the load torque meets the first requirement.

[0142] The load, including torque, may (i) increase as the load torque increases, (ii) decrease as the load torque decreases, and / or (iii) remain constant as the load torque is maintained constant.

[0143] In one embodiment, the control circuit may also be configured to calculate the load torque based on the following formula (1), or to calculate the load-inclusive torque based on the following formula (2).

[0144]

Equation 1

[0145]

[0146] In the above formula (1) and / or the above formula (2), the motor current value is: the value of the current supplied from the drive circuit to the motor, the motor torque coefficient is: the torque coefficient of the motor, the inertial torque is: the inertial torque of the motor, the motor acceleration is: the acceleration of the motor (more specifically, the acceleration of the rotational speed of the rotating shaft), and the mechanical loss torque corresponds to: the torque consumed (in other words, used or lost) by the transmission mechanism from the torque output from the motor.

[0147] The motor torque coefficient can also be described as the torque generated by the motor when a unit current flows through it. The motor torque coefficient is generally also called the torque constant. As is well known, the torque generated by the motor is represented by the product of the motor current value and the motor torque coefficient.

[0148] The load-included torque corresponds to the value obtained by adding a constant or substantially constant torque (in other words, bias torque) to the load torque. Accordingly, a change in the load-included torque corresponds to (i.e., is consistent with or substantially consistent with) a change in the load torque. That is, judging a change in the load-included torque is essentially the same as judging a change in the load torque. When the mechanical loss torque is constant or substantially constant, the load-included torque may also include the mechanical loss torque.

[0149] The control circuit can also determine whether the load torque satisfies the first requirement based on the calculated load-included torque. Alternatively, if the load-included torque includes the mechanical loss torque, it can perform a specified process based on the fact that the load-included torque has met a predetermined requirement. The predetermined requirement corresponds to the first requirement. The statement that the load-included torque satisfies the predetermined requirement is synonymous with the statement that the load torque included in the load-included torque satisfies the first requirement.

[0150] In addition to having at least one of features 1 to 30, or alternatively, a certain embodiment may also have at least one of the following features.

[0151] Feature 31: The electric lubricant supply device has a notification unit.

[0152] Feature 32: The notification unit is configured to notify information indicating that the gas has been mixed into the pump.

[0153] Feature 33: The specified processing includes: notifying the information by means of the notification unit.

[0154] In an electric lubricant supply having at least features 1 to 11 and 31 to 33, the user of the electric lubricant supply can easily know whether the gas has been mixed into (or may have been mixed into) the pump.

[0155] The notification unit can also use any method to notify the information. For example, the notification unit can be configured to display the information in a visually verifiable manner. Alternatively, the notification unit can be configured to output the information via sound or voice.

[0156] In addition to having at least one of features 1 to 33, a certain embodiment may also have at least one of the following features.

[0157] Feature 34: The pump is configured to repeatedly perform a prescribed discharge action (or unit discharge action) for discharging the lubricant.

[0158] Feature 35: The control circuit is configured to accumulate the actual number of discharges each time the predetermined discharge action is performed during the driving process of the motor (in other words, to perform an addition operation in an additive manner). The actual number of discharges corresponds to the number of times the predetermined discharge action has been performed.

[0159] Feature 36: The control circuit is configured to stop the motor based on the actual number of discharges reaching a target number of discharges. The target number of discharges is a target value for the actual number of discharges. The target number of discharges can also be predetermined.

[0160] Feature 37: The specified processing includes: temporarily stopping the accumulation of the actual number of discharges.

[0161] An electric lubricant supply device having at least features 1 to 11 and 34 to 37 can suppress or prevent the motor from stopping before the actual discharge volume reaches a amount corresponding to the target discharge number. The prescribed discharge action may also include receiving the lubricant and discharging the received lubricant.

[0162] In addition to having at least one of features 1 to 37, or alternatively, a certain embodiment may also have the following features.

[0163] Feature 38: The control circuit is configured to: after temporarily stopping the accumulation of the actual discharge count, restart the accumulation of the actual discharge count based on the fact that the load torque no longer meets the first requirement.

[0164] An electric lubricant supply having at least features 1 to 11 and 34 to 38 can, during the driving process of the motor, precisely discharge an amount of lubricant corresponding to the target number of discharges, even if the gas is temporarily mixed into the pump.

[0165] In addition to having at least one of features 1 to 38, or alternatively, a certain embodiment may also have at least one of the following features.

[0166] Feature 39: The pump includes a chamber configured to contain the lubricant. The chamber may also be configured to contain the lubricant received within the pump.

[0167] Feature 40: The pump has an outlet communicating with the chamber.

[0168] Feature 41: The pump has a plunger.

[0169] Feature 42: The plunger is located within the chamber. The plunger is configured to: (i) reciprocate within the chamber based on the rotational force of the motor, and (ii) thereby discharge the lubricant within the chamber from the outlet. The plunger may also reciprocate via the motor (or via the rotational force of the motor).

[0170] In an electric lubricant supply having at least features 1 to 11 and 39 to 42, the mixing of gas in the plunger reciprocating pump can be properly detected.

[0171] The aforementioned "the gas has been mixed into the pump" can include: the gas has been mixed into the chamber. When the electric lubricant supply is equipped with the plunger, the load torque can also be: the torque generated by the load received from the plunger, in other words, the torque consumed (used) to make the plunger reciprocate. Furthermore, the control circuit can also perform the prescribed processing during the motor's operation based on the fact that the torque meets the first requirement.

[0172] The electric lubricant supply may also include a converter that converts rotary motion into linear motion. The converter (i) is directly or indirectly connected to the motor and the reciprocating component, (ii) receives rotation from the motor, and (iii) converts that rotation into reciprocating motion of the reciprocating component. The converter may also be one of several components constituting the pump.

[0173] In addition to having at least one of features 1 to 42, or alternatively, a certain embodiment may also have the following features.

[0174] Feature 43: The specified driving period includes the period during which the plunger performs one reciprocating motion within the chamber.

[0175] In an electric lubricant supply having at least features 1 to 12 and 39 to 43, the mixing of gas in the plunger reciprocating pump can be detected appropriately and effectively.

[0176] The aforementioned gas being mixed into the pump may include: (i) the gas being mixed into the chamber, and / or (ii) the gas being mixed into the discharge material that is about to be discharged through the plunger.

[0177] In addition to having at least one of features 1 to 43, or alternatively, a certain embodiment may also have the following features.

[0178] Feature 44: The specified discharge action includes: the plunger reciprocating once in the chamber.

[0179] An electric lubricant supply device having at least features 1 to 11, 34 to 37, 39 to 42, and 44 is capable of discharging an amount of lubricant corresponding to the target number of discharges.

[0180] In addition to having at least one of features 1 to 44, or alternatively, a certain embodiment may also have the following features.

[0181] Feature 45: The control circuit is configured such that, during the driving process of the motor, the motor stops when the state of the load torque satisfying the first requirement continues for a predetermined time.

[0182] In an electric lubricant supply device having at least features 1 to 11, 45, in the event of a continuous state of gas mixing (or potential mixing), the user can take appropriate countermeasures.

[0183] In one implementation, the motor can also be stopped without waiting for a specified period of time, corresponding to the fulfillment of the first requirement.

[0184] In addition to having at least one of features 1 to 45, or alternatively, a certain embodiment may also have the following features.

[0185] Feature 46: The control circuit is configured to detect, in accordance with the first requirement being met during the driving of the motor, the situation where the gas has been mixed into the pump (or possibly so), and / or the situation where the pump wants to discharge the gas (or possibly so).

[0186] In an electric lubricant supply device having at least features 1 to 11, 46, various countermeasures can be taken based on the detection of the mixing of the gas.

[0187] In addition to having at least one of features 1 to 46, or alternatively, a certain embodiment may also have the following features.

[0188] Feature 47: The control circuit is configured to perform the specified processing based on (i) the motor accelerating or decelerating and (ii) the load torque satisfying the first requirement.

[0189] In an electric lubricant supply having at least features 1 to 11, 47, the mixing of gas can be properly detected even during the acceleration or deceleration of the motor.

[0190] That is, during the period when the motor rotates at a constant speed, the presence of gas can be detected based on the magnitude of the current supplied to the motor. However, during the period when the motor accelerates, the current changes in the same manner as when gas is present, even if no gas is present. Furthermore, during the period when the motor decelerates, the current changes in the same manner as when no gas is present. Therefore, detecting the presence of gas based on the current during the acceleration and deceleration of the motor is neither easy nor possible.

[0191] In contrast, an electric lubricant supply device having at least features 1 to 11, 47 is capable of detecting the mixing of gas with high precision during the acceleration and / or deceleration of the motor based on the load torque.

[0192] In addition to having at least one of features 1 to 47, a certain embodiment may also have at least one of the following features.

[0193] Feature 48: The drive circuit is configured to supply current to the motor so that the motor rotates.

[0194] Feature 49: The control circuit is configured to perform the specified processing based on (i) the motor accelerating or decelerating and (ii) the load torque satisfying the first requirement.

[0195] Feature 50: The control circuit is configured to perform a predetermined process based on (i) the motor rotating at a constant speed and (ii) the magnitude of the current supplied to the motor satisfying a second requirement. The second requirement is the magnitude of the current corresponding to the state in which gas has been mixed into the pump.

[0196] One embodiment may provide a method for discharging lubricant from an electric lubricant supply having at least one of the following features.

[0197] Feature 51: The pump of the electric lubricant supply is driven by a motor of the electric lubricant supply. The pump may also be configured to discharge the lubricant.

[0198] Feature 52: During the driving process of the motor, a specified process is performed in the electric lubricant supply device based on the condition that the load torque has met the specified requirements.

[0199] Feature 53: The load torque is (i) applied to the motor from outside the motor and (ii) generated based on the load received from the pump.

[0200] Feature 54: The specified requirement indicates that gas has been mixed into the pump.

[0201] According to the method having features 51 to 54, it is possible to properly detect the situation where the gas is mixed into the pump.

[0202] In one embodiment, features 1 to 54 described above can also be combined in any combination.

[0203] In one embodiment, any one of the features 1 to 54 described above may be excluded.

[0204] 2. Specific exemplary implementation methods

[0205] The following exemplary embodiments provide a Figure 1 The electric lubricant supply device 1 shown is configured to discharge lubricant. Specifically, the electric lubricant supply device 1 of this embodiment is configured as an electric grease gun that discharges grease.

[0206] For ease of explanation, such as Figure 1 The directions in the electric lubricant supply 1 will be defined as shown appropriately later. Specifically, "up," "down," "right," "left," "front," and "rear" will be defined. These directions are used only to facilitate understanding of the structure of the electric lubricant supply 1 and are not intended to limit the orientation of the electric lubricant supply 1. The electric lubricant supply 1 can be oriented in any direction.

[0207] 2-1. First Implementation Method

[0208] 2-1-1. Mechanical Structure of Electric Lubricant Supply

[0209] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, the electric lubricant supply 1 of this first embodiment includes a housing 2. The housing 2 includes a first half-split housing 2a and a second half-split housing 2b that are joined together.

[0210] The housing 2 has a motor housing 4 at its central portion in the height direction. The height direction corresponds to either a direction from the lower side of the housing 2 toward the upper side or from the upper side toward the lower side. In this first embodiment, the motor housing 4 is cylindrical and extends along the length direction. The length direction corresponds to either a direction from the front side of the housing 2 toward the rear side or from the rear side toward the front side. The motor housing 4 houses the motor 20. The motor 20 is an electric motor.

[0211] The outer casing 2 has a gripping portion 5 on its upper part. In this first embodiment, the gripping portion 5 extends along the length direction and bends downward.

[0212] The motor housing 4 has a front connecting portion 6 at its front end. The front connecting portion 6 is connected to the front end of the gripping portion 5. The motor housing 4 has a rear connecting portion 7 at its rear end. The rear connecting portion 7 is connected to the rear end of the gripping portion 5. In this first embodiment, the rear connecting portion 7 stands upright in such a way that a space is formed between the motor housing 4 and the gripping portion 5.

[0213] The electric lubricant supply 1 includes a trigger switch 8 housed within a handle 5. The electric lubricant supply 1 also includes a trigger 9 for manual operation of the trigger switch 8 by a user of the electric lubricant supply 1.

[0214] The trigger 9 is pulled by the user to drive the motor 20 (i.e., to discharge the lubricant). The trigger 9 is configured to be displaceable between an initial position and a maximum position. When the trigger 9 is not manually operated, it is in the initial position. Corresponding to manual operation, the trigger 9 moves from the initial position toward the maximum position.

[0215] When trigger 9 is between the initial position and the minimum position, trigger switch 8 is open, and motor 20 stops. The minimum position is between the initial position and the maximum position. When trigger 9 is between the minimum position and the maximum position, trigger switch 8 is closed, and motor 20 can rotate. In this first embodiment, trigger 9 protrudes downward from the gripping part 5.

[0216] The gripping part 5 has a lamp 10 on its front surface. In this first embodiment, the lamp 10 includes a light-emitting diode (LED) (not shown) as a light source.

[0217] The handle 5 has an operation panel 70 on its front upper surface. The operation panel 70 is configured to turn the lamp 10 on or off and to be manually operated by the user to change the setting of the electric lubricant supply 1.

[0218] The grip 5 has a first locking button 12 in front of the trigger 9. The first locking button 12 is configured to be pressed by the user to lock the trigger 9 in the maximum position. The grip 5 has a second locking button 13 below the first locking button 12. The second locking button 13 is configured to be pressed by the user to lock the trigger 9 in the initial position (i.e., the unpulled position).

[0219] The rear connecting portion 7 has a battery holding portion 14 at its rear end. The battery holding portion 14 is configured to detachably mount the battery pack 15. In this first embodiment, the battery holding portion 14 is configured such that the battery pack 15 is mounted to the battery holding portion 14 by sliding the battery pack 15 from top to bottom at its rear end.

[0220] The battery pack 15 contains a battery (not shown). In this first embodiment, the battery has a rated voltage of 36 volts. The battery pack 15 supplies power from the battery to the electric lubricant supply 1 via the battery holding section 14.

[0221] The battery holding section 14 has a terminal block 16 inside. The terminal block 16 is configured to be electrically connected to the battery pack 15 assembled in the battery holding section 14. In this first embodiment, the terminal block 16 extends along the height direction.

[0222] The battery holding section 14 houses the control unit 17 in front of the terminal block 16. In this first embodiment, the control unit 17 extends along the height direction. The control unit 17 includes a control circuit board 18.

[0223] In this first embodiment, motor 20 is an internal rotor type brushless motor (specifically, a 3-phase brushless DC motor). In other embodiments, motor 20 may also be any other type of motor (e.g., a brushed DC motor).

[0224] Motor 20 has a stator 21. Stator 21 has 3 leads 27 ( Figure 2 Only one lead 27 is shown. The stator 21 has a first insulator 23A at its front end. The stator 21 has a second insulator 23B at its rear end.

[0225] The stator 21 includes three coils 24 wound via a first insulator 23A and a second insulator 23B. The second insulator 23B includes six terminals (not shown) respectively fused to the ends of the metal wires of the coils 24.

[0226] The second insulator 23B has a short-circuit component 25. The short-circuit component 25 has three embedded short-circuit metal parts 26. Figure 2 Only two short-circuit metal parts 26 are shown. These short-circuit metal parts 26 electrically connect the terminals of the second insulator 23B in a triangular configuration (or triangular connection) with the coil 24 described above. The coil 24 described above can also be configured in a star configuration (or star connection).

[0227] The stator 21 has a sensor circuit board 28 between the second insulator 23B and the short-circuit component 25. The sensor circuit board 28 has first to third rotational position sensors 28A to 28C (see reference). Figure 6 In this first embodiment, although the first to third rotary position sensors 28A to 28C are Hall sensors, they are not limited to Hall sensors. The first to third rotary position sensors 28A to 28C are connected to three signal lines 29. Figure 2 Only one signal line 29 is shown. Lead 27 and signal line 29 are connected to the control circuit board 18 of the control unit 17.

[0228] The motor 20 has a rotor 22 inside the stator 21. The rotor 22 has a rotating shaft 30 at its center. The rotating shaft 30 has two or more permanent magnets 31 embedded in the outer peripheral wall of the rotating shaft 30.

[0229] The first to third rotational position sensors 28A to 28C are (i) arranged around the rotor 22, and (ii) output the first to third rotational signals corresponding to the rotational position of the rotational shaft 30 (and thus the rotational position of the rotor 22).

[0230] The rotating shaft 30 includes a fan 32 mounted at its front end. In this first embodiment, the fan 32 extends orthogonally to the rotating shaft 30.

[0231] The rear joint 7 houses the first bearing 35 behind the short-circuit member 25. The first bearing 35 supports the rear end of the rotating shaft 30 so that it can rotate.

[0232] The motor housing 4 has a gearbox 40 in front of the motor 20. In this first embodiment, the gearbox 40 is cylindrical. The gearbox 40 has an opening at its rear end. The gearbox 40 includes a support plate 41 mounted on the opening. A rotating shaft 30 protrudes into the gearbox 40 through the support plate 41. The support plate 41 holds a second bearing 42. The second bearing 42 supports the front end of the rotating shaft 30 so that it can rotate.

[0233] The gearbox 40 has a main shaft 44 at its front end. The gearbox 40 houses the transmission mechanism 43. The transmission mechanism 43 is connected to the rotating shaft 30 and transmits the rotation of the rotating shaft 30 to the pump 60 (described later) via the main shaft 44. The transmission mechanism 43 is configured to: (i) receive the rotation of the rotating shaft 30, and (ii) rotate the main shaft 44 at a speed lower than the rotational speed of the rotating shaft 30. That is, the transmission mechanism 43 reduces the rotational speed of the rotating shaft 30 and transmits it to the main shaft 44. The transmission mechanism 43 may also include planetary gears.

[0234] The housing 2 has a crankcase 45 at the front end of the gearbox 40. In this first embodiment, the crankcase 45 extends along the height direction. The main shaft 44 protrudes from the gearbox 40 into the crankcase 45.

[0235] The crankcase 45 houses the crank plate 46 located at the front end of the main shaft 44. The crank plate 46 has an eccentric pin 47 protruding forward.

[0236] The crankcase 45 has a slider 48 in front of the crankshaft disc 46. The slider 48 has an elongated hole 48A extending along its width. The width direction corresponds to either a direction from the right side of the housing 2 towards the left side or from the left side towards the right side. An eccentric pin 47 is inserted into the elongated hole 48A. The lower center of the slider 48 is connected to a plunger 50. The plunger 50 is connected to the upper end of the slider 48 and extends downward.

[0237] The crankcase 45 includes a slider guide 49 that supports the slider 48 and allows it to move up and down. The slider 48 and the slider guide 49 are also... Figure 3 As shown in the figure, slider 48 is able to move in the height direction along slider guide 49.

[0238] In the crankcase 45 configured as described above, when the crankshaft 46 rotates together with the main shaft 44, the eccentric pin 47 performs an eccentric motion. The vertical stroke of the eccentric pin 47 causes the slider 48 to reciprocate up and down, thereby causing the plunger 50 to also reciprocate up and down. In other words, the crankshaft 46 and the slider 48 convert the rotational motion of the motor 20 into a linear reciprocating motion.

[0239] The crankcase 45 has a front retainer 51 at its lower part. The housing 2 has a rear retainer 52 at the rear of the front retainer 51 and at the lower part of the motor housing 4. The rear retainer 52 has two downwardly projecting feet 53 at its front end and rear end.

[0240] The electric lubricant supply 1 includes a housing 54 supported by a front retainer 51 and a rear retainer 52. The housing 54 has an open front end. The housing 54 passes through the rear retainer 52 and reaches the rear surface of the front retainer 51. The front end of the housing 54 is screwed into the rear surface of the front retainer 51. That is, the housing 54 extends along its length below the motor housing 4.

[0241] The housing 54 houses the rod 55. The rod 55 extends from the rear end of the housing 54 toward the front end. The rod 55 holds the piston 56 so that it can move along the rod 55. The rod 55 has a rear end protruding from the housing 54. The housing 54 has a handle 57 mounted on the rear end of the rod 55. The housing 54 houses the coil spring 58. The coil spring 58 is located behind the piston 56 and applies force to the piston 56 forward. The housing 54 houses a grease reservoir (not shown) filled with grease in front of the piston 56. When the piston 56 presses against this grease reservoir, grease is supplied into the front retainer 51.

[0242] The front retainer 51 is equipped with a pump 60. The pump 60 is equipped with the aforementioned plunger 50. The pump 60 is equipped with an upper cylinder 60A and a lower cylinder 60B. The upper cylinder 60A and the lower cylinder 60B form a chamber 63. The plunger 50 is located within the chamber 63.

[0243] The chamber 63 has an inlet hole 63A between the upper cylindrical portion 60A and the lower cylindrical portion 60B. The chamber 63 is connected to the housing 54 via the inlet hole 63A. Lubricating grease flows from the grease box through the inlet hole 63A and is supplied into the chamber 63.

[0244] The upper cylinder 60A has a sealing ring 61A on its upper part. The plunger 50 passes through the sealing ring 61A. The sealing ring 61A is used to prevent or inhibit the leakage of grease from the upper cylinder 60A upward from the chamber 63.

[0245] The lower cylinder 60B has a discharge passage 66. The discharge passage 66 (i) communicates with the chamber 63 via a one-way valve 64 described later, and (ii) extends along its length. The front retainer 51 has a front cylinder 60C at its front end. The front cylinder 60C protrudes forward from the front retainer 51. The discharge passage 66 passes through the center of the front cylinder 60C. The discharge passage 66 has a discharge port 66A at its front end. The front cylinder 60C is connected to a hose 68. Grease is discharged from the discharge port 66A via the hose 68 to the outside of the electric lubricant supply 1.

[0246] The pump 60 has the aforementioned one-way valve 64 in the lower part of the chamber 63. The one-way valve 64 allows grease to flow from the chamber 63 to the discharge passage 66, while inhibiting or preventing grease from flowing back from the discharge passage 66 to the chamber 63.

[0247] The front cylinder 60C has a safety valve 69 on its right side. The safety valve 69 is configured to discharge the grease in the discharge passage 66 to the outside of the electric lubricant supply 1 when the pressure of the grease in the discharge passage 66 reaches a specified pressure or above.

[0248] The front retainer 51 has an exhaust valve 67 at its front end. The exhaust valve 67 is provided to discharge gas (e.g., air) from the chamber 63 (specifically, near the inlet port 63A) toward the outside of the electric lubricant supply 1. When the exhaust valve 67 is tightened, the chamber 63 is disconnected from the outside of the electric lubricant supply 1. The electric lubricant supply 1 is normally used with the exhaust valve 67 tightened. When the exhaust valve 67 is loosened, the chamber 63 is connected to the outside of the electric lubricant supply 1. At this time, if there is gas in the chamber 63, the gas can be discharged to the outside of the electric lubricant supply 1 via the exhaust valve 67.

[0249] 2-1-2. Mechanical Action of Electric Lubricant Supply

[0250] In the electric lubricant supply 1 configured as described above, when the user pulls the trigger 9, the motor 20 rotates, and in turn the rotating shaft 30 rotates.

[0251] The rotation of the rotating shaft 30 is transmitted to the main shaft 44 via the transmission mechanism 43, and the crank disk 46 rotates together with the main shaft 44. Accordingly, the eccentric pin 47 performs an eccentric motion. Corresponding to the eccentric motion of the eccentric pin 47, (i) the slider 48 moves up and down along the slider guide 49, and (ii) accordingly, the plunger 50 reciprocates up and down.

[0252] To be more specific, such as Figure 3 As shown in (A), (B), (C), and (D), the plunger 50 sequentially passes through the first state ( Figure 3 (A) ), State 2 ( Figure 3 (B) ), third state ( Figure 3 (C) ), State 4 ( Figure 3 (D) and move up and down (specifically, one round trip). In Figure 3 (A), (B), (C), and (D) schematically show the location of the inlet hole 63A.

[0253] The first state is: the state in which slider 48 is moving upwards. More specifically, the first state is: the state in which slider 48 is in the middle of its reciprocating range. Figure 2 This indicates the electric lubricant supply 1 in state 1. From Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 It is evident that in the first state, the plunger 50 is inserted into the lower cylinder 60B. As the motor 20 rotates further from the first state, the electric lubricant supply 1 transitions to the second state.

[0254] The second state is when slider 48 has reached the uppermost position of its reciprocating range. Before slider 48 reaches the uppermost position, the lower end of plunger 50 is pulled out from the lower cylinder 60B, thereby allowing grease to flow from housing 54 into chamber 63. In the second state, the lower end of plunger 50 is either completely retracted into the upper cylinder 60A or slightly protrudes downward from the upper cylinder 60A. As motor 20 rotates further from the second state, slider 48 moves downward, and electric lubricant supply 1 migrates to the third state.

[0255] The third state is the state in which the slider 48 is moving downwards. More specifically, the third state is the state in which the slider 48 is in the middle of its reciprocating range. In the third state, similar to the first state, the plunger 50 is inserted into the lower cylinder 60B. As the motor 20 rotates further from the third state, the electric lubricant supply 1 moves to the fourth state.

[0256] The fourth state is when slider 48 has reached the lowest point of its reciprocating range. In the fourth state, the lower end of plunger 50 reaches near the lower end of chamber 63. As motor 20 rotates further from the fourth state, slider 48 moves upward, and electric lubricant supply 1 migrates back to the first state.

[0257] During the period from state 2 to state 4, plunger 50 moves downward. During this period, grease in chamber 63 is pressed against the bottom surface of plunger 50 (i.e., the surface on the lower end side, hereinafter referred to as the "lower end face of the plunger"). Accordingly, grease flows into hose 68 via check valve 64, discharge passage 66, and discharge port 66A, and is discharged from hose 68 toward the outside of electric lubricant supply 1.

[0258] Thus, during the rotation of motor 20, the slider 48 reciprocates repeatedly (and consequently the plunger 50 reciprocates), thereby continuously discharging (or being discharged) grease from discharge port 66A. Grease is discharged with each reciprocation of plunger 50. Therefore, one reciprocation of plunger 50 can be considered one grease discharge operation. One reciprocation of plunger 50 (i.e., one discharge operation) is an example of the discharge operation specified in the summary of the embodiments.

[0259] Motor 20 can also be oriented towards Figure 3 The action is reversed. In this case, the plunger 50 moves up and down sequentially through states 4 to 1, thereby... Figure 3 In the same manner, the grease is expelled.

[0260] 2-1-3. Details of the Control Panel

[0261] like Figure 4As shown, the operation panel 70 includes a first switch 71. In this first embodiment, the first switch 71 and the second and third switches 72 and 73, described later, are push-button switches. In other embodiments, the first to third switches 71 to 73 may also be other types of manual switches.

[0262] Each time the first switch 71 is briefly pressed, the rotational speed level of the motor 20 is sequentially switched (i.e., set) to one of multiple rotational speed bands (or rotational speed levels). These multiple rotational speed bands include, for example, speed bands 1 through 4. The maximum rotational speed of the motor 20 is set in each rotational speed band. The maximum rotational speed increases in, for example, the order of speed band 1, speed band 2, speed band 3, and speed band 4.

[0263] Motor 20 rotates at a maximum speed corresponding to a set rotational speed range. Specifically, the target rotational speed is set based on, for example, the operating mode described later, and / or the pull amount (i.e., position) of trigger 9, with the set maximum rotational speed as the upper limit. Constant rotation control (in other words, speed feedback control) is applied to motor 20 to ensure that the actual rotational speed matches the target rotational speed.

[0264] When switch 71 is pressed and held, lamp 10 is illuminated. After lamp 10 is illuminated, it can be turned off if, for example, (i) a predetermined time has elapsed or (ii) switch 71 is pressed and held again. A short press corresponds to releasing the press operation after a certain time has elapsed since the initial press. A long press corresponds to releasing the press operation after a certain period of continuous pressing.

[0265] The operation panel 70 includes a first display screen 74. Information indicating the set rotation speed band (e.g., any value from "1" to "4") is displayed on the first display screen 74. "1" to "4" represent the first to fourth speed bands, respectively. In this first embodiment, the first display screen 74 and the second and third display screens 75A and 75B, described later, are each a seven-segment display screen. In other embodiments, the first to third display screens 74, 75A, and 75B may also be other types of display screens, including liquid crystal displays (LCDs).

[0266] The operation panel 70 includes the aforementioned second switch 72 and third switch 73. Each time the second and third switches 72 and 73 are pressed simultaneously, the operating mode of the electric lubricant supply 1 is switched. In this first embodiment, the operating modes include a continuous discharge mode and an automatic discharge mode (or a metered discharge mode). In this first embodiment, each time the second and third switches 72 and 73 are pressed simultaneously, the operating mode alternately switches between the continuous discharge mode and the automatic discharge mode.

[0267] In continuous discharge mode, the motor 20 rotates continuously during the pulling of trigger 9. In this first embodiment, the target rotational speed in continuous discharge mode changes according to the position of trigger 9. Specifically, the target rotational speed increases continuously or in stages, corresponding to the movement of trigger 9 from the minimum position to the target arrival position. More specifically, the target rotational speed increases from a predetermined minimum value (e.g., zero) toward a maximum rotational speed corresponding to a set rotational speed range. The target arrival position may exist between the minimum and maximum positions, or coincide with the maximum position. When trigger 9 reaches the target arrival position, the target rotational speed reaches the maximum rotational speed corresponding to the set rotational speed range. When trigger 9 is between the target arrival position and the maximum position, the target rotational speed is maintained at the maximum rotational speed.

[0268] Regarding the target rotation speed in continuous discharge mode, it can also be maintained at a constant rotation speed (e.g., the maximum rotation speed corresponding to the set rotation speed band) regardless of the position of trigger 9.

[0269] In automatic discharge mode, motor 20 begins to rotate in response to the pulling of trigger 9. Furthermore, after rotation begins, motor 20 will automatically stop even when trigger 9 is pulled, once plunger 50 (in other words, slider 48) has reciprocated a target number of times. The target number of reciprocations of plunger 50 corresponds to: (i) the specified discharge action has performed a target number of reciprocations, and / or (ii) an amount of grease corresponding to the target number of reciprocations is discharged. The target number of reciprocations can be set by the user to any value.

[0270] In automatic discharge mode, the target rotation speed is set to a constant speed (e.g., the maximum rotation speed corresponding to the set rotation speed range) regardless of the position of trigger 9. However, the target rotation speed in automatic discharge mode can also vary depending on the position of trigger 9, just like in continuous discharge mode.

[0271] The operation panel 70 includes a set number display screen 75. The set number display screen 75 (i) includes the aforementioned second display screen 75A and third display screen 75B, and (ii) can display a two-digit value. When the operation mode is set to automatic discharge mode, the target number of reciprocations is displayed on the set number display screen 75.

[0272] In this first embodiment, in automatic discharge mode, any target number of reciprocating motions can be set, with a maximum set number as the upper limit. The maximum set number can be, for example, a predetermined value of 99 times or less. The user can set the target number of reciprocating motions to any value by operating the second switch 72 or the third switch 73. Specifically, in automatic discharge mode, each time the second switch 72 is pressed, (i) the target number of reciprocating motions increases one by one, and (ii) the increased target number of reciprocating motions is displayed on the set number display screen 75. Conversely, in automatic discharge mode, each time the third switch 73 is pressed, (i) the target number of reciprocating motions decreases one by one, and (ii) the decreased target number of reciprocating motions is displayed on the set number display screen 75. The maximum set number can be arbitrarily determined, for example, a predetermined value of 99 times or less, or a predetermined value of 100 times or more.

[0273] 2-1-4. Electrical Configuration of Electric Lubricant Supply

[0274] Reference Figure 5 This section describes the electrical configuration of the electric lubricant supply 1. The electric lubricant supply 1 includes a control circuit board 18. The control circuit board 18 has a ground terminal. The electric lubricant supply 1 includes a power line Lp. The power line Lp extends from a positive connection terminal (not shown) onto the control circuit board 18. The positive connection terminal is connected to the positive terminal of the battery pack 15 while it is being assembled into the battery holding section 14. The electric lubricant supply 1 includes a ground wire Ln. The ground wire Ln extends from a negative connection terminal (not shown) toward the ground terminal on the control circuit board 18. The negative connection terminal is connected to the negative terminal of the battery pack 15 while it is being assembled into the battery holding section 14. The battery pack 15 applies its rated voltage between the power line Lp and the ground wire Ln.

[0275] The electric lubricant supply 1 includes a power supply circuit 84. In this first embodiment, the power supply circuit 84 is located on the control circuit board 18. The power supply circuit 84 is connected to the power supply line Lp and the ground terminal. The power supply circuit 84 generates a fixed DC voltage (hereinafter referred to as the "power supply voltage") Vc based on the battery voltage supplied from the battery pack 15.

[0276] The electric lubricant supply 1 includes a control circuit 80. The control circuit 80 is located on a control circuit board 18 and operates upon receiving a power supply voltage Vc. The control circuit 80 is a microcomputer equipped with a CPU (or processor) 80A and a semiconductor memory 80B. The semiconductor memory 80B includes ROM, RAM, and rewritable non-volatile memory. Examples of non-volatile memory include EEPROM, flash memory, ReRAM, and FeRAM. The various functions of the control circuit 80 are implemented by the CPU 80A executing programs stored in the semiconductor memory 80B. By executing the program through the CPU 80A, the corresponding methods are performed.

[0277] In other embodiments, the control circuit 80 may also include an additional microcomputer. Furthermore, in other embodiments, some or all of the functions performed by the CPU 80A may be implemented using one or more electronic components (e.g., integrated circuits). Furthermore, in other embodiments, the control circuit 80 may also be a logic circuit (or hardwired logic connection) including two or more electronic components. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the control circuit 80 may also include an ASIC and / or an ASSP. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the control circuit 80 may also include a programmable logic device capable of constructing reconfigurable logic circuits. Examples of programmable logic devices include FPGAs.

[0278] The electric lubricant supply 1 includes a drive circuit 82. The drive circuit 82 is configured to supply current (hereinafter referred to as "motor current") to the motor 20 to drive the motor 20. The drive circuit 82 is electrically connected to a power supply line Lp and a ground line Ln. The drive circuit 82 (i) receives a battery voltage, (ii) generates a three-phase voltage (i.e., generates three-phase power) based on the battery voltage, and (iii) supplies the three-phase voltage to the motor 20. In this first embodiment, the drive circuit 82 is located on a control circuit board 18.

[0279] Although the drive circuit 82 is a 3-phase full-bridge circuit, it is not limited to a 3-phase full-bridge circuit. The drive circuit 82 includes: switches Q1 to Q3 configured on the high-side and switches Q4 to Q6 configured on the low-side. Switches Q1 to Q3 are connected to the power supply line Lp and their corresponding leads 27, respectively, and function as high-side switches. Switches Q4 to Q6 are connected to their corresponding leads 27 and the ground terminal, respectively, and function as low-side switches.

[0280] Switches Q1 to Q6 (numbers 1 to 6) receive drive control signals Q1 to Q6 from control circuit 80, respectively. Switches Q1 to Q6 are turned on or off according to the received corresponding drive control signal. In this first embodiment, the drive control signals Q1 to Q6 can be pulse width modulation signals. In this first embodiment, switches Q1 to Q6 are semiconductor switches. Examples of semiconductor switches include field-effect transistors (FETs), bipolar transistors, and insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs).

[0281] When motor 20 is driven, essentially one high-side switch (i.e., one of switches Q1 to Q3, numbered 1 to 3) and one low-side switch (i.e., one of switches Q4 to Q6, numbered 4 to 6) are switched on. Accordingly, motor current flows from the positive terminal of the battery through the high-side switch, motor 20, and the low-side switch to the negative terminal of the battery, thereby causing motor 20 to rotate.

[0282] The electric lubricant supply unit 1 includes a current detector 93. The current detector 93 is positioned in the current path that connects the drive circuit 82 to the negative terminal of the battery. The current detector 93 outputs a current detection signal corresponding to the magnitude of the motor current flowing through this current path to the control circuit 80.

[0283] The electric lubricant supply 1 includes a sliding resistor 81 with a lever 81A. The lever 81A has a first displaceable end and a second end connected to a control circuit 80. The sliding resistor 81 has a resistance value that changes according to the position of the first end of the lever 81A. The second end of the lever 81A outputs a voltage (hereinafter referred to as the "trigger voltage") corresponding to the resistance value to the control circuit 80. The first end of the lever 81A is displaced according to the position of the trigger 9 within a range from an initial position to a maximum position. For example, the resistance value of the sliding resistor 81 is minimum when the trigger 9 is in the initial position, and increases as the trigger 9 approaches its maximum position from the initial position.

[0284] The electric lubricant supply 1 includes first to fourth pull-up resistors R1 to R4. In this first embodiment, the first to fourth pull-up resistors R1 to R4 are located on the control circuit board 18. Each of the first to fourth pull-up resistors R1 to R4 has a first terminal connected to the power supply circuit 84 in order to receive a power supply voltage Vc from the power supply circuit 84. The first pull-up resistor R1 has a second terminal connected to the first terminal of the trigger switch 8 and the control circuit 80. The second pull-up resistor R2 has a second terminal connected to the first terminal of the first switch 71 and the control circuit 80. The third pull-up resistor R3 has a second terminal connected to the first terminal of the second switch 72 and the control circuit 80. The fourth pull-up resistor R4 has a second terminal connected to the first terminal of the third switch 73 and the control circuit 80. The trigger switch 8, the first switch 71, the second switch 72, and the third switch 73 each have a second terminal connected to a ground terminal on the control circuit board 18.

[0285] When trigger switches 8, 71, 72, and 73 are open, the second terminals of pull-up resistors R1 to R4 have a voltage at the same level as the power supply voltage Vc (i.e., a high level). When trigger switches 8, 71, 72, and 73 are closed, the second terminals of pull-up resistors R1 to R4 have a voltage at the same level as the ground terminal (i.e., a low level). Pull-up resistors R1 to R4 can have the same resistance value or different resistance values.

[0286] The control circuit 80 can detect whether the trigger 9, the first switch 71, the second switch 72, and the third switch 73 are manually operated based on the voltage at the second terminal of the first to fourth pull-up resistors R1 to R4. Specifically, when the voltage at the second terminal of the first to fourth pull-up resistors R1 to R4 is high, the control circuit 80 detects that the trigger 9, the first switch 71, the second switch 72, and the third switch 73 are not manually operated. When the voltage at the second terminal of the first to fourth pull-up resistors R1 to R4 is low, the control circuit 80 detects that the trigger 9, the first switch 71, the second switch 72, and the third switch 73 are manually operated.

[0287] The control circuit board 18 is connected to the first to third display screens 74, 75A, and 75B of the operation panel 70. The first to third display screens 74, 75A, and 75B receive power supply voltage Vc from the control circuit board 18 to operate. In addition, the first to third display screens 74, 75A, and 75B receive the first to third display control signals from the control circuit 80 to display information.

[0288] The control circuit board 18 is connected to the sensor circuit board 28. The first to third rotational position sensors 28A to 28C on the sensor circuit board 28 receive a power supply voltage Vc from the control circuit board 18 and operate accordingly. The first to third rotational position sensors 28A to 28C are connected to the control circuit 80 via signal lines 29, outputting the first to third rotational signals to the control circuit 80. The first to third rotational signals are associated with the three phases of the motor 20 (i.e., phase U, phase V, and phase W). The first to third rotational signals have a phase difference of 120 degrees electrical angle between them. The first to third rotational signals can also be, for example, sinusoidal signals. In this case, whenever the rotor 22 rotates by 180 degrees electrical angle, the voltage of each of the first to third rotational signals will reverse from positive to negative or from negative to positive. The first to third rotational signals can also be, for example, rectangular wave signals. In this case, whenever the rotor 22 rotates by an electrical angle of 180 degrees, the logic values ​​of the first to third rotation signals will be reversed.

[0289] In other embodiments, the sensor circuit board 28 may be configured to output a single rotation detection signal (e.g., a pulse signal) to the control circuit 80 instead of the first to third rotation signals. The rotation detection signal changes whenever the rotor 22 rotates by an electrical angle of 60 degrees.

[0290] The electric lubricant supply 1 includes a temperature sensor 100 connected to a control circuit 80. The temperature sensor 100 is configured to detect the temperature of the electric lubricant supply 1. More specifically, the temperature sensor 100 is configured to detect the temperature of the lubricating grease, either directly or indirectly. The temperature sensor 100 outputs a temperature detection signal, representing the detected temperature, to the control circuit 80. The temperature sensor 100 can also be any type capable of detecting temperature. The temperature sensor 100 may include, for example, a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistor, a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor, or a critical temperature resistor (CTR) thermistor.

[0291] The temperature sensor 100 can be located at any position that allows for direct or indirect detection of the temperature (or its level) of the grease. For example, the temperature sensor 100 can also be positioned in direct contact with the grease. More specifically, the temperature sensor 100 can also be positioned, for example, at the inlet of the pump 60 (e.g., inlet port 63A).

[0292] Alternatively, the temperature sensor 100 can be positioned in a location that does not come into contact with the lubricant. Specifically, the temperature sensor 100 can be positioned, for example, on the surface or inside of the grip 5, around the front retainer 51, or near the housing 54 in the housing 2, etc.

[0293] 2-1-5. Functional Components of an Electric Lubricant Supply

[0294] Reference Figure 6 The functions of the control circuit 80 are explained below. The control circuit 80 includes: a pull amount detection unit 77, a switch detection unit 78, a reciprocating frequency setting unit 83, a reciprocating frequency calculation unit 79, a display control unit 85, a speed setting unit 86, an operation mode setting unit 87, a timing unit 88, a reciprocating frequency determination unit 89, a gas entrainment detection unit 90, an operation control unit 91, and a motor drive control unit 92. In this first embodiment, these functions are integrated into the control circuit 80 via software. That is, these functions are implemented by the CPU 80A executing the corresponding program (specifically, the main processing described later).

[0295] In other embodiments, at least one function of the pull amount detection unit 77, switch detection unit 78, reciprocation number setting unit 83, reciprocation number calculation unit 79, display control unit 85, speed setting unit 86, operation mode setting unit 87, timing unit 88, reciprocation determination unit 89, gas entrainment detection unit 90, operation control unit 91, and motor drive control unit 92 may be assembled into the control circuit 80 by hardware (electronic circuitry) rather than by software. Furthermore, in other embodiments, at least one function of the pull amount detection unit 77, switch detection unit 78, reciprocation number setting unit 83, reciprocation number calculation unit 79, display control unit 85, speed setting unit 86, operation mode setting unit 87, timing unit 88, reciprocation determination unit 89, gas entrainment detection unit 90, operation control unit 91, and motor drive control unit 92 may be omitted.

[0296] The pull amount detection unit 77 receives a trigger voltage from the sliding resistor 81. Based on the trigger voltage, the pull amount detection unit 77 detects the actual pull amount of the trigger 9. The actual pull amount is the actual pull amount (i.e., the actual position). The pull amount detection unit 77 detects zero actual pull amount when the magnitude of the trigger voltage corresponds to the initial position of the trigger 9. The pull amount detection unit 77 detects the maximum actual pull amount when the magnitude of the trigger voltage corresponds to the maximum position of the trigger 9. The pull amount detection unit 77 detects the actual pull amount between zero and the maximum value when the magnitude of the trigger voltage corresponds to the intermediate position of the trigger 9. The intermediate position is between the initial position and the maximum position. The pull amount detection unit 77 outputs the detected actual pull amount to the speed setting unit 86.

[0297] The switch detection unit 78 detects the changes from off to on, and from on to off, of each of the trigger switch 8, the first switch 71, the second switch 72, and the third switch 73. The switch detection unit 78 outputs a first signal to the motion control unit 91 and the reciprocating frequency calculation unit 79 corresponding to the change of trigger switch 8 from off to on. The first signal indicates that trigger switch 8 has changed from off to on. The switch detection unit 78 outputs a second signal to the motion control unit 91 and the reciprocating frequency calculation unit 79 corresponding to the change of trigger switch 8 from on to off. The second signal indicates that trigger switch 8 has changed from on to off. The switch detection unit 78 outputs a third signal to the motion mode setting unit 87 corresponding to the change of first switch 71 from off to on. The third signal indicates that first switch 71 has changed from off to on. The switch detection unit 78 outputs a fourth signal to the motion mode setting unit 87 corresponding to the simultaneous on / off of the second switch 72 and the third switch 73. Simultaneous activation means that the switches changed from off to on at the same time or approximately at the same time. Signal 4 indicates that switches 2 and 3 were activated simultaneously.

[0298] During the period when the third switch 73 is open, the switch detection unit 78 outputs a fifth signal to the reciprocating frequency setting unit 83, corresponding to the change of the second switch 72 from open to closed. The fifth signal indicates that the second switch 72 has changed from open to closed. During the period when the second switch 72 is open, the switch detection unit 78 outputs a sixth signal to the reciprocating frequency setting unit 83, corresponding to the change of the third switch 73 from open to closed. The sixth signal indicates that the third switch 73 has changed from open to closed.

[0299] The operation mode setting unit 87 sets the rotation speed band of the motor 20 according to the input third signal. Specifically, whenever the third signal is input, the operation mode setting unit 87 changes the rotation speed band in the order of first speed band → second speed band → third speed band → fourth speed band → first speed band…

[0300] The operation mode setting unit 87 sets the operation mode of the electric lubricant supply 1 to either continuous discharge mode or automatic discharge mode in response to the input of the fourth signal. Specifically, whenever the fourth signal is input, the operation mode setting unit 87 alternately switches the operation mode between continuous discharge mode and automatic discharge mode.

[0301] The motion mode setting unit 87 outputs the set motion mode to the speed setting unit 86, the reciprocation count setting unit 83, the reciprocation count calculation unit 79, and the motion control unit 91. Figure 6The arrows pointing from the motion mode setting unit 87 to the reciprocation count setting unit 83 and the reciprocation count calculation unit 79 are omitted. The motion mode setting unit 87 outputs the set rotation speed to the speed setting unit 86 and the display control unit 85. Figure 6 The arrow pointing from the action mode setting unit 87 to the display control unit 85 is omitted.

[0302] The speed setting unit 86 sets the target rotational speed of the motor 20 based on the input actual pulling amount, rotational speed band, and operating mode. The speed setting unit 86 notifies the set target rotational speed to the motion control unit 91 and the gas entrainment detection unit 90. The rotational speed of the motor 20 is directly proportional to the discharge speed. The discharge speed is the rate at which grease is discharged from the discharge port 66A; in other words, the amount of grease discharged per unit time. Therefore, the set target rotational speed is equivalent to the set target value of the discharge speed.

[0303] Specifically, when the operation mode is set to continuous discharge mode, the speed setting unit 86 sets the target rotational speed to a value corresponding to the actual pulling amount within a settable range. The settable range is from a minimum value (e.g., zero) to the maximum rotational speed corresponding to the rotational speed band. On the other hand, when the operation mode is set to automatic discharge mode, the speed setting unit 86 maintains the target rotational speed at a constant speed (e.g., the maximum rotational speed corresponding to the rotational speed band).

[0304] In this first embodiment, the target rotational speed is not immediately set to a predetermined value when the motor 20 is started. The target rotational speed gradually increases toward the predetermined value after the motor 20 is started. The predetermined value is the target rotational speed corresponding to the position of the trigger 9 in continuous discharge mode, and the aforementioned constant target rotational speed in automatic discharge mode. However, the target rotational speed can also be set to the predetermined value immediately when the motor 20 is started.

[0305] When the operation mode is set to automatic discharge mode, the reciprocating frequency setting unit 83 sets the target reciprocating frequency of the plunger 50 (in other words, the target number of discharge operations) based on the input 5th and 6th signals. Specifically, whenever the 5th signal is received, the reciprocating frequency setting unit 83 increases the target reciprocating frequency by 1 from the current value. Whenever the 6th signal is received, the reciprocating frequency setting unit 83 decreases the target reciprocating frequency by 1 from the current value. Alternatively, the latest target reciprocating frequency can always be maintained (i.e., stored). Alternatively, whenever the battery pack 15 is installed in the electric lubricant supply unit 1 (i.e., whenever the control circuit 80 is activated), the target reciprocating frequency can be set to an initial value (e.g., zero). In this first embodiment, the target reciprocating frequency is, for example, set to any one of 0 to 99. The reciprocating frequency setting unit 83 outputs the set target reciprocating frequency to the reciprocating frequency calculation unit 79. The target reciprocating frequency is an example of the target discharge frequency in the summary of the embodiments.

[0306] The reciprocating determination unit 89 receives the first to third rotation signals from the first to third rotation position sensors 28A to 28C. Based on the first to third rotation signals, the reciprocating determination unit 89 counts the number of rotations of the motor 20. Based on the number of rotations of the motor 20 and the reduction ratio of the transmission mechanism 43, the reciprocating determination unit 89 determines whether the plunger 50 has performed one reciprocating motion (i.e., whether it has performed one discharge action). Whenever it is determined that the plunger 50 has performed one reciprocating motion (i.e., one discharge action), the reciprocating determination unit 89 outputs a reciprocating determination signal to the reciprocating count calculation unit 79 and the gas entrainment detection unit 90.

[0307] The gas entrainment detection unit 90 detects gas entrainment when the operating mode is set to automatic discharge mode. However, the gas entrainment detection unit 90 can also detect gas entrainment when the operating mode is set to continuous discharge mode. For various reasons, gas (such as air or its air bubbles) may enter the chamber 63. Gas may enter, for example, during the disassembly or assembly of the grease box. Alternatively, gas may initially enter the grease box along with the lubricating grease.

[0308] When gas enters chamber 63, it repeatedly expands / compresses due to the reciprocating motion of plunger 50. This results in a situation where check valve 64 does not open (or is difficult to open) when plunger 50 descends, and grease is not discharged (or is difficult to discharge). Gas entrainment means: (i) this situation, and / or (ii) the fact that gas has already entered chamber 63, and / or (iii) the state in which pump 60 attempts to discharge the gas.

[0309] The gas entrainment detection unit 90 notifies the reciprocating frequency calculation unit 79, the display control unit 85, the timing unit 88, and the motion control unit 91 of the gas entrainment detection result. Specifically, each time the plunger 50 performs one reciprocating motion, the gas entrainment detection unit 90 determines whether gas entrainment has occurred. Furthermore, if it determines that no gas entrainment has occurred, the gas entrainment detection state is set to "non-detection," and if gas entrainment is detected, the gas entrainment detection state is set to "detection." The reciprocating frequency calculation unit 79, the display control unit 85, the timing unit 88, and the motion control unit 91 can identify whether gas entrainment has occurred based on the set gas entrainment detection state.

[0310] Under certain conditions, gas entrainment can be detected based on the value of the motor current (hereinafter referred to as the "motor current value"). For information on gas entrainment detection based on the motor current value, please refer to... Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 Explanation will be provided. In Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 In this context, the so-called steady state refers to (i) the target rotation speed is maintained at a constant speed, and (ii) the actual rotation speed also follows the target rotation speed (i.e., rotating at a constant speed or can be considered as rotating at a constant speed). Furthermore, in the following explanation, the so-called "normal state" is: a state in which no gas entrainment occurs, and the so-called "gas entrainment state" is: a state in which gas entrainment occurs. Figure 7 The multiple "plunger reciprocation timings" are: the timing when the plunger 50 has reached the specified position (e.g., the uppermost position) in its one reciprocation. Figure 8 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 , Figure 19 as well as Figure 20 The same applies to the "timing of one plunger reciprocation".

[0311] Under steady-state conditions, the variation of the motor current value under normal conditions (refer to...) Figure 8 Greater than: The variation in motor current value under gas entrainment conditions (refer to...) Figure 7 Thus, for example, gas entrainment can be detected based on the magnitude of changes in motor current.

[0312] On the other hand, during acceleration, the motor current increases to accelerate motor 20, and the motor current can fluctuate irregularly to keep up with the target rotational speed. This is especially true during the start-up of motor 20. Figure 7As illustrated, an irregular and highly variable current (the so-called starting current) flows to motor 20. Therefore, it is difficult or impossible to detect gas entrainment based on the motor current value during acceleration. The acceleration period means, in principle, the period during which the target rotational speed increases. The acceleration period includes: from startup to the elapsed time, or from startup to the elapsed number of reciprocations of plunger 50. Figure 8 The period during which the actual rotational speed intermittently accelerates under steady conditions, as illustrated in the example, is not included in the acceleration period discussed herein.

[0313] During deceleration, the current supplied from the battery to the motor 20 is less or zero. The so-called deceleration period means, in principle, the period during which the target rotational speed decreases. Figure 8 The period of intermittent deceleration of the actual rotational speed under steady conditions, as illustrated in the example, is not included in the deceleration period discussed herein. Figure 8 It is evident that during deceleration, even without gas entrainment, the magnitude and variation of the motor current are relatively small. Therefore, during deceleration, the motor current value in the state without gas entrainment is difficult to compare with the motor current value in the state with gas entrainment (refer to...). Figure 7 This distinguishes it from the steady state. Therefore, it is difficult or impossible to detect gas entrainment based on motor current values ​​during deceleration.

[0314] Therefore, detecting gas entrainment based on the motor current value is difficult or impossible during the acceleration and deceleration of the motor 20. Thus, in this first embodiment, the gas entrainment detection unit 90 detects gas entrainment based on the load torque applied to the motor 20 from outside the motor 20. The method for detecting gas entrainment based on load torque will be described in detail below.

[0315] First, refer to Figure 9 This section defines the terms "load torque" and, in the following description, "drive torque," "external input torque," "pump load," "plunger load," "mechanical loss torque," "inertial torque," and "load-included torque."

[0316] "Drive torque" (reference) Figure 9 The "τ" m "" represents the torque output by motor 20. Motor 20 outputs drive torque while receiving motor current. The drive torque can be expressed using the motor current value (see reference ...") as described later. Figure 9 The "I" m ") and motor torque coefficient (refer to Figure 9 The "K" τ To express this, use ”.

[0317] "External input torque" refers to the torque applied to motor 20 from outside the motor 20. The external input torque can be considered equal to the drive torque. In this first embodiment, the external input torque can be decomposed into load torque (see reference). Figure 9 The "τ" out ”), mechanical loss torque (refer to Figure 9 The "τ" loss The external input torque and the driving torque can both be considered as the sum of the load torque, the mechanical loss torque, and the inertial torque.

[0318] "Pump load" (reference) Figure 9 "LD1") means: the load received from pump 60 of the load received by motor 20.

[0319] "Plunger load" (refer to) Figure 9 "LD2" refers to the load received from plunger 50. Plunger load is a portion or all of the pump load. Most of the plunger load is generated by the pressure received by plunger 50 from the grease as it descends (i.e., when the grease is discharged). When mechanical losses in pump 60 are small or negligible, it can be said that the pump load equals the plunger load.

[0320] The pump load varies according to the operation of pump 60. Specifically, the pump load increases when plunger 50 descends and decreases when plunger 50 ascends. That is, the pump load varies periodically. One cycle of variation corresponds to one reciprocating motion of plunger 50. However, the magnitude of the variation varies depending on whether pump 60 is in a gas-entrained state. In the gas-entrained state, the pressure received by plunger 50 from the grease is lower than in the normal state. Therefore, in the gas-entrained state, the increase in pump load during grease discharge is suppressed, and consequently, the variation in pump load is smaller.

[0321] "Load torque" is the torque generated by the pump load. It can be said that load torque is the portion of the drive torque used (consumed) in the operation of pump 60. If the mechanical losses in pump 60 are small or negligible, load torque can be said to be the torque used in the operation of plunger 50 (in other words, the receiving and discharging of grease).

[0322] "Mechanical loss torque" refers to the torque applied to the motor 20 primarily due to mechanical losses (such as gear friction) in the transmission mechanism 43. In other words, mechanical loss torque is the portion of the driving torque used to overcome friction in the transmission mechanism 43; or, more specifically, the torque lost (consumed) as mechanical loss in the transmission mechanism 43.

[0323] If the operating environment is constant, the mechanical loss torque is approximately constant. Typically, the time required for one discharge operation (i.e., the time from when the trigger switch 8 is turned on until it is turned off) is several seconds to tens of seconds. Changes in the operating environment (e.g., temperature changes) within such a short time are generally unlikely. Therefore, in principle, one discharge operation can also be considered as being performed under a certain operating environment. Accordingly, in this first embodiment, the mechanical loss torque can be considered constant.

[0324] "Inertial torque" (or acceleration torque) is: the inertial torque (motor to piston) originating from the rotational shaft 30 of motor 20 (see reference). Figure 9 The torque applied to motor 20 is “J”. The inertial torque arises from the overall mechanical characteristics of the drive force transmission system. The drive force transmission system (i) transmits the drive torque of motor 20 from motor 20 to pump 60 (specifically, piston 50), and (ii) transmits the drive torque of motor 20. The inertial torque can be, for example, due to the acceleration (i.e., angular acceleration) of motor 20 (see…). Figure 9 It is obtained by multiplying the inertial torque. It can be said that the inertial torque is the torque used for acceleration of motor 20 in the driving torque.

[0325] "Load-included torque" (i) is a portion of the external input torque, (ii) includes at least the load torque, and (iii) represents at least the variation in load torque. Variation in load-included torque can be viewed as variation in load torque. When the load-included torque only includes the load torque, it directly represents the magnitude and variation of the load torque.

[0326] The load-included torque can also be the torque obtained by adding a specified (e.g., constant or approximately constant) bias torque to the load torque. Specifically, the load-included torque can also include the load torque and the mechanical loss torque. Such a load-included torque can be understood as the torque obtained by adding the load torque to the bias torque based on the mechanical loss torque. This load-included torque directly represents the variation in load torque and indirectly represents the magnitude of the load torque.

[0327] If the mechanical loss torque is known in advance, the variation in load torque, as well as the load torque itself, can be obtained based on the torque included in the load. Even if the mechanical loss torque is unknown, the variation in load torque can still be obtained based on the torque included in the load.

[0328] Next, the method for detecting gas entrainment will be explained. As mentioned earlier, the pump load and its variation under gas entrainment conditions are less than the pump load and its variation under normal conditions. Therefore, the load torque and its variation under gas entrainment conditions are less than the load torque and its variation under normal conditions. Thus, gas entrainment can be detected based on the load torque, or its variation. Furthermore, in this first embodiment, the mechanical loss torque can be considered constant; therefore, gas entrainment can be detected based on the load-included torque, or its variation.

[0329] The load torque and the load-included torque can be estimated through calculation. That is, the drive torque, as mentioned above, can be expressed using the motor current value. Specifically, the drive torque can be expressed using the following formula (3).

[0330]

Equation 2

[0331]

[0332] Motor torque coefficient K τ This is the torque coefficient of motor 20. The torque coefficient is also generally referred to as the torque constant.

[0333] Drive torque τ m It can be further expressed using external input torque, as described above. Specifically, the driving torque τ m It can be represented by the following formula (4).

[0334]

Equation 3

[0335]

[0336] The first term on the right-hand side of the above equation (4) is the aforementioned inertial torque. In the following explanatory text, the symbol for the motor acceleration in the above equation (4) will be simplified as "ν". m ".

[0337] According to the above formulas (3) and (4), the load torque τ out and the load includes torque τ a They are represented by the following formulas (5) and (6) respectively.

[0338]

Equation 4

[0339]

[0340] The motor torque coefficient Kτ and the moment of inertia J can be determined (i.e., known) based on the characteristics of the aforementioned drive force transmission system, including the motor. Therefore, if the motor current value I is known... m and motor acceleration ν m Based on the above formula (6), the load containing torque τ can be calculated (i.e. estimated).a .

[0341] Mechanical loss torque τ loss In this first embodiment, the current is constant and can be determined (i.e., known). Therefore, if the motor current value I is known... m and motor acceleration ν m Based on the above formula (5), the load torque τ can be calculated (i.e. estimated). out The load includes torque τ. a The change directly represents the load torque τ out Changes.

[0342] In the following explanation, the load torque τ calculated based on the above equation (5) will be used. out and the load including torque τ calculated based on the above formula (6) a The load torque τ included out This is called the "estimated torque".

[0343] Motor acceleration ν m It can also be calculated (obtained) arbitrarily. For example, the motor acceleration can be calculated based on the actual rotational speed (e.g., by differentiating it). Alternatively, an acceleration detector that directly measures the motor acceleration can also be included. The motor acceleration can also be obtained from this acceleration detector.

[0344] Compare Figure 10 and Figure 11 It is then obvious that in the gas entrainment state ( Figure 10 Under these conditions, both during startup and in steady-state conditions, the maximum value of the estimated torque is relatively small, and the variation in the estimated torque is also relatively small. Furthermore, although not under... Figure 10 As shown, even during deceleration, the estimated torque and its variation are relatively small. On the other hand, under normal conditions ( Figure 11 Under these conditions, both in steady state and during deceleration, the maximum value of the estimated torque is relatively large, and the variation of the estimated torque is also relatively large. Furthermore, although not under... Figure 11 The figure shows that even during acceleration, the estimated torque and its variation are significant (e.g., similar to a steady state).

[0345] Therefore, even in any of the following states—steady state, acceleration, and deceleration—if an estimated torque is obtained, gas entrainment can be detected using various methods based on that estimated torque. Specifically, gas entrainment can be detected based on (i) the magnitude of the estimated torque, (ii) the amplitude of the estimated torque, or (iii) the derivative value of the estimated torque. In this first embodiment, a gas entrainment detection method based on the magnitude of the estimated torque is described in detail; detection methods based on amplitude or derivative values ​​will be described in the second and third embodiments described later, respectively.

[0346] The gas entrainment detection unit 90 of this first embodiment determines that gas entrainment has occurred based on the assumption that the estimated torque has met the first requirement. The first requirement can also be any requirement that indicates (or can be determined in this way) that gas entrainment has occurred or may have occurred. In other words, the first requirement can also be any requirement that indicates that gas has been mixed into or may have been mixed into the pump 60 (specifically, for example, the chamber 63).

[0347] The first requirement of this first embodiment includes: the maximum value of the estimated torque during a predetermined driving period is below a first threshold. That is, if the maximum value of the estimated torque during the predetermined driving period is below the first threshold, it is determined that the first requirement is met and gas entrainment has occurred. The predetermined driving period can also be any period during the driving process of the motor 20. In this first embodiment, the predetermined driving period is the period during which the plunger 50 performs one reciprocating motion. Each time the predetermined driving period (i.e., each time the plunger 50 performs one reciprocating motion) passes, the gas entrainment detection unit 90 determines whether gas entrainment has occurred based on the maximum value of the estimated torque during that one reciprocating motion and the first threshold.

[0348] The first threshold can also be defined as a value less than the first expected range and greater than the second expected range. The first expected range is the range of the expected torque under normal conditions. The second expected range is the range of the expected torque under gas entrainment conditions. The first threshold can also be less than the minimum value of the first expected range and greater than the maximum value of the second expected range. The first threshold can also be determined arbitrarily.

[0349] The first threshold can be a constant value or can be variably set according to the operating state of the electric lubricant supply 1. In this first embodiment, the first threshold is variably set according to the operating state.

[0350] In this first embodiment, the operating state includes a target rotational speed. That is, the gas entrainment detection unit 90 sets a first threshold based on the current target rotational speed notified from the speed setting unit 86. The estimated torque and its variation can increase as the target rotational speed increases. Accordingly, for example, as... Figure 12As illustrated, the first threshold can also be set in such a way that the first threshold increases as the target rotation speed increases.

[0351] The motion state can also include the actual rotational speed. That is, the first threshold can also be set based on the actual rotational speed. In this case, the first threshold can be set in the same way as the setting method corresponding to the target rotational speed. For example, it is also possible to... Figure 12 The horizontal axis in the diagram is rewritten as the actual rotational speed.

[0352] Furthermore, the action state can also include the aforementioned duty cycle. That is, the first threshold can also be set according to the duty cycle. The first threshold can also be arbitrarily changed according to the duty cycle. For example, the first threshold can also increase as the duty cycle increases. For example, it is also possible to... Figure 12 The horizontal axis in the diagram is rewritten as the duty cycle.

[0353] Additionally, the operating status can also include the equipment temperature. That is, the first threshold can also be set based on the equipment temperature. The equipment temperature is the temperature of the electric lubricant supply 1. Specifically, the equipment temperature can also be the temperature of the grease, or a temperature that indirectly represents the temperature of the grease.

[0354] The viscosity of grease changes depending on its temperature. For example, as the temperature of the grease increases, its viscosity decreases (i.e., it softens). When the viscosity of the grease decreases, the pump load (especially the plunger load) decreases, and consequently, the torque and its variation decrease. Therefore, for example, the first threshold can be set in a way that the first threshold decreases as the temperature of the grease increases. The gas entrainment detection unit 90 can also receive a temperature detection signal from the temperature sensor 100 and set the first threshold based on the temperature indicated by the temperature detection signal.

[0355] When gas entrainment occurs, the timing unit 88 measures the duration of the gas entrainment. The gas entrainment duration is the time during which gas entrainment continues to occur. Specifically, the timing unit 88 begins measuring the duration of the gas entrainment in response to a change in the gas entrainment detection state from "non-detection" to "detection". Specifically, at each calculation point, one count value is accumulated. Furthermore, when the gas entrainment duration has reached a predetermined time (i.e., when the count value has reached a predetermined value), the motion control unit 91 is notified that the gas entrainment has lasted for the predetermined time. Specifically, the timing unit 88 sets the gas entrainment duration state to "detection". The calculation points may, for example, occur repeatedly at predetermined intervals.

[0356] When the operation mode is set to automatic discharge mode, the reciprocating frequency calculation unit 79 calculates the actual number of reciprocating movements of the plunger 50. The reciprocating frequency calculation unit 79 can also calculate the actual number of reciprocating movements when the operation mode is set to continuous discharge mode. The actual number of reciprocating movements is: the actual number of reciprocating movements of the plunger 50. In other words, the actual number of reciprocating movements is: the number of times the discharge action was actually performed. Therefore, the actual number of reciprocating movements can be referred to as the actual number of discharges. The actual number of reciprocating movements is an example of the actual number of discharges in the summary of the implementation method.

[0357] Whenever a reciprocating determination signal is received from the reciprocating determination unit 89 (that is, whenever the plunger 50 performs one reciprocating motion), the reciprocating count calculation unit 79 accumulates the actual number of reciprocating motions. Specifically, whenever a reciprocating determination signal is received, the reciprocating count calculation unit 79 updates the actual number of reciprocating motions to the current value plus "1".

[0358] However, during the period when gas entrainment is detected by the gas entrainment detection unit 90 (i.e., the period when the gas entrainment detection state is set to "detection"), the reciprocating number calculation unit 79 does not update the actual reciprocating number. In other words, the accumulation of the actual reciprocating number is temporarily stopped. After the accumulation of the actual reciprocating number is temporarily stopped, when the gas entrainment is eliminated and the gas entrainment detection state is set to "non-detection", the reciprocating number calculation unit 79 restarts the accumulation of the actual reciprocating number from the value at the time of temporary stop.

[0359] The reciprocating frequency calculation unit 79 notifies the display control unit 85 of the current actual reciprocating frequency. Furthermore, the reciprocating frequency calculation unit 79 outputs the reciprocating frequency difference to the motion control unit 91. The reciprocating frequency difference is the difference between the target reciprocating frequency and the current actual reciprocating frequency.

[0360] In continuous discharge mode, while the trigger switch 8 is turned on, the motion control unit 91 issues a command to the motor drive control unit 92 to drive the motor 20. Specifically, the motion control unit 91 outputs a drive command to the motor drive control unit 92 and notifies it of the current target rotation speed. The drive command requests the motor drive control unit 92 to drive the motor 20.

[0361] In automatic discharge mode, while the trigger switch 8 is turned on, the motion control unit 91 sends a command to the motor drive control unit 92 to drive the motor 20. Specifically, the motion control unit 91 outputs a drive command to the motor drive control unit 92 and notifies it of the current target rotation speed. Furthermore, when the difference in the number of reciprocations notified from the reciprocation count unit 79 has reached zero, the output of the drive command is stopped, and the motor 20 is stopped.

[0362] When the motion control unit 91 operates in automatic discharge mode, if the gas entrainment continuous state is set to "detection" by the timing unit 88 (that is, if the gas entrainment has continued for a specified time), even if the trigger switch 8 is turned on and the difference in the number of reciprocations has not reached zero, the output of the drive command will be stopped and the motor 20 will be stopped.

[0363] The motor drive control unit 92 calculates the rotational position (specifically, electrical angle) and actual rotational speed of the motor 20 based on the first to third rotational signals from the first to third rotational position sensors 28A to 28C.

[0364] The motor drive control unit 92 performs speed feedback control upon receiving drive commands and target rotation speeds from the motion control unit 91. Specifically, the motor drive control unit 92 calculates the speed deviation. The speed deviation is the difference between the target rotation speed and the actual rotation speed. Furthermore, the motor drive control unit 92 calculates the duty cycle used to make the speed deviation zero (i.e., to make the actual rotation speed match the target rotation speed). The motor drive control unit 92 also outputs drive control signals to two on / off switches to respectively activate those switches. The two on / off switches are the two switches Q1 to Q6 (numbers 1 to 6) corresponding to the rotational position. At least one of the drive control signals output to the two on / off switches is a pulse width modulation signal with the calculated duty cycle. Therefore, the higher the duty cycle, the greater the power supplied to the motor 20.

[0365] The display control unit 85 displays the rotation speed band input from the operation mode setting unit 87 on the first display screen 74. The display control unit 85 displays the actual number of reciprocations input from the reciprocation count unit 79 on the set count display screen 75. When notified of the occurrence of gas entrainment, the display control unit 85 performs notification processing. The notification processing notifies the user of the occurrence of gas entrainment. The notification processing can also be performed arbitrarily. The notification processing can be performed in a way that allows the occurrence of gas entrainment to be identified visually and / or audibly. In the first embodiment, the display control unit 85 notifies the user of gas entrainment by flashing the second display screen 75A and the third display screen 75B. Alternatively, the display control unit 85 may also notify the user of gas entrainment by displaying preset values, symbols, text, etc. on the second display screen 75A and the third display screen 75B. The display control unit 85 is an example of a notification unit in the summary of the embodiments.

[0366] 2-1-6. Main Processor

[0367] Reference Figure 13This describes the main processing unit used to implement various functions in the automatic discharge mode. When the operating mode is set to automatic discharge mode, the control circuit 80 (more specifically, CPU 80A) executes... Figure 13 The main processing shown.

[0368] When control circuit 80 begins main processing, in S110, it determines whether trigger switch 8 is turned on. If trigger switch 8 is turned off, this process proceeds to S120. In S120, control circuit 80 executes stop-in-process. Details of the stop-in-process are as follows... Figure 14 As shown.

[0369] When the control circuit 80 transitions to the stop processing, in S210, it stops driving the motor 20. Specifically, the motion control unit 91 stops outputting drive commands. In S220, the control circuit 80 determines whether the current reciprocating frequency difference is zero. If the reciprocating frequency difference is not zero, the process proceeds to S240. In this case, the current reciprocating frequency difference is maintained. If the reciprocating frequency difference is zero, the process proceeds to S230. For example, if the target number of reciprocating cycles of the plunger 50 is completed, and the motor 20 automatically stops, and the user disconnects the trigger 9 based on the automatic stop of the motor 20, it can be determined in S220 that the reciprocating frequency difference is zero. In S230, the control circuit 80 resets the actual reciprocating frequency to an initial value (e.g., zero).

[0370] In S240, the control circuit 80 determines whether a change operation has been performed on the target number of reciprocations. The change operation includes turning on either the second switch 72 or the third switch 73. If no change operation has been performed, the process proceeds to S270. If a change operation has been performed, the process proceeds to S250.

[0371] In S250, the control circuit 80 resets the actual number of reciprocating strokes to the initial value. In S260, the control circuit 80 changes the target number of reciprocating strokes according to the change operation.

[0372] In S270, the control circuit 80 determines whether a speed change operation has been performed. A speed change operation includes turning on the first switch 71. If no speed change operation has been performed, the process proceeds to S290. If a speed change operation has been performed, the process proceeds to S280. In S280, the control circuit 80 changes the rotation speed band (i.e., changes the maximum rotation speed) according to the speed change operation.

[0373] In S290, the control circuit 80 sets the gas entrainment duration to "non-detection". The control circuit 80 also sets (resets) the gas entrainment duration to zero. After the processing in S290, this process proceeds to S140 (…). Figure 13 ).

[0374] In S110, with the trigger switch 8 turned on, this process proceeds to S130. In S130, the control circuit 80 executes the in-process handling. Details of the in-process handling are as follows... Figure 15 As shown.

[0375] When the control circuit 80 transitions to the operation processing, in S310, it determines whether the gas entrainment persistence state is set to "detect". If the gas entrainment persistence state is not set to "detect", the process proceeds to S320. In S320, the control circuit 80 determines whether the current reciprocating frequency difference is greater than 0. If the reciprocating frequency difference is 0, the control circuit 80, in S410, similarly stops the drive of the motor 20. A reciprocating frequency difference of 0 corresponds to the case where the discharge operation has been performed for the target number of reciprocating frequencies. After S410, the process proceeds to S420.

[0376] In S320, if the difference in the number of reciprocating strokes is greater than 0, the process proceeds to S330. A difference in the number of reciprocating strokes greater than 0 corresponds to the situation where the actual number of reciprocating strokes has not yet reached the target number of reciprocating strokes. In S330, the control circuit 80 drives the motor 20 at a target rotational speed corresponding to the current rotational speed band. That is, the aforementioned speed feedback control is performed.

[0377] In S340, the control circuit 80 determines whether the plunger 50 has performed one reciprocating motion.

[0378] In S350, control circuit 80 performs gas entrainment detection processing. Gas entrainment detection processing is a process used to detect whether gas entrainment has occurred. Details of the gas entrainment detection processing are as follows... Figure 16 As shown.

[0379] When the control circuit 80 is transferred to the gas entrainment detection process, in S510, it calculates the actual rotational speed of the motor 20 and calculates the motor acceleration based on the actual rotational speed.

[0380] In S520, control circuit 80 obtains the motor current value.

[0381] In S530, the control circuit 80 uses (i) the motor acceleration calculated in S510 and (ii) the motor current value obtained in S520 to calculate the estimated torque. Specifically, the control circuit 80 calculates the load torque or the load-inclusive torque based on the above formula (5) or the above formula (6). When the load torque is calculated from formula (5), the calculated load torque is obtained as the estimated torque. That is, the load torque is directly calculated using formula (5).

[0382] When the load-inclusive torque is calculated using equation (6), the estimated torque is indirectly calculated under the condition that the mechanical loss torque overlaps with the estimated torque. As mentioned above, in this first embodiment, the mechanical loss torque is constant and can be determined (known). Therefore, if the load-inclusive torque is calculated, the load torque can be obtained. Thus, the load-inclusive torque calculated using equation (6) is essentially equal to the calculated load torque. That is, equation (6) can also be regarded as an operational formula for calculating the load torque.

[0383] In S530, the control circuit 80 further updates the maximum torque based on the calculated estimated torque. Regarding the maximum torque, (i) it is reset every time the piston 50 performs one reciprocating motion, and (ii) after the reset, it is updated every time S530 is executed. Specifically, if the latest estimated torque calculated in this S530 is greater than the currently held maximum torque, the maximum torque is updated to the latest estimated torque. If the latest estimated torque calculated in this S530 is less than the currently held maximum torque, no update is performed.

[0384] When calculating the load-included torque, the maximum value of the load-included torque can also be alternatively maintained as the maximum load-included torque. The maximum load-included torque represents the maximum value of the load torque. That is, if the latest calculated load-included torque is greater than the currently maintained maximum load-included torque, the maximum load-included torque can be updated to this latest load-included torque. Maintaining the maximum load-included torque means indirectly maintaining the maximum torque. Therefore, maintaining the maximum load-included torque is essentially the same as maintaining the maximum torque.

[0385] In S540, the control circuit 80 determines, based on the determination result in S340, whether the plunger 50 has performed one reciprocation. If the plunger 50 has not yet performed one reciprocation, the process proceeds to S550. In S550, the control circuit 80 maintains the current gas entrainment detection state ("detected" or "not detected"). After the processing in S550, the process proceeds to S360 (…). Figure 15 ).

[0386] In S540, after the plunger 50 has reciprocated once, the process proceeds to S560. In S560, the control circuit 80 sets a first threshold. Specifically, the control circuit 80 sets the first threshold based on the target rotational speed, duty cycle, actual rotational speed, or equipment temperature, as described above.

[0387] In S570, the control circuit 80 determines whether the currently maintained maximum torque (i.e., the maximum value of the estimated torque during the most recent cycle) is greater than a first threshold. If the maximum torque is greater than the first threshold, the process proceeds to S580. In this case, the control circuit 80 determines that no gas entrainment has occurred. Accordingly, in S580, the control circuit 80 sets the gas entrainment detection state to "non-detection". After the processing in S580, the process proceeds to S600.

[0388] If the maximum torque is below the first threshold, the process proceeds to S590. In this case, the control circuit 80 determines that gas entrainment has occurred. Accordingly, in S590, the control circuit 80 sets the gas entrainment detection state to "detect". After the processing in S590, the process proceeds to S600.

[0389] If the load-included torque is calculated in S530 and the maximum load-included torque is updated, S570 can also be executed based on the currently maintained maximum load-included torque. Specifically, as the first threshold, an alternative threshold including the mechanical loss torque can be set. Furthermore, if the currently maintained maximum load-included torque is greater than the alternative threshold, it can be determined that no gas entrainment has occurred. Thus, comparing the maximum load-included torque with the alternative threshold is the same as comparing the maximum torque with the first threshold. Alternatively, the maximum torque can be calculated by subtracting the mechanical loss torque from the currently maintained maximum load-included torque. Moreover, the calculated maximum torque can be compared with the first threshold.

[0390] In S600, the control circuit 80 resets the currently held maximum torque. The control circuit 80 also resets the determination result of S340, which states that the plunger 50 has completed one reciprocation, and restarts the determination of whether the plunger 50 has completed one reciprocation. Therefore, when the plunger 50 has completed one reciprocation from this restart point, the determination of one reciprocation of the plunger 50 is made again in S340. After the processing in S600, this process proceeds to S360 (…). Figure 15 ).

[0391] In S360, the control circuit 80 determines whether the plunger 50 has reciprocated once, based on the determination result in S340. If the plunger 50 has not reciprocated once, the process proceeds to S420. If the plunger 50 has reciprocated once, the process proceeds to S370.

[0392] In S370, the control circuit 80 determines whether the gas entrainment detection state is set to "detect". If the gas entrainment detection state is set to "detect", that is, if gas entrainment has occurred, this process proceeds to S400. In S400, the control circuit 80 begins the aforementioned notification process, that is, notifying the user that gas entrainment has occurred. After the processing in S400, this process proceeds to S420.

[0393] If, in S370, the gas entrainment detection state is not set to "detect," meaning no gas entrainment occurs, the process proceeds to S380. In S380, the control circuit 80 increments the actual number of reciprocations. That is, it adds "1" to the current actual number of reciprocations. In S390, if the control circuit 80 has performed the notification process, it terminates the notification process. After the processing in S390, the process proceeds to S420.

[0394] When the S370 gas entrainment detection state is set to "detection", the actual number of reciprocating strokes is not incremented and remains at the current actual number of reciprocating strokes. That is, even if the plunger 50 performs one reciprocating stroke during the period when gas entrainment is detected, the actual number of reciprocating strokes will not change.

[0395] If the gas entrainment state is set to "detect" in S310, the process proceeds to S430. In S430, the control circuit 80, as in S210, stops the drive of the motor 20. After the process in S430, the process proceeds to S140. Figure 13 ).

[0396] In S420, control circuit 80 performs continuous decision processing. Details of the continuous decision processing are as follows... Figure 17 As shown. When the control circuit 80 transitions to the continuous determination process, in S610, it determines whether the gas entrainment detection state is set to "detect". If the gas entrainment detection state is not set to "detect", that is, if no gas entrainment occurs, the process transitions to S620.

[0397] In S620, control circuit 80 resets the gas entrainment duration to zero. After the processing in S620, this process proceeds to S140 ( Figure 13 ).

[0398] In S610, when the gas entrainment detection state is set to "detection," that is, when gas entrainment occurs, this process proceeds to S630. In S630, the control circuit 80 accumulates the duration of gas entrainment. That is, it accumulates (adds) the aforementioned count value used for measurement by one.

[0399] In S640, the control circuit 80 determines whether the gas entrainment duration is greater than or equal to a predetermined time (i.e., the count value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value). If the gas entrainment duration is less than the predetermined time, this process proceeds to S140. Figure 13 If the gas entrainment duration exceeds the specified time, this process is transferred to S650.

[0400] In S650, the control circuit 80 sets the gas entrainment persistence state to "detect". That is, it determines that gas entrainment has persisted for a predetermined time or longer. After S650, this process proceeds to S140 ( Figure 13 ).

[0401] In S140, the control circuit 80 calculates (i.e. updates) the difference in the number of reciprocating motions. Specifically, it subtracts the current actual number of reciprocating motions from the current target number of reciprocating motions. Furthermore, it updates the difference in the number of reciprocating motions to the result of this subtraction.

[0402] In S150, the control circuit 80 determines whether the current actual number of reciprocations is zero. If the actual number of reciprocations is not zero, the process proceeds to S160. In this case, in automatic discharge mode, the plunger 50 has moved more than once. Accordingly, in S160, the control circuit 80 displays the current actual number of reciprocations on the set number display screen 75. This allows the user to identify the progress of grease discharge. After the process in S160, the process proceeds to S110.

[0403] In step S150, if the actual number of reciprocations is zero, the process proceeds to step S170. In this case, for example, it can be imagined that trigger 9 has not yet been manually operated, or although trigger 9 has been manually operated, the actual number of reciprocations has not yet reached one reciprocation. Accordingly, in step S170, the control circuit 80 displays the target number of reciprocations on the set number display screen 75. This allows the user to identify the target number of reciprocations. After the processing in step S170, the process proceeds to step S110.

[0404] Here, we will illustrate this schematically. Figures 13-17 processing and Figure 6The correspondences are as follows: S110, S310, and S320 correspond to the processing based on the motion control unit 91. S210, S330, S410, and S430 correspond to the processing based on the motion control unit 91 and the motor drive control unit 92. S140, S220, S230, S250, and S380 correspond to the processing based on the reciprocating frequency calculation unit 79. S240 and S260 correspond to the processing based on the reciprocating frequency setting unit 83. S270 and S280 correspond to the processing based on the motion mode setting unit 87. S290 and S420 correspond to the processing based on the timing unit 88. S340 and S360 correspond to the processing based on the reciprocating determination unit 89. S350 corresponds to the processing based on the gas entrainment detection unit 90. S370 corresponds to the processing based on the reciprocating frequency calculation unit 79 and the display control unit 85. S150~S170, S390, S400 correspond to: processing based on display control unit 85.

[0405] 2-2. Second Implementation Method

[0406] In the second embodiment, other examples of the gas entrainment detection process will be described. The electric lubricant supply device of this second embodiment is configured to be essentially the same as the electric lubricant supply device 1 of the first embodiment, except for the gas entrainment detection process. Hereinafter, configurations different from those of the first embodiment will be described.

[0407] In this second embodiment, the gas entrainment detection unit 90 detects the generation of gas entrainment based on the amplitude of the load torque. As mentioned earlier, the load torque can vary periodically during the operation of the pump 60. That is, the amplitude of the load torque is generated during the operation of the pump 60. This amplitude differs between the normal state and the gas entrainment state (see reference). Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 (estimated torque).

[0408] Therefore, the gas entrainment detection unit 90 calculates the estimated torque in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, it detects the occurrence of gas entrainment based on the amplitude of the estimated torque during a specified driving period. The amplitude of the estimated torque in the gas entrainment state is smaller than the amplitude of the estimated torque in the normal state. Therefore, if the maximum value of the amplitude of the estimated torque during the specified driving period is below a second threshold, the gas entrainment detection unit 90 determines that gas entrainment has occurred. That is, the aforementioned first requirement includes: the maximum value of the amplitude of the estimated torque during the specified driving period is below the second threshold. In other words, if the maximum value of the amplitude of the estimated torque during the specified driving period is below the second threshold, it is determined that the first requirement is met, and gas entrainment has occurred. The maximum value of the amplitude during the specified driving period is the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the estimated torque during the specified driving period.

[0409] The second threshold can also be defined as a value that is less than the third expected range and greater than the fourth expected range. The third expected range is the range of amplitudes expected under normal conditions. The fourth expected range is the range of amplitudes expected under gas entrainment conditions. The second threshold can also be less than the minimum value of the third expected range and greater than the maximum value of the fourth expected range.

[0410] The second threshold can also be a constant value. In this second embodiment, the second threshold, like the first threshold in the first embodiment, is variably set according to the operating state of the electric lubricant supply 1.

[0411] Specifically, the second threshold can also be set based on the target rotation speed. More specifically, the second threshold can also increase with increasing target rotation speed in the same manner as the first threshold. For example, it can be... Figure 12 The vertical axis in the table is rewritten as the second threshold.

[0412] Alternatively, for example, the second threshold can also be set according to various motion states in the same way as the first threshold. Specifically, the second threshold can also be set according to the actual rotation speed using the same method as the setting method corresponding to the target rotation speed. For example, it is also possible to... Figure 12 The horizontal axis is rewritten as the actual rotational speed, and the vertical axis is rewritten as the second threshold. Alternatively, the second threshold can be set according to the duty cycle using the same method as setting the first threshold corresponding to the duty cycle. For example, it is also possible to... Figure 12 The horizontal axis is rewritten as the duty cycle, and the vertical axis is rewritten as the second threshold. Alternatively, the second threshold can be set based on the device temperature using the same method as setting the first threshold based on device temperature.

[0413] To achieve such gas entrainment detection, in this second embodiment, in Figure 15 The S350, replacing Figure 16 Perform gas entrainment detection and processing Figure 18 The gas entrainment detection and processing shown.

[0414] Figure 18 Gas entrainment detection and processing Figure 16 The differences between this gas entrainment detection process and the previous one are: (i) S531 is performed instead of S530, (ii) S561 is performed instead of S560, (iii) S571 is performed instead of S570, and (iv) S601 is performed instead of S600. Regarding the... Figure 16 The same processing as the gas entrainment detection processing is applied, giving it the same treatment as... Figure 16 The same marker, but with its detailed description omitted.

[0415] In S531, the control circuit 80 first calculates the estimated torque based on equation (5) or equation (6), similar to S530. The control circuit 80 updates the maximum or minimum torque based on the calculated estimated torque. Specifically, if the latest estimated torque calculated in this S531 is greater than the currently held maximum torque, the maximum torque is updated to the latest estimated torque. If the latest estimated torque calculated in this S531 is less than the currently held minimum torque, the minimum torque is updated to the latest estimated torque. If the latest estimated torque calculated in this S531 is below the currently held maximum torque but above the minimum torque, no update is performed. Regarding the maximum and minimum torque, (i) they are reset each time the piston 50 reciprocates once, and (ii) after reset, they are updated each time S531 is executed.

[0416] When calculating the load-included torque, (i) the maximum value of the load-included torque can be alternatively maintained as the alternative maximum torque representing the maximum value of the load torque, and (ii) the minimum value of the load-included torque can be alternatively maintained as the alternative minimum torque representing the minimum value of the load torque. That is, if the latest calculated load-included torque is greater than the currently maintained alternative maximum torque, the alternative maximum torque can be updated to the latest load-included torque. If the latest calculated load-included torque is less than the currently maintained alternative minimum torque, the alternative minimum torque can be updated to the latest load-included torque. Maintaining the alternative maximum torque and the alternative minimum torque means indirectly maintaining the maximum torque and the minimum torque. Therefore, maintaining the alternative maximum torque and the alternative minimum torque is essentially the same as maintaining the maximum torque and the minimum torque.

[0417] In S561, the control circuit 80 sets a second threshold. Specifically, the control circuit 80 sets the second threshold based on the target rotation speed, duty cycle, actual rotation speed, or equipment temperature, as described above.

[0418] In S571, the control circuit 80 determines whether the maximum amplitude of the estimated torque is greater than the second threshold. The maximum amplitude of the estimated torque is the maximum value of the amplitude of the estimated torque during a recent reciprocating cycle. That is, the maximum amplitude is the difference between the currently maintained maximum torque and the minimum torque. Each time the plunger 50 performs one reciprocating cycle, the maximum torque and the minimum torque during that cycle can be obtained via S531. The difference between the maximum torque and the minimum torque is the maximum amplitude.

[0419] The amplitude of the load torque is equal to the amplitude of the load torque. Therefore, the difference between the maximum and minimum torque can be calculated while both the maximum and minimum torque are maintained. This calculated difference equals the maximum amplitude of the estimated torque. Thus, S571 can also be executed based on this calculated difference (i.e., the maximum amplitude).

[0420] If, in step S571, the maximum amplitude exceeds the second threshold, the process proceeds to step S580. In this case, the control circuit 80 determines that no gas entrainment has occurred. If the maximum amplitude is below the second threshold, the process proceeds to step S590. In this case, the control circuit 80 determines that gas entrainment has occurred.

[0421] In S601, the control circuit 80 resets the currently held maximum torque and minimum torque. Similar to S600 in the first embodiment, the control circuit 80 also resets the determination result of S340, which indicates that the plunger 50 has completed one reciprocation, and restarts the determination of whether the plunger 50 has completed one reciprocation.

[0422] 2-3. Third Implementation Method

[0423] In the third embodiment, another example of the gas entrainment detection process will be described. The electric lubricant supply device of this third embodiment is configured to be essentially the same as the electric lubricant supply device 1 of the first embodiment, except for the gas entrainment detection process. Hereinafter, a configuration different from the first embodiment will be described.

[0424] In this third embodiment, the gas entrainment detection unit 90 detects the occurrence of gas entrainment based on the differential value of the load torque. Regarding the load torque during plunger 50 descent, the increase in load torque during gas entrainment is smaller compared to the normal state. That is, the increase in load torque during plunger 50 descent is larger in the normal state, while the increase in load torque during plunger 50 descent is smaller in the gas entrainment state.

[0425] Therefore, as Figure 19 as well as Figure 20 As illustrated, the differential value of the estimated torque under gas entrainment conditions (refer to...) Figure 19 The maximum value is less than the derivative of the estimated torque under normal conditions (refer to...). Figure 20 The maximum value of ).

[0426] Therefore, in this third embodiment, the gas entrainment detection unit 90 determines that gas entrainment has occurred when the maximum value of the derivative of the estimated torque during a specified driving period is below a third threshold. That is, the aforementioned first requirement in this third embodiment includes: the maximum value of the derivative of the estimated torque during a specified driving period is below a third threshold.

[0427] The differential value can also be calculated based on the time differential, for example. That is, the change in estimated torque per unit time can also be calculated as the differential value. Alternatively, the differential value can also be calculated based on the rotation angle differential, for example. That is, the change in estimated torque during the period when the motor 20 (specifically the rotor 22) rotates by a predetermined unit rotation angle can also be calculated as the differential value.

[0428] The third threshold can also be determined as a value that is smaller than the range of the derivative values ​​expected under normal conditions (e.g., its minimum value) and larger than the range of the derivative values ​​expected under gas entrainment conditions (e.g., its maximum value). The third threshold can also be determined arbitrarily.

[0429] The third threshold can also be a constant value. In this third embodiment, the third threshold, like the first threshold in the first embodiment, is variably set according to the operating state of the electric lubricant supply 1.

[0430] Specifically, the third threshold can also be set based on the target rotation speed. More specifically, the third threshold can also be set using the same principle as the first threshold, increasing as the target rotation speed increases. For example, it is also possible to... Figure 12 The vertical axis in the table is rewritten as the third threshold.

[0431] Alternatively, for example, the third threshold can also be set based on various operating states such as the actual rotational speed, duty cycle, or equipment temperature, just like the first threshold. Specifically, the third threshold can be set based on the actual rotational speed using the same method as the setting method corresponding to the target rotational speed. For example, it is also possible to... Figure 12 The horizontal axis is rewritten as the actual rotational speed, and the vertical axis is rewritten as the third threshold. Alternatively, the third threshold can be set according to the duty cycle using the same method as setting the first threshold corresponding to the duty cycle. For example, it is also possible to... Figure 12 The horizontal axis is rewritten as the duty cycle, and the vertical axis is rewritten as the third threshold. Alternatively, the third threshold can be set based on the device temperature using the same method as setting the first threshold based on device temperature.

[0432] To achieve such gas entrainment detection, in this third embodiment, in Figure 15 The S350, replacing Figure 16 Perform gas entrainment detection and processing Figure 21 The gas entrainment detection and processing shown.

[0433] Figure 21 Gas entrainment detection and processing Figure 18The gas entrainment detection process in the second embodiment differs from the previous one in that: (i) S532 is performed instead of S531, (ii) S562 is performed instead of S561, (iii) S572 is performed instead of S571, and (iv) S602 is performed instead of S601. Regarding the... Figure 18 The same processing as the gas entrainment detection processing is applied, giving it the same treatment as... Figure 18 The same marker, but with its detailed description omitted.

[0434] In S532, the control circuit 80 first calculates the estimated torque based on equation (5) or equation (6), similar to S531. The control circuit 80 further calculates the differential value of the estimated torque. Moreover, the control circuit 80 updates the maximum differential value based on the calculated differential value. Specifically, if the latest differential value calculated by the control circuit 80 in this S532 is greater than the currently held maximum differential value, the maximum differential value is updated to the latest differential value. Regarding the maximum differential value, (i) it is reset every time the plunger 50 performs one reciprocation, and (ii) after being reset, it is updated every time S532 is executed.

[0435] The change in load-included torque is equal to the change in load torque. Therefore, when calculating the load-included torque in S532, the derivative of this load-included torque is calculated as the derivative of the load torque. Furthermore, based on the calculated derivative, the maximum derivative value is updated or maintained.

[0436] In S562, the control circuit 80 sets a third threshold. Specifically, the control circuit 80 sets the third threshold based on the target rotation speed, duty cycle, actual rotation speed, or equipment temperature, as described above.

[0437] In S572, the control circuit 80 determines whether the currently held maximum differential value is greater than the third threshold. The maximum differential value is the maximum value of the differential value of the estimated torque during the most recent reciprocating cycle. If the maximum differential value is greater than the third threshold, the process proceeds to S580. In this case, the control circuit 80 determines that no gas entrainment has occurred. If the maximum differential value is less than the third threshold, the process proceeds to S590. In this case, the control circuit 80 determines that gas entrainment has occurred.

[0438] In S602, the control circuit 80 resets the currently held maximum differential value. Similar to S600 in the first embodiment, the control circuit 80 also resets the determination result of S340, which indicates that the plunger 50 has completed one cycle, and restarts the determination of whether the plunger 50 has completed one cycle.

[0439] 2-4. Fourth Implementation Method

[0440] In the fourth embodiment, another example of the gas entrainment detection process will be described. The electric lubricant supply device of this fourth embodiment is configured to be essentially the same as the electric lubricant supply device 1 of the first embodiment, except for the gas entrainment detection process. Hereinafter, a configuration different from the first embodiment will be described.

[0441] The gas entrainment detection unit 90 of the first embodiment detects gas entrainment based on an estimated torque during motor operation. In contrast, the gas entrainment detection unit 90 of the fourth embodiment switches the detection method according to the operating state of the motor 20.

[0442] Specifically, during the acceleration and deceleration of the motor 20 (in other words, when the motor 20 is not in the aforementioned steady state), the gas entrainment detection unit 90 detects gas entrainment based on the estimated torque, just like in any of the first to third embodiments.

[0443] On the other hand, under steady-state conditions, the gas entrainment detection unit 90 detects gas entrainment based on the motor current value. The gas entrainment detection unit 90 can also detect gas entrainment using any method based on the motor current value. For example, if the maximum value of the motor current value amplitude (hereinafter referred to as "maximum amplitude") during a specified drive period is below a first current threshold, it can be determined that gas entrainment has occurred. Additionally, for example, if the maximum value of the motor current value during a specified drive period is below a second current threshold, it can be determined that gas entrainment has occurred. Furthermore, for example, if the maximum value of the derivative value of the motor current value during a specified drive period is below a third current threshold, it can be determined that gas entrainment has occurred.

[0444] Reference Figure 22 as well as Figure 23 This section describes a specific example of the gas entrainment detection process in the fourth embodiment. Figure 22 as well as Figure 23 In the gas entrainment detection process shown, gas entrainment is detected based on the maximum torque (i.e., the maximum value of the estimated torque) during acceleration and deceleration, and based on the maximum amplitude of the motor current value under steady-state conditions.

[0445] exist Figure 22 as well as Figure 23 In the gas entrainment detection process shown, with Figure 16 Compared to the gas entrainment detection process, the differences are: (i) S525 is added between S520 and S530, and S600 is deleted; and (ii) S710 to S760 are added after the positive determination is made in S540. Regarding the... Figure 16The same processing as the gas entrainment detection processing is applied, giving it the same treatment as... Figure 16 The same marker, but with its detailed description omitted.

[0446] In S525, following S520, control circuit 80 updates the maximum or minimum current value. Specifically, if the latest motor current value obtained in a recent S520 is greater than the currently held maximum current value, the maximum current value is updated to the latest motor current value. If the latest motor current value obtained in a recent S520 is less than the currently held minimum current value, the minimum current value is updated to the latest motor current value.

[0447] If S540 determines that plunger 50 has performed one reciprocating motion, this process is transferred to S710 (see reference). Figure 23 In S710, the control circuit 80 determines whether the motor 20 is currently accelerating or decelerating. If it is accelerating or decelerating, the process proceeds to S560. Furthermore, similar to the first embodiment, it is determined whether gas entrainment has occurred based on a comparison between the maximum torque and a first threshold.

[0448] If, in step S710, neither acceleration nor deceleration occurs, the process proceeds to step S720. In step S720, the control circuit 80 sets a first current threshold. The first current threshold can be a predetermined constant value or can be variably set according to the operating state of the electric lubricant supply 1.

[0449] In S730, the control circuit 80 determines whether the maximum amplitude of the motor current value (i.e., the maximum amplitude of the motor current value during the most recent cycle) is greater than the first current threshold. The maximum amplitude of the motor current value is the difference between the currently held maximum current value and the minimum current value.

[0450] If the maximum amplitude of the motor current value exceeds the first current threshold, the process proceeds to S740. In this case, the control circuit 80 determines that no gas entrainment has occurred and sets the gas entrainment detection state to "non-detection". After the processing in S740, the process proceeds to S760.

[0451] If, in step S730, the maximum amplitude of the motor current value is below the first current threshold, the process proceeds to step S750. In this case, the control circuit 80 determines that gas entrainment has occurred and sets the gas entrainment detection state to "detect". After the processing in step S750, the process proceeds to step S760.

[0452] In S760, the control circuit 80 resets the currently held maximum current value, minimum current value, and maximum torque. Similar to S600 in the first embodiment, the control circuit 80 also resets the determination result of S340, which indicates that the plunger 50 has completed one reciprocation, and restarts the determination of whether the plunger 50 has completed one reciprocation. S760 is also executed after S580 and after S590.

[0453] 2-5. Other implementation methods

[0454] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made to implement it.

[0455] (2-5-1) In the above embodiment, gas entrainment was detected based on the load torque (specifically, the estimated torque), the amplitude of the load torque, or the derivative of the load torque. However, gas entrainment can also be detected based on the load torque or any physical quantity that includes the load torque.

[0456] (2-5-2) The first threshold can also be set based on an operating state different from the operating states (target rotational speed, duty cycle, actual rotational speed, or equipment temperature) exemplified in the above embodiments. The first threshold can also be set based on any operating state of the electric lubricant supply 1. The first threshold can also be set based on a load-related operating state. A load-related operating state is an operating state that affects the load torque. That is, the load torque may change according to changes in the load-related operating state.

[0457] For example, the operating state can be the battery voltage. That is, the first threshold can also be set based on the magnitude of the battery voltage. Assuming that even if the duty cycle is constant, when the battery voltage decreases, the power supplied to the motor 20 also decreases, and consequently the load torque also decreases. Therefore, for example, the first threshold can be set in a way that the first threshold decreases as the battery voltage decreases. To achieve this, the electric lubricant supply 1 can also include a voltage detector that detects the battery voltage. The voltage detector can also be configured to: (i) receive the battery voltage, and (ii) output a voltage detection signal corresponding to the magnitude of its voltage to the control circuit 80. The control circuit 80 can also (i) obtain the magnitude of the battery voltage based on the voltage detection signal from the voltage detector, and (ii) set the first threshold based on the obtained magnitude.

[0458] The second and third thresholds can also be variably set based on various other action states.

[0459] (2-5-3) In the first embodiment, the first threshold may also be set based on the average value of a numerical value representing the operating state (hereinafter referred to as "state quantity"). The average value is, in other words, a smoothed value. Examples of state quantities include: target rotational speed, duty cycle, actual rotational speed, or device temperature. The average value of the state quantity can also be calculated using any method. For example, an interval average or moving average of the state quantity can be calculated. In this case, the first threshold can be set based on the calculated interval average or moving average. The calculation interval for the interval average and the moving average can also be arbitrarily determined. The calculation interval can, for example, be the aforementioned specified driving period (i.e., the period during which the plunger 50 performs one reciprocating motion).

[0460] Alternatively, a low-pass filter can be included for the input state quantity. The low-pass filter removes components above a specified frequency from the time-series input state quantity and outputs the state quantity after removing these components. A first threshold can be set based on the output value of the low-pass filter. The low-pass filter can be implemented by executing a program for the low-pass filter using the CPU 80A.

[0461] The second threshold of the second embodiment and the third threshold of the third embodiment can also be set based on the averaged state quantity, just like the first threshold.

[0462] (2-5-4) In the above embodiments, examples of the prescribed procedures to be performed when gas entrainment is detected include notification processing and temporary suspension of the accumulation of actual reciprocating times. However, in the event of gas entrainment, other prescribed procedures may be performed in addition to these procedures, or instead.

[0463] (2-5-5) In the above embodiment, the reciprocating determination unit 89 determines one reciprocation of the plunger 50 based on the first to third rotation signals. However, one reciprocation of the plunger 50 can also be determined using various methods. For example, a sensor capable of detecting the rotation of the crankshaft 46 can be provided near the crankshaft 46. One reciprocation of the plunger 50 can be determined based on the detection result of this sensor. Alternatively, for example, a sensor that detects the position of the plunger 50 or the slider 48 can be provided near the plunger 50 or the slider 48. One reciprocation of the plunger 50 can be determined based on the detection result of this sensor.

[0464] (2-5-6) The technology of this invention is applicable to all reciprocating pumps. For example, this invention is also applicable to diaphragm pumps. Furthermore, it is not limited to reciprocating pumps, but is applicable to all types of pumps capable of discharging lubricant.

[0465] (2-5-7) The electric lubricant supply 1 may be configured to discharge a lubricant other than grease. The lubricant may be, for example, a semi-solid or a liquid (e.g., lubricating oil).

[0466] (2-5-8) The rotation speed range, operating mode, and target number of reciprocations can also be set using methods different from those described in the above embodiments. For example, a user interface (e.g., button, knob, lever, touch panel, etc.) with a different form than the second and third switches 72 and 73 used for setting the operating mode can also be provided. Moreover, the operating mode can be switched by operating this user interface. The same applies to the target number of reciprocations. The rotation speed range can also be switched by operating a user interface (e.g., button, knob, lever, touch panel, etc.) with a different form than the first switch 71.

[0467] (2-5-9) In the above embodiment, the rotational state (i.e., rotational position and actual rotational speed) of the motor 20 is obtained using the first to third rotational position sensors 28A to 28C. However, the rotational state can also be obtained using other methods. For example, so-called sensorless control can also be used in the electric lubricant supply 1. That is, the rotational state of the motor can also be obtained based on the induced voltage generated by the three coils 24 of the motor 20 respectively.

[0468] [2-6. Supplement]

[0469] In the above embodiments, multiple functions performed by one component can be accomplished by multiple components, and one function performed by one component can be accomplished by multiple components. Furthermore, multiple functions performed by multiple components can be accomplished by one component, and one function performed by multiple components can be accomplished by one component. Additionally, a portion of the configuration in the above embodiments can be omitted. Furthermore, at least a portion of the configuration in one of the above embodiments can be added to, or substituted for, the configuration in another of the above embodiments.

Claims

1. An electric lubricant supply device, characterized in that, The electric lubricant supply device includes: motor; A pump configured to be driven by the motor and to discharge lubricant; A drive circuit configured to drive the motor; as well as The control circuit is configured to rotate the motor by means of the drive circuit, and to perform prescribed processing during the driving of the motor based on the fact that the load torque has met the first requirement, wherein the load torque (i) is applied to the motor from the outside and (ii) is generated based on the load received from the pump, and the first requirement is the requirement of the load torque corresponding to the state in which gas has been mixed into the pump.

2. The electric lubricant supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first requirement is satisfied when the maximum value of the load torque during the specified driving period is below the first threshold.

3. The electric lubricant supply device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first requirement is satisfied when the maximum amplitude of the load torque during the specified driving period is below the second threshold.

4. The electric lubricant supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first requirement is satisfied when the maximum value of the derivative of the load torque during the specified driving period is below the third threshold.

5. The electric lubricant supply device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The control circuit is configured to change the first threshold according to the operating state of the electric lubricant supply.

6. The electric lubricant supply device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The control circuit is configured to change the second threshold according to the operating state of the electric lubricant supply.

7. The electric lubricant supply device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The control circuit is configured to change the third threshold according to the operating state of the electric lubricant supply.

8. The electric lubricant supply device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that, The control circuit is configured to: (i) set a target rotational speed as a target value for the rotational speed of the motor, and (ii) control the drive circuit in a manner that makes the rotational speed of the motor consistent with the target rotational speed. The action state includes the target rotation speed.

9. The electric lubricant supply device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that, The control circuit is configured to output a pulse width modulation signal with a duty cycle to the drive circuit to control the drive circuit. The drive circuit is configured to: (i) receive the pulse width modulation signal, and (ii) drive the motor according to the duty cycle of the received pulse width modulation signal. The action state includes the duty cycle.

10. The electric lubricant supply device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that, The operating state includes the actual rotational speed of the motor.

11. The electric lubricant supply device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that, The control circuit is configured to acquire the temperature of the electric lubricant supply. The operating state includes the temperature.

12. The electric lubricant supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The drive circuit is configured to supply current to the motor, thereby causing the motor to rotate. The control circuit is configured as follows: The load torque or load-inclusive torque is calculated based on the magnitude of the current supplied to the motor from the drive circuit and the acceleration of the motor, wherein the load-inclusive torque (i) includes the load torque and (ii) varies with the same or similar tendency as the load torque. The prescribed processing is performed based on the calculated load torque or the load torque included in the calculated load torque satisfying the first requirement.

13. The electric lubricant supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The electric lubricant supply includes a notification unit configured to notify the pump of information indicating that the gas has been mixed in. The specified processing includes: disseminating the information via the notification unit.

14. The electric lubricant supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, The pump is configured to repeatedly perform a predetermined discharge action to discharge the lubricant. The control circuit is configured as follows: During the driving process of the motor, the actual number of discharges is accumulated each time the prescribed discharge action is performed. The actual number of discharges corresponds to the number of times the prescribed discharge action has been performed. The motor stops because the actual number of discharges has reached the target number of discharges. The specified procedure includes temporarily halting the accumulation of the actual number of discharges.

15. The electric lubricant supply device according to claim 14, characterized in that, The control circuit is configured to: after temporarily stopping the accumulation of the actual discharge count, restart the accumulation of the actual discharge count based on the fact that the load torque no longer meets the first requirement.

16. The electric lubricant supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that, The pump includes: a chamber configured to contain the lubricant; a discharge port communicating with the chamber; and a plunger located within the chamber. The plunger is configured to: (i) reciprocate within the chamber based on the rotational force of the motor, and (ii) thereby discharge the lubricant within the chamber from the outlet.

17. The electric lubricant supply device according to any one of claims 2 to 11, characterized in that, The pump includes: a chamber configured to contain the lubricant; a discharge port communicating with the chamber; and a plunger located within the chamber. The plunger is configured to: (i) reciprocate within the chamber based on the rotational force of the motor, and (ii) thereby discharge the lubricant within the chamber from the outlet. The specified driving period includes the period during which the plunger reciprocates once within the chamber.

18. The electric lubricant supply device according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The pump includes: a chamber configured to contain the lubricant; a discharge port communicating with the chamber; and a plunger located within the chamber. The plunger is configured to: (i) reciprocate within the chamber based on the rotational force of the motor, and (ii) thereby discharge the lubricant within the chamber from the outlet. The specified discharge action includes: the plunger reciprocating once within the chamber.

19. The electric lubricant supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that, The control circuit is configured to stop the motor during the driving process of the motor based on the fact that the load torque meets the first requirement for a specified time.

20. The electric lubricant supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that, The control circuit is configured to detect, in accordance with the first requirement being met during the driving of the motor, the situation where the gas has been mixed into the pump and / or the situation where the pump wants to discharge the gas.

21. The electric lubricant supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that, The control circuit is configured to perform the specified processing based on (i) the motor accelerating or decelerating and (ii) the load torque satisfying the first requirement.

22. The electric lubricant supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that, The drive circuit is configured to supply current to the motor, causing the motor to rotate. The control circuit is configured as follows: The prescribed processing is performed based on (i) the motor accelerating or decelerating and (ii) the load torque satisfying the first requirement. The prescribed processing is performed based on (i) the motor rotating at a constant speed and (ii) the magnitude of the current supplied to the motor satisfying the second requirement. The second requirement is the magnitude of the current corresponding to the state in which gas has been mixed into the pump.

23. A method for discharging lubricant from an electric lubricant supply device, characterized in that, The method comprises the following steps: The electric lubricant supply pump is driven by the motor of the electric lubricant supply, and the pump is configured to discharge the lubricant. as well as During the driving process of the motor, a specified process is performed in the electric lubricant supply based on the load torque meeting a specified requirement, the load torque (i) being applied to the motor from outside and (ii) being generated based on the load received from the pump, the specified requirement being a requirement corresponding to the state in which gas has been mixed into the pump.

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