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

Abstract

This invention provides an electric lubricant supply and a method for discharging lubricant from the electric lubricant supply. One embodiment involves an electric lubricant supply comprising a motor, a pump, a drive circuit, and a control circuit. The pump comprises a receiving section for containing lubricant and a reciprocating component. The control circuit performs predetermined processing based on the actual amount of motion satisfying predetermined requirements. The actual amount of motion has a magnitude corresponding to a specific load applied to the motor. The specific load includes at least a portion of a first load and excludes a second load. The first load is based on pressure from the lubricant. The second load is applied from the reciprocating component independently of the pressure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an electric lubricant supply device. Background Technology

[0002] 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

[0003] 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.

[0004] It is hoped that one aspect of the present invention can properly detect the situation where gas mixes into the pump.

[0005] 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.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention provides an electric lubricant supply device comprising a motor, a pump, a drive circuit, and a control circuit.

[0007] The pump includes a receiving section and a reciprocating component. The receiving section is configured to receive lubricant. The reciprocating component (i) reciprocates within the receiving section in a first direction and in a second direction corresponding to the first direction, and (ii) discharges the lubricant from the receiving section toward the outside of the receiving section in a manner corresponding to the movement of the reciprocating component toward the first direction.

[0008] The motor drives the reciprocating component. The motor bears a motor load. The motor load includes a first load and a second load. The first load is applied to the motor from the reciprocating component due to the pressure exerted on the reciprocating component by the lubricant. The second load is applied to the motor from the reciprocating component regardless of the pressure.

[0009] The drive circuit is configured to drive the motor.

[0010] The control circuit rotates the motor via the drive circuit. During the motor's operation, the control circuit performs predetermined processing based on the actual amount of motion meeting predetermined requirements. The actual amount of motion corresponds to a specific load. The specific load is at least a portion of the motor load. The predetermined requirements are conditions indicating that gas has been mixed into the containment section.

[0011] The specific load includes the first load but excludes at least a portion of the second load.

[0012] The electric lubricant supply configured in this way can properly detect whether the gas has been mixed into the containment section (i.e., the pump).

[0013] Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for discharging lubricant from an electric lubricant supply device, the method comprising the following steps:

[0014] The lubricant in the receiving section is discharged by the reciprocating motion of the reciprocating component caused by a motor. The motor is configured to bear a motor load, which includes: (i) a first load applied to the motor from the reciprocating component due to pressure received from the lubricant by the reciprocating component; and (ii) a second load applied to the motor from the reciprocating component regardless of the pressure.

[0015] During the driving process of the motor, a specified process is performed based on the fact that the actual amount of motion has met the specified requirements, the specified requirements being conditions indicating that gas has been mixed into the containment portion, the actual amount of motion having a magnitude corresponding to the magnitude of a specific load, the specific load being (i) at least a portion of the motor load, and (ii) including the first load but not including at least a portion of the second load.

[0016] According to this method, the situation where the gas mixes into the containment section can be properly detected in the electric lubricant supply. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[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 7 It is an illustrative diagram used to schematically illustrate the load and torque applied to a motor.

[0025] Figure 8 This is an illustrative diagram used to schematically illustrate that the motor load includes loads 1 through 3.

[0026] Figure 9 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of an electric lubricant supply under normal conditions and in a low-temperature (0°C) environment.

[0027] Figure 10 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of an electric lubricant supply under normal conditions and in a high-temperature (30°C) environment.

[0028] Figure 11 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of an electric lubricant supply in a gas-entrained state and at a low temperature (0°C) environment.

[0029] Figure 12 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of an electric lubricant supply in a gas-entrained state and at a high temperature (30°C).

[0030] Figure 13 This is an illustration of the moving average of load physical quantities under gas entrainment conditions and at low temperature (-10°C).

[0031] Figure 14 This is an illustrative diagram illustrating the moving average of load physical quantities under normal conditions and at high temperature (50°C).

[0032] Figure 15 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of setting the first current threshold.

[0033] Figure 16 This is the flowchart for the main processing.

[0034] Figure 17 This is a flowchart of the process in progress.

[0035] Figure 18 It is a flowchart of the processing in the action.

[0036] Figure 19This is a flowchart of the gas entrainment detection process in the first embodiment.

[0037] Figure 20 This is a flowchart of continuous decision-making and processing.

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

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

[0040] Figure 23 This is an illustration of the first and second levels of load physical quantities under gas entrainment and low temperature (-10°C) conditions.

[0041] Figure 24 This is an illustration of the first and second levels of load physical quantities under normal conditions and high temperature (-50°C) environment.

[0042] Figure 25 This is a flowchart of a part of the gas entrainment detection process in the fourth embodiment.

[0043] Figure 26 This is another part of the gas entrainment detection process in the fourth embodiment. Figure 25 (The following is a flowchart.)

[0044] Figure 27 This is a flowchart of a part of the gas entrainment detection process in the fifth embodiment.

[0045] Figure 28 This is another part of the gas entrainment detection process in the fifth embodiment. Figure 27 (The following is a flowchart.)

[0046] Figure 29 This is a flowchart of a part of the gas entrainment detection process in the sixth embodiment.

[0047] Figure 30 This is another part of the gas entrainment detection process in the sixth embodiment. Figure 29 (The following is a flowchart.) Detailed Implementation

[0048] 1. Overview of Implementation Methods

[0049] One embodiment may provide an electric lubricant supply having at least one of the following features.

[0050] Feature 1: Pump;

[0051] Feature 2: The pump has a housing section.

[0052] Feature 3: The receiving part is configured to receive lubricant.

[0053] Feature 4: The pump has a reciprocating component. The reciprocating component may be at least partially disposed within the housing.

[0054] Feature 5: The reciprocating component is configured to reciprocate within the receiving portion in both a first direction and a second direction. The second direction is opposite to the first direction. The reciprocating component may also be configured to receive the rotation of the motor directly or indirectly, and reciprocate accordingly.

[0055] Feature 6: The reciprocating component is configured such that, in accordance with the movement of the reciprocating component toward the first direction, the lubricant in the receiving part is discharged toward the outside of the receiving part.

[0056] Feature 7: Motor.

[0057] Feature 8: The motor is configured to drive the reciprocating component.

[0058] Feature 9: The motor is configured to bear the motor load.

[0059] Feature 10: The motor load includes: a first load.

[0060] Feature 11: The first load is caused by the pressure received by the reciprocating component from the lubricant and applied from the reciprocating component to the motor.

[0061] Feature 12: The motor load includes: a second load.

[0062] Feature 13: The second load is applied to the motor from the reciprocating component independently of the pressure (in other words, even without the pressure). The second load can also be defined as the load applied to the motor from the reciprocating component itself due to the reciprocating motion of the reciprocating component.

[0063] Feature 14: Drive circuit.

[0064] Feature 15: The drive circuit is configured to drive the motor.

[0065] Feature 16: Control circuit.

[0066] Feature 17: The control circuit is configured to rotate the motor (in other words, perform the first action) by means of the drive circuit. The control circuit can also control the drive circuit to rotate the motor.

[0067] Feature 18: The control circuit is configured to perform a specified process (in other words, execute the second action) based on the fact that the actual amount of motion has met the specified requirements during the driving process of the motor.

[0068] Feature 19: The actual amount of motion has a magnitude corresponding to the magnitude of a specific load. The actual amount of motion may also be a physical quantity.

[0069] Feature 20: The specific load is at least a portion of the motor load. In other words, the specific load is included in the motor load.

[0070] Feature 21: The specific load includes: the first load.

[0071] Feature 22: The specific load does not include at least a portion of the second load.

[0072] Feature 23: The specified requirement is a condition (or indicator) indicating (or used to determine) that gas (or bubbles) has been mixed into the containment. The specified requirement may be satisfied corresponding to the gas having been mixed into the containment. The specified requirement may also be satisfied corresponding to a specified volume or more of gas having been mixed into the containment.

[0073] An electric lubricant supply device having at least features 1 to 23 is capable of properly detecting the situation where the gas mixes into the containment section.

[0074] 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, or rotational force, or torque). The reciprocating component may also be configured to: (i) directly or indirectly receive the driving force of the motor, or (ii) be driven by the driving force.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] The motor load is the load applied to the motor from outside the motor. The motor load includes the load generated from the reciprocating component and applied to the motor (hereinafter referred to as the "pump load"). The pump load includes the first load and the second load. The specific load is a portion of the pump load. The specific load can also be defined as at least a portion of the second load omitted from the pump load. A large portion or all of the specific load can be the first load.

[0079] The first load may also have a magnitude corresponding to the pressure. The first load may also be applied to the reciprocating component by the pressure received from the lubricant when the reciprocating component moves toward the first direction (i.e., during discharge).

[0080] The second load can also be defined as: for example, the load applied to the motor by the reciprocating motion of the reciprocating component when the receiving portion is open and without the lubricant. Due to mechanical factors (e.g., sliding resistance) in and around the reciprocating component, an output torque from the motor is still required even without the lubricant in the receiving portion (i.e., even just to make the reciprocating component reciprocate). The load corresponding to this output torque can be referred to as the second load. The sliding resistance can be generated by friction between the reciprocating component and other components in contact with it. These other components may include: the inner wall of the receiving portion opposite to the reciprocating component.

[0081] The reciprocating component can be configured to reciprocate within a specified range of motion. The reciprocating component can also be configured to perform linear movement (i.e., reciprocate along a straight line). The electric lubricant supply can include a converter that converts rotational 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 the reciprocating motion of the reciprocating component. The converter is one of several components constituting the pump.

[0082] The pump may be configured to supply lubricant to the receiving portion in accordance with the movement of the reciprocating component toward the second direction. The pump may include a discharge port communicating with the interior of the receiving portion. The lubricant may also be discharged from the discharge port toward the exterior of the receiving portion (and further toward the exterior of the pump, and then toward the exterior of the electric lubricant supply) in accordance with the movement of the reciprocating component toward the first direction.

[0083] The lubricant can also be arbitrarily contained (or filled) within the receiving portion. The receiving portion may include an inlet for receiving the lubricant from the outside of the pump. The lubricant can also flow into the receiving portion via the inlet by receiving pressure from the outside of the pump towards the inlet. The receiving portion may be configured such that: (i) a negative pressure is generated within the receiving portion corresponding to the movement of the reciprocating member toward the second direction; and (ii) the lubricant is drawn into the receiving portion from the outside of the pump via the inlet through this negative pressure (i.e., it is attracted).

[0084] The pump can include all configurations capable of discharging the lubricant through the reciprocating motion of the reciprocating component. The pump can be configured such that the volume within the receiving portion changes due to the reciprocating motion of the reciprocating component, thereby discharging the lubricant. Examples of the pump include positive displacement pumps (more specifically, for example, reciprocating pumps). Examples of reciprocating pumps include plunger pumps, piston pumps, and diaphragm pumps. Examples of the reciprocating component include plungers, pistons, and diaphragms.

[0085] Examples of the receiving portion include a chamber and a cylinder. In the diaphragm pump, the diaphragm forms part of the chamber.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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).

[0089] The six switching elements may also include: three high-side switches and three low-side switches. The three high-side switches may also 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.

[0090] Here, the terms "normal state" and "mixed-in state" are defined. The normal state is: the lubricant is filled within the containment portion and no gas (or lubricant) is mixed into the containment portion. The mixed-in state is: the gas is mixed into the containment portion. The mixed-in state corresponds to the gas entrainment state described later.

[0091] Under normal conditions, the first load (i) increases significantly when the reciprocating component moves in the first direction, and (ii) decreases substantially or becomes zero when the reciprocating component moves in the second direction. That is, the first load repeatedly increases and decreases with each reciprocating motion of the reciprocating component. In other words, the first load varies periodically with each reciprocating motion of the reciprocating component as a cycle.

[0092] On the other hand, when the mixing state is in which the reciprocating component moves toward the first direction, the first load is lower than the first load when the normal state is in which the reciprocating component moves toward the first direction. Therefore, the increase or decrease (i.e., the variation) of the first load in the mixing state is less than the increase or decrease of the first load in the normal state.

[0093] Therefore, assuming that the motor load does not include the second load, it is possible to determine whether the gas has entered the containment section based on the motor load (or load physical quantity). This is because: in this case, most, or a large portion, or all, of the motor load can be the first load. That is, a change in the motor load in this case can be regarded as a change in the first load.

[0094] However, in reality, torque is required even just to make the reciprocating component reciprocate; therefore, the motor load includes the second load. Moreover, this second load can also vary depending on the reciprocating motion of the reciprocating component.

[0095] The second load is independent of the pressure received from the lubricant. Therefore, the second load can vary, for example, with each single-stroke movement of the reciprocating component. That is, the second load can vary periodically with each single-stroke movement of the reciprocating component as a cycle. A single-stroke movement refers to the movement of the reciprocating component from a first end to a second end in its movement path, and from the second end to the first end. The first end is the end point in the first direction of the movement path, and the second end is the end point in the second direction of the movement path.

[0096] Therefore, it is not easy, or even impossible, to determine whether the gas has entered the containment section based on the motor load.

[0097] In contrast, the control circuit possessing feature 18 performs the prescribed processing based on the fact that the actual operating quantity has met the prescribed requirements. The actual operating quantity represents the operating state of the electric lubricant supply and may include: the amplitude of the filtered chemical physical quantity described later, and the reciprocating difference. The specific load includes the first load, and on the other hand, removes part or all of the second load. Thus, the control circuit can appropriately determine the mixing status of the gas in the containment section and can operate appropriately according to the mixing status.

[0098] The specified requirement may also indicate that the gas may have been mixed into the containment section. That is, the actual amount of motion satisfying the specified requirement may also correspond to: the gas has been mixed into the containment section, or the gas may have been mixed into the containment section.

[0099] The gas that has been mixed into the containment may include: (i) the gas that has been mixed into the lubricant in the containment, and / or (ii) the gas that is not present in the containment and only the lubricant is present.

[0100] The prescribed process can also be any process corresponding to the presence of gas within the containment chamber. The prescribed process can also be a process that should be performed or is desired to be performed when gas has been present within the containment chamber. When gas has been present within the containment chamber, the lubricant may not be properly discharged. Specifically, it is possible that the amount of lubricant discharged decreases or that the lubricant is not discharged at all. Accordingly, the prescribed process can also be a process corresponding to the state where the lubricant may not be properly discharged, i.e., a process that should be performed or is desired to be performed in that state. Examples of such prescribed processes will be described later.

[0101] In one embodiment, the control circuit may also be integrated into a single electronic unit, a single electronic device, or a single circuit board.

[0102] 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 independently disposed on or within the electric lubricant supply.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] In addition to having at least one of features 1 to 23, or alternatively, a certain embodiment may also have at least one of the following features.

[0106] Feature 24: The pump includes: a guide.

[0107] Feature 25: The guide supports the reciprocating component so that it can reciprocate.

[0108] Feature 26: The reciprocating component is configured to move along the guide.

[0109] The second load may include a sliding load. This sliding load arises from the sliding resistance (or frictional resistance) between the reciprocating component and the guide. More than half, a majority, or all of the second load may also include the sliding load. The greater the sliding resistance, the larger the proportion of the second load in the motor load. Consequently, it becomes difficult to detect the intrusion of gas based on the motor load.

[0110] Lubricating oil, used to reduce friction between the reciprocating component and / or the guide, may also be applied to the reciprocating component and / or the guide. That is, the reciprocating component may also come into contact with the guide via the lubricating oil. The lubricating oil is a different substance from the lubricant.

[0111] In this case, the second load (specifically, the sliding load) can vary with temperature. This is because the viscosity of the lubricating oil generally changes with temperature. Specifically, generally, the higher the temperature, the lower the viscosity of the lubricating oil (i.e., it softens), and conversely, the lower the temperature, the higher the viscosity (i.e., it hardens). Therefore, the higher the temperature, the lower the second load, and vice versa. That is, the proportion of the second load in the motor load changes with temperature. Consequently, it becomes difficult to accurately detect the mixing of gas into the containment within a wide temperature range based on the motor load.

[0112] In contrast, the specific load does not include at least a portion of the second load. Therefore, the effect of the second load in the specific load (and consequently the actual amount of motion) is reduced or prevented.

[0113] Therefore, an electric lubricant supply having at least features 1 to 26 can appropriately detect the mixing of gas into the containment portion over a wider temperature range, even when the sliding resistance is generated between the reciprocating component and the guide.

[0114] In one embodiment, the reciprocating member may have a protrusion, and the guide may have a groove. The protrusion may be inserted into the groove and is movable along the groove together with the reciprocating member toward the first direction and the second direction. Conversely, the guide may have the protrusion, and the reciprocating member may have the groove.

[0115] 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.

[0116] Feature 27: The reciprocating component has a plunger.

[0117] Feature 28: The plunger is at least partially housed in the housing portion.

[0118] Feature 29: The plunger is configured to reciprocate within the receiving portion in the first direction and the second direction.

[0119] Feature 30: The reciprocating component has a slider.

[0120] Feature 31: The slider is mechanically connected to the plunger.

[0121] Feature 32: The slider is configured to move integrally with the plunger along the guide.

[0122] Even when the sliding resistance is generated between the slider and the guide, the electric lubricant supply device having at least features 1 to 32 can properly detect the situation where gas mixes into the receiving part.

[0123] The plunger may have a rod-shaped (or cylindrical) shape. At least one portion, including one end of the plunger (hereinafter referred to as the "insertion portion"), may be configured to be inserted into the receiving portion and reciprocate within the receiving portion. The insertion portion may also be configured to apply pressure to the lubricant in accordance with movement toward the first direction, thereby discharging the lubricant.

[0124] The plunger and the slider can be independent components. Alternatively, the plunger and the slider can be integrated into one unit.

[0125] The sliding resistance may include, in part or in whole, the resistance generated between the slider and the guide. The lubricant may also be applied to the slider and / or the guide. The protrusion or the groove may be provided on the slider.

[0126] In addition to having at least one of features 1 to 32, or alternatively, a certain embodiment may also have at least one of the following features.

[0127] Feature 33: The actual motion quantity includes the amplitude of the filtered physical quantity.

[0128] Feature 34: The filtered physical quantity is a physical quantity obtained by reducing or removing the component caused by the second load from the load physical quantity.

[0129] Feature 35: The load physical quantity is a physical quantity that changes according to the magnitude of the motor load.

[0130] An electric lubricant supply device having at least features 1 to 23 and 33 to 35 is capable of appropriately detecting the situation where gas mixes into the containment based on a physical quantity reflecting the motor load.

[0131] The control circuit may also be configured to acquire or detect the load physical quantity. The electric lubricant supply may also include a detector configured to detect the load physical quantity. The detector may also be configured to output a detection signal representing the detected load physical quantity. The control circuit may also acquire the load physical quantity based on the detection signal.

[0132] The load physical quantity and the filtered physical quantity can change sequentially (i.e., over time). The amplitude of the filtered physical quantity can be defined as the difference between a sequentially occurring maximum and minimum value. That is, the filtered physical quantity reaches a maximum value at a certain point and then decreases to a minimum value. In this case, the difference between the maximum and minimum value corresponds to the amplitude. Conversely, the filtered physical quantity reaches a minimum value at a certain point and then increases to a maximum value. In this case, the difference between the minimum and maximum value also corresponds to the amplitude. The amplitude can also be the amplitude during a specified drive period. The specified drive period can be any period during the drive process of the motor. The specified drive period can also be, for example, one reciprocating cycle of the reciprocating component.

[0133] The control circuit can also be configured to perform a first arithmetic process. The first arithmetic process includes calculating the filtered physical quantity based on the load physical quantity. The control circuit can perform the specified processing based on the calculated filtered physical quantity meeting the specified requirements. Examples of the first arithmetic process include all processes capable of reducing or removing components originating from the second load from the load physical quantity. The first arithmetic process can also be implemented, for example, using a digital low-pass filter. The cutoff frequency of this digital low-pass filter can, for example, be the reciprocal of the time required for a single-pass movement of the reciprocating component.

[0134] In addition to having at least one of features 1 to 35, or alternatively, a certain embodiment may also have the following features.

[0135] Feature 36: The filtered physical quantity is the moving average of the load physical quantity.

[0136] The moving average of the load physical quantity corresponds to a physical quantity obtained by reducing or removing the component originating from the second load (i.e., the filtered physical quantity) from the load physical quantity. Accordingly, the actual action quantity in this case is the amplitude of the moving average.

[0137] Therefore, an electric lubricant supply device having at least features 1 to 23 and 33 to 36 can easily detect the situation where gas mixes into the containment section based on the moving average.

[0138] The first calculation process may also include: calculating the moving average of the load physical quantity. Examples of the moving average include: simple moving average, weighted moving average, and exponential moving average.

[0139] The control circuit can be configured to calculate a moving average of the load physical quantity. The control circuit can calculate the moving average at each repeatedly generated calculation point. The calculation points can be generated arbitrarily. The calculation points can be generated periodically or non-periodically.

[0140] In one embodiment, the electric lubricant supply may also include a transmission mechanism (in other words, a speed reducer), configured to: (i) be connected to the motor, and (ii) reduce the rotation of the motor and transmit it to the pump. In this case, the specific load may also include a third load. The third load is a load resulting from mechanical losses such as friction in the transmission mechanism. The transmission mechanism may also include the converter. Alternatively, the converter may also include the transmission mechanism.

[0141] When the specific load includes the third load, the moving average of the load physical quantity contains a large component of the first load and a component of the third load, but contains little or no component of the second load. In the general structure of the transmission mechanism, the third load is constant or substantially constant, at least during the calculation period of the moving average. Alternatively, the third load can be considered constant or substantially constant, at least during the calculation period of the moving average. If the third load is constant or substantially constant, the amplitude of the moving average of the load physical quantity will be close to, nearly equal to, or equal to the amplitude of the first load.

[0142] In addition to having at least one of features 1 to 36, a certain embodiment may also have at least one of the following features.

[0143] Feature 37: The moving average is the average of the physical quantity of the load over the time period of the calculation object.

[0144] Feature 38: The time of the operation object is half of the time required for reciprocation, and the time required for reciprocation is the time required for the reciprocating component to perform one reciprocation.

[0145] An electric lubricant supply device having at least features 1 to 23 and 33 to 38 can easily and accurately detect the situation where gas mixes into the containment section based on the moving average.

[0146] The load physical quantity can be acquired several times (i.e., a few times) within the time frame of the operation, or it can be acquired at any time. For example, the load physical quantity can be acquired repeatedly periodically. Alternatively, the load physical quantity can be acquired at each of the aforementioned operation times.

[0147] The control circuit can calculate the average of the load physical quantity during the calculation period at each calculation time, and use this average as the moving average. The calculation period is the period from the first calculation time to the second calculation time. The first calculation time is the time that precedes the calculation time by the calculation time. The second calculation time can be the calculation time itself, or it can be a predetermined time preceding the calculation time.

[0148] The second load is independent of the pressure received from the lubricant. Therefore, it is possible to predict that the first variation of the second load and the second variation of the second load are similar or nearly identical. The first variation is the variation of the second load during the period from the reciprocating component moving from the first end to the second end. The second variation is the variation of the second load during the period from the reciprocating component moving from the second end to the first end. That is, it is possible to predict that the second load varies repeatedly in a similar (or nearly identical) manner, with the one-way movement of the reciprocating component as one cycle. Therefore, by calculating the moving average of half the time required for the reciprocation (i.e., the time required for the one-way movement), the component caused by the second load can be reduced or removed from the load physical quantity.

[0149] The computation time can be longer than half the time required for the round trip. Alternatively, the computation time can be half the time required for the round trip plus a predetermined time. The predetermined time can be, for example, shorter than 1 / 4 (or 1 / 8 or 1 / 16) of the time required for the round trip.

[0150] 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.

[0151] Feature 39: The control circuit is configured to set a target rotational speed as a target value for the rotational speed of the motor.

[0152] Feature 40: The control circuit is configured to control the drive circuit in such a way that the actual rotational speed of the motor matches the target rotational speed.

[0153] Feature 41: The control circuit is configured to obtain the time of the computation object based on the set target rotation speed.

[0154] Feature 42: The control circuit is configured to calculate the moving average based on the acquired time of the computation object.

[0155] An electric lubricant supply device having at least features 1 to 23 and 33 to 42 can easily and with higher accuracy detect the situation where gas mixes into the containment section based on the moving average.

[0156] The actual rotational speed is the actual rotational speed of the motor. The actual rotational speed can also be defined as a scalar value without considering the direction of rotation.

[0157] The higher the target rotational speed (or the higher the actual rotational speed), the shorter the reciprocating time; conversely, the lower the target rotational speed (or the lower the actual rotational speed), the longer the reciprocating time. The first correspondence between the target rotational speed (or the actual rotational speed) and the reciprocating time, or the second correspondence between the target rotational speed (or the actual rotational speed) and the computational time, can be theoretically or experimentally known in advance. Therefore, the reciprocating time can be calculated (in other words, estimated) based on the target rotational speed (or the actual rotational speed) and the first correspondence, and the computational time can be calculated based on the reciprocating time. Alternatively, the computational time can be calculated based on the target rotational speed (or the actual rotational speed) and the second correspondence.

[0158] The control circuit can calculate the time of the computation object at each computation time, and calculate the moving average based on the time of the computation object.

[0159] In addition to having at least one of features 1 to 42, or alternatively, a certain embodiment may also have the following features.

[0160] Feature 43: The specified requirement includes: the maximum value of the amplitude of the filtered physical quantity during the specified driving period is below a first threshold. In other words, the specified requirement is satisfied when the maximum value of the amplitude of the filtered physical quantity during the specified driving period is below the first threshold.

[0161] An electric lubricant supply device having at least features 1 to 23, 33 to 35, and 43 is capable of appropriately and easily detecting the situation where gas mixes into the containment portion based on the physical quantity reflecting the motor load.

[0162] The first threshold can be arbitrarily determined. The first threshold can also be appropriately determined within a first specified range. The first specified range can, for example, be smaller than the minimum amplitude of the filtered physical quantity that can be generated (e.g., theoretically or experimentally) under the normal state. The first specified range can also, for example, be larger than the maximum amplitude of the filtered physical quantity that can be generated under the mixed state.

[0163] In addition to having at least one of features 1 to 43, or alternatively, a certain embodiment may also have the following features.

[0164] Feature 44: The control circuit is configured to set (or change) the first threshold based on the operating state of the electric lubricant supply.

[0165] An electric lubricant supply device having at least features 1 to 23, 33 to 35, 43, and 44 is capable of detecting with high precision the presence of gas mixed into the containment portion based on the physical quantity reflecting the motor load.

[0166] The action state can include all states that affect the physical quantity of the load. In other words, the action state can include all states in which the physical quantity of the load changes according to the change of the action state (and consequently the physical quantity of the filtering process changes). Examples of the action states will be described later.

[0167] In addition to having at least one of features 1 to 23, or alternatively, a certain embodiment may also have at least one of the following features.

[0168] Feature 45: The drive circuit is configured to supply current to the motor so that the motor rotates.

[0169] Feature 46: The load physical quantity includes the magnitude of the current (hereinafter referred to as "motor current") supplied from the drive circuit to the motor.

[0170] The magnitude of the motor current (e.g., the motor current value) varies depending on the motor load. Specifically, the motor current may increase as the motor load increases, and decrease as the motor load decreases. The variation in the motor current may include a component based on the variation in the second load.

[0171] In contrast, the filtered physical quantity based on the motor current is a physical quantity obtained by reducing or removing the component based on the variation of the second load from the magnitude of the motor current. Therefore, the control circuit, based on the amplitude of the filtered physical quantity, can perform appropriate processing corresponding to the mixing status of the gas within the containment section.

[0172] Therefore, an electric lubricant supply device having at least features 1 to 23, 33 to 35, 45, and 46 can appropriately detect the situation where gas mixes into the containment section based on the motor current.

[0173] The electric lubricant supply may include a current detector configured to output a current detection signal corresponding to the magnitude of the motor current. The control circuit may also acquire the current detection signal and, based on the acquired current detection signal, determine the magnitude of the motor current.

[0174] In addition to having at least one of features 1 to 46, or alternatively, a certain embodiment may also have the following features.

[0175] Feature 47: The load physical quantity includes the actual rotational speed of the motor.

[0176] The actual rotational speed varies depending on the motor load. Specifically, the actual rotational speed may decrease as the motor load increases, and increase as the motor load decreases. The variation in the actual rotational speed may include a component based on the variation in the second load.

[0177] In contrast, the filtered physical quantity based on the actual rotational speed is a physical quantity obtained by reducing or removing the component based on the variation of the second load from the actual rotational speed. Therefore, the control circuit, based on the amplitude of the filtered physical quantity, can perform appropriate processing corresponding to the mixing status of the gas within the containment section.

[0178] Therefore, an electric lubricant supply device having at least features 1 to 23, 33 to 35, and 47 can appropriately detect the situation where gas mixes into the containment section based on the actual rotational speed.

[0179] The electric lubricant supply may also include a rotation detector configured to output a rotation detection signal corresponding to the actual rotation speed. The control circuit may also acquire the rotation detection signal and, based on the acquired rotation detection signal, determine the actual rotation speed.

[0180] In addition to having at least one of features 1 to 47, or alternatively, a certain embodiment may also have the following features.

[0181] Feature 48: The load physical quantity includes load torque. The load torque is the torque applied to the motor from outside the motor.

[0182] The load torque varies according to the motor load. Specifically, the load torque may increase when the motor load increases and decrease when the motor load decreases. The variation in load torque may include a component based on the variation in the second load.

[0183] In contrast, the filtered physical quantity based on the load torque is obtained by reducing or removing components based on the variation of the second load from the load torque. Therefore, the control circuit, based on the amplitude of the filtered physical quantity, can perform appropriate processing corresponding to the mixing status of the gas within the containment section.

[0184] Therefore, an electric lubricant supply having at least features 1 to 23, 33 to 35, and 48 can appropriately detect the situation where gas mixes into the containment portion based on the load torque.

[0185] The control circuit can also arbitrarily obtain (e.g., calculate) the load torque. The control circuit can also calculate (i.e. estimate) the load torque, for example, based on the following formula (1).

[0186]

Equation 1

[0187]

[0188] In the above formula (1), 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 (motor ~ piston) is the inertial torque of the motor. The motor acceleration is the acceleration of the motor (more specifically, the acceleration in the direction of rotation of the motor's rotating shaft; in other words, angular acceleration). The torque coefficient is also called the torque meter.

[0189] In addition to having at least one of features 1 to 48, a certain embodiment may also have at least one of the following features.

[0190] Feature 49: The actual motion quantity includes the reciprocating difference of the load physical quantity during one reciprocating cycle. The one reciprocating cycle corresponds to the period during which the reciprocating component performs one reciprocating cycle. The load physical quantity is a physical quantity that varies according to the magnitude of the motor load.

[0191] Feature 50: The reciprocating difference is the difference between level 1 and level 2. Level 1 represents the magnitude of the load physical quantity in the first period. Level 2 represents the magnitude of the load physical quantity in the second period.

[0192] Feature 51: The first period is the period during which the reciprocating component moves in the first direction within one reciprocating cycle. The second period is the period during which the reciprocating component moves in the second direction within one reciprocating cycle.

[0193] The second load is generated independently of the pressure from the lubricant, accompanying the reciprocating motion of the reciprocating component. Thus, the second load is generated periodically with each single movement of the reciprocating component (i.e., half a reciprocating motion).

[0194] Furthermore, it can be presumed that the magnitude and variation of the second load in the first period and the magnitude and variation of the second load in the second period are not significantly different but are similar or equivalent to each other.

[0195] Therefore, by obtaining the difference between the first level and the second level, the influence of the second load in the actual amount of motion can be reduced or eliminated. Assuming that the magnitude and variation pattern of the second load in the first period are completely consistent with the magnitude and variation pattern of the second load in the second period, then the reciprocating difference is the value obtained by completely eliminating the influence of the second load. Accordingly, based on the reciprocating difference, it is possible to appropriately determine whether any gas has entered the containment section.

[0196] Generally, the third load is considered constant or approximately constant. Therefore, even if the motor load includes the third load, the reciprocating difference will be a value obtained by significantly or completely removing the influence of the third load.

[0197] Therefore, an electric lubricant supply device having at least features 1 to 23 and 49 to 51 can appropriately detect the situation where the gas mixes into the containment section based on the reciprocating difference.

[0198] The first level can be represented using all methods (e.g., values, quantities, etc.) that represent the magnitude (or level) of the load physical quantity in the first period. The first level can be represented by a method that determines the magnitude of the load physical quantity in the first period to be at least comparable to the second level (in other words, to produce a meaningful difference). The second level can be represented by a method that determines the magnitude of the load physical quantity in the second period to be at least comparable to the first level.

[0199] The control circuit can also be configured to perform a second calculation process. The second calculation process includes calculating the reciprocating difference value based on the load physical quantity. The second calculation process can also include: (i) calculating the first level of processing, (ii) calculating the second level of processing, and (iii) calculating the reciprocating difference value based on the calculated first level and the second level. The control circuit can perform the specified processing based on the calculated reciprocating difference value satisfying the specified requirements.

[0200] In addition to having at least one of features 1 to 51, or alternatively, a certain embodiment may also have the following features.

[0201] Feature 52: The specified requirement includes: the reciprocating difference is below a second threshold. In other words, the specified requirement is satisfied corresponding to the reciprocating difference being below the second threshold.

[0202] An electric lubricant supply device having at least features 1 to 23 and 49 to 52 can appropriately and easily detect the situation where gas mixes into the containment section based on the reciprocating difference.

[0203] The second threshold can be arbitrarily determined. The second threshold can also be appropriately determined within a second specified range. The second specified range can, for example, be smaller than the minimum value of the reciprocating difference that can be generated under the normal state. The second specified range can, for example, be larger than the maximum value of the reciprocating difference that can be generated under the mixed state.

[0204] In addition to having at least one of features 1 to 52, or alternatively, a certain embodiment may also have the following features.

[0205] Feature 53: The control circuit is configured to set (or change) the second threshold based on the operating state of the electric lubricant supply.

[0206] An electric lubricant supply device having at least features 1 to 23 and 49 to 53 can detect with high precision the situation where gas mixes into the containment section based on the reciprocating difference.

[0207] In addition to having at least one of features 1 to 53, a certain embodiment may also have at least one of the following features, or alternatively.

[0208] Feature 54: The first level is the average or maximum value of the magnitude of the motor current during the first period.

[0209] Feature 55: The second level is the average or maximum value of the magnitude of the motor current during the second period.

[0210] As previously stated, the magnitude of the motor current varies depending on the motor load. By taking the difference between the first level and the second level, the current component caused by the second load can be reduced or eliminated from the motor current. Therefore, based on the reciprocating difference, it can be determined whether the gas has entered the containment section.

[0211] Therefore, an electric lubricant supply device having at least features 1 to 23, 45, 46, 49 to 51, 54, and 55 can appropriately detect the situation where gas mixes into the containment section based on the motor current.

[0212] In addition to having at least one of features 1 to 55, a certain embodiment may also have at least one of the following features.

[0213] Feature 56: The first level is the average or minimum value of the actual rotational speed during the first period.

[0214] Feature 57: The second level is the average or minimum value of the actual rotational speed during the second period.

[0215] As previously stated, the actual rotational speed varies depending on the motor load. By taking the difference between the first level and the second level, the rotational speed component caused by the second load can be reduced or eliminated from the actual rotational speed. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether gas has entered the containment section based on the reciprocating difference.

[0216] Therefore, an electric lubricant supply device having at least features 1 to 23, 47, 49 to 51, 56, and 57 can appropriately detect the situation where gas mixes into the containment portion based on the actual rotational speed.

[0217] In addition to having at least one of features 1 to 57, a certain embodiment may also have at least one of the following features.

[0218] Feature 58: The first level is the average or maximum value of the load torque during the first period.

[0219] Feature 59: The second level is the average or maximum value of the load torque during the second period.

[0220] The load torque can also be defined as the torque applied by the motor load. As mentioned earlier, the load torque varies depending on the motor load. By taking the difference between the first level and the second level, the torque component caused by the second load can be reduced or removed from the load torque. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether gas has entered the containment section based on the reciprocating difference.

[0221] Therefore, an electric lubricant supply device having at least features 1 to 23, 48, 49 to 51, 58, and 59 can appropriately detect the situation where gas mixes into the containment portion based on the load torque.

[0222] In addition to having at least one of features 1 to 59, a certain embodiment may also have at least one of the following features.

[0223] Feature 60: A position detector configured to output a position signal corresponding to the position of the reciprocating component.

[0224] Feature 61: The control circuit is configured to receive the position signal.

[0225] Feature 62: The control circuit is configured to calculate the reciprocating difference based on the first level in the first period and the second level in the second period. The first period and the second period are respectively determined based on the position signal.

[0226] An electric lubricant supply device having at least features 1 to 23, 49 to 51, and 60 to 62 can easily and accurately control the first period and the second period, thereby enabling the high-precision calculation of the reciprocating difference.

[0227] The position detector can also be configured to output the position signal corresponding to, for example, the reciprocating component having reached a specific position in its movement path. The specific position can be, for example, the first end of the movement path or the second end of the movement path.

[0228] The control circuit can arbitrarily determine (or decide) the first period and the second period based on the position signal. The control circuit can also determine the first period and the second period based, for example, the timing of receiving the position signal, and the target rotational speed or the actual rotational speed of the motor.

[0229] In the case of the specific position, such as the first end, the control circuit can also estimate the expected arrival time until reaching the second end, corresponding to the received position signal. The control circuit can estimate the expected arrival time based on the target rotation speed or the actual rotation speed. Furthermore, the control circuit can also determine the period up to the elapsed expected arrival time as the first period based on the timing of receiving the position signal. The control circuit can also determine the period until the next receipt of the position signal as the second period based on the end of the first period.

[0230] Alternatively, the position detector can detect whether the reciprocating component has reached the first end and the second end, respectively. Specifically, the position detector can also be configured to: (i) output a first position signal corresponding to the reciprocating component reaching the first end, and (ii) output a second position signal corresponding to the reciprocating component reaching the second end. In this case, the control circuit can also determine that the period from receiving the second position signal to receiving the first position signal is the first period, and that the period from receiving the first position signal to receiving the second position signal is the second period.

[0231] In addition to having at least one of features 1 to 62, or alternatively, a certain embodiment may also have the following features.

[0232] Feature 63: The action state includes: the target rotation speed.

[0233] An electric lubricant supply device having at least features 1 to 23, 33 to 35, 39, 40, 43, 44, and 63, and an electric lubricant supply device having at least features 1 to 23, 39, 40, 49 to 53, and 63, can detect the situation where the gas mixes into the containment section with higher precision.

[0234] In addition to having at least one of features 1 to 63, a certain embodiment may also have at least one of the following features.

[0235] Feature 64: The control circuit is configured to control the drive circuit by outputting a pulse width modulation signal to the drive circuit. The pulse width modulation signal has a duty cycle.

[0236] Feature 65: 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.

[0237] Feature 66: The action state includes the duty cycle.

[0238] An electric lubricant supply device having at least features 1 to 23, 33 to 35, 43, 44, and 64 to 66, and an electric lubricant supply device having at least features 1 to 23, 49 to 53, and 64 to 66, can detect the situation where the gas mixes into the containment section with higher accuracy.

[0239] The drive circuit can also be configured to supply the motor current (or electricity) corresponding to the duty cycle to drive the motor. Specifically, the drive circuit can also be configured such that the larger the duty cycle, the greater the increase in the motor current. The duty cycle can increase as the target rotation speed increases.

[0240] 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).

[0241] In addition to having at least one of features 1 to 66, or alternatively, a certain embodiment may also have the following features.

[0242] Feature 67: The operating state includes the actual rotational speed of the motor.

[0243] An electric lubricant supply device having at least features 1-23, 33-35, 43, 44, and 67, and an electric lubricant supply device having at least features 1-23, 49-53, and 67, can detect the situation where the gas mixes into the containment section with higher accuracy.

[0244] The control circuit can also arbitrarily set a threshold for the target object (i.e., the first threshold or the second threshold) based on the action state. The control circuit can set the threshold according to a pre-prepared function that uses the action state as a variable. The control circuit can also set the threshold by referring to a pre-prepared chart or a similar database. In the chart, a correspondence is established between the action state and the threshold. The control circuit can also increase the threshold as the target rotation speed increases. The control circuit can also increase the threshold as the duty cycle increases.

[0245] In addition to having at least one of features 1 to 67, a certain embodiment may also have at least one of the following features.

[0246] Feature 68: The control circuit is configured to acquire the temperature of the electric lubricant supply.

[0247] Feature 69: The action state includes: the temperature.

[0248] An electric lubricant supply device having at least features 1 to 23, 33 to 35, 43, 44, 68, and 69, and an electric lubricant supply device having at least features 1 to 23, 49 to 53, 68, and 69, can detect the situation where the gas is mixed into the containment section with higher precision.

[0249] 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).

[0250] 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 threshold value based on the temperature detected by the temperature detector. The temperature detector may 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 may be detached from the lubricant. The temperature detector may 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.

[0251] The control circuit can also be configured to decrease the first threshold or the second threshold as the acquired temperature increases.

[0252] 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 threshold. 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 the 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) based on the obtained magnitude.

[0253] In addition to having at least one of features 1 to 69, a certain embodiment may also have at least one of the following features.

[0254] Feature 70: It is configured as a notification unit that notifies the receiving section of information indicating that the gas has been mixed into the containing section.

[0255] Feature 71: The specified processing includes: notifying the information by means of the notification unit.

[0256] According to an electric lubricant supply having at least features 1 to 23, 70, 71, the user of the electric lubricant supply can easily know that the gas has been mixed into (or may have been mixed into) the containment.

[0257] 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.

[0258] In addition to having at least one of features 1 to 71, a certain embodiment may also have at least one of the following features, or alternatively.

[0259] Feature 72: The control circuit is configured to accumulate the actual number of reciprocating motions of the reciprocating component during the driving process of the motor. The actual number of reciprocating motions is the actual number of reciprocating motions of the reciprocating component.

[0260] Feature 73: The control circuit is configured to stop the motor based on the fact that the actual number of reciprocations has reached the target number of reciprocations.

[0261] Feature 74: The specified processing includes: temporarily stopping the accumulation of the actual number of reciprocating trips.

[0262] An electric lubricant supply device having at least features 1 to 23 and 72 to 74 can suppress or prevent the actual amount of lubricant discharged up to the time the motor stops from being less than a predetermined amount corresponding to the target number of reciprocations.

[0263] In addition to having at least one of features 1 to 74, or alternatively, a certain embodiment may also have the following features.

[0264] Feature 75: The control circuit is configured such that after temporarily stopping the accumulation of the actual number of reciprocations, it restarts the accumulation of the actual number of reciprocations based on the fact that the actual amount of motion no longer meets the specified requirements.

[0265] An electric lubricant supply having at least features 1 to 23 and 72 to 75 can precisely discharge the specified amount of lubricant even if the gas is temporarily mixed into the containment during the driving process of the motor.

[0266] In addition to having at least one of features 1 to 75, or alternatively, a certain embodiment may also have the following features.

[0267] Feature 76: The control circuit is configured such that, during the driving process of the motor, the motor stops when the state of the actual action quantity satisfying the specified requirements continues for a specified time.

[0268] An electric lubricant supply device having at least features 1 to 23 and 76 provides for a continuous situation where gas mixing (or the possibility of such mixing) occurs, allowing the user to take appropriate action. In one embodiment, the motor can also be stopped without waiting for the specified time to elapse, corresponding to the fulfillment of the specified requirements.

[0269] In addition to having at least one of features 1 to 76, or alternatively, a certain embodiment may also have the following features.

[0270] Feature 77: The control circuit is configured to detect, in accordance with the specified conditions being met during the driving of the motor, the presence of gas in the containment section and / or the pump's intention to expel the gas.

[0271] According to the electric lubricant supply having at least features 1 to 23 and 77, various measures can be taken in response to the mixing of the gas.

[0272] One embodiment may provide a method for discharging lubricant from an electric lubricant supply having at least one of the following features.

[0273] Feature 78: The lubricant within the receiving portion is discharged by reciprocating the reciprocating component via a motor. The motor may be configured to bear a motor load. The motor load may include a first load and a second load. The first load is applied to the motor from the reciprocating component due to pressure received from the lubricant by the reciprocating component. The second load is applied to the motor from the reciprocating component regardless of the pressure.

[0274] Feature 79: During the driving process of the motor, a predetermined process is performed based on the actual amount of motion meeting a predetermined requirement. The actual amount of motion may have a magnitude corresponding to a specific load. The specific load may be at least a portion of the motor load. The predetermined requirement may also be a condition indicating that the gas has been mixed into the containment section. The specific load may include the first load. The specific load may not include at least a portion of the second load.

[0275] According to the method having at least features 78 and 79, it is possible to properly detect the situation where the gas mixes into the containment section.

[0276] In one embodiment, features 1 to 79 described above can also be combined in any combination.

[0277] In one embodiment, any one of the features 1 to 79 described above may be excluded.

[0278] 2. Specific exemplary implementation methods

[0279] 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.

[0280] 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.

[0281] 2-1. First Embodiment

[0282] 2-1-1. Mechanical Structure of Electric Lubricant Supply

[0283] 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.

[0284] 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.

[0285] 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.

[0286] 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.

[0287] 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.

[0288] The trigger 9 is pulled by the user to drive the motor 20 (i.e., to discharge grease). 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.

[0289] 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.

[0290] The gripping part 5 has a lamp 10 on its front surface. In this first embodiment, the lamp 10 has a light-emitting diode (LED) (not shown) as a light source.

[0291] 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.

[0292] 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).

[0293] 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.

[0294] 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.

[0295] 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.

[0296] 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.

[0297] 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).

[0298] 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.

[0299] 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.

[0300] 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).

[0301] 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.

[0302] 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.

[0303] 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).

[0304] 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.

[0305] 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.

[0306] 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.

[0307] 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.

[0308] 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.

[0309] 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.

[0310] 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.

[0311] 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.

[0312] In this first embodiment, lubricating oil is applied to both the slider 48 and the slider guide 49 to reduce friction between them. The lubricating oil is different from grease. The slider guide 49 is an example of a guide in the generalized embodiments.

[0313] 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. Utilizing the stroke of the eccentric pin 47 in the height direction, the slider 48 and the plunger 50 reciprocate together in the first and second directions. That is, the crankshaft 46 and the slider 48 convert the rotational motion of the motor 20 into a linear reciprocating motion. The first direction corresponds to the downward direction, and the second direction corresponds to the upward direction. Hereinafter, the lowest position within the reciprocating range of the slider 48 and the plunger 50 (i.e., the end in the first direction) will be referred to as the lowermost position, and the highest position within the reciprocating range (i.e., the end in the second direction) will be referred to as the uppermost position.

[0314] The electric lubricant supply 1 has a position detector 95 in front of the slider guide 49 (see reference). Figure 5 The position detector 95 is configured to output position signals of the first and second sliders corresponding to the position of the slider 48.

[0315] Position detector 95 has the following features: Figure 2 The first detector 96A, the second detector 96B, and the magnet 97 are shown. The magnet 97 is also... Figure 3 As shown in the diagram, magnet 97 is configured to move integrally with slider 48. Specifically, in this first embodiment, magnet 97 is mounted on the front end face of slider 48. First and second detectors 96A and 96B are moved forward a certain distance relative to magnet 97 in the front-rear direction. In this first embodiment, first and second detectors 96A and 96B each have a Hall sensor.

[0316] When slider 48 is at its lowest position, detector 96A (i) is opposite magnet 97 in the front-back direction, and (ii) outputs a first slider position signal. When slider 48 is at its highest position, detector 96B (i) is opposite magnet 97 in the front-back direction, and (ii) outputs a second slider position signal.

[0317] 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.

[0318] 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.

[0319] 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.

[0320] 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 portion 60A and a lower cylinder portion 60B. The upper cylinder portion 60A and the lower cylinder portion 60B form a chamber 63. The plunger 50 is located within the chamber 63. The chamber 63 is an example of the receiving portion in the overall embodiment.

[0321] 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.

[0322] 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.

[0323] 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.

[0324] 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.

[0325] 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.

[0326] 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 connection between the chamber 63 and the outside of the electric lubricant supply 1 is cut off. 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.

[0327] 2-1-2. Mechanical Action of Electric Lubricant Supply

[0328] 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.

[0329] 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 undergoes eccentric movement. Corresponding to the eccentric movement of the eccentric pin 47, (i) the slider 48 moves up and down along the slider guide 49 within the reciprocating range (in other words, the movement path), and (ii) accordingly, the plunger 50 reciprocates integrally with the slider 48 in the vertical direction (i.e., the first and second directions). The slider 48 and the plunger 50 are an example of the reciprocating components in the overall embodiment.

[0330] 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.

[0331] The first state is the state in which slider 48 is moving in the second direction. 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 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 slider 48 and the plunger 50 move in the second direction, and the electric lubricant supply 1 migrates to the second state.

[0332] The second state is when slider 48 has reached its uppermost position. Before slider 48 reaches its 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. In the second state, a second slider position signal is output from the second detector 96B. As motor 20 rotates further from the second state, slider 48 moves in the first direction, and electric lubricant supply 1 migrates to the third state.

[0333] The third state is the state in which the slider 48 is moving in the first direction. 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.

[0334] The fourth state is when slider 48 has reached its lowest point. In the fourth state, the lower end of plunger 50 is near the lower end of chamber 63. In the fourth state, the first slider position signal is output from the first detector 96A. As motor 20 rotates further from the fourth state, slider 48 moves in the second direction, and electric lubricant supply 1 migrates to the first state.

[0335] During the period from state 2 to state 4, plunger 50 moves in the first direction. During this period, grease in chamber 63 is pressed against the bottom surface of plunger 50. Accordingly, grease flows into hose 68 via check valve 64, discharge path 66 and discharge port 66A, and is discharged from hose 68 toward the outside of electric lubricant supply 1.

[0336] 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 outlet 66A. Each reciprocation of plunger 50 results in the discharge of grease. Therefore, one reciprocation of plunger 50 can be considered one grease discharge action.

[0337] 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.

[0338] 2-1-3. Details of the control panel

[0339] like Figure 4 As 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.

[0340] 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.

[0341] 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.

[0342] 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.

[0343] 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).

[0344] 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.

[0345] 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.

[0346] 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.

[0347] In automatic discharge mode, motor 20 begins to rotate in response to the pulling of trigger 9. Furthermore, after rotation begins, motor 20 automatically stops even when trigger 9 is pulled when plunger 50 (in other words, slider 48) has reciprocated a target number of times. The target number of plunger reciprocations 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.

[0348] 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.

[0349] 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.

[0350] 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.

[0351] 2-1-4. Electrical Configuration of Electric Lubricant Supply

[0352] Reference Figure 5This section describes the electrical configuration of the electric lubricant supply 1. The electric lubricant supply 1 includes: a control circuit board 18; a ground terminal; a power supply line Lp; the power supply line Lp extends from a positive terminal (not shown) onto the control circuit board 18; the positive terminal is connected to the positive terminal of the battery pack 15 while it is being mounted in the battery holding section 14; and a ground wire Ln. The ground wire Ln extends from a negative terminal (not shown) toward the ground terminal on the control circuit board 18; the negative terminal is connected to the negative terminal of the battery pack 15 while it is being mounted in the battery holding section 14. The battery pack 15 applies its rated voltage between the power supply line Lp and the ground wire Ln.

[0353] 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.

[0354] 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.

[0355] 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.

[0356] 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.

[0357] 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.

[0358] 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).

[0359] 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.

[0360] 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.

[0361] 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 accordingly as the trigger 9 approaches its maximum position from the initial position.

[0362] 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.

[0363] 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.

[0364] 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.

[0365] 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.

[0366] 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.

[0367] 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.

[0368] 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.

[0369] 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).

[0370] 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.

[0371] The control circuit board 18 is connected to the position detector 95. The first and second detectors 96A and 96B in the position detector 95 receive the power supply voltage Vc from the control circuit board 18 and operate accordingly. The first and second detectors 96A and 96B output the position signals of the first and second sliders to the control circuit 80.

[0372] Position detector 95 is used primarily in embodiments 4 through 6 described later, but not in this first embodiment and in embodiments 2 and 3 described later. Therefore, position detector 95 can be omitted in embodiments 1 through 3. However, even in embodiments 1 through 3, various processing can be performed based on the first and second slider position signals from position detector 95.

[0373] 2-1-5. Functional Components of an Electric Lubricant Supply

[0374] Reference Figure 6The 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 plunger correlation detection 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).

[0375] 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, plunger correlation detection 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 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, plunger correlation detection unit 89, gas entrainment detection unit 90, operation control unit 91, and motor drive control unit 92 may be omitted.

[0376] 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.

[0377] 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.

[0378] 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.

[0379] 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…

[0380] 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.

[0381] 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.

[0382] 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 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.

[0383] 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).

[0384] 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.

[0385] 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). Or, whenever the battery pack 15 is installed on 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 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.

[0386] The plunger-related detection 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 plunger-related detection 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 plunger-related detection unit 89 determines whether the plunger 50 has performed one reciprocation (i.e., one discharge action). Whenever it is determined that the plunger 50 has performed one reciprocation (i.e., one discharge action), the plunger-related detection unit 89 outputs a reciprocation determination signal to the reciprocation count calculation unit 79 and the gas entrainment detection unit 90.

[0387] Alternatively, the first to third rotation signals can be substituted, or, based on these, the plunger correlation detection unit 89 can receive the first and second slider position signals from the position detector 95. The plunger correlation detection unit 89 can also determine whether the plunger 50 has performed one reciprocation based on the first and second slider position signals. For example, whenever the first slider position signal or the second slider position signal is received, the plunger correlation detection unit 89 can determine that the plunger 50 has performed one reciprocation and output a reciprocation determination signal.

[0388] 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.

[0389] 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.

[0390] 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.

[0391] The following describes the gas entrainment detection function based on the gas entrainment detection unit 90. Before this description, the terms "motor load" and "specific load" will be defined.

[0392] "Motor load" refers to the load applied to motor 20 from outside the motor 20. For example... Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 As schematically shown, motor load (refer to) Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 The attached figure (LDm) includes: the first load (refer to) Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 (Refer to attached diagram LD1), second load (refer to) Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 (see attached figure LD2), and the third load (refer to) Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 (Referring to the reference numeral LD3 in the attached drawings). In this first embodiment, the motor load is the sum of the first to third loads.

[0393] The first and second loads are the loads generated by pump 60.

[0394] The first load is the load generated from the plunger 50 by receiving pressure from the grease through the plunger 50 and applied to the motor 20.

[0395] The second load is a load generated from and / or applied to the motor 20 by the reciprocating motion of the slider 48 and / or plunger 50, independent of the pressure. This second load primarily arises from the sliding resistance (i.e., friction) between the slider 48 and the slider guide 49. The sliding resistance is affected by the aforementioned lubricating oil. The viscosity of the lubricating oil changes according to its temperature. Therefore, the sliding resistance changes according to the temperature of the lubricating oil. That is, the second load changes according to the temperature of the lubricating oil. The second load can also be generated by the sliding resistance between the plunger 50 and the inner circumferential surface of the chamber 63.

[0396] On the other hand, the third load is the load generated from outside the pump 60. In this first embodiment, the third load is generated due to mechanical losses (e.g., gear friction) in the transmission mechanism 43.

[0397] like Figure 8 As shown, the first load increases significantly when the plunger 50 moves in the first direction (i.e., when the grease is discharged), and is very small or zero when the plunger 50 moves in the second direction. Figure 8 For the sake of simplicity, an example is shown where the first load is zero when moving in the second direction. This variation of the first load repeats every time the plunger 50 makes one reciprocation. That is, the first load varies approximately periodically with one reciprocation of the plunger 50 as one cycle.

[0398] On the other hand, such as Figure 8 As shown, the second load fluctuates approximately the same way each time the slider 48 makes a single-stroke movement. A "single stroke" means from the first end to the second end within the reciprocating range, and from the second end to the first end. That is, the second load fluctuates approximately periodically with one cycle consisting of a single stroke of the slider 48 (i.e., a single stroke of the plunger 50).

[0399] The third load is constant or nearly constant at least over a typical continuous discharge time (e.g., several seconds to tens of seconds, or several minutes depending on the situation). This is just one example. Figure 8 During the two cycles shown, the third load is constant.

[0400] "Specific load" refers to a portion of the motor load. Specific load includes the first load but excludes at least a portion of the second load. In this first embodiment, specific load also includes a third load.

[0401] In this first embodiment, the specific load does not include most or all of the second load. The specific load can be described as the load obtained by removing a portion or all of the second load from the motor load. Figure 8An example is shown where the third load is greater than the first and second loads. When the third load is very small compared to the first and second loads, a particular load can be considered as a part of the second load plus the first load, or equivalent to the first load.

[0402] Gas entrainment can be detected based on, for example, the actual rotational speed itself or the value of the motor current (hereinafter referred to as the "motor current value"). For example, Figure 9 as well as Figure 11 It becomes clear from comparison, or that... Figure 10 as well as Figure 12 A comparison clearly shows that (i) the change in actual rotational speed under gas entrainment conditions is smaller than that under normal conditions, and (ii) the change in motor current value under gas entrainment conditions is smaller than that under normal conditions. The normal state is defined as the state where no gas entrainment occurs, and the gas entrainment state is defined as the state where gas entrainment occurs. Therefore, the occurrence of gas entrainment can be detected based on the magnitude of the change in actual rotational speed or the magnitude of the change in motor current value. Figures 9-12 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 13 , Figure 14 , Figure 23 as well as Figure 24 The same applies to the "timing of one plunger reciprocation".

[0403] However, the actual rotational speed and motor current value include components caused by the second load. Moreover, this second load can vary with temperature, as mentioned earlier. Therefore, accurately detecting gas entrainment based solely on the actual rotational speed or motor current value over a wide temperature range is not easy. For example, as... Figure 10 As illustrated, even under normal conditions, at higher temperatures, the actual variation in rotational speed and motor current is relatively small. On the other hand, as Figure 11 As illustrated, even under gas entrainment conditions, at lower temperatures, the actual rotational speed and motor current exhibit significant variations. Therefore, under normal conditions and at high temperatures (refer to...), Figure 10 The magnitude of the change, and its relationship with gas entrainment and low-temperature environment (refer to) Figure 11 The difference in magnitude of the changes is relatively small. Therefore, under normal conditions and high-temperature environments, even if it is not a gas entrainment state, it may be mistakenly identified as a gas entrainment state. Conversely, under gas entrainment states and low-temperature environments, even if it is not a normal state, it may be mistakenly identified as a normal state.

[0404] Therefore, in this first embodiment, the control circuit 80 (gas entrainment detection unit 90) detects gas entrainment based on the actual operating amount of the electric lubricant supply 1. The actual operating amount has a magnitude corresponding to the size of a specific load. As mentioned above, the specific load includes a first load, but excludes at least a portion of a second load. That is, in the specific load, the component of the second load is reduced or removed. Thus, based on the actual operating amount, high-precision gas entrainment detection can be performed, where the influence of the second load is reduced or removed. Therefore, during the driving process of the motor 20, the gas entrainment detection unit 90 determines that gas entrainment has occurred based on the fact that the actual operating amount meets the prescribed requirements.

[0405] Specifically, the actual action quantity is the amplitude of the filtered physical quantity. The filtered physical quantity is the physical quantity obtained by reducing or removing the component originating from the second load from the load physical quantity. The load physical quantity is the physical quantity that varies according to the magnitude of the motor load. The amplitude of the filtered physical quantity has a magnitude corresponding to the specific load. Therefore, the generation of gas entrainment can be detected based on the amplitude of the filtered physical quantity. Since the third load is constant or nearly constant, the amplitude of the filtered physical quantity is obtained by further significantly reducing or removing the component originating from the third load from the load physical quantity. Accordingly, the amplitude of the filtered physical quantity is equal to or nearly equal to the amplitude of the first load.

[0406] The filtered physical quantity can be calculated using various methods capable of reducing or removing the component of the load physical quantity caused by the second load. In this first embodiment, a moving average (more specifically, a moving mean value) of the load physical quantity is calculated as the filtered physical quantity. The load physical quantity itself includes a component caused by the second load. As mentioned earlier, this second load changes periodically whenever the slider 48 makes a one-way movement. Therefore, by calculating the moving average of the load physical quantity, the component of the load physical quantity caused by the second load can be significantly reduced or removed.

[0407] The calculation time for the moving average is half the time required for one round trip. The time required for one round trip is the time required for plunger 50 to complete one round trip. By calculating the average of multiple load physical quantities obtained within this calculation time, the filtered physical quantity is obtained.

[0408] The gas entrainment detection unit 90 acquires and stores the physical quantity of the load at each calculation opportunity. In this first embodiment, the calculation opportunity occurs repeatedly according to a control cycle.

[0409] The gas entrainment detection unit 90 also calculates a moving average of the load physical quantity at each calculation time. Specifically, at each calculation time, the gas entrainment detection unit 90 calculates the calculation time based on the target rotation speed set at that calculation time. More specifically, the gas entrainment detection unit 90 can be considered as the plunger 50 rotating at a constant speed at the current target rotation speed. The reduction ratio from the motor 20 to the slider 48 is known. Therefore, the amount of movement of the plunger 50 per rotation of the motor 20 is known, and consequently, the amount of rotation of the motor 20 required for the plunger 50 to move half the reciprocating distance is also known. Based on this, the gas entrainment detection unit 90 can calculate the calculation time based on the target rotation speed.

[0410] At each calculation time, the gas entrainment detection unit 90 calculates the average of multiple load physical quantities stored during the calculation period as a moving average. The calculation period is the period from the time closer to the time before the calculation to the current calculation time.

[0411] The gas entrainment detection unit 90 can also calculate a moving average of any load physical quantity. Examples of load physical quantities include: motor current value, actual rotational speed, and load torque. In this first embodiment, the load physical quantity is, for example, the motor current value. That is, the gas entrainment detection unit 90 of this first embodiment calculates a moving average of the motor current value based on the current detection signal.

[0412] The gas entrainment detection unit 90 determines that gas entrainment has occurred if the moving average of the motor current value (i.e., the filtered physical quantity) meets the specified requirements. In this first embodiment, the specified requirements include: the maximum value of the amplitude of the moving average repeatedly calculated during a specified driving period is below a first current threshold. The amplitude of the moving average can be understood as the difference between the moving averages calculated at two consecutive calculation times.

[0413] The specified drive period can also be any period during the drive process of motor 20. In this first embodiment, the specified drive period is the period during which the plunger 50 performs one reciprocating motion. During one reciprocating motion, multiple calculation opportunities occur. Therefore, multiple moving averages are calculated during one reciprocating motion. The difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​among these multiple moving averages is the maximum value of the moving average amplitude. Each time the specified drive 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 moving average amplitude calculated during that one reciprocating motion and a first current threshold.

[0414] like Figure 13As illustrated, under gas entrainment and low-temperature conditions, the variation in motor current is significant regardless of whether gas entrainment occurs, but the difference between this variation and the variation under normal conditions is small. However, the moving average of the motor current is significantly reduced due to the influence of the second load, resulting in very small variation. The same applies to actual rotational speed. That is, under low-temperature conditions, even with gas entrainment, the variation in actual rotational speed increases, but the difference between this variation and the variation under normal conditions is small. However, the moving average of actual rotational speed is significantly reduced due to the influence of the second load, resulting in very small variation.

[0415] On the other hand, under normal conditions and in a high-temperature environment, such as Figure 14 As illustrated, both the moving average of the motor current value and the moving average of the actual rotational speed exhibit a certain degree of variation corresponding to the pressure from the lubricating grease. Figure 13 In comparison, it is clear that these changes are sufficiently large compared to those in a gas entrainment state and at low temperatures.

[0416] Although the illustration is omitted, the load torque applied to motor 20 also includes a component caused by the second load. However, the moving average of the load torque has its influence from the second load significantly reduced. Therefore, similar to the variation in motor current, the variation in the moving average of the load torque under normal conditions is sufficiently large compared to the variation in the moving average of the load torque under gas entrainment conditions.

[0417] Therefore, by using a moving average of the motor current value, gas entrainment can be detected with high accuracy over a wide temperature range. Similarly, by using a moving average of the actual rotational speed and a moving average of the load torque, gas entrainment can also be detected with high accuracy, just as with the case of using a moving average of the motor current value. In the second embodiment described later, gas entrainment detection based on a moving average of the actual rotational speed is illustrated; in the third embodiment described later, gas entrainment detection based on a moving average of the load torque is illustrated.

[0418] The first current threshold can also be determined as a value that is less than the first expected range and greater than the second expected range. The first expected range is the range of the moving average of the expected motor current values ​​under normal conditions. The second expected range is the range of the moving average of the expected motor current values ​​under gas entrainment conditions. The first current 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 current threshold can also be arbitrarily determined.

[0419] The first current 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 current threshold is variably set according to the operating state.

[0420] In this first embodiment, the operating state includes: target rotation speed. The gas entrainment detection unit 90 sets a first current threshold based on the current target rotation speed notified from the speed setting unit 86.

[0421] When the target rotational speed changes, the moving average of the motor current value also changes accordingly. The moving average of the motor current value tends to increase as the target rotational speed increases. Furthermore, the lower the target rotational speed, the better the speed feedback control can suppress variations in the actual rotational speed, thus reducing the variation in the motor current value. However, at high speeds, the inertial force of the pump 60 increases. Therefore, at high speeds, the variation in the motor current value decreases as the actual rotational speed increases.

[0422] Accordingly, the first current threshold can be set as follows: (i) in the low-speed to medium-speed band, the first current threshold increases as the target rotation speed increases; (ii) in the high-speed band, the first current threshold decreases as the target rotation speed increases. More specifically, the first current threshold can be set as follows: Figure 15 As illustrated, it is set according to the target rotation speed.

[0423] The operating state can also include the actual rotational speed. That is, the first current threshold can also be set according to the actual rotational speed. In this case, the first current threshold can also be set in the same way as the setting method corresponding to the target rotational speed. For example, it is also possible to... Figure 15 The horizontal axis in the diagram is rewritten as the actual rotational speed.

[0424] Furthermore, the operating state can also include the aforementioned duty cycle. That is, the first current threshold can also be set according to the duty cycle. The first current threshold can also be arbitrarily varied according to the duty cycle. For example, the first current threshold can also increase as the duty cycle increases. Moreover, for example, the first current threshold can be set in the same way as the setting method corresponding to the target rotation speed. For example, it is also possible to... Figure 15 The horizontal axis in the diagram is rewritten as the duty cycle.

[0425] Additionally, the operating status can also include the equipment temperature. That is, the first current 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 lubricating grease, or a temperature that indirectly represents the temperature of the lubricating grease.

[0426] The viscosity of the grease changes depending on its temperature. For example, as the temperature of the grease increases, its viscosity decreases. When the viscosity of the grease decreases, the first load decreases (and consequently the motor load decreases), and the amplitude of the moving average of the motor current value decreases. Therefore, for example, the first current threshold can be set such that the first current threshold decreases as the temperature of the grease increases. The gas entrainment detection unit 90 can also set the first current threshold based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 100.

[0427] 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".

[0428] 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.

[0429] Whenever a reciprocating determination signal is received from the plunger correlation detection 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".

[0430] 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.

[0431] The reciprocating number calculation unit 79 notifies the display control unit 85 of the current actual reciprocating number. Furthermore, the reciprocating number calculation unit 79 outputs the remaining reciprocating number to the motion control unit 91. The remaining reciprocating number is the difference between the target reciprocating number and the current actual reciprocating number.

[0432] 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.

[0433] 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 remaining number of reciprocations, as notified from the reciprocation count unit 79, has reached zero, the output of the drive command is stopped, causing the motor 20 to stop.

[0434] 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 remaining number of reciprocations has not reached zero, the output of the drive command will be stopped and the motor 20 will be stopped.

[0435] 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.

[0436] Upon receiving a drive command and a target rotation speed from the motion control unit 91, the motor drive control unit 92 performs speed feedback control. 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 a duty cycle 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 rotation 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.

[0437] 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.

[0438] 2-1-6. Main Processor

[0439] Reference Figure 16 This 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 16 The main processing shown.

[0440] 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 17 As shown.

[0441] When the control circuit 80 transitions to the stop processing, in S210, it stops the drive of the motor 20. Specifically, the motion control unit 91 stops outputting drive commands. In S220, the control circuit 80 determines whether the current remaining number of reciprocations is zero. If the remaining number of reciprocations is not zero, the process proceeds to S240. In this case, the current remaining number of reciprocations is maintained. If the remaining number of reciprocations is zero, the process proceeds to S230. For example, if the target number of reciprocations 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 remaining number of reciprocations is zero. In S230, the control circuit 80 resets the actual number of reciprocations to an initial value (e.g., zero).

[0442] 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.

[0443] 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.

[0444] 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.

[0445] 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 16 ).

[0446] In S110, with the trigger switch 8 turned on, this process proceeds to S130. In S130, the control circuit 80 executes the in-process operation. Details of the in-process operation are as follows... Figure 18 As shown.

[0447] 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 remaining number of reciprocations is greater than 0. If the remaining number of reciprocations is 0, the control circuit 80, in S410, similarly stops the drive of the motor 20. A remaining number of reciprocations of 0 corresponds to the case where the discharge operation has been performed for the target number of reciprocations. After S410, the process proceeds to S420.

[0448] In S320, if the remaining number of reciprocations is greater than 0, the process proceeds to S330. A remaining number of reciprocations greater than 0 corresponds to the situation where the actual number of reciprocations has not yet reached the target number of reciprocations. In S330, the control circuit 8 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.

[0449] In S340, the control circuit 80 determines whether the plunger 50 has performed one reciprocating motion.

[0450] 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 19 As shown.

[0451] When the control circuit 80 is transferred to the gas entrainment detection process, in S510, it acquires the motor current value and stores the motor current value in the semiconductor memory 80B.

[0452] In S520, the control circuit 80 calculates the operation time of the moving average (i.e., half the time required for reciprocating) based on the current target rotation speed using, for example, the method described above.

[0453] In S530, the control circuit 80 calculates a moving average of the motor current value based on the calculation time determined in S520. Specifically, the control circuit 80 calculates the average of multiple motor current values ​​acquired and stored during the calculation period as the moving average. Calculation period: the period from the current calculation time to the time prior to the calculation. The control circuit 80 also updates the maximum or minimum moving average based on the calculated moving average. Regarding the maximum and minimum moving averages, (i) they are reset each time the plunger 50 performs one reciprocation, and (ii) after being reset, they are updated each time S530 is executed. Specifically, if the latest moving average calculated in this S530 is greater than the currently held maximum moving average, the maximum moving average is updated to the latest moving average. If the latest moving average calculated in this S530 is less than the currently held minimum moving average, the minimum moving average is updated to the latest moving average.

[0454] 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 18 ).

[0455] In S540, after the plunger 50 has reciprocated once, the process proceeds to S560. In S560, the control circuit 80 sets a first current threshold. Specifically, the control circuit 80 sets the first current threshold based on the target rotational speed, duty cycle, actual rotational speed, or equipment temperature, as described above.

[0456] In S570, the control circuit 80 determines whether the maximum amplitude of the moving average of the motor current value (i.e., the maximum value of the moving average amplitude during the most recent cycle) is greater than the first current threshold. The maximum amplitude is the difference between the currently maintained maximum and minimum moving average. Each time the plunger 50 performs one cycle, the maximum and minimum moving averages during that cycle are obtained via S530. The difference between the maximum and minimum moving averages is the maximum amplitude.

[0457] If the maximum amplitude exceeds the first current 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.

[0458] If the maximum amplitude is below the first current 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.

[0459] In S600, the control circuit 80 resets the currently held maximum and minimum moving averages. The control circuit 80 also resets the determination result of S340, which states that the plunger 50 has completed one cycle, and restarts the determination of whether the plunger 50 has completed one cycle. Therefore, when the plunger 50 completes another cycle from this restart point, the determination of one cycle of the plunger 50 is made again in S340. After the processing in S600, this process proceeds to S360 (…). Figure 18 ).

[0460] 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.

[0461] 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.

[0462] 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 reciprocating count. That is, it updates the actual reciprocating count to the current actual reciprocating count plus "1." In S390, if the control circuit 80 has performed the notification process, it terminates that notification process. After the processing in S390, the process proceeds to S420.

[0463] 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.

[0464] 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 16 ).

[0465] In S420, control circuit 80 performs continuous decision processing. Details of the continuous decision processing are as follows... Figure 20 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.

[0466] In S620, control circuit 80 resets the gas entrainment duration to zero. After the processing in S620, this process proceeds to S140 ( Figure 16 ).

[0467] 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.

[0468] 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 16 If the gas entrainment duration exceeds the specified time, this process is transferred to S650.

[0469] 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 16 ).

[0470] In S140, the control circuit 80 calculates (i.e. updates) the remaining number of reciprocating cycles. Specifically, it subtracts the current actual number of reciprocating cycles from the current target number of reciprocating cycles and updates the remaining number of reciprocating cycles to the result of the subtraction.

[0471] 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.

[0472] 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.

[0473] Here, we will illustrate this schematically. Figures 16-20 processing and Figure 6 The corresponding relationships 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 plunger correlation detection 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.

[0474] 2-2. Second Implementation Method

[0475] In the second embodiment, another example of the gas entrainment detection process is 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. That is, the electric lubricant supply device of this second embodiment also performs... Figures 16-18 , Figure 20 The processing. Hereinafter, a configuration different from the first embodiment will be described.

[0476] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the load physical quantity used for the moving average calculation is: In the first embodiment, the load physical quantity is the motor current value. In contrast, in the second embodiment, the load physical quantity is the actual rotational speed of the motor 20. The actual rotational speed can vary periodically during the operation of the pump 60. That is, the amplitude of the actual rotational speed is generated during the operation of the pump 60. The amplitude of the actual rotational speed under normal conditions differs from the amplitude of the actual rotational speed under gas entrainment conditions. Furthermore, the amplitude of the actual rotational speed includes a component caused by the second load.

[0477] Therefore, in this second embodiment, the gas entrainment detection unit 90 calculates a moving average of the actual rotational speed. The calculation period for the moving average is the same as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the gas entrainment detection unit 90 determines that gas entrainment has occurred if the moving average meets a predetermined condition. In this second embodiment, the predetermined condition includes: the maximum value of the amplitude of the moving average repeatedly calculated during a predetermined driving period is below a first speed threshold. The predetermined driving period is the same as in the first embodiment, which is one reciprocating cycle of the plunger 50.

[0478] The first velocity threshold can also be determined 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 the moving average of the expected actual rotational speed under normal conditions. The fourth expected range is the range of the moving average of the expected actual rotational speed under gas entrainment conditions. The first velocity 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.

[0479] The first speed threshold can also be a constant value. In this second embodiment, the first speed threshold, like the first current threshold in the first embodiment, is variably set according to the operating state of the electric lubricant supply 1.

[0480] Specifically, the first speed threshold can also be set based on the target rotation speed. More specifically, the first speed threshold can also be set to be the same as the first current threshold. For example, it can also be... Figure 15The vertical axis in the diagram is rewritten as the first velocity threshold. Alternatively, for example, the first velocity threshold can also be set according to various operating states using the same method as the first current threshold.

[0481] To achieve such gas entrainment detection, in this second embodiment, in Figure 18 The S350, replacing Figure 19 Perform gas entrainment detection and processing Figure 21 The gas entrainment detection and processing shown.

[0482] Figure 21 Gas entrainment detection and processing Figure 19 The differences between this gas entrainment detection process and the previous one are: (i) S511 is performed instead of S510, (ii) S531 is performed instead of S530, (iii) S561 is performed instead of S560, and (iv) S571 is performed instead of S570. Regarding the... Figure 19 The same processing as the gas entrainment detection processing is applied, giving it the same treatment as... Figure 19 The same marker, but with its detailed description omitted.

[0483] In S511, the control circuit 80 calculates the current actual rotation speed and stores the actual rotation speed in the semiconductor memory 80B.

[0484] In S531, the control circuit 80 calculates a moving average of the actual rotational speed based on the computation time calculated in S520. Specifically, the control circuit 80 calculates the average of multiple actual rotational speeds calculated and stored during the computation period as a moving average. The control circuit 80 also updates the maximum or minimum moving average, similar to the first embodiment.

[0485] In S561, the control circuit 80 sets a first speed threshold. Specifically, as described above, the control circuit 80 sets the first speed threshold based on the target rotational speed, duty cycle, actual rotational speed, or equipment temperature, etc.

[0486] In step S571, the control circuit 80 determines whether the maximum amplitude of the moving average of the actual rotational speed is greater than the first speed threshold. If the maximum amplitude is greater than the first speed threshold, the process proceeds to step S580. In this case, the control circuit 80 determines that no gas entrainment has occurred and sets the gas entrainment detection state to "non-detection". If the maximum amplitude is less than the first speed threshold, the process proceeds to step S590. In this case, the control circuit 80 determines that gas entrainment has occurred and sets the gas entrainment detection state to "detection".

[0487] 2-3. Third Implementation Method

[0488] In the third embodiment, another example of gas entrainment detection processing is 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 processing. That is, the electric lubricant supply device of this third embodiment also performs... Figures 16-18 , Figure 20 The processing. Hereinafter, a configuration different from the first embodiment will be described.

[0489] The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the load physical quantity of the moving average calculation object is used. Specifically, the load physical quantity in this third embodiment is the load torque of the motor 20. The load torque is the torque applied to the motor 20 from the outside.

[0490] The load torque can vary periodically during the operation of pump 60. That is, the operation of pump 60 generates an amplitude of load torque. The amplitude of the load torque under normal conditions differs from the amplitude of the load torque under gas entrainment conditions. In addition, the amplitude of the load torque includes a component caused by the second load.

[0491] The load torque can also be arbitrarily obtained. The gas entrainment detection unit 90 of this third embodiment calculates (i.e., estimates) the load torque based on the aforementioned formula (1). The gas entrainment detection unit 90 obtains the motor current value based on the current detection signal, and can calculate the motor acceleration based on the actual rotation speed. In addition, the motor torque coefficient and the moment of inertia can be theoretically or experimentally determined, and are therefore known. Accordingly, the load torque can be calculated according to formula (1). Figure 7 The load torque, motor current, motor torque coefficient, inertial torque and motor acceleration of equation (1) are schematically shown.

[0492] The gas entrainment detection unit 90 calculates the load torque and its moving average. If the moving average of the load torque meets a predetermined condition, the gas entrainment detection unit 90 determines that gas entrainment has occurred. In this third embodiment, the predetermined condition includes: the maximum value of the amplitude of the moving average repeatedly calculated during a predetermined drive period is below a first torque threshold. The predetermined drive period can also be any period during the drive process of the motor 20. In this third embodiment, the predetermined drive period is, similar to the first embodiment, one reciprocating cycle of the plunger 50.

[0493] The first torque threshold can also be determined as a value that is less than the fifth expected range and greater than the sixth expected range. The fifth expected range is the range of the moving average of the expected load torque under normal conditions. The sixth expected range is the range of the moving average of the expected load torque under gas entrainment conditions. The first torque threshold can also be less than the minimum value of the fifth expected range and greater than the maximum value of the sixth expected range.

[0494] The first torque threshold can also be a constant value. In this third embodiment, the first torque threshold, like the first current threshold in the first embodiment, is variably set according to the operating state of the electric lubricant supply 1.

[0495] Specifically, the first torque threshold can also be set according to the target rotational speed. More specifically, the first torque threshold can also be set to be the same as the first current threshold. For example, it can also be... Figure 15 The vertical axis in the equation is rewritten as the first torque threshold. Alternatively, for example, the first torque threshold can also be set according to various operating states using the same method as the first current threshold.

[0496] To achieve such gas entrainment detection, in this third embodiment, in Figure 18 The S350, replacing Figure 19 Perform gas entrainment detection and processing Figure 22 The gas entrainment detection and processing shown.

[0497] Figure 22 Gas entrainment detection and processing Figure 19 The differences between this gas entrainment detection process and the previous one are: (i) S512 and S513 are performed instead of S510; (ii) S501 is performed before S512; (iii) S532 is performed instead of S530; (iv) S562 is performed instead of S560; and (v) S572 is performed instead of S570. Regarding the... Figure 19 The same processing as the gas entrainment detection processing is applied, giving it the same treatment as... Figure 19 The same marker, but with its detailed description omitted.

[0498] In S501, the control circuit 80 calculates the current actual rotational speed and calculates the motor acceleration based on the actual rotational speed.

[0499] In S512, the control circuit 80 obtains the motor current value based on the current detection signal.

[0500] In S513, the control circuit 80 uses the motor acceleration and motor current values ​​obtained in S501 and S512 to calculate the load torque based on the above formula (1). The control circuit 80 also stores the calculated load torque in the semiconductor memory 80B.

[0501] In S532, the control circuit 80 calculates a moving average of the load torque based on the calculation period determined in S520. Specifically, the control circuit 80 calculates the average of multiple load torques calculated and stored during the calculation period as the moving average. The control circuit 80 also updates the maximum or minimum moving average, similar to the first embodiment.

[0502] In S562, the control circuit 80 sets a first torque threshold. Specifically, as described above, the control circuit 80 sets the first torque threshold based on the target rotational speed, duty cycle, actual rotational speed, or equipment temperature, etc.

[0503] In step S572, control circuit 80 determines whether the maximum amplitude of the moving average of the load torque is greater than a first torque threshold. If the maximum amplitude is greater than the first torque threshold, the process proceeds to step S580. In this case, control circuit 80 determines that no gas entrainment has occurred and sets the gas entrainment detection state to "non-detection". If the maximum amplitude is less than the first torque threshold, the process proceeds to step S590. In this case, control circuit 80 determines that gas entrainment has occurred and sets the gas entrainment detection state to "detection".

[0504] 2-4. Fourth Implementation Method

[0505] In the fourth embodiment, another example of gas entrainment detection processing is 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 processing. That is, the electric lubricant supply device of this fourth embodiment also performs... Figures 16-18 , Figure 20 The processing. Hereinafter, a configuration different from the first embodiment will be described.

[0506] Before explaining the gas entrainment detection process, the first and second periods are defined. The first period corresponds to the period during which the plunger 50 moves one way in the first direction (i.e., from the second end to the first end of the movement path) during one reciprocating cycle of the plunger 50. The second period corresponds to the period during which the plunger 50 moves one way in the second direction (i.e., from the first end to the second end of the movement path). Furthermore, the first and second levels are defined. The first level is an evaluation value representing the magnitude of the load physical quantity during the first period. The second level is an evaluation value representing the magnitude of the load physical quantity during the second period. The first level indicates the degree of the load physical quantity during the first period, and the second level indicates the degree of the load physical quantity during the second period. The first and second levels can also be represented by any numerical values. In this fourth embodiment, the first and second levels are average values ​​or maximum values. That is, Level 1 is the average or maximum value of the load physical quantity in the first period, and Level 2 is the average or maximum value of the load physical quantity in the second period.

[0507] In the fourth embodiment, the gas entrainment detection unit 90 determines that gas entrainment has occurred during the driving process of the motor 20 based on the fact that the actual amount of motion has met the specified requirements. The fourth embodiment differs from the first to third embodiments in that the actual amount of motion and the specified requirements are not specified.

[0508] In embodiments 1 to 3, the actual action quantity is the amplitude of the filtered physical quantity (specifically, the moving average of the load physical quantity).

[0509] In contrast, the actual amount of motion in this fourth embodiment is the reciprocating difference based on the load physical quantity during one reciprocating cycle of the plunger 50. The reciprocating difference is the difference between the first level and the second level during one reciprocating cycle.

[0510] The gas entrainment detection unit 90 can also calculate the reciprocating difference based on any load physical quantity. The load physical quantity in this fourth embodiment is the same as in the first embodiment, which is the motor current value. That is, the first level is the average or maximum value of the motor current value during the first period, and the second level is the average or maximum value of the motor current value during the second period. The difference between the first level and the second level is the reciprocating difference.

[0511] In this fourth embodiment, each time the plunger 50 performs one reciprocating motion, the gas entrainment detection unit 90 calculates the reciprocating difference during that one reciprocating motion. Furthermore, if the reciprocating difference meets a predetermined condition, it is determined that gas entrainment has occurred. In this fourth embodiment, the predetermined condition includes: the reciprocating difference is below a second current threshold.

[0512] like Figure 8 As illustrated, the second load varies approximately periodically with one cycle of the single-pass movement of slider 48. Therefore, calculating the reciprocating difference is synonymous with reducing or eliminating the component of the motor current value caused by the second load. Accordingly, by comparing the reciprocating difference with the second current threshold, the influence of the second load can be suppressed or eliminated, thereby enabling high-precision detection of gas entrainment. Since the third load is constant or nearly constant, the component of the third load in the reciprocating difference is also significantly reduced or eliminated.

[0513] The gas entrainment detection unit 90 can detect which direction the plunger 50 is moving (i.e., which of the first and second periods it is currently in) based on the first and second slider position signals from the position detector 95.

[0514] The position detector 95 may also include only one of the first and second detectors 96A and 96B. For example, when the position detector 95 only includes the first detector 96A, the gas entrainment detection unit 90 can determine (i.e. detect) the position of the plunger 50 based on the first slider position signal and the first to third rotation signals. Specifically, the gas entrainment detection unit 90 determines the situation where the plunger 50 has reached its lowest point (the aforementioned fourth state) at the time of receiving the first slider position signal. After receiving the first slider position signal, the gas entrainment detection unit 90 detects the amount of rotation (i.e., rotation angle) of the motor 20 after receiving the first slider position signal based on the first to third rotation signals. The amount of rotation of the motor 20 required to move the plunger 50 from the first end to the second end within the reciprocating range is known (e.g., N rotations). Accordingly, after receiving the first slider position signal, the gas entrainment detection unit 90, based on the N rotations of the motor 20, can determine that the plunger 50 has reached its uppermost position (the aforementioned second state). Thus, the gas entrainment detection unit 90 can determine the timing of when the plunger 50 reaches its uppermost position and the timing of when the plunger 50 reaches its lowermost position. Based on these timings, the gas entrainment detection unit 90 can determine the first period and the second period, and based on these first and second periods, can calculate the first level and the second level.

[0515] The gas entrainment detection unit 90 acquires the first level of the motor current value during the first period (or the second period), and acquires the second level of the motor current value during the subsequent second period (or the first period). Furthermore, based on the passage of the second period, the gas entrainment detection unit 90 calculates the reciprocating difference between the previously acquired first and second levels. Based on this reciprocating difference, the gas entrainment detection unit 90 determines whether gas entrainment has occurred. Alternatively, the gas entrainment detection unit 90 can treat the second period and the subsequent first period as one reciprocating cycle of the plunger 50, calculating the reciprocating difference for each of these cycles.

[0516] like Figure 23 As illustrated, under gas entrainment and low-temperature conditions, the variation in motor current increases regardless of whether gas entrainment occurs, and this variation differs less from that under normal conditions. However, the difference between the first and second levels of motor current (i.e., the reciprocating difference) is very small. Figure 23 as well as Figure 24 Level 1 and Level 2 in the diagram illustrate the average value.

[0517] The same applies to actual rotational speed. That is, in low-temperature environments, even with gas entrainment, the variation in actual rotational speed is relatively large, and the difference between this variation and the variation under normal conditions is small. However, the difference between the first and second levels of actual rotational speed (i.e., the reciprocating difference) is very small.

[0518] On the other hand, under normal conditions and in a high-temperature environment, such as Figure 24 As illustrated, both the reciprocating difference in motor current and the reciprocating difference in actual rotational speed have a magnitude corresponding to the pressure from the lubricating grease. Figure 23 In comparison, it is clear that the magnitude of these reciprocating differences is sufficiently large compared to the reciprocating differences in the gas entrainment state and low-temperature environment.

[0519] The load torque applied to motor 20 also includes components arising from the second (and third) loads. However, although the illustration is omitted, the effect of these second (and third) loads is significantly reduced in the reciprocating difference of the load torque. Therefore, the reciprocating difference of the load torque under normal conditions is sufficiently large compared to the reciprocating difference of the load torque under gas entrainment conditions.

[0520] Therefore, by using the reciprocating difference of the motor current value, gas entrainment can be detected with high accuracy over a wide temperature range. Even using the reciprocating difference of the actual rotational speed and the reciprocating difference of the load torque, gas entrainment can still be detected with high accuracy. In the fifth embodiment described later, gas entrainment detection based on the reciprocating difference of the actual rotational speed is illustrated; in the sixth embodiment described later, gas entrainment detection based on the reciprocating difference of the load torque is illustrated.

[0521] The second current threshold can also be determined as a value that is less than the seventh expected range and greater than the eighth expected range. The seventh expected range is the range of the expected reciprocating difference of the motor current value under normal conditions. The eighth expected range is the range of the expected reciprocating difference of the motor current value under gas entrainment conditions. The second current threshold can also be less than the minimum value of the seventh expected range and greater than the maximum value of the eighth expected range.

[0522] The second current threshold can also be a constant value. In the fourth embodiment, the second current threshold, like the first current threshold in the first embodiment, is variably set according to the operating state of the electric lubricant supply 1.

[0523] Specifically, the second current threshold can also be set according to the target rotation speed. More specifically, the second current threshold can also be set to be the same as the first current threshold. For example, it can also be... Figure 15 The vertical axis in the diagram is rewritten as the second current threshold. Alternatively, for example, the second current threshold can also be set according to various operating states using the same method as the first current threshold.

[0524] To achieve such gas entrainment detection, in this fourth embodiment, in Figure 18 The S350, replacing Figure 19 Perform gas entrainment detection and processing Figure 25 The gas entrainment detection and processing shown.

[0525] Control circuit 80 is transferred to Figure 25 During the gas entrainment detection and processing, the motor current value is acquired in S710.

[0526] In S720, the control circuit 80 determines whether the current period is the first period or the second period. As mentioned earlier, this determination can be made based on the first slider position signal and the second slider position signal. Alternatively, this determination can be made based on the first slider position signal or the second slider position signal, and the first to third rotation signals.

[0527] If the current period is S740 (i.e., the plunger 50 moves in the first direction), the process proceeds to S740. In S740, the control circuit 80 updates the first level (average or maximum value) of the motor current value in the first period. If the first level is the average value, the average value of the first period, including the motor current value acquired this time, is calculated. Furthermore, the calculated average value is maintained (i.e., updated) while replacing the currently maintained average value. If the first level is the maximum value, and the motor current value acquired this time is greater than the currently maintained maximum value, the maintained maximum value is updated to the motor current value acquired this time. After the process in S740, the process proceeds to S750 (see...). Figure 26 ).

[0528] If the current period in S720 is the second phase (i.e., the plunger 50 moves in the second direction), this process proceeds to S730. In S730, the control circuit 80 updates the second level (average or maximum value) of the motor current value in this second phase using the same method as in S740. After the processing in S730, this process proceeds to S750 (see reference). Figure 26 ).

[0529] In S750, control circuit 80 and Figure 19 Similarly, in S530, it is determined whether the plunger 50 has reciprocated once. If the plunger 50 has not yet reciprocated once, the process proceeds to S760. In S760, the control circuit 80 maintains the current gas entrainment detection state.

[0530] If the plunger 50 has reciprocated once in S750, the process proceeds to S770. In S770, the control circuit 80 calculates the reciprocating difference based on the currently held first and second levels.

[0531] In S780, the control circuit 80 sets a second current threshold. Specifically, as described above, the control circuit 80 sets the second current threshold based on factors such as the target rotational speed, duty cycle, actual rotational speed, or device temperature.

[0532] In S790, the control circuit 80 determines whether the reciprocating difference calculated in S770 is greater than the second current threshold. If the reciprocating difference is greater than the second current threshold, the process proceeds to S800. In this case, the control circuit 80 determines that no gas entrainment has occurred and sets the gas entrainment detection state to "non-detection". If the reciprocating difference is less than the second current threshold, the process proceeds to S810. In this case, the control circuit 80 determines that gas entrainment has occurred and sets the gas entrainment detection state to "detection". After processing in S800 or S810, the process proceeds to S820.

[0533] In S820, the control circuit 80 resets the currently held first and second levels. 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.

[0534] 2-5. Fifth Implementation Method

[0535] In the fifth embodiment, another example of gas entrainment detection processing is described. The electric lubricant supply device of this fifth embodiment is configured to be essentially the same as the electric lubricant supply device of the fourth embodiment, except for a portion of the gas entrainment detection processing. That is, the electric lubricant supply device of this fifth embodiment also performs... Figures 16-18 , Figure 20 The processing. Hereinafter, a configuration different from the fourth embodiment will be described.

[0536] The fifth embodiment differs from the fourth embodiment in that the load physical quantity used for calculating the reciprocating difference is used. In the fourth embodiment, the load physical quantity is the motor current value. In contrast, the load physical quantity in the fifth embodiment is the same as in the second embodiment, which is the actual rotational speed of the motor 20. That is, in the fifth embodiment, the first level is the average or minimum value of the actual rotational speed during the first period, and the second level is the average or minimum value of the actual rotational speed during the second period. The difference between these first and second levels is the reciprocating difference.

[0537] In this fifth embodiment, each time the plunger 50 performs one reciprocating motion, the gas entrainment detection unit 90 calculates the reciprocating difference based on the actual rotational speed during that reciprocating motion. Furthermore, if the reciprocating difference meets a predetermined condition, it is determined that gas entrainment has occurred. In this fifth embodiment, the predetermined condition includes: the reciprocating difference is below a second speed threshold.

[0538] The second speed threshold can also be a constant value. In this fifth embodiment, the second speed threshold is variably set according to the operating state of the electric lubricant supply, using the same principle as the first speed threshold in the second embodiment.

[0539] To achieve such gas entrainment detection, in this fifth embodiment, in Figure 18 The S350, replacing Figures 25-26 Perform gas entrainment detection and processing Figures 27-28 The gas entrainment detection and processing shown.

[0540] Figures 27-28 Gas entrainment detection and processing Figures 25-26The difference between this gas entrainment detection and processing method and the previous one is that it replaces S710, S730, S740, S780, and S790 with S711, S731, S741, S781, and S791 respectively. Regarding the... Figures 25-26 The same processing as the gas entrainment detection processing is applied, giving it the same treatment as... Figures 25-26 The same marker, but with its detailed description omitted.

[0541] In S711, the control circuit 80 calculates the current actual rotational speed.

[0542] In S741, control circuit 80 utilizes S740 ( Figure 25 The same principle applies to updating the first level (average or minimum) of the actual rotational speed during the first period.

[0543] In S731, control circuit 80 utilizes S730 ( Figure 25 The same principle applies to updating the second level (average or minimum) of the actual rotational speed during the second period.

[0544] In S781, the control circuit 80 sets a second speed threshold. Specifically, as described above, the control circuit 80 sets the second speed threshold based on the target rotational speed, duty cycle, actual rotational speed, or device temperature, etc.

[0545] In S791, control circuit 80 determines whether the reciprocating difference calculated in S770 is greater than the second speed threshold. If the reciprocating difference is greater than the second speed threshold, the process proceeds to S800. In this case, it is determined that no gas entrainment has occurred, and the gas entrainment detection state is set to "non-detection".

[0546] If the reciprocating velocity difference is below the second velocity threshold, the process proceeds to S810. In this case, it is determined that gas entrainment has occurred, and the gas entrainment detection state is set to "detect".

[0547] 2-6. Sixth Implementation Method

[0548] In the sixth embodiment, another example of gas entrainment detection processing is described. The electric lubricant supply device of this sixth embodiment is configured to be essentially the same as the electric lubricant supply device of the fourth embodiment, except for a portion of the gas entrainment detection processing. That is, the electric lubricant supply device of this sixth embodiment also performs... Figures 16-18 , Figure 20 The processing. Hereinafter, a configuration different from the fourth embodiment will be described.

[0549] The sixth embodiment differs from the fourth embodiment in that it uses the load physical quantity for calculating the reciprocating difference. The load physical quantity in the sixth embodiment is the same as in the third embodiment, which is the load torque of the motor 20. That is, in this sixth embodiment, the first level is the average or maximum value of the load torque during the first period, and the second level is the average or maximum value of the load torque during the second period. The difference between these first and second levels is the reciprocating difference.

[0550] In this sixth embodiment, each time the plunger 50 performs one reciprocating motion, the gas entrainment detection unit 90 calculates the reciprocating difference based on the load torque during that reciprocating motion. Furthermore, if the reciprocating difference meets a predetermined condition, it is determined that gas entrainment has occurred. In this sixth embodiment, the predetermined condition includes: the reciprocating difference is below a second torque threshold.

[0551] The second torque threshold can also be a constant value. In this sixth embodiment, the second torque threshold is variably set according to the operating state of the electric lubricant supply 1, using the same principle as the first torque threshold in the third embodiment.

[0552] To achieve such gas entrainment detection, in this sixth embodiment, in Figure 18 The S350, replacing Figures 25-26 Gas entrainment detection and processing, performed Figures 29-30 The gas entrainment detection and processing shown.

[0553] Figures 29-30 Gas entrainment detection and processing Figures 25-26 Compared to the gas entrainment detection process, the differences are: (i) S712 to S714 are performed instead of S710, and (ii) S731, S741, S781, and S791 are performed instead of S730, S740, S780, and S790, respectively. Regarding the... Figures 25-26 The same processing as the gas entrainment detection processing is applied, giving it the same treatment as... Figures 25-26 The same marker, but with its detailed description omitted.

[0554] In S712, the control circuit 80 calculates the current actual rotational speed and calculates the motor acceleration based on this actual rotational speed.

[0555] In S713, the control circuit 80 obtains the motor current value based on the current detection signal.

[0556] In S714, the control circuit 80 uses the motor acceleration and motor current values ​​obtained in S712 and S713 to calculate the load torque based on the above formula (1).

[0557] In S742, control circuit 80 utilizes S740 ( Figure 25 The same principle applies to updating the first level (average or maximum) of the load torque in the first period.

[0558] In S732, control circuit 80 utilizes S730 ( Figure 25 The same principle applies to updating the second level (average or maximum) of the load torque in the second period.

[0559] In S782, the control circuit 80 sets a second torque threshold. Specifically, the control circuit 80 sets the second torque threshold based on the target rotational speed, duty cycle, actual rotational speed, or equipment temperature, as described above.

[0560] In S792, the control circuit 80 determines whether the reciprocating difference calculated in S770 is greater than the second torque threshold. If the reciprocating difference is greater than the second torque threshold, the process proceeds to S800. In this case, it is determined that no gas entrainment has occurred, and the gas entrainment detection state is set to "non-detection".

[0561] If the reciprocating difference is below the second torque threshold, this process proceeds to S810. In this case, it is determined that gas entrainment has occurred, and the gas entrainment detection state is set to "detect".

[0562] 2-7. Other Implementation Methods

[0563] 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.

[0564] (2-7-1) The physical quantity of load used for gas entrainment detection may also be different from the motor current value, actual rotation speed and load torque.

[0565] (2-7-2) The first current threshold, the first speed threshold, and other thresholds can also be set based on operating states different from those exemplified in the above embodiments (target rotational speed, duty cycle, actual rotational speed, or equipment temperature). Each threshold can also be set based on any operating state of the electric lubricant supply 1. Each threshold can also be set based on load-related operating states. Load-related operating states are operating states that affect the motor load. That is, the motor load may change according to changes in the load-related operating states.

[0566] For example, the operating state can be the battery voltage. That is, each threshold can also be set according to 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 the output of the motor 20 will decrease. Therefore, for example, each threshold can be set in a way that each 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 each threshold based on the obtained magnitude.

[0567] (2-7-3) 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.

[0568] (2-7-4) The electric lubricant supply 1 can be configured to discharge a lubricant other than grease. The lubricant can be, for example, a semi-solid or a liquid.

[0569] (2-7-5) 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 to set the operating mode can 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.

[0570] (2-7-6) 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.

[0571] 2-8. Supplement

[0572] 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: A pump having a receiving section and a reciprocating component, the receiving section being configured to receive lubricant, and the reciprocating component being configured to (i) reciprocate within the receiving section in a first direction and in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and (ii) discharge the lubricant within the receiving section toward the outside of the receiving section in correspondence with the movement of the reciprocating component toward the first direction. A motor configured to drive the reciprocating component, the motor being configured to bear a motor load, the motor load including (i) a first load applied to the motor from the reciprocating component due to pressure received by the reciprocating component from the lubricant, and (ii) a second load applied to the motor from the reciprocating component regardless of the pressure; A drive circuit configured to drive the motor; as well as A control circuit is configured to rotate the motor by means of the drive circuit, and to perform a specified process during the driving of the motor based on the fact that the actual amount of motion of the motor has met a specified condition, the specified condition being a condition indicating that gas has been mixed into the containment portion, the actual amount of motion having a magnitude corresponding to the magnitude of a specific load, the specific load being (i) at least a portion of the motor load, and (ii) including at least a portion of the first load but excluding at least a portion of the second load.

2. The electric lubricant supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pump includes: a guide that supports the reciprocating component as a reciprocating component. The reciprocating component is configured to move along the guide.

3. The electric lubricant supply device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The reciprocating component includes: A plunger, which (i) is at least partially housed in the housing portion, and (ii) is configured to reciprocate within the housing portion toward the first direction and the second direction; and A slider, which (i) is mechanically connected to the plunger and (ii) is configured to move integrally with the plunger along the guide.

4. The electric lubricant supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The actual motion quantity includes the amplitude of the filtered physical quantity. The filtered physical quantity is a physical quantity obtained by reducing or removing the component caused by the second load from the load physical quantity. The load physical quantity is a physical quantity that changes according to the magnitude of the motor load.

5. The electric lubricant supply device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The filtered physical quantity is a moving average of the load physical quantity.

6. The electric lubricant supply device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The moving average is the average of the load physical quantity over the calculation period. The computation time for the object is half the time required for a round trip. The reciprocating time is the time required for the reciprocating component to perform one reciprocating motion.

7. The electric lubricant supply device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The control circuit is configured to: set a target rotational speed as a target value for the rotational speed of the motor, control the drive circuit in such a way that the actual rotational speed of the motor is consistent with the target rotational speed, obtain the computational object time based on the set target rotational speed, and calculate the moving average based on the obtained computational object time.

8. The electric lubricant supply device according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that, The maximum value of the amplitude of the filtered physical quantity during the specified driving period is below the first threshold, thus satisfying the specified requirements.

9. The electric lubricant supply device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The control circuit is configured to set the first threshold based on the operating state of the electric lubricant supply.

10. The electric lubricant supply device according to any one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that, The drive circuit is configured to supply current to the motor, causing the motor to rotate. The load physical quantity includes the magnitude of the current supplied from the drive circuit to the motor.

11. The electric lubricant supply device according to any one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that, The physical quantity of the load includes the actual rotational speed of the motor.

12. The electric lubricant supply device according to any one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that, The physical quantity of the load includes the load torque. The load torque is the torque applied to the motor from outside the motor.

13. The electric lubricant supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The actual motion quantity includes the reciprocating difference of the load physical quantity during one reciprocating cycle, where one reciprocating cycle corresponds to the period during which the reciprocating component performs one reciprocating motion, and the load physical quantity is a physical quantity that changes according to the magnitude of the motor load. The reciprocating difference is the difference between the first level and the second level. The first level represents the magnitude of the load physical quantity in the first period, and the second level represents the magnitude of the load physical quantity in the second period. The first period corresponds to the period during which the reciprocating component moves toward the first direction in one reciprocating period, and the second period corresponds to the period during which the reciprocating component moves toward the second direction in one reciprocating period.

14. The electric lubricant supply device according to claim 13, characterized in that, The specified requirements are met when the reciprocating difference is below the second threshold.

15. The electric lubricant supply device according to claim 14, characterized in that, The control circuit is configured to set the second threshold based on the operating state of the electric lubricant supply.

16. The electric lubricant supply device according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that, The drive circuit is configured to supply current to the motor, causing the motor to rotate. The load physical quantity includes the magnitude of the current supplied from the drive circuit to the motor. The first level refers to the average or maximum value of the current magnitude during the first period. The second level is the average or maximum value of the current during the second period.

17. The electric lubricant supply device according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that, The physical quantity of the load includes the actual rotational speed of the motor. The first level refers to the average or minimum value of the actual rotational speed during the first period. The second level is the average or minimum value of the actual rotational speed during the second period.

18. The electric lubricant supply device according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that, The load physical quantity includes the torque applied to the motor from outside the motor, i.e., the load torque. The first level refers to the average or maximum value of the load torque during the first period. The second level is the average or maximum value of the load torque during the second period.

19. The electric lubricant supply device according to any one of claims 13 to 18, characterized in that, The electric lubricant supply device includes a position detector configured to output a position signal corresponding to the position of the reciprocating component. The control circuit is configured to receive the position signal and calculate the reciprocating difference based on the first level in the first period and the second level in the second period as determined by the position signal.

20. The electric lubricant supply device according to claim 9 or 15, characterized in that, The control circuit is configured to control the drive circuit in such a way that a target rotational speed is set as the target value for the rotational speed of the motor, and the actual rotational speed of the motor matches the target rotational speed. The action state includes the target rotation speed.

21. The electric lubricant supply device according to claim 9 or 15, 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.

22. The electric lubricant supply device according to claim 9 or 15, characterized in that, The operating state includes the actual rotational speed of the motor.

23. The electric lubricant supply device according to claim 9 or 15, characterized in that, The control circuit is configured to acquire the temperature of the electric lubricant supply. The operating state includes the temperature.

24. The electric lubricant supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that, The electric lubricant supply also includes a notification unit configured to notify the receiver of information indicating that the gas has been mixed into the containment unit. The specified processing includes: disseminating the information via the notification unit.

25. The electric lubricant supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 24, characterized in that, The control circuit is configured to: accumulate the actual number of reciprocating motions of the reciprocating component during the driving process of the motor, and stop the motor when the actual number of reciprocating motions has reached the target number of reciprocating motions. The specified processing includes temporarily suspending the accumulation of the actual number of round trips.

26. The electric lubricant supply device according to claim 25, characterized in that, The control circuit is configured to: after temporarily stopping the accumulation of the actual number of reciprocating motions, restart the accumulation of the actual number of reciprocating motions based on the fact that the actual amount of motion no longer meets the specified requirements.

27. The electric lubricant supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 26, characterized in that, The control circuit is configured to stop the motor during the driving process, based on the fact that the actual amount of motion meets the specified requirements for a specified time.

28. The electric lubricant supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 27, characterized in that, The control circuit is configured to detect, in accordance with the specified conditions being met during the driving of the motor, the situation where the gas has been mixed into the containment section and / or the situation where the pump wants to discharge the gas.

29. A method for discharging lubricant from an electric lubricant supply device, characterized in that, The method comprises the following steps. The lubricant in the receiving part is discharged by reciprocating the reciprocating part by a motor, the motor being configured to bear a motor load, the motor load including (i) a first load applied to the motor from the reciprocating part due to the pressure received by the reciprocating part from the lubricant, and (ii) a second load applied to the motor from the reciprocating part regardless of the pressure; During the driving process of the motor, a specified process is performed based on the fact that the actual amount of motion has met the specified requirements, the specified requirements being conditions indicating that gas has been mixed into the containment portion, the actual amount of motion having a magnitude corresponding to the magnitude of a specific load, the specific load being (i) at least a portion of the motor load, and (ii) including the first load but not including at least a portion of the second load.

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