Automatic distribution device suitable for lubricating grease
By installing a grease-storage electric lubrication pump and an automatic distribution component with a titanium alloy watertight tank inside the submarine compartment, the problems of limited space and noise requirements inside the submarine compartment have been solved, enabling automatic and stable replenishment of grease and meeting the requirements for grease distribution in seawater corrosion-resistant and wide-temperature environments.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202423128479.5
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-18
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-04
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-12-18
AI Technical Summary
Existing automatic grease dispensing devices are limited by space constraints when installed inside submarine compartments, have high noise requirements, and the hydraulic valve blocks cannot meet the requirements for operation in seawater corrosion and wide temperature environments, thus failing to automatically replenish grease under underwater conditions.
The system employs a grease-storage electric lubrication pump installed inside the submarine compartment. The automatic distribution component consists of a titanium alloy watertight tank and a progressive distributor, equipped with multiple hydraulic valve blocks and electrically insulated through-tank connectors to ensure watertightness and resistance to seawater corrosion, adapting to the deep-sea environment and enabling automatic grease distribution.
It enables automatic and stable grease replenishment of submarine external equipment under underwater conditions, meeting requirements for space, noise, seawater corrosion resistance, and temperature, and ensuring the stability and reliability of grease output.
Smart Images

Figure CN223511893U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automatic grease dispensing technology, specifically to an automatic grease dispensing device. Background Technology
[0002] During submarine operations, some external equipment relies on grease for lubrication. Over time, this grease is consumed, and when it reaches a certain level, it can reduce the lifespan of the external equipment or affect its normal operation. Therefore, it is necessary to replenish the grease. However, when a submarine is operating underwater, manually adding grease to the external equipment is impractical, and using a progressive distributor with hydraulic valve blocks cannot guarantee watertightness.
[0003] The main problems existing in current automatic grease dispensing device technology include the following:
[0004] Grease-storage electric lubrication pumps need to be installed inside the submarine compartment, and the space inside the submarine is very narrow. Therefore, the external dimensions of the grease-storage electric lubrication pump are quite sensitive, and its external dimensions are required to be no greater than 300×300×380mm.
[0005] Since the grease-storage electric lubrication pump is installed inside the submarine, there are certain requirements for the operating noise of the electric lubrication pump. The air noise of the electric lubrication pump during operation is required to be no more than 55 dB.
[0006] The hydraulic valve block that plays the role of quantitatively distributing grease in the automatic distribution component needs to be installed outside the ship. It needs to meet technical requirements such as seawater corrosion resistance, seawater resistance to 6.75MPa external pressure, normal operation in an environment of -35℃ to 65℃, and stable oil output. Hydraulic valve blocks on the market cannot meet these technical requirements at the same time. Utility Model Content
[0007] This invention provides an automatic grease dispensing device that enables submarines to automatically replenish grease to external equipment while maintaining watertightness during underwater operations.
[0008] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:
[0009] An automatic grease dispensing device includes a grease-storage electric lubrication pump and an automatic dispensing assembly, wherein the grease-storage electric lubrication pump is installed inside the submarine compartment and the automatic dispensing assembly is installed outside the submarine compartment.
[0010] The automatic distribution component includes a watertight tank. The output end of the electric lubrication pump is connected to the grease input interface of the automatic distribution component through an oil pipeline. The grease input interface is connected to the internal pipeline of the watertight tank through a through-tank connector and connected to the input end of the progressive distributor. The output end of the progressive distributor is connected to the grease output interface of the automatic distribution component through an internal pipeline and a through-tank connector, and is connected to each lubrication point through an external pipeline.
[0011] As a preferred technical solution for an automatic grease dispensing device, the watertight box is made of titanium alloy.
[0012] As a preferred technical solution for an automatic grease dispensing device, the watertight box includes a cover and a body. The cover and body are provided with axial mating surfaces and radial mating surfaces. Sealing grooves are provided on the axial mating surfaces and radial mating surfaces respectively, and sealing rings are provided in the sealing grooves.
[0013] As a preferred technical solution for an automatic grease distribution device, the progressive distributor includes multiple hydraulic valve blocks, each hydraulic valve block having at least one oil outlet to lubricate multiple lubrication points.
[0014] As a preferred technical solution for an automatic grease dispensing device, the watertight box cover is reinforced with polytetrafluoroethylene gaskets on both sides for watertightness.
[0015] As a preferred technical solution for an automatic grease dispensing device, the through-chamber connector includes an internal threaded connector, an external threaded connector, and an external cap, with the external cap installed on the external threaded connector depending on the usage.
[0016] Compared with the prior art, the automatic grease dispensing device provided by this utility model has the following significant advantages:
[0017] This invention provides a watertight design for the progressive distributor, which can automatically replenish grease to the outboard equipment while ensuring watertightness. Attached Figure Description
[0018] Figure 1 Automatic distribution component sealing diagram
[0019] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of electrical insulation through-chamber joint structure
[0020] Figure 3a Front view of electric lubrication pump structure
[0021] Figure 3b Top view of electric lubrication pump structure
[0022] Figure 4a Automatically assign component profile view
[0023] Figure 4b Automatic component top view
[0024] 1-Tank cover, 2-Axial mating surface, 3-Radial mating surface, 31-Oil storage tank, 32-Oil outlet, 33-Oil inlet, 41-Tank body, 42-Progressive distributor, 43-Through-tank connector, 44-Airtight screw, 45-Watertight connector, 46-Internal piping Detailed Implementation
[0025] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0026] like Figures 1 to 4b As shown, an embodiment of this utility model discloses an automatic grease dispensing device, including a grease-storage electric lubrication pump and an automatic dispensing assembly. The grease-storage electric lubrication pump is installed inside the submarine compartment, and the automatic dispensing assembly is installed outside the submarine compartment.
[0027] The grease-storage electric lubrication pump (2L grease capacity) measures only 279×257×357mm, making it more compact than commercially available electric lubrication pumps and suitable for environments with demanding space requirements, such as submarines. Powered by a 24V supply, it requires minimal load, extending its service life. Testing shows the pump operates with an air noise level of less than 55db. It can operate in ambient temperatures ranging from -40℃ to 70℃ and is adaptable to salt spray environments. The pump provides stable grease output with a rate not less than 4cm³ / min. It also features a low-level alarm function; when the grease level in the reservoir (31) falls below the set amount, an alarm signal is triggered, reminding personnel to replenish the reservoir.
[0028] The automatic distribution component includes a titanium alloy watertight tank. The output end of the electric lubrication pump is connected to the grease input interface of the automatic distribution component through an oil pipeline. The grease input interface is connected to the internal pipeline 46 of the watertight tank via a through-tank connector 43 and connected to the input end of the progressive distributor 42. The output end of the progressive distributor 42 is connected to the grease output interface of the automatic distribution component through the internal pipeline 46 and the through-tank connector 43, and connected to each lubrication point through an external pipeline.
[0029] The titanium alloy watertight tank houses the progressive distributor 42, and employs both end-face and radial seals to ensure that the automatic distribution assembly can withstand an external seawater pressure of 6.75 MPa and long-term seawater corrosion. A schematic diagram of the seal is shown below. Figure 1 As shown, the watertight tank body 41 is machined from a single piece of titanium alloy, rather than welded, thus ensuring the strength of the titanium alloy watertight tank and making it more suitable for use in deep-sea environments.
[0030] The automatic distribution assembly measures 366×366×272mm. The progressive distributor 42 consists of five hydraulic valve blocks, each with two oil outlets 32, giving the automatic distribution assembly a total of ten oil outlets 32. This allows the automatic distribution assembly to simultaneously lubricate ten lubrication points. The automatic distribution assembly provides precise oil supply, with each oil outlet 32 discharging 0.48cm³ per cycle (with an error not exceeding 20%).
[0031] The oil inlet 33 and oil outlet 32 are equipped with electrically insulated penetration joints 43, which consist of an internal threaded connector, an external threaded connector, and an external cap. The electrically insulated penetration joint 43 is connected to the hydraulic valve block via an internal pipeline 46, providing the necessary insulation for electro-corrosion protection. The pipeline arrangement is centered on the progressive distributor 42, radiating outwards before connecting to the output interface on the watertight tank cover 1 at appropriate locations. The penetration joint 43 ensures the watertightness of the grease oil passage through the watertight tank. Watertightness is achieved on both sides of the watertight tank cover 1 using reinforced PTFE gaskets. An O-ring further ensures watertightness at the contact surface between the joint and the watertight tank cover 1. With these three sealing rings and two sealing methods, the watertightness between the penetration joint 43 and the watertight tank cover 1 is guaranteed. Because the external piping is made of a different material than the watertight box, an insulating material is used to separate the external piping from the watertight box output connector to prevent electrochemical corrosion and ensure no contact between the two dissimilar metals. The structure of the electrically insulated through-chamber connector 43 is as follows: Figure 2 As shown.
[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, the watertight box includes a cover 1 and a body 41. The cover 1 and the body 41 are provided with an axial mating surface 2 and a radial mating surface 3. The axial mating surface 2 and the radial mating surface 3 are respectively provided with sealing grooves, and sealing rings are provided in the sealing grooves.
[0033] The main working principle of the automatic grease distribution device is as follows: Each automatic grease distribution device contains one grease input interface and ten grease output interfaces. The output end of the electric lubrication pump is connected to the grease input interface of the automatic distribution component through an oil pipeline. The grease input interface is connected to the internal pipeline 46 of the watertight tank via a through-tank connector 43, and then connected to the input end of the progressive distributor 42. The output end of the progressive distributor 42 is connected to the grease output interface of the automatic distribution component through the internal pipeline 46 and the through-tank connector 43, and is connected to each lubrication point through an external pipeline.
[0034] The operating steps of the automatic grease dispensing device are as follows:
[0035] 1) Install the automatic distribution unit in a fixed location outside the submarine compartment and connect it to external pipelines extending to the lubrication point;
[0036] 2) Install the electric lubrication pump in a fixed position inside the submarine compartment, and connect the oil outlet 32 of the electric lubrication pump to the oil inlet 33 of the automatic distribution component through an oil supply pipe;
[0037] 3) Replenish the grease reservoir of the electric lubrication pump;
[0038] 4) Connect the power cord of the electric lubrication pump and the liquid level alarm signal line (the electric lubrication pump is powered by 24V DC, and it will start working as soon as it is powered on);
[0039] In this invention, the electric lubrication pump (2L grease capacity) is more compact than commercially available electric lubrication pumps, making it suitable for environments with stringent space requirements, such as submarines. Its operating noise level is no greater than 55dB. The automatic grease distribution component is resistant to seawater corrosion and withstands a seawater external pressure of 6.75MPa. It can operate normally in environments ranging from -35℃ to 65℃, provides stable oil output, has electrical insulation properties, is compact in size, and features 10 oil outlets. The automatic grease distribution device has undergone numerous tests, and its functional specifications are met, demonstrating reliable operation.
[0040] In the description of this specification, specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.
[0041] Of course, there may be other embodiments of this utility model. Without departing from the spirit and essence of this utility model, those skilled in the art can make various corresponding changes and modifications based on this utility model, but these changes and modifications should all fall within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.
Claims
1. An automatic grease dispensing device, characterized in that, It includes a grease-storage electric lubrication pump and an automatic dispensing assembly. The grease-storage electric lubrication pump is installed inside the submarine compartment, and the automatic dispensing assembly is installed outside the submarine compartment. The automatic distribution component includes a watertight tank. The output end of the electric lubrication pump is connected to the grease input interface of the automatic distribution component through an oil pipeline. The grease input interface is connected to the internal pipeline of the watertight tank through a through-tank connector and connected to the input end of the progressive distributor. The output end of the progressive distributor is connected to the grease output interface of the automatic distribution component through an internal pipeline and a through-tank connector, and is connected to each lubrication point through an external pipeline.
2. The automatic grease dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The watertight box is made of titanium alloy.
3. The automatic grease dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The watertight box includes a cover and a body. The cover and body are provided with axial mating surfaces and radial mating surfaces. Sealing grooves are provided on the axial mating surfaces and radial mating surfaces respectively, and sealing rings are provided in the sealing grooves.
4. The automatic grease dispensing device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The progressive distributor includes multiple hydraulic valve blocks, each with at least one oil outlet to lubricate multiple lubrication points.
5. The automatic grease dispensing device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The watertight box lid is reinforced with polytetrafluoroethylene gaskets on both sides for watertightness.
6. The automatic grease dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The through-chamber connector includes an internal threaded connector, an external threaded connector, and an external cap. The external cap is installed on the external threaded connector according to the usage.