Speed reducer and intelligent lubrication system thereof

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of speed reducer equipment, concretely relates to a speed reducer and intelligent lubricating system thereof, and the speed reducer comprises: a box body and a multistage gear transmission pair arranged in the box body; temperature sensors corresponding to each gear transmission pair respectively, which are used for monitoring the temperature of the meshing area of each gear transmission pair; lubricating pipelines corresponding to each gear transmission pair respectively, wherein the outlet of the lubricating pipeline is arranged corresponding to the meshing area of the gear transmission pair; a plurality of valves are arranged on the lubricating pipeline respectively; a control module is electrically connected with the temperature sensors and the plurality of valves; and the control module is configured to: when the temperature value detected by the temperature sensor corresponding to a certain gear transmission pair reaches a first preset threshold T1, the valve on the lubricating pipeline corresponding to the gear transmission pair is opened to supply lubricating oil to the meshing area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the technical field of speed reducer equipment, and in particular relates to a speed reducer and its intelligent lubrication system. Background Technology

[0002] In applications requiring a high transmission ratio (≥50:1), gear reducers typically employ a multi-stage transmission structure. These reducers contain multiple pairs of gears and supporting bearings, which work together within a closed housing.

[0003] Currently, the traditional lubrication method for this type of reducer is splash lubrication. The principle is that the high-speed rotating gears (or a specially designed oil slinger) inside the gearbox are immersed in the oil sump, splashing lubricating oil into droplets or mist, thereby lubricating the various friction pairs within the gearbox (such as the meshing points of gears at each stage, bearings, etc.). However, the distribution of lubricating oil in this method depends entirely on the physical process of gear rotation and splashing, which is passive and random. It cannot be intelligently adjusted according to the actual operating conditions inside the reducer. Especially in multi-stage transmission structures, where gears are distributed in different spatial positions, it is difficult for the splashed oil droplets to accurately and evenly cover every contact point that most needs lubrication.

[0004] Therefore, how to solve the problem that traditional lubrication methods cannot actively and accurately lubricate the transmission structure of the reducer is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art.

[0005] It should be noted that the information disclosed in this background section is only for understanding the background technology of the present application concept, and therefore, the above description is not considered to constitute prior art information. Utility Model Content

[0006] This disclosure provides at least one speed reducer and its intelligent lubrication system.

[0007] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a speed reducer, including: The housing and the multi-stage gear transmission pair disposed within the housing; Temperature sensors corresponding to each of the gear transmission pairs are used to monitor the temperature of the meshing area of ​​each of the gear transmission pairs. Lubrication lines corresponding to each level of the gear transmission pair are provided, with the outlet of the lubrication line located in the meshing area of ​​the gear transmission pair. Multiple valves are respectively installed on the lubrication pipeline; The control module is electrically connected to the temperature sensor and the plurality of valves; and the control module is configured to: when the temperature value detected by the temperature sensor corresponding to a certain gear transmission pair reaches a first preset threshold T1, control the valve on the lubrication pipeline corresponding to that gear transmission pair to open, so as to supply lubricating oil to the meshing area.

[0008] In one alternative embodiment, the inlet end of the lubrication line is connected to the lubricating oil storage tank, and its outlet end passes through the top of the tank and extends directly above the meshing point of the gear transmission pair.

[0009] In one alternative embodiment, the outlet end of the lubrication line is configured as a drip nozzle or spray nozzle and is oriented toward the meshing point corresponding to the gear transmission pair.

[0010] In one optional implementation, the first preset threshold T1 is set according to the viscosity-temperature characteristics of the lubricating oil, and its range is between 60°C and 80°C.

[0011] In an optional implementation, the control module is further configured to: When the temperature reaches the first preset threshold T1, the control valve opens; When the temperature drops below the second preset threshold T2, the control valve closes. Where T2 < T1.

[0012] In one alternative embodiment, the temperature sensor is fixed to the top of the housing by a mounting bracket, and its probe end points vertically downward toward the meshing point of the gear transmission pair.

[0013] In one optional embodiment, the multi-stage gear transmission pair is a three-stage transmission, including a high-speed gear transmission pair, an intermediate-stage gear transmission pair, and a low-speed gear transmission pair; and At least the meshing area of ​​the low-speed gear transmission pair is provided with the temperature sensor and lubrication pipeline.

[0014] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide an intelligent lubrication system for a speed reducer, comprising: The lubrication lines are located inside the gearbox housing; Valves are installed on the lubrication pipeline; The control module is electrically connected to the temperature sensor and the valve. After obtaining the temperature data of the gear transmission pair meshing point detected by the temperature sensor, it controls the valve to open so as to supply lubricating oil to the meshing point.

[0015] In one alternative embodiment, the inlet end of the lubrication pipeline is connected to the lubricating oil storage tank, and its outlet end is located directly above the meshing point of the gear transmission pair.

[0016] In one alternative embodiment, the outlet end of the lubrication line is configured as a drip nozzle or spray nozzle and is oriented toward the meshing point corresponding to the gear transmission pair.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this invention are that, by independently equipping each gear transmission pair with a temperature sensor and lubrication pipeline, and having the control module control the opening of the corresponding valves based on the temperature signal, this reducer overcomes the blindness and randomness of traditional splash lubrication. This system can automatically start and precisely supply lubricating oil to specific meshing areas when local overheating is detected.

[0018] Other features and advantages of this invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the invention. The objectives and other advantages of this invention are realized and obtained through the structures particularly pointed out in the description and drawings.

[0019] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 A perspective view of a speed reducer provided in an embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 2 This is a front view of a speed reducer provided in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0022] In the picture: 100. Housing; 200. Gear drive pair; 210. Low-speed gear drive pair; 220. Intermediate-speed gear drive pair; 230. High-speed gear drive pair; 300. Temperature sensor; 310. Detection end; 400. Lubrication pipeline; 410. Valve; 420. Inlet end; 430. Outlet end; 500. Mounting base. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0024] In this document, when it is mentioned that a first component is located on a second component, this can mean that the first component can be directly formed on the second component, or that a third component can be inserted between the first and second components. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the thickness of the components may be exaggerated or reduced for the purpose of effectively describing the technical content.

[0025] In this document, when an element or layer is referred to as “located,” “joined to,” “connected to,” “attached to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly located, joined, connected, attached to, or coupled to the other element or layer, or there may be intermediate elements or layers present. Conversely, when an element is referred to as “directly on another element or layer,” “directly joined to,” “directly connected to,” “directly attached to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intermediate elements or layers present. Other terms used to describe relationships between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items.

[0026] In this document, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. As used herein, expressions such as “at least one of…” modify the entire list of elements when following a list of elements, rather than individual elements in the list. For example, the expression “at least one of a, b, and c” should be understood to include only a, only b, only c, both a and b, both a and c, both b and c, or all of a, b, and c.

[0027] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing specific exemplary configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles “a,” “an,” and “the” may also be intended to include plural forms unless otherwise clearly stated herein. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are inclusive and thus specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be construed as requiring them to be performed in the specific order discussed or shown, unless specifically identified as such. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0028] As used herein, the phrases “in one embodiment,” “according to one embodiment,” “in some embodiments,” etc., generally refer to the fact that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic following the phrase can be included in at least one embodiment of this disclosure. Therefore, a particular feature, structure, or characteristic can be included in more than one embodiment of this disclosure, such that these phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. As used herein, the terms “example,” “exemplary,” etc., are used to “serve as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation, aspect, or design described herein as “example” or “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or superior to other implementations, aspects, or designs. Rather, the use of the terms “example,” “exemplary,” etc., is intended to present concepts in a specific manner.

[0029] Research has revealed the following drawbacks of existing technologies: Currently, the lubrication method for multi-stage gear transmission pairs in speed reducers is generally splash lubrication. The principle relies on the high-speed rotating gears (or a specially designed oil slinger) within the gearbox immersing themselves in an oil sump, splashing lubricating oil to form droplets or mist, thereby lubricating the various friction pairs within the gearbox (such as the meshing points of each gear stage, bearings, etc.). However, the distribution of lubricating oil in this method depends entirely on the physical process of gear rotation and splashing, making it passive and random. It cannot intelligently adjust according to the actual operating conditions inside the speed reducer. Especially in multi-stage transmission structures, where gears are distributed in different spatial positions, it is difficult for splashed oil droplets to accurately and evenly cover every contact point that most needs lubrication.

[0030] Based on the above research, this disclosure provides a speed reducer that, through the cooperation of a control value module, valves, and a temperature sensor, forms a lubrication system capable of automatically dripping lubricating oil, thus solving the aforementioned problems.

[0031] The shortcomings of the above solutions are the result of the inventor's practical experience and careful research. Therefore, the discovery process of the above problems and the solutions proposed in this disclosure should be considered as the inventor's contribution to this disclosure.

[0032] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0033] The following detailed description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, describes some embodiments of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0034] See Figure 1This disclosure provides a speed reducer, including: a housing 100 and a multi-stage gear transmission pair 200 disposed within the housing 100; the housing 100 is the main support structure of the speed reducer. The multi-stage gear transmission pair 200 is disposed inside the housing 100, and includes at least a high-speed gear transmission pair 230, an intermediate-speed gear transmission pair 220, and a low-speed gear transmission pair 210. Power is transmitted from the high-speed stage to the low-speed stage, with the speed gradually decreasing and the torque gradually increasing. Temperature sensors 300 are corresponding to each stage of the gear transmission pair 200, and the temperature sensors 300 are used to monitor the temperature of the meshing area of ​​each stage of the gear transmission pair 200. Lubrication lines 400 are corresponding to each stage of the gear transmission pair 200, and the inlet end 420 of the lubrication line 400 is connected to a shared or independent lubricating oil storage tank (not shown in the figure). A controlled valve 410 (such as a solenoid valve) is provided on the lubrication line 400. The outlet end 430 of the lubrication pipeline 400 passes through the housing 100 and is positioned corresponding to the meshing areas of each gear transmission pair 200. A control module (which can be a PLC or a dedicated controller) is electrically connected to all temperature sensors 300 and valves 410, forming a closed-loop control system. During the operation of the reducer, each temperature sensor 300 continuously transmits the monitored temperature signals to the control module. The control module has a preset first temperature threshold T1. When the temperature rises in the meshing area of ​​a certain gear transmission pair 200 due to excessive load, and the corresponding temperature sensor 300 detects a value reaching T1, the control module sends an opening command to the valve 410 controlling that lubrication pipeline. After the valve 410 opens, lubricating oil is precisely dripped or sprayed from the outlet end 430 of the lubrication pipeline 400 to the meshing point of the overheated gear pair, achieving active cooling lubrication. When the temperature drops, the control module can control the valve 410 to close, achieving on-demand lubrication.

[0035] See also Figure 1In some embodiments, the outlet end 430 of the lubrication line 400 passes through the top wall of the housing 100 and extends into its internal space. To achieve precise lubrication, the outlet end 430 is specifically configured with a particular functional structure. Preferably, the outlet end 430 can be integrated as or connected to a drip nozzle. This structure allows lubricating oil to be continuously and slowly supplied to the target area in a stable drip form, suitable for operating conditions requiring continuous lubrication with low oil volume. In another preferred embodiment, the outlet end 430 can also be configured as a spray nozzle. This structure atomizes the lubricating oil, making it more evenly cover the gear meshing surface, especially suitable for situations requiring rapid cooling or a large lubrication area. Regardless of whether the outlet end 430 is constructed as a drip nozzle or a spray nozzle, it is oriented. Specifically, during installation, by adjusting the routing and fixing position of the lubrication line 400, it is ensured that the opening direction of its outlet end 430 is precisely pointed to the meshing point of its corresponding gear transmission pair 200. For example, the outlet end 430 of the lubrication line 400 corresponding to the low-speed gear transmission pair 210 should point directly to the contact position of the large and small gears in that stage. By constructing the outlet end 430 as a drip nozzle or spray nozzle and oriented it towards the meshing point, this invention overcomes the blindness of traditional splash lubrication. The lubricating oil can be precisely delivered to the core area where frictional heat generation is most intense.

[0036] See also Figure 1 In some embodiments, the first preset threshold T1 is set according to the viscosity-temperature characteristics of the lubricating oil, and its range is between 60°C and 80°C. When the temperature reaches this range of 60°C to 80°C, it indicates that the gear pair has entered a stable working state, and frictional heat begins to accumulate. Active lubrication near this temperature point can play a preventive cooling role, preventing the temperature from rising further to a dangerous level.

[0037] See also Figure 1 In some embodiments, the control module is further configured to: open the control valve 410 when the temperature reaches a first preset threshold T1; and close the control valve 410 when the temperature drops below a second preset threshold T2; wherein T2 < T1. When lubrication is initiated at temperature T1, the lubrication and cooling effects are not instantaneous and require a certain duration. Setting the closing threshold T2 below T1 ensures that the system can continuously supply lubricating oil for a sufficient period after lubrication is triggered, thereby ensuring that overheated parts are adequately cooled and lubricated.

[0038] See Figure 2In some embodiments, the temperature sensor 300 is fixed to the top of the housing 100 via a dedicated mounting base 500, with its sensing end 310 pointing vertically downwards towards the meshing point of the gear pair 200. During installation, the guide or positioning structure of the mounting base 500 ensures that the axis of the sensor's sensing end 310 is perpendicular to the horizontal plane, i.e., vertically downwards, and that its infrared sensing window or temperature sensing node is precisely aligned with the meshing point of the gear pair below. This arrangement allows the sensor to sense the heat generated by friction at the meshing point with the shortest straight-line distance and in a non-contact manner, minimizing the delay and attenuation caused by heat conduction to the walls of the housing 100. This results in faster temperature monitoring response, more direct readings, and a more accurate reflection of the actual temperature at the gear meshing point.

[0039] See also Figure 1 In some embodiments, the multi-stage gear transmission pair 200 is a three-stage transmission, including a high-speed gear transmission pair 230, an intermediate gear transmission pair 220, and a low-speed gear transmission pair 210; and at least the meshing area of ​​the low-speed gear transmission pair 210 is equipped with a temperature sensor 300 and a lubrication line 400. Although each gear transmission pair 200 can be equipped with an independent temperature sensor 300 and a lubrication line 400, based on an in-depth analysis of the reducer's operating characteristics and failure modes: in a three-stage transmission reducer, the low-speed gear transmission pair 210 bears the final torque output of the entire transmission chain. Its gears bear the greatest stress, and the friction and shear work between the tooth surfaces are the most intense, making it the main heat source within the housing 100 and the weakest link most prone to pitting, galling, and other failures. In contrast, although the high-speed and intermediate stages have high rotational speeds, their load torque is smaller, and their heat generation is usually much lower than that of the low-speed stage. Therefore, this utility model proposes a preferred solution: at least for the critical parts that are most heavily loaded and most prone to overheating, namely the meshing area of ​​the low-speed gear transmission pair 210, a temperature sensor 300 and a lubrication pipeline 400 are provided.

[0040] See Figure 1 The invention also provides an intelligent lubrication system for a speed reducer, comprising: a lubrication pipeline 400 disposed within the housing 100 of the speed reducer; a valve 410 disposed on the lubrication pipeline 400; and a control module electrically connected to a temperature sensor 300 and a valve 410, wherein the control module, after acquiring temperature data at the meshing point of the gear transmission pair 200 detected by the temperature sensor 300, controls the valve 410 to open to supply lubricating oil to the meshing point.

[0041] In summary, this reducer overcomes the blindness and randomness of traditional splash lubrication by independently equipping each gear transmission pair 200 with a temperature sensor 300 and a lubrication pipeline 400, and by having the control module control the opening of the corresponding valve 410 based on the temperature signal. This system can automatically start and precisely supply lubricating oil to specific meshing areas when local overheating is detected.

[0042] In the description of the embodiments of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0043] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships, are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms used herein do not imply order or sequence unless expressly indicated herein. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments, the first element, component, region, layer, or segment discussed above may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or segment.

[0044] Spatially relative terms, such as “inside,” “outside,” “below,” “below,” “down,” “above,” “up,” etc., may be used herein to describe the relationship between one element or feature illustrated in the figures and another element or feature. In addition to the orientations depicted in the figures, spatially relative terms may be intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the figure is flipped, an element described as “below” or “below” other elements or features would be oriented as “above” other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can cover both above and below orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein are interpreted accordingly.

[0045] In the above discussion, unless otherwise stated, when used to describe numerical values, the terms “about,” “approximately,” “basically,” etc., indicate a change of + / - 10% in that value.

[0046] Based on the above-described preferred embodiments of this utility model, and through the foregoing description, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the technical concept of this utility model. The technical scope of this utility model is not limited to the contents of the specification, but must be determined according to the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A speed reducer, characterized in that, include: The housing (100) and the multi-stage gear transmission pair (200) disposed within the housing (100). Temperature sensors (300) corresponding to each of the gear transmission pairs (200) are used to monitor the temperature of the meshing area of ​​each of the gear transmission pairs (200); Lubrication lines (400) are respectively corresponding to the gear transmission pairs (200) at each level, and the outlet of the lubrication line (400) is set to correspond to the meshing area of ​​the gear transmission pairs (200); Multiple valves (410) are respectively installed on the lubrication pipeline (400); The control module is electrically connected to the temperature sensor (300) and the plurality of valves (410); and the control module is configured to: when the temperature value detected by the temperature sensor (300) corresponding to a certain gear transmission pair (200) reaches a first preset threshold T1, control the valve (410) on the lubrication pipeline (400) corresponding to that gear transmission pair (200) to open, so as to supply lubricating oil to the meshing area.

2. The speed reducer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The inlet end (420) of the lubrication pipeline (400) is connected to the lubricating oil storage tank, and its outlet end (430) passes through the top of the housing (100) and extends directly above the meshing point of the gear transmission pair (200).

3. The speed reducer as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The outlet end (430) of the lubrication line (400) is configured as a drip nozzle or spray nozzle and is oriented toward the meshing point of the corresponding gear transmission pair (200).

4. The speed reducer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first preset threshold T1 is set according to the viscosity-temperature characteristics of the lubricating oil, and its range is between 60°C and 80°C.

5. The speed reducer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The control module is also configured to: When the temperature reaches the first preset threshold T1, the control valve (410) opens; When the temperature drops below the second preset threshold T2, the control valve (410) closes; Where T2 < T1.

6. The speed reducer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The temperature sensor (300) is fixed to the top of the housing (100) by a mounting base (500), and its detection end (310) points vertically downward toward the meshing point of the gear transmission pair (200).

7. The speed reducer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The multi-stage gear transmission pair (200) is a three-stage transmission, including a high-speed gear transmission pair (230), an intermediate-stage gear transmission pair (220), and a low-speed gear transmission pair (210); and At least the meshing area of ​​the low-speed gear transmission pair (210) is provided with the temperature sensor (300) and the lubrication line (400).

8. An intelligent lubrication system for a speed reducer, characterized in that, include: The lubrication line (400) is installed inside the gearbox housing (100); A valve (410) is provided on the lubrication line (400); The control module is electrically connected to the temperature sensor (300) and the valve (410) to obtain the temperature data of the gear transmission pair (200) meshing point detected by the temperature sensor (300), and then controls the valve (410) to open so as to supply lubricating oil to the meshing point.

9. The intelligent lubrication system for a speed reducer as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The inlet end (420) of the lubrication pipeline (400) is connected to the lubricating oil storage tank, and its outlet end (430) is located directly above the meshing point of the gear transmission pair (200).

10. The intelligent lubrication system for a speed reducer as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The outlet end (430) of the lubrication line (400) is configured as a drip nozzle or spray nozzle and is oriented toward the meshing point of the corresponding gear transmission pair (200).

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