An intelligent dispenser

Abstract

The application discloses an intelligent distributor, which aims to solve the problem of inaccurate lubricating oil rationing caused by environmental temperature changes. The intelligent distributor comprises a box body, a main pipe, a branch pipe, a flow meter arranged on the main pipe, an electromagnetic valve arranged on the branch pipe, and a controller; the core lies in that a heating assembly is arranged at the lubricating oil outlet of each branch pipe. The controller heats the lubricating oil through the heating assembly before the lubricating oil is discharged, so as to stabilize the viscosity of the lubricating oil, thereby eliminating the metering error caused by low-temperature viscosity adhesion. The application constructs a constant-temperature zone at the outlet, ensures the high consistency between the metering value of the flow meter and the actual oil discharge amount, realizes high-precision rationing distribution under all working conditions, and improves the reliability of the system in a harsh environment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of lubricating oil dispensing technology, and in particular to an intelligent lubricating oil dispenser. Background Technology

[0002] In the automated centralized lubrication systems of large industrial equipment such as belt sintering machines and annular coolers, the intelligent distributor is the core component for achieving on-demand, quantitative oil supply. A more advanced design scheme adopts a structure of "main pipeline shared flow meter + multiple branch independent solenoid valves". This structure uses a high-precision flow meter on the main pipeline, and the controller opens the solenoid valves of each branch in a time-sharing and sequential manner, controlling the oil injection volume at each lubrication point based on the real-time reading of the flow meter. Compared with traditional time-based open-loop control, this closed-loop control method can theoretically overcome the influence of oil pump pressure fluctuations and batch differences in oil on the oil injection volume, thereby improving the quantitative accuracy.

[0003] However, in practical applications, especially under conditions of significant ambient temperature variations, the above-mentioned solution presents a previously overlooked key technical problem affecting the final quantitative accuracy. Specifically, the flow meter measures the volume of lubricating oil entering a specific branch pipe, but not all the measured lubricating oil can be completely discharged from the final outlet of that branch pipe. When the solenoid valve closes and the pressure is cut off, the lubricating oil in the short section of pipe between the solenoid valve and the outlet will partially adhere to the pipe wall due to its viscosity, and will also experience a slight retraction due to the release of pressure inside the pipe.

[0004] The volume loss caused by "pipe wall adhesion and pressure backflow" is strongly positively correlated with the viscosity of the lubricating oil (especially high-viscosity grease). The viscosity of lubricating oil is extremely sensitive to temperature. This means that in cold winters, viscosity increases dramatically, the adhesion and backflow effects are significant, and the actual oil output will be significantly less than the flow meter's reading; while in hot summers, viscosity decreases, the effect weakens, and the actual oil output will be higher. Therefore, this seemingly precise closed-loop system will experience unpredictable deviations in its actual oil output due to fluctuations in ambient temperature, resulting in a significant reduction in its quantitative accuracy across the entire temperature range, failing to meet the stringent lubrication requirements of some high-precision equipment.

[0005] Therefore, how to eliminate the interference of ambient temperature changes on the accuracy of oil discharge at the end, so that the flow meter's measurement value can truly be equivalent to the final actual oil discharge volume, has become a deeper technical problem that urgently needs to be solved in this field. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this application is to provide an intelligent dispenser capable of achieving precise and highly consistent quantitative dispensing under all temperature conditions. The intelligent dispenser provided in this application adopts the following technical solution: An intelligent distributor includes: a housing; a main pipe and branch pipes, both disposed within the housing; the main pipe having a lubricating oil inlet; at least two branch pipes branching off from the main pipe, each branch pipe having a lubricating oil outlet; a flow meter disposed on the main pipe and upstream of all branch pipe branch points; a solenoid valve disposed on each branch pipe; a heating assembly disposed at the lubricating oil outlet for heating the lubricating oil outlet before it is discharged; and a controller electrically connected to the flow meter, the solenoid valve, and the heating assembly.

[0007] By adopting the above technical solution, a heating component is installed at the outlet of the lubricating oil distribution, creating a constant temperature zone. This design ensures that the viscosity of the lubricating oil to be discharged remains low regardless of the ambient temperature, allowing the flow meter's measurement value to accurately correspond to the final actual oil discharge volume, thus achieving high-precision quantitative distribution under all operating conditions.

[0008] Optionally, the heating assembly includes a mounting base and multiple heating elements mounted on the same mounting base. The mounting base is fixed inside the housing. The heating assembly is configured as two sets, and the two sets of heating assemblies are arranged opposite to each other. A locking assembly is provided between the two sets of heating assemblies and the mounting base. The heating elements are in contact with the outer wall of the branch pipe, and the heat from the heating elements is transferred to the inside of the housing.

[0009] By adopting the above technical solution, multiple heating elements are integrated onto two sets of relatively lockable mounting bases, forming a modular structure. This structure simplifies the installation process, improves assembly efficiency and positioning accuracy, and ensures the uniformity and stability of the fit between each heating element and the branch pipe, which is beneficial for achieving uniform heating.

[0010] Optionally, the locking assembly includes a locking screw and a locking nut. One end of the locking screw is fixed to the mounting base, and the other end passes through the mounting base. The locking nut is threadedly connected to the locking screw and is located on the side of the mounting base away from the inner wall of the housing.

[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, a simple and reliable locking method is provided. This design, utilizing the threaded connection between the screw and nut, provides a strong and stable clamping force, ensuring a tight fit between the two mounting bases. This guarantees that the internal heating element can fully contact the outer wall of the branch pipe for efficient heat conduction. Positioning the locking nut on the outside of the mounting base provides convenient operating space for tools during installation and maintenance.

[0012] Optionally, the heating element includes a heating tile, and the heating tile has a mounting hole on the side near the outer wall of the branch pipe. A temperature sensor is installed in the mounting hole, and the controller is electrically connected to the temperature sensor.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, the method for achieving precise temperature control has been clarified. This design integrates a temperature sensor on the heating plate closest to the object being heated, enabling the controller to obtain the most accurate outlet temperature feedback. Based on this feedback, closed-loop PID control is implemented to precisely maintain the temperature stability of the constant-temperature oil outlet zone, ensuring real-time quantitative accuracy.

[0014] Optionally, a mounting groove is provided on the side of the adjacent mounting bases that are close to each other, and the heating element is installed in the mounting groove. A wire groove is also provided on the side of the adjacent mounting bases that are close to each other, and the wire groove communicates with the mounting groove.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, the internal structure of the mounting base has been optimized. This design provides precise positioning and protection for the heating element through the mounting groove, preventing displacement during use; while the interconnected wire channels provide a neat and concealed wiring path for the heating element's wires, avoiding messy wiring within the enclosure and improving electrical safety and the overall structural professionalism.

[0016] Optionally, the mounting base is a heat insulation component, and the mounting base also has a wire hole that communicates with the wire groove. The wire hole extends to the side wall of the housing, and the side wall of the housing has a docking hole that communicates with the wire hole.

[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, effective thermal protection for electrical circuits is achieved. This design allows the insulation component to act as a thermal barrier while simultaneously securing the heating element, effectively preventing the direct conduction of heat generated by the heating element to its internal wiring channels and holes. This ensures that the internal wiring area remains in a relatively low-temperature environment, preventing the wire insulation from aging and becoming brittle due to prolonged high-temperature baking. This significantly improves the safety and long-term reliability of the electrical system, and the structure does not affect the overall heating effect of the heating element on the air inside the enclosure.

[0018] Optionally, a buffer insulation layer is provided between the mounting base and the heating element.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, the structure has been improved. Through this design, the buffer insulation layer plays a dual role: it further reduces the conduction of heat to the mounting base, improving heating efficiency; it can also absorb the impact caused by installation errors or equipment vibration, and make it better adapt to the branch pipe, ensuring the reliability of contact and improving the system's energy efficiency and durability.

[0020] Optionally, the mounting base is mainly composed of multiple detachable mounting blocks.

[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, the flexibility and maintainability of the mounting base structure are increased. This design transforms the original single mounting base into a multi-section assembly of standardized mounting blocks. The length of the mounting base can be flexibly adjusted according to the number of branch pipes, improving the product's versatility and modularity. In case of partial damage, only the corresponding mounting block needs to be replaced, reducing maintenance costs.

[0022] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects: 1. This application establishes a constant temperature zone by installing a heating component at the branch pipe outlet, stabilizing the viscosity of the lubricating oil before discharge. This eliminates differences in pipe wall adhesion caused by changes in ambient temperature, significantly improving the accuracy of quantitative distribution and consistency under different operating conditions. Furthermore, the heat generated by the heating component raises the internal temperature of the housing, achieving a drying and dehumidifying effect, which helps protect internal electrical components and improves the overall system reliability.

[0023] 2. This application adopts a modular design, integrating multiple heating elements onto a lockable mounting base. This design simplifies the installation and maintenance process and improves assembly efficiency. Simultaneously, the unified mechanical structure ensures the accuracy of the positioning of each heating point and the uniformity of contact pressure, providing a structural guarantee for achieving uniform and efficient heating of each branch pipe.

[0024] 3. This application achieves optimized heat management through a design that combines a mounting base made of heat-insulating material with a buffer insulation layer placed between the heating element and the mounting base. The heat-insulating mounting base effectively protects the internal wiring and guides heat transfer primarily along the contact surface between the heating element and the branch pipe, diffusing it into the enclosure. The buffer insulation layer ensures a tight fit between the heating element and the branch pipe, while also compensating for installation tolerances and absorbing vibrations, thus enhancing the long-term operational stability of the heating assembly. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall appearance of a smart dispenser.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of an intelligent distributor.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a partial view of the heating components in a smart distributor.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a magnified view of a heating component in a smart distributor.

[0029] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Housing; 2. Main pipe; 3. Branch pipe; 31. Lubricating oil outlet; 4. Flow meter; 5. Solenoid valve; 6. Heating component; 61. Mounting base; 611. Mounting groove; 612. Cable groove; 613. Cable hole; 62. Heating element; 621. Mounting hole; 622. Temperature sensor; 7. Locking component; 71. Locking screw; 72. Locking nut; 8. Buffer insulation layer; 9. Connecting mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-4 This application will be described in further detail.

[0031] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 This application discloses an intelligent distributor that can achieve high-precision quantitative distribution of lubricating oil under all temperature conditions. The intelligent distributor includes a housing 1, a main pipe 2, branch pipes 3, a flow meter 4, solenoid valves 5 respectively installed on each branch pipe 3, a controller (not shown in the figure), and a heating assembly 6.

[0032] Specifically, both the main pipe 2 and the branch pipe 3 are located inside the housing 1. The lubricating oil enters from the lubricating oil inlet of the main pipe 2, is measured by the flow meter 4, and is distributed to each branch pipe 3 through the branch point. The controller opens the solenoid valve 5 on a certain branch pipe 3 in a time-sharing sequence according to the preset program. When the reading of the flow meter 4 reaches the set value, the controller closes the solenoid valve 5 to complete the quantitative oil injection of a lubrication point.

[0033] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 A lubricating oil outlet 31 is provided on one side of the branch pipe 3. Before the controller opens the solenoid valve 5, it will activate the heating component 6 at the outlet of the corresponding branch pipe 3. The heating component 6 is used to heat the pipe wall and the lubricating oil inside the outlet section before the lubricating oil is discharged from the lubricating oil outlet 31, so as to ensure that it reaches a preset constant temperature. The preset constant temperature is preferably 50°C, so that the viscosity of the lubricating oil is stabilized at a low level.

[0034] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 In this embodiment, the heating assembly 6 includes a mounting base 61 and a heating element 62. The mounting base 61 can be detachably assembled from multiple mounting blocks via a connecting mechanism 9. Preferably, the connecting mechanism 9 is a dovetail groove and dovetail tenon structure. To prevent the mounting blocks from axially loosening due to vibration or other reasons during use, the connecting mechanism 9 also includes set screws. The set screws are set on the mounting blocks and securely lock the two mounting blocks together through friction. This allows the length of the heating assembly 6 to be flexibly adjusted according to the increase or decrease of the number of branch pipes 3, reducing production and maintenance costs.

[0035] Furthermore, in order to make the structure more regular and safe, the mounting base 61 has a mounting groove 611 for accommodating the heating element 62 on the side that is close to each other, and a wire groove 612 communicating with the mounting groove 611 for neatly arranging the wires of the heating element 62.

[0036] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 4 To ensure the safety and stability of the electrical system, the mounting base 61 is preferably a heat-insulating component, and is preferably made of insulating materials with low thermal conductivity, such as high-temperature resistant engineering plastics. The heating element 62 is installed in the mounting groove 611 on one side of the mounting base 61, while the wire (not shown) supplying power to the heating element 62 passes through the wire groove 612 and wire hole 613 inside the mounting base 61. The wire hole 613 extends to the side wall of the housing 1, and the side wall of the housing 1 has a mating hole (not shown) communicating with the wire hole 613. The mating hole provides a channel for the wire of the heating component 6 to exit the housing 1. Since the mounting base 61 itself is a heat-insulating component, it forms an effective thermal barrier between the high-temperature heating element 62 and the fragile wire. When the heating element 62 is working, the large amount of heat energy generated is transferred to the air inside the branch pipe 3 and the housing 1 to heat the lubricating oil and dehumidify the environment inside the housing 1. On the other hand, the heat conducted to the mounting base 61 is greatly reduced. This makes the temperature inside the wire trough 612 and wire hole 613 much lower than the working temperature of the heating element 62, which can effectively avoid the aging and cracking of the wire insulation layer due to long-term exposure to high temperature environment, reduce the risk of short circuit, and improve the electrical safety of the entire intelligent distributor during long-term operation.

[0037] Furthermore, in order to enhance the heat transfer effect and the durability of the system, a buffer insulation layer 8 can be provided between the mounting base 61 and the heating element 62. The buffer insulation layer 8 is bonded to the mounting base 61 and is made of a material with good heat insulation performance and elasticity. The buffer insulation layer 8 is preferably a heat-insulating silicone pad. The buffer insulation layer 8 can not only compensate for installation errors and ensure tight fit, but also play a certain role in buffering and additional heat insulation.

[0038] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 In this embodiment, in order to facilitate installation and ensure heating effect, the heating component 6 is designed as a clamping structure. The heating component 6 includes two sets, each set including a mounting base 61 composed of four mounting blocks and four heating elements 62 mounted on the mounting base 61. The two sets of heating components are arranged opposite to each other, clamping the outlet sections of the four branch pipes 3 in the middle.

[0039] Furthermore, the heating element 62 is preferably a heating tile. The inner side of the heating tile has an arc-shaped surface that matches the outer wall of the branch pipe 3. A mounting hole 621 is provided on the side of the heating tile near the outer wall of the branch pipe 3 for mounting a temperature sensor 622. The wire of the temperature sensor 622 also extends out of the mounting base 61 through the wire groove 612 and the wire hole 613. The temperature sensor 622 is electrically connected to the controller and provides real-time feedback on the temperature at the outlet. Based on this feedback signal, the controller uses a PID algorithm to precisely control the power of the heating element 62, thereby achieving closed-loop constant temperature control of the outlet temperature.

[0040] Furthermore, to achieve reliable clamping, a locking assembly 7 is provided between the opposing mounting seats 61. The locking assembly 7 may include a locking screw 71 and a locking nut 72. One end of the locking screw 71 is fixed to one mounting seat 61, and the other end passes through the opposite mounting seat 61. By tightening the locking nut 72, the two sets of mounting seats 61 can be firmly clamped together, ensuring that the heating element 62 is in close contact with the outer wall of the branch pipe 3 to achieve efficient heat conduction.

[0041] The working principle of this intelligent distributor is as follows: When oil needs to be injected into a certain lubrication point, the controller first activates the heating component 6 corresponding to that point, heating and maintaining its outlet temperature at the set value. Then, the controller opens the solenoid valve 5 of that branch, and lubricating oil begins to flow out. The flow meter 4 monitors the flow rate in real time, and when the cumulative flow reaches the preset value, the controller immediately closes the solenoid valve 5. Because the outlet is at a constant temperature, the viscosity of the lubricating oil is stable, and the residual amount in the pipe after each oil injection cycle is constant and minimal, thus ensuring that the flow meter's measurement value is the actual oil output, achieving high-precision quantitative distribution.

[0042] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A smart dispenser, characterized in that, include: Box (1); The main pipe (2) and branch pipe (3) are both located inside the housing (1). The main pipe (2) is provided with a lubricating oil inlet. At least two branch pipes (3) branch out from the main pipe (2). The branch pipe (3) is provided with a lubricating oil outlet (31). Flow meter (4), the flow meter (4) is installed on the main pipe (2) and located upstream of the branch points of all the branch pipes (3); Solenoid valve (5), the solenoid valve (5) is installed on the branch pipe (3); A heating assembly (6) is disposed at the lubricating oil outlet (31) and is used to heat the lubricating oil outlet (31) before the lubricating oil is discharged. The controller is electrically connected to the flow meter (4), the solenoid valve (5) and the heating assembly (6).

2. The intelligent distributor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating assembly (6) includes a mounting base (61) and multiple heating elements (62) mounted on the same mounting base (61). The mounting base (61) is fixed inside the housing (1). The heating assembly (6) is configured as two sets and the two sets of heating assemblies are arranged opposite each other. A locking assembly (7) is provided between the mounting base (61). The heating elements (62) are attached to the outer wall of the branch pipe (3).

3. The intelligent distributor according to claim 2, characterized in that, The locking assembly (7) includes a locking screw (71) and a locking nut (72). One end of the locking screw (71) is fixed to the mounting base (61), and the other end passes through the mounting base (61). The locking nut (72) is threadedly connected to the locking screw (71). The locking nut (72) is located on the side of the mounting base (61) away from the inner wall of the housing (1).

4. The intelligent distributor according to claim 2, characterized in that, The heating element (62) includes a heating tile, and a mounting hole (621) is provided on the side of the heating tile near the outer wall of the branch pipe (3). A temperature sensor (622) is installed in the mounting hole (621), and the controller is electrically connected to the temperature sensor (622).

5. The intelligent distributor according to claim 2, characterized in that, An installation groove (611) is provided on the side of the adjacent mounting bases (61) that are close to each other. The heating element (62) is installed in the installation groove (611). A wire groove (612) is also provided on the side of the adjacent mounting bases (61) that are close to each other. The wire groove (612) is connected to the installation groove (611).

6. The intelligent distributor according to claim 5, characterized in that, The mounting base (61) is a heat insulation component. The mounting base (61) also has a wire hole (613) which is connected to the wire groove (612). The wire hole (613) extends to the side wall of the box body (1). The side wall of the box body (1) has a docking hole that is connected to the wire hole (613).

7. The intelligent distributor according to claim 2, characterized in that, A buffer insulation layer (8) is provided between the mounting base (61) and the heating element (62).

8. The intelligent distributor according to claim 2, characterized in that, The mounting base (61) is mainly composed of multiple mounting blocks that can be detached via a connecting mechanism (9).

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