Central lubrication system and system

Abstract

Central lubrication system (1), comprising: - a lubricant reservoir (2); - a pumping device (3) for distributing lubricant; - a control device (10) for controlling the pump device (3), - a computer-readable storage medium (12) containing instructions that cause at least one processor (13) to implement a method for controlling a central lubrication system (1) comprising the following: - Instantiating a configuration program (15); - wirelessly receiving and / or sending a set of input parameters (21) to the control unit (10), wherein the set of input parameters set by a user using a mobile device (20) constitutes the configuration of the central lubrication system; - Setting a configuration (16) of the central lubrication system (1) using the set of input parameters (21); - wherein the configuration program (15) is designed as a web server, wherein the method comprises providing a web page via a wireless communication medium (30), in particular via a WLAN network or via Bluetooth - Control of the central lubrication system (1), in particular a pumping device (3) and / or a distributor of a central lubrication system (1), using the configuration (16) when the instructions are executed by the at least one processor (13), characterized in that the control device (10) has a wireless communication device (11) for wirelessly receiving the set of input parameters (21), wherein the control device (10) is configured to set a configuration (16) of the pumping device (3) using the set of input parameters (21).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a central lubrication system.

[0002] Centralized lubrication systems have been in use for some time. They are used particularly in motor vehicles, construction machinery, agricultural machinery, and wind turbines, although their applications are by no means limited to these fields.

[0003] A central lubrication system can be used in a centralized lubrication system where lubrication points are supplied with lubricant from a centrally located lubrication unit via one or more distributors. In some systems, valves are provided at the lubrication points for this purpose, which are connected to the central lubrication system via lubricant lines. The function of the valves or distributors is then controlled by the central lubrication system.

[0004] To control individual components of the central lubrication system, such as a lubricant pump, a central lubrication system has control means that control the components according to a configuration. This configuration can specify, for example, the time intervals and duration of lubrication, or, if necessary, distribute the lubricant supply to individual lubrication points.

[0005] Maintaining a central lubrication system often requires updating its configuration. Most central lubrication systems have wired connections for this purpose, allowing a laptop to be connected. Configuration software is then launched on the laptop, enabling the user to update the system's settings or retrieve logs, particularly error logs.

[0006] A disadvantage of existing methods for updating the configuration of a central lubrication system is that these systems are often installed in locations that are not easily accessible. Connecting a laptop to the system is therefore complex and time-consuming. Furthermore, existing methods are very time-consuming and can only be performed by specially trained personnel. It is also necessary to have specific software installed on the computers used for the update. If, for example, the only computer with the installed software fails, an update is no longer possible.

[0007] From DE 20 2017 102 519 U1 a distributorless lubrication system is known in which a plurality of lubrication point connection units can also be controlled wirelessly by a lubricant metering control device.

[0008] US 2013 / 0 015 019 A1 also describes a lubrication system that has an interface for wireless communication. US 6 101 427 A also shows the wireless connection of a lubrication system.

[0009] Based on the described state of the art, the object of the invention is to provide a central lubrication system that can be easily configured or reconfigured.

[0010] This problem is solved with a central lubrication system according to claim 1 or a central lubrication system according to claim 7.

[0011] In the context of this registration, instantiation can mean starting or executing software, as well as loading program functionality into memory for execution by a processor.

[0012] In one embodiment, the central lubrication system is designed to - Receiving at least one level sensor reading; - Determine whether the fill level sensor reading is below a fill threshold; - Issuing a warning message, especially in the form of a push notification, when it is detected that the fill level sensor value is below the fill threshold.

[0013] It is advantageous to issue a warning message informing the user that there is insufficient lubricant available for lubrication, allowing the user to take appropriate countermeasures. For example, the user can initiate the refilling of a lubricant reservoir with additional lubricant. In one embodiment, the level sensor reading includes an indication of the lubricant reservoir's fill level.

[0014] According to the invention, the configuration program is designed as a web server, the method comprising providing a web page via a wireless communication medium, in particular via a WLAN network or via Bluetooth.

[0015] The plan is for a web server to offer a website via a wireless communication medium. The web server is therefore a software component that can be configured to provide websites via a communication medium and to process user input or requests. A user can then view and / or change the configuration of a central lubrication system by accessing the website. A particularly simple connection is provided via a Wi-Fi network or Bluetooth. This allows, for example, the configuration of the central lubrication system to be changed using standard laptops, tablets, or smartphones.

[0016] Therefore, an electric motor or other component of the central lubrication system can be directly controlled using the input parameters. It is thus possible to control the various components of a central lubrication system via a wireless connection using a control signal.

[0017] The described central lubrication system allows all control and configuration logic to be integrated within the system itself. Because the system can be configured wirelessly using input parameters, it can be installed in locations that are not normally accessible. For example, the system can be housed within a particularly heat-resistant or waterproof enclosure. In such cases, it is not necessary to remove the system for configuration.

[0018] In one embodiment, the wireless communication device can be configured as a WLAN base station. Standard components can therefore be used to provide a wireless communication device. This makes it possible, in particular, for a large number of different devices to communicate with the central lubrication system.

[0019] In one embodiment, the central lubrication system can include a distributor for distributing lubricant to at least one lubrication point, wherein the distributor can be in fluid communication with the lubricant reservoir, and wherein the control device can preferably also be designed to control and / or monitor the distributor.

[0020] It is particularly advantageous if the control system also handles the evaluation of the distributor's delivery rate. Specifically, the movement of a piston within the distributor can be monitored, and this information can be transmitted to the control system. Piston strokes can be counted by the control system, thus indirectly monitoring the delivered lubricant quantity. Furthermore, the control system can be designed to detect a blockage in the distributor by identifying excessive back pressure at one of the distributor's outlets.

[0021] In one embodiment, the control device can be configured to control and / or monitor the pumping device and / or the distributor using the configuration.

[0022] The configuration can specify, for example, the intervals at which the pump should be activated. Furthermore, the configuration can specify the pressure to be provided by the central lubrication system.

[0023] In one embodiment, the central lubrication system can include a level sensor, in particular a capacitive proximity switch, which indicates a level of grease or oil in the lubricant reservoir and can be connected to the control device.

[0024] It is therefore possible, on the one hand, that the received input parameters are used to control the central lubrication system, and on the other hand, that sensors, such as the level sensor, which are part of the central lubrication system, provide data to the control unit and thus support the control of the central lubrication system.

[0025] In one embodiment, at least one further sensor, such as a temperature, viscosity or flow sensor, may be provided which may be communicatively connected to the control device, wherein the control device may be configured to use data received from the at least one sensor to control the central lubrication system.

[0026] In one embodiment, the control device can be configured to send a push notification to a mobile terminal and / or display a warning, in particular by means of a display, e.g. a light-emitting diode, in response to the received warning signal.

[0027] It is therefore possible to inform external devices, such as mobile devices, about malfunctions in the central lubrication system. Furthermore, this information can be displayed visually. Therefore, a user can quickly determine whether the central lubrication system is functioning correctly and take appropriate countermeasures.

[0028] A mobile device can be, for example, a smartphone, a tablet, or a laptop. The described system thus allows a central lubrication system to be configured using standard hardware. This makes it easy to adapt the configuration to current requirements.

[0029] In one embodiment, the mobile device can be configured to receive and output a push notification from the central lubrication system.

[0030] In one embodiment, the central lubrication system can be designed as a sectional lubrication system. In this configuration, lubricant is supplied by the central lubrication system's lubricant pump to a sectional distributor. The sectional distributor is fluidically connected to a multitude of lubrication points and is designed to direct lubricant to these points. The sectional distributor can switch between the individual lubrication points, ensuring that only one lubrication point is supplied with lubricant at a time. To measure the dispensed quantity of lubricant, the sectional distributor can be equipped with at least one flow sensor that transmits a flow rate value to the control unit.

[0031] A design as a sectional lubrication system has the advantage that the control is centralized, and that complex hardware, such as optionally used flow sensors, only needs to be provided centrally.

[0032] In another embodiment, the central lubrication system can be designed as a progressive distribution system. In this configuration, the lubricant can be dispensed from the central lubrication system to one or more main distributors, which can then forward the lubricant to at least one sub-distributor. In one embodiment, the at least one sub-distributor is configured to distribute the lubricant to at least two lubrication points. A successive piston control system can be used for this purpose.

[0033] In one embodiment, the central lubrication system can include at least one lubrication valve which is in communicative contact with the central lubrication system and can be configured to lubricate at least one lubrication point in response to at least one received lubrication command.

[0034] The central lubrication system can lubricate a large number of lubrication points. It is advantageous that a central control unit, namely the central lubrication system itself, can control the individual components, specifically the at least one lubrication valve. This enables particularly efficient and coordinated operation of the central lubrication system.

[0035] In one embodiment, the central lubrication system may include: - a lubrication line system which can be in communicative connection with the central lubrication system (1) and / or with the lubrication valve (31); and - an overpressure warning device which may be configured to generate a warning signal when an overpressure, in particular a pressure of more than 200 bar, preferably more than 250 bar, is measured in the lubricant reservoir.

[0036] The described embodiment makes it possible to effectively prevent damage that can be caused by increased pressure. Furthermore, it allows the user to be alerted to a malfunction of the central lubrication system at an early stage.

[0037] In one embodiment, an overpressure warning device can send a warning signal to the control unit.

[0038] This makes it possible for the control unit to act as a central unit and to process the warning signals from the overpressure warning device in order to take them into account when controlling the central lubrication system.

[0039] Further embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0040] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments, which are further explained with reference to illustrations.

[0041] This shows: Fig. 1. a central lubrication system 1 with a mobile terminal 20; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a control device 10; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of the communication between a mobile terminal 20 and the control unit 10 of a central lubrication system 1; and Fig. 4 a central lubrication system with a mobile terminal 20, a central lubrication unit 1 and a lubrication valve 31.

[0042] In the following description, the same reference numbers are used for identical and equivalent parts.

[0043] Fig. Figure 1 shows a central lubrication system 1 and a mobile device 20. The central lubrication system 1 comprises a lubricant reservoir 2 and a pump unit 3. The pump unit 3 includes a piston that is moved by an electric motor such that lubricant can exit at an outlet of the central lubrication system 1. A gearbox may also be provided between the electric motor and the piston. Suitable lubricants include, in particular, grease or grease-like substances. The pump unit 3 typically generates a pressure of approximately 30 bar to approximately 250 bar, so that the lubricant can be distributed to a large number of lubrication points via a lubrication line system connected to the central lubrication system 1. A distributor is also provided to distribute the lubricant to the individual lubrication points, allowing control over which lubrication point is to be supplied with lubricant.

[0044] The central lubrication system has a control unit 10 to control the pump unit 3. The control unit 10 is therefore in communicative contact with the pump unit 3, so that control signals can be sent from the control unit 10 to the pump unit 3. For example, the control unit 10 can send a PWM (pulse width modulation) signal or an on / off signal to the electric motor 3, which controls the movement of a piston. The movement of the piston transfers lubricant into the lubrication system.

[0045] In another embodiment, the control device 10 can also send a control signal to the pump device 3, wherein the pump device 3 itself has appropriate control means to generate a PWM signal.

[0046] The central lubrication system 1 also has an overpressure warning device 5, which is designed to monitor the pressure within the lubricant reservoir 2. In the illustrated embodiment, an overpressure valve and a microswitch are provided for this purpose. The overpressure valve actuates the microswitch when the pressure at the outlet of the central lubrication system 1 exceeds a threshold value, 250 bar in the illustrated embodiment. Additionally, an LED 6 is provided, which indicates when the pressure exceeds the threshold value. For this purpose, the LED 6 is connected to the control unit 10. The overpressure warning device 5 is also connected to the control unit 10, so that the control unit 10 can control the state of the LED 6. In addition to or as an alternative to the LED 6, a variety of other display units are conceivable for outputting information.In other embodiments, a simple light bulb, an LCD display, or a monitor may be provided.

[0047] Furthermore, the central lubrication system 1 has a level sensor 4 that indicates whether and / or how much lubricant is present in the lubricant reservoir 2. The level sensor 4 is also connected to the control unit 10, so that the control unit 10 can control the central lubrication system 1 using the sensor data from the level sensor 4. For example, the control unit 10 can activate the LED 6 when it detects that the lubricant reservoir 2 contains very little lubricant.

[0048] The control unit 10 is further designed to use various operating modes of the central lubrication system 1 for control purposes. In time-dependent control mode, the cycle time and a lubrication time can be set. The cycle time is defined as the time interval from the start of one lubrication cycle to the start of the next.

[0049] Another operating mode is the clock control, in which the stroke of a piston in the distributor is counted. For this purpose, a proximity switch or a piston detector is provided on the distributor, which sends a signal to the control unit 10 with each distributor revolution.

[0050] Another operating mode is speed control, in which the number of revolutions of the pump unit 3 is counted. With each pump revolution, a signal is sent to the control unit 10, which counts the incoming signals.

[0051] Each of the described operating modes includes a variety of parameters that can be set using the mobile device 20. For example, the cycle time or lubrication time, the number of cycles and / or the number of revolutions can be set using the mobile device 20.

[0052] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the control unit 10 comprises a wireless communication unit 11 for wireless communication with the mobile device 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the wireless communication unit 11 is a WLAN module that allows communication according to the IEEE 802.11 standard. In another embodiment, the wireless communication unit 11 is configured as a Bluetooth module. The control unit 10 further comprises a storage unit 12 and a computing unit 13, wherein a configuration program is stored in the storage unit 12, which can be used wirelessly by means of the mobile device 20.

[0053] According to the invention, the configuration program 15 is designed as a web server that provides a website via which the configuration 16 of the central lubrication system 1 can be set. The web server can be, for example, an Apache Tomcat web server or another implementation. When the configuration program 15 is executed by the computing device 13, the mobile device 20 can configure the central lubrication system 1. For example, the lubrication times, cycles, and / or pump revolutions can be configured wirelessly using the mobile device 20.

[0054] The set of input parameters that a user sets using the mobile device 20 together form a configuration 16 of the central lubrication system 1.

[0055] Likewise, the wireless communication device 11 is not connected to a cellular network, such as a GSM or LTE network. Therefore, no additional costs are incurred for operating the central lubrication system 1.

[0056] In one embodiment, a multitude of configurations 16 are stored in the memory device 12 of the control device 10. These configurations 16 differ by a different set of parameters or parameter values ​​that can be used to control the central lubrication system 1. It is now possible for a user to select one of the configurations 16 using the mobile device 20 without having to manually enter all parameter values.

[0057] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of the communication between a laptop 20 and the control unit 10 of the central lubrication system 1. In the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 3. The control unit wirelessly sends a warning message 17 to the laptop. For example, in response to detected damage to the central lubrication system 2, the configuration program 15 can generate a warning message 17 and transmit it to the laptop 20. In response to the received warning message 17, the laptop 20 can send an input parameter 21 to the control unit 10. The input parameter 21 is used to change a configuration 16 of the control unit 10.

[0058] In one embodiment, the laptop 20 is connected to the internet and configured to query the candidate input parameters from a remote service, e.g., a web service. For example, a service can provide a database that accepts a warning message 17 as input and provides suggestions on how to respond to the warning message 17.

[0059] For this purpose, warning message 17 can include technical details about the problem that has occurred. For example, warning message 17 can include a measured pressure, fill level, temperature, current value, and / or voltage value.

[0060] A candidate input parameter is sent to laptop 20, and this candidate input parameter can then be sent as input parameter 21 to control unit 10. It is therefore possible, for example, that the manufacturer of the central lubrication system 1 provides services that significantly simplify the maintenance of a central lubrication system.

[0061] The Fig. Figure 4 shows a central lubrication system with a mobile terminal 20, a central lubrication system 1 and a lubrication valve 31.

[0062] The lubrication valve 31 is in the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 4 is connected to the central lubrication system 1 in such a way that lubricant can be pumped from the lubricant reservoir 2 to the lubrication valve 31. Furthermore, there is a communication link between the lubrication valve 31 and the control unit 10 of the central lubrication system 1. The communication link can be wired or wireless. Fig.Figure 4 illustrates once again that the mobile device can transmit an input parameter 21 to the central lubrication system 1. The transmission is wireless. The central lubrication system 1 processes the input parameter 21 and generates a lubrication command 22, which is sent to the lubrication valve 31. For example, the input parameter 21 can specify that lubrication should be performed for two seconds every five minutes. In this case, a lubrication command 22 is generated every five minutes and sent to the lubrication valve 31. In another embodiment, it is conceivable that a configuration for the lubrication valve 31 is generated according to the input parameter 21, which is sent to the lubrication valve 31 as a lubrication command 22, so that the lubrication valve 31 operates independently according to the configuration.

[0063] In another embodiment, the central lubrication system provides a plurality of lubrication points, which are supplied with lubricant via a plurality of associated lubrication valves 31. Each lubrication valve 31 can be assigned a specific type. The mobile device 20 can then send an input parameter 21 to the central lubrication system 1, which relates to at least one type of lubrication valve 31. In this way, a complex central lubrication system can be configured in a simple manner.

[0064] It should be noted here that all the parts described above, considered individually and in any combination, especially the details shown in the drawings, are claimed to be essential to the invention. Modifications to this are familiar to those skilled in the art. Reference symbol list 1 Central lubrication system 2 lubricant reservoir 3. Pumping equipment 4 Level sensor 5 Overpressure warning device 6 LEDs 10 Control unit 11 Wireless communication device 12 Storage device 13 Computing equipment 15 Configuration program 16 Configuration 17. Warning message, push notification 20 mobile devices, smartphones, laptops 21 input parameters 22 Lubrication command 30 Communication medium 31 Lubrication valve

Claims

[1] Central lubrication system (1), comprising: - a lubricant reservoir (2); - a pumping device (3) for distributing lubricant; - a control device (10) for controlling the pump device (3), - a computer-readable storage medium (12) containing instructions that cause at least one processor (13) to implement a method for controlling a central lubrication system (1) comprising the following: - Instantiating a configuration program (15); - wirelessly receiving and / or sending a set of input parameters (21) to the control unit (10), wherein the set of input parameters set by a user using a mobile device (20) constitutes the configuration of the central lubrication system; - Setting a configuration (16) of the central lubrication system (1) using the set of input parameters (21); - wherein the configuration program (15) is designed as a web server, wherein the method comprises providing a web page via a wireless communication medium (30), in particular via a WLAN network or via Bluetooth - Control of the central lubrication system (1), in particular a pumping device (3) and / or a distributor of a central lubrication system (1), using the configuration (16), when the instructions are executed by the at least one processor (13), characterized by , that the control device (10) has a wireless communication device (11) for wirelessly receiving the set of input parameters (21), wherein the control device (10) is configured to set a configuration (16) of the pump device (3) using the set of input parameters (21). [2] Central lubrication system (1) according to claim 1, characterized by, that wireless communication equipment (11) is configured as a WLAN base station. [3] Central lubrication system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by a distributor for distributing lubricant to at least one lubrication point, wherein the distributor is in fluid communication with the lubricant reservoir (2), wherein the control device (10) is preferably designed for controlling and / or monitoring the distributor. [4] Central lubrication system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in particular according to claim 3 characterized by , that the control device (10) is designed to control and / or monitor the pump device (3) and / or a distributor using the configuration (16). [5] Central lubrication system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized bya level sensor (4), in particular a capacitive proximity switch, which indicates a level of grease or oil in the lubricant reservoir (2) and is connected to the control device (10). [6] Central lubrication system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that the control device (10) is designed to send a push message (17) to a mobile terminal (20) in response to a received warning signal and / or to display a warning, in particular by means of a display, e.g. a light-emitting diode (6). [7] Central lubrication system, comprising: - a central lubrication system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6; - a mobile device (20), characterized by , that - the mobile terminal (20) is designed to wirelessly transmit the set of input parameters (21) to the central lubrication system (1); - the central lubrication system (1) is designed to receive the set of input parameters (21) and to set a configuration (16) of the central lubrication system (1) using the set of input parameters (21). [8] Central lubrication system according to claim 7, characterized by , that the mobile terminal (20) is designed to receive and output a push notification (17) from the central lubrication system (10). [9] Central lubrication system according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized by at least one lubrication valve (31) which is in communicative connection with the central lubrication system (1) and is designed to lubricate at least one lubrication point in response to at least one received lubrication command (22). [10] Central lubrication system according to one of claims 7 to 9, in particular according to claim 8 characterized by - a lubrication line system which is in communicative connection with the central lubrication system (1) and / or with a lubrication valve (31) and / or with a distributor; and - an overpressure warning device (5) designed to generate a warning signal when an overpressure, in particular a pressure of more than 200 bar, preferably more than 250 bar, is measured in the lubrication line system and / or at a lubrication point. [11] Central lubrication system according to any one of claims 7 to 10, in particular according to claim 10, characterized by , that an overpressure warning device (5) sends a warning signal to the control unit (10).

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