LUBRICATION SYSTEM

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a lubrication system with a progressive distributor according to claim 1. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a control unit for such a lubrication system according to claim 9.

[0002] In lubrication systems, such as centralized lubrication systems with a progressive distributor, various malfunctions or even complete failures can occur. Such a lubrication system may have a main progressive distributor to which several further distributors or pistons are connected, which in turn supply lubricant to connected consumers. A complete blockage of a lubricant line or piston, a line break, or even just a kink in a line, etc., can occur. Currently, piston malfunctions can be detected by a piston detector, which monitors the movement of a piston and detects disturbances that cause the piston to stop moving. However, this only detects complete blockages or a failure of the lubricant supply. Line breaks in the downstream part of the distributor system, partial blockages, or impending blockages cannot be detected.Furthermore, a complete blockage is detected with a time delay because the system's lines can buffer lubricant even in the event of a complete blockage, so that unblocked distributors can still distribute lubricant for a certain period of time without a fault being detected.

[0003] To detect further malfunctions, additional sensors are required, which must be positioned at many different points in the lubrication system to enable comprehensive monitoring. For example, a line break detection sensor, a flow sensor, and / or pressure sensors can be installed at each outlet of the progressive distributor.

[0004] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a lubrication system with a progressive distributor in order to be able to monitor the condition of the lubrication system in a simple way, even with few sensors.

[0005] This problem is solved by a lubrication system with a progressive distributor according to claim 1 and a control unit for such a lubrication system according to claim 9.

[0006] The lubrication system features a progressive distributor to dispense lubricant to one or more consumers. Progressive distributors are designed to continuously meter and distribute lubricant to different lubrication points or consumers. Direct lines can lead from the progressive distributor to the corresponding lubrication points.

[0007] The progressive distributor has a housing block with a lubricant inlet bore through which lubricant can be introduced into the progressive distributor, and several lubricant outlet bores through which a metered quantity of lubricant can be dispensed to a consumer connected to the respective lubricant outlet bore. Furthermore, several metering pistons are provided in the housing for dispensing the metered quantity of lubricant. These pistons are housed in corresponding piston bores, with each piston bore having two lubricant outlet bores. The metering piston is movable within the piston bore and is designed to alternately open one or the other lubricant outlet bore to dispense the metered quantity of lubricant to the consumer via the lubricant outlet bore.The piston bores are fluidically connected to the lubricant inlet bore, and the piston bores are fluidically connected to each other via connecting bores in order to transfer lubricant to the other piston bores.

[0008] To ensure the proper functioning of the progressive distributor and the lubrication system as a whole, the progressive distributor may include at least one sensor designed to determine at least one lubricant pressure within the lubrication system. This lubricant pressure, and possibly other measured values, are transmitted by the sensor to a control unit that is part of the lubrication system. The sensor and the control unit can communicate wirelessly or via a wired connection.

[0009] To detect proper operation or faults in the lubrication system, the control unit is designed to identify lubrication cycles based on measured values ​​and to determine the average pressure of a lubrication cycle. Specifically, the control unit can be configured to continuously detect lubrication cycles and determine such an average pressure for each cycle. The control unit can then compare the determined average pressure of a lubrication cycle with the normal pressure of the lubrication system. Based on the comparison, the control unit can determine the condition of the lubrication system.

[0010] Therefore, the system not only determines the general pressure of the lubrication system and detects any pressure drops or increases, but also calculates an average pressure over a lubrication cycle and compares this to a normal operating pressure of the lubrication system. By comparing the current average pressure with this normal pressure, it is possible to identify proper operation or malfunctions within the lubrication system.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the control unit can, in particular, receive pressure and temperature readings from the lubrication system from the sensor. Multiple sensors can also be present, for example, a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor.

[0012] Preferably, a single pressure sensor is used, which is configured to determine a lubricant pressure, wherein the pressure sensor is arranged upstream of the metering pistons with respect to a lubricant flow direction. That is, the pressure sensor determines the lubricant pressure before the lubricant enters the first metering piston.

[0013] The inventors have surprisingly discovered that a pressure sensor positioned upstream of the metering pistons in the lubricant flow direction allows for more accurate condition monitoring than a piston detector, a flow sensor, and / or line rupture monitoring alone, and is also more cost-effective, particularly than a combination of these three monitoring methods. Since the pressure sensor is mounted close to the inlet of the lubrication system's progressive distributor, it measures the pressure level in the lubricant line at this point. Due to the operating principle of a progressive distributor, the pressure level at the distributor's inlet is approximately the same as that of the currently activated lubricant outlet, making it sufficient to measure only the pressure at the distributor's inlet.

[0014] Alternatively, multiple pressure sensors can be used, positioned at different locations within the lubrication system or the progressive distributor, for example, at both the inlet and each outlet of the progressive distributor. This arrangement allows for the acquisition of numerous pressure readings from various points within the lubrication system, enabling particularly precise pinpointing of a fault location. In this case, the control unit can determine the average pressure of the entire lubrication system, as well as the average pressure at each outlet of the progressive distributor. This allows for a comprehensive evaluation of the entire lubrication system.

[0015] According to another embodiment, the control unit is designed to detect a lubrication cycle based on pressure fluctuations in the lubrication system. Due to the operation of a progressive distributor, the pressure in the lubrication system fluctuates during a lubrication cycle. These pressure fluctuations are more or less identical for each lubrication cycle, so that the beginning and end of a lubrication cycle can be detected based on these pressure fluctuations.

[0016] Pressure fluctuations depend on the individual design of a lubrication system, i.e., the number of components, the length of the lines, the arrangement of the components, the duration of the lubrication cycles, etc. However, the pressure fluctuations per lubrication cycle of a lubrication system are identical for each lubrication cycle, so that deviations from this can indicate malfunctions of the lubrication system.

[0017] The control unit is designed to determine, in addition to the average pressure of a lubrication cycle, the maximum pressure of a lubrication cycle, the minimum pressure of a lubrication cycle, and the temperature of the lubrication system. Specifically, the sensor can continuously transmit measured values ​​to the control unit, which then uses these measured values, or pressure values, to determine a maximum and a minimum pressure. The average pressure can be determined by calculating the mean of all measured pressure values.

[0018] To accurately determine the lubrication system's condition, the control unit is designed to assign the average pressure to a temperature range based on the lubrication system's temperature. Lubricants, and therefore the pressure within the lubrication system, are highly temperature-dependent. To compare the average pressure with a standard pressure valid at the current temperature, the lubrication system's current temperature must first be determined and assigned to a temperature range. The size of the temperature range can be arbitrarily chosen; for example, temperature ranges can be defined at 5-degree intervals. After selecting the appropriate temperature range, the control unit retrieves the standard pressure of the lubrication system associated with that temperature range from a database.The database can be, for example, part of the control unit or it can be located remotely, for example on a server. Preferably, the database stores the normal pressure values ​​of the lubrication system for several temperature ranges.

[0019] If no standard pressure exists in the database for a given temperature range, the control unit can save the currently determined average pressure as the standard pressure for that temperature range. This allows the database to be expanded if no data is yet available for a given temperature range. This assumes that the lubrication system functions correctly at the start, so that such an average pressure can be considered the standard pressure for the temperature range, at least at the beginning of the lubrication system's operation, when insufficient data has yet been stored in the database.

[0020] Furthermore, the control unit can be configured to continuously expand the database. This means that when the control unit detects trouble-free operation of the lubrication system, it can use the current average pressure within a temperature range to update the lubrication system's normal pressure for that temperature range in the database. The normal lubrication pressure is defined as the average of pressure values ​​within a temperature range, where these pressure values ​​correspond to trouble-free operation of the lubrication system. Therefore, when trouble-free operation is detected, the current average pressure is added to the existing average pressure values ​​for that temperature range, and the average of all these average pressure values ​​is stored as the updated normal lubrication pressure for the current temperature range.In this way, the database is continuously updated, thus implementing a kind of self-learning system.

[0021] The lubrication system's status, as determined by the control unit, can indicate trouble-free operation, a lubrication system malfunction, or no lubrication system function. Trouble-free operation is defined as operation of the lubrication system in which it functions correctly without any disturbances or malfunctions.

[0022] No lubrication system function means that no lubrication system function is detected at all. This can occur if the lubrication system has completely failed or if the sensors have completely failed.

[0023] A malfunction of the lubrication system can be caused by a blockage of a lubricant line or piston, a kink in a lubricant line, a break in a lubricant line, or any other malfunction of the lubrication system. In particular, these malfunctions can occur even if a certain amount of lubricant is still being transported.

[0024] A blockage in a lubricant line can be identified, for example, if three consecutive average pressure values ​​are greater than the temperature-dependent standard pressure by a factor of k and the values ​​increase continuously. The increase need not be linear, as the pressure development in a blockage corresponds to a limited growth rate. Alternatively, a blockage can be assumed if an average pressure value is at least 200% above standard pressure. A blockage is defined as a lubricant line being obstructed, for example, by foreign matter, grease deposits, or similar obstructions. In particular, this blockage can develop continuously, for example, by progressively reducing the flow through the lubricant line.

[0025] If at least three consecutive average pressure values ​​are detected that are a factor k larger than the temperature-dependent normal pressure, with the values ​​increasing non-continuously, this is defined as a kink in a pipe.

[0026] If at least three consecutive average pressure values ​​are detected that are a factor k lower than the temperature-dependent normal pressure, and in particular if the values ​​decrease non-continuously, a pipe rupture is assumed. Such a pipe rupture leads to a leakage of lubricant, causing a drop in pressure in the lubrication system.

[0027] Continuously decreasing pressure readings could indicate an increasing leak, e.g., a hole in a pipe that is getting bigger and bigger.

[0028] The factor k, as used here, can be determined through experimentation. Preferably, it can be adjustable and, if necessary (e.g., in the case of many false alarms), individually adapted for each system.

[0029] If other deviations from the temperature-dependent normal pressure are present, it may not be possible to determine what type of fault is present, but it will be recognized that there is a fault in the lubrication system.

[0030] During trouble-free operation, a regular alternation between lubrication cycles and rest periods is detected, with no relevant deviations of the average pressure values ​​from the temperature-dependent normal pressure. When such trouble-free operation is detected, the current average pressure is used to update the normal pressure in the database, as explained above.

[0031] The detected condition of the lubrication system can be displayed visually. In the simplest case, this is done using a colored indicator, such as LEDs. For example, a traffic light system with red, yellow, or green indicators can be used to show no function, a malfunction, or normal operation. Additional information can also be displayed, providing more detailed information about the current condition or malfunction of the lubrication system. The control unit can also transmit the lubrication system status to a mobile device, such as a tablet, laptop, mobile phone, or similar device.

[0032] The measured values ​​from at least one sensor can be in the form of analog signals. In particular, the measured values ​​can be in the form of a time-resolved signal to detect the pressure over time. This is necessary to detect lubrication cycles and to be able to detect and process the pressure during the lubrication cycle.

[0033] The received measured values ​​can be stored in the control unit, for example, as an array containing several values, especially pressure and temperature, per unit of time.

[0034] Depending on the available temporal resolution, i.e., the number of values ​​per lubrication cycle, the control unit can only assess the lubrication system's condition as non-functional, malfunctioning, or operating without problems. If more precise values ​​are available per lubrication cycle, a more accurate assessment of the current state, as explained above, can be made. It is also possible that if a malfunction is detected without further investigation, the control unit sends a corresponding signal to the sensors to obtain a higher temporal resolution signal for the next lubrication cycle. This means that initially, the measured values ​​from at least one sensor are obtained at a low sampling rate, and if a fault occurs, the system switches to a higher sampling rate at that sensor to provide more accurate information in the next step, i.e., during the analysis of the next lubrication cycle.In addition to the measured values ​​of pressure and temperature, other measured values ​​are also conceivable, such as vibration of the distributor, speed of piston movement (e.g. measured via ultrasound or inductance), flow rate, etc.

[0035] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method according to claim 10 for determining the state of a lubrication system with a progressive distributor configured to dispense lubricant to a consumer. The method further comprises: determining at least one lubricant pressure within the lubrication system by means of a sensor, receiving the measured values ​​from the sensor by a control unit, detecting lubrication cycles based on the measured values, determining the average pressure of a lubrication cycle, comparing the determined average pressure with a normal pressure of the lubrication system, and determining the state of the lubrication system based on the comparison result.

[0036] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a computer program product comprising computer program code configured to cause a control unit, for example a computer, and / or the control device described above, to perform the steps described above. The database can also be implemented by the computer program.

[0037] The computer program product can be provided as a storage device, such as a memory card, USB flash drive, CD-ROM, or DVD, and / or it can be a file that can be downloaded from a server, particularly a remote server, on a network. The network can be a wireless communication network for transferring the file containing the computer program product.

[0038] Further advantages and advantageous embodiments are specified in the description, the drawings, and the claims. In particular, the combinations of features specified in the description and the drawings are purely exemplary, so that the features may also exist individually or in different combinations.

[0039] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings. These exemplary embodiments and the combinations shown in them are purely illustrative and do not define the scope of protection of the invention. The scope of protection is defined solely by the appended claims.

[0040] They show: Fig. 1: a schematic block diagram of a general structure of a lubrication system, Fig. 2: shows a schematic flowchart of a method for determining the state of a lubrication system, Fig. 3: shows a graph showing the time course of a pressure level in the lubrication system of Fig. 1 with a blockage, and Fig. 4: shows a graph that depicts the time course of a pressure level in the lubrication system of Fig. 1 depicts pipe breaks.

[0041] In the following, identical or functionally equivalent elements are marked with the same reference symbols.

[0042] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a lubrication system 1 which has a progressive distributor 2. The progressive distributor 2 serves to supply lubricant from a lubricant reservoir 4 via different metering pistons (in Fig. 1(not shown) to deliver the required amount of lubricant to at least one consumer 6. The progressive distributor 2 serves to continuously deliver the required quantity of lubricant to the consumer 6. The progressive distributor 2 has at least one sensor 8, which is configured to determine at least one lubricant pressure within the lubrication system 1. The sensor 8 can, for example, be a pressure sensor. The sensor 8 can also consist of several sensors, which may, for example, include a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor, or other sensors. Although only one sensor 8 is shown here, which is preferably arranged at an inlet of the progressive distributor 2, it is also possible for the lubrication system 1 to have several sensors arranged at different locations within the lubrication system 1. Depending on the number and position of the sensors, it is possible to obtain further information about the lubrication system.

[0043] To determine the state of the lubrication system 1, the lubrication system 1 has a control unit 10. The control unit 10 is configured to receive measured values ​​from at least one sensor 8. The measured values ​​can include at least a pressure and a temperature of the lubrication system 1. Based on the measured values ​​from the at least one sensor 8, the control unit 10 is configured to recognize lubrication cycles of the lubrication system 1, determine the average pressure of a lubrication cycle, compare the determined average pressure with a normal pressure of the lubrication system 1, and determine the state of the lubrication system 1 based on the comparison result. This is described below with reference to Fig. 2 explained in more detail. The control unit 10 can communicate with a database 12 to retrieve stored normal pressure values ​​for the lubrication system 1.

[0044] The determined state can then be output by the control unit 10, for example via an output 14. The output state of the lubrication system 1 can be displayed visually by means of colored output, e.g. by means of LEDs, as a detailed display on a screen or on a mobile device or similar.

[0045] The following will now refer to Fig. 2 An exemplary procedure is described that is executed by the control unit 10 to determine a state of the lubrication system 1. In Figures 3 and 4 The corresponding signals are shown as examples.

[0046] In a first step S1, the measured values ​​from pressure sensor 8 are transmitted to the control unit 10. It should be noted that in addition to pressure sensor 8, further pressure sensors (not shown) can be used. Furthermore, a separate temperature sensor (not shown) can be used to measure the temperature of the lubrication system 1.

[0047] The following method uses, by way of example, a pressure sensor 8 mounted near the inlet of the progressive distributor 2 of the lubrication system 1, which monitors the pressure level in the lubricant line at this point. Due to the operating principle of the progressive distributor 2, the pressure level at the inlet of the progressive distributor 2 is approximately that of the currently activated outlet, which supplies the consumer 6 with lubricant. This pressure level depends on the length of the downstream line, the subsequent component (another progressive distributor, lubrication point), the type of lubrication point, the lubricant, the temperature of the lubricant, and other factors. The pressure level changes continuously due to the constant switching of the activated outlet. The sequence in which the outlets of the progressive distributor 2 are activated is always identical due to the system design.This creates a repeating pressure level pattern that is unique to each lubrication system. As detailed below with reference to... Figures 2 to 4 Changes in the pattern, which can be observed, allow conclusions to be drawn about a change in the lubrication system and the type of change, e.g. line breakage, impending blockage, etc.

[0048] The measured values ​​from sensor 8 are preferably available as time-resolved signals. In particular, the measured values ​​include the pressure and temperature of the lubrication system 1.

[0049] In step S2, the received measured values ​​are stored as variables. For example, the variables can be stored in the form of an array containing multiple values ​​per unit time. These multiple values ​​include at least the pressure and temperature of lubrication system 1 per unit time.

[0050] In step S3, control unit 10 then determines the start and end times of the lubrication cycles (tz) based on the measured values. A lubrication cycle (tz) can be identified by assigning pressure fluctuations detected in the measured values ​​to the beginning and end of a lubrication cycle (tz).

[0051] If a lubrication cycle (tz) is detected, the control unit 10 calculates an average pressure per lubrication cycle (pz) in step S4. The average pressure (pz) is, in particular, an average value of all pressure values ​​of a lubrication cycle (tz).

[0052] In step S5, the control unit 10 stores an average pressure of the lubrication cycle (pz), a maximum pressure (p max) and a minimum pressure (p min) of the lubrication cycle (tz), as well as a temperature of the lubrication cycle (tz).

[0053] In step S6, the current average pressure (pz) is then assigned to a temperature window (T). This assignment depends on the measured temperature of the current lubrication cycle. To assign the average pressure (pz) to a temperature window (T), the control unit 10 can access a database 12 containing existing temperature windows with their corresponding standard pressure values ​​(p gT). If no standard pressure (p gT) exists for the current temperature window (T), the control unit enters a learning phase, which is explained below.

[0054] If a normal pressure (p gT ) exists for the current temperature window (T), the control unit compares the current average pressure (pz ) with the temperature-dependent normal pressure (p gT ) of the temperature window (T) in step S7, which is stored in database 12.

[0055] The control unit 10 can then classify the comparison result in step S8. Depending on the number of measured values, the result can be either coarse or more precise. As a coarse classification, the control unit 10 can, for example, determine that the lubrication system 1 is not functioning (E1), that a malfunction exists (E2-E5), or that it is operating without problems (E6). If more precise data is available, the control unit 10 can also determine the type of malfunction (E2 to E5).

[0056] If no signal is received from sensor 8 or if no pressure changes are present in the measured values, the control unit 10 determines that the lubrication system 1 is not functioning (E1). This can occur if the lubrication system 1 has completely failed or if the sensors 8 have completely failed.

[0057] If a malfunction of lubrication system 1 is detected, and sufficiently accurate measurements are available, it can be categorized into the following types of malfunctions: A blockage of a lubricant line can be detected (E2) if three consecutive average pressure values ​​(pz) are greater than the temperature-dependent normal pressure (p gT) by a factor k and the values ​​increase continuously. Alternatively, a blockage can be assumed if an average pressure value (pz) is at least 200% higher than the normal pressure (p gT). A blockage occurs, for example, if a lubricant line is blocked by foreign objects or similar. In particular, this blockage can develop continuously, for example, by progressively reducing the flow through the lubricant line.

[0058] Such a blockage is exemplified in Fig. 3The figure shows a time course of the lubricant pressure, measured by pressure sensor 8 as an example. As can be seen, the pressure increases within area I. This indicates a blockage in the line of lubrication system 1. In particular, it can be seen that the maximum value of the lubricant pressure increases the longer the blockage lasts.

[0059] If at least three consecutive average pressure values ​​(pz ) are detected that are a factor k larger than the temperature-dependent normal pressure (p gT ), with the values ​​increasing non-continuously, this is defined as a kink in a pipe (E3).

[0060] If at least three consecutive values ​​of the average pressure (pz) are detected that are a factor k lower than the temperature-dependent normal pressure (p gT), with the values ​​decreasing non-continuously, a pipe rupture is assumed (E4). Such a pipe rupture leads to a leakage of lubricant, causing the pressure in the lubrication system 1 to drop.

[0061] Such a pipe break is in Fig. 4The diagram shows a temporal profile of the lubricant pressure, which can also be measured using pressure sensor 8. Here, a line rupture was artificially induced in a test setup by clamping lines at various times. Sections II, III, and IV mark these times, which represent different line ruptures. As can be seen, a change can be detected in the lubricant pressure profile recorded by pressure sensor 8. With pressure sensor 8 at the inlet of the progressive distributor 2, a line rupture can be determined not only at this progressive distributor 2, but also at other points in the lubrication system 1. It should be noted that the artificially induced line rupture was repaired after each cycle, which is why... Fig. 4no three consecutive values ​​of the average pressure (pz) that are smaller by a factor k than the temperature-dependent normal pressure (p gT) can be identified.

[0062] If other deviations from the temperature-dependent normal pressure (p gT ) are present, it may not be possible to determine what type of fault is present, but it will be recognized that a fault in the lubrication system 1 is present (E5).

[0063] If the control unit 10 detects a regular alternation between lubrication cycles and rest periods without relevant deviations of the average pressure (pz) from the temperature-dependent normal pressure (p gT), then trouble-free operation is present (E6). In this case, the control unit 10 can, firstly, output that the lubrication system 1 is operating without problems, and secondly, this information can be used to update the database 12. This means that the current values ​​for the learning phase SE1 to SE2 are used to provide more precise information for subsequent operation.

[0064] The current average pressure value (pz) is therefore used to extend database 12 of the temperature-dependent normal pressure (p gT) for the temperature window (T) (SE1). If a value already exists for the current temperature window (T), the average pressure (pz) is used to calculate a new temperature-dependent normal pressure value (p gT) (step SE2). This new value is the average of all undisturbed values ​​(pz) from a temperature window (T). In this way, each time undisturbed operation (E6) is determined, database 12 can be extended accordingly, and the temperature-dependent normal pressure (p gT) becomes more accurate.

[0065] If step S6 detects that no normal pressure (pgT) exists for the temperature window (T), database 12 for the temperature window (T) is not updated in step SE1, but rather extended. In this case, the currently measured and calculated average pressure (pz) of the temperature window (T) is stored as the temperature-dependent normal pressure (pgT) for the temperature window (T). Since it is assumed at the start of operation of lubrication system 1 that the system is functioning without problems, this measured value can be considered the normal pressure (pgT).

[0066] In summary, the lubrication system and control unit described above, along with the corresponding analysis method, make it possible to easily determine the condition of the lubrication system. In particular, if a malfunction is present, it can be more precisely defined based on the available measurement data. Reference symbol list

[0067] 1 Lubrication system 2 Progressive distributor 4 Reservoir 6 Consumer 10 Control unit 12 Database 14 Output E1-E6 Result pz Average pressure pmax Maximum pressure pmin Minimum pressure S1-S8 Process steps SE1-SE2 Learning phase tz Lubrication cycle I-IV Signal ranges

Claims

1. Lubrication system (1) having a progressive distributor (2) for dispensing lubricant to a consumer (6), wherein the progressive distributor (2) has at least one sensor (8) which is designed to determine at least one lubricant pressure within the lubrication system (1), wherein the lubrication system (1) further has a control unit (10) which is designed to receive measurement values from the sensor (8), wherein the control unit (10) is designed to identify lubrication cycles based on the measurement values and to ascertain the average pressure of a lubrication cycle, to compare the determined average pressure with a normal pressure of the lubrication system (1) and to determine the state of the lubrication system (1) based on the comparison result, wherein the control unit (10) is designed to ascertain, in addition to the average pressure, a maximum pressure, a minimum pressure and a temperature of the lubrication system (1), characterized in that the control unit is designed to assign the average pressure to a temperature window based on the temperature of the lubrication system (1), and to call up from a database (12) the normal pressure of the lubrication system (1) that is assigned to the temperature window.

2. Lubrication system according to Claim 1, wherein the measurement values are at least a pressure and a temperature of the lubrication system (1).

3. Lubrication system according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit (10) is designed to identify a lubrication cycle based on pressure fluctuations in the lubrication system (1).

4. Lubrication system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (10) is designed to store the average pressure as the normal pressure for the temperature window if there is no normal pressure in the database (12) for the temperature window.

5. Lubrication system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (10) is designed to update the normal pressure of the lubrication system (1) for a temperature window based on the current average pressure of this temperature window when problem-free operation is identified.

6. Lubrication system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the state of the lubrication system (1) indicates problem-free operation, a malfunction in the lubrication system (1) or no functioning of the lubrication system (1).

7. Lubrication system according to Claim 6, wherein the malfunction is a blockage of a lubricant line, a kink in a lubricant line, a crack in a lubricant line or some other malfunction in the lubrication system (1).

8. Lubrication system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one sensor (8) has a pressure sensor, which is arranged in front of the progressive distributor (2).

9. Control unit (10) designed for executing the method according to Claim 10 for a lubrication system (1) according to any of the preceding claims.

10. Method for determining the state of a lubrication system (1) having a progressive distributor (2) which is designed to dispense lubricant to a consumer (6), wherein the method comprises: a sensor (8) determining at least one lubricant pressure within the lubrication system (1), a control unit (10) receiving the measurement values from the sensor (8), identifying lubrication cycles based on the measurement values, ascertaining the average pressure of a lubrication cycle, ascertaining a maximum pressure, a minimum pressure and a temperature of the lubrication system, assigning the average pressure to a temperature window based on the temperature of the lubrication system (1), calling up the normal pressure of the lubrication system (1) that is assigned to the temperature window from a database (12), comparing the ascertained average pressure with a normal pressure of the lubrication system (1), and determining the state of the lubrication system (1) based on the comparison result.