Lubricant friction characteristics testing machine

Abstract

To obtain a lubricant friction characteristics testing machine that allows an operator to experience the frictional force acting on a needle. [Solution] This lubricant friction characteristic testing machine comprises a base portion 1, an opposing portion 2 provided opposite to the base portion 1, a pressurizing portion 3 provided across the base portion 1 and the opposing portion 2 and pushing the opposing portion 2 toward the base portion 1, a needle 4 provided between the base portion 1 and the opposing portion 2, a needle support portion 5 provided on the base portion 1 and the opposing portion 2 that contacts the outer circumferential surface 401 of the needle 4 and supports the needle 4 so that the needle 4 can rotate about the axis AL1 of the needle 4 relative to the base portion 1 and the opposing portion 2, and a handle 6 provided on the needle 4, and a rotation drive device for rotating the needle 4 can be attached to the needle 4.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a friction characteristic tactile sensor for lubricants.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a friction and wear tester including a base, a disk, a connecting shaft, an arm, a specimen holder, a specimen, and a torque sensor has been known. The disk is rotatably provided on the upper surface of the base. The connecting shaft is rotatably provided on the base and is further connected to the disk. The arm is rotatably connected to the connecting shaft. The specimen holder is attached to the arm. The specimen holder is movable in the vertical direction with respect to the arm. The specimen is attached to the specimen holder and is further in contact with the upper surface of the disk. When the connecting shaft rotates, a frictional force is generated between the disk and the specimen. The torque sensor detects the force with which the arm presses the torque sensor when the connecting shaft is rotating. The detection result of the torque sensor corresponds to the frictional force acting on the specimen from the disk (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the configuration of the friction and wear tester described in Patent Document 1, the motor rotation shaft is connected to the connecting shaft, and when the motor is driven, the connecting shaft rotates together with the motor rotation shaft. However, in the configuration of the friction and wear tester described in Patent Document 1, since the connecting shaft is connected to the motor rotation shaft, there is a problem that an operator cannot grasp and rotate the connecting shaft to feel the frictional force acting on the specimen.

[0005] This disclosure was made to solve the problems described above, and its purpose is to provide a lubricant friction characteristic testing machine that allows an operator to experience the frictional force acting on a needle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The friction characteristics testing machine for lubricants according to this disclosure comprises a base portion, an opposing portion provided opposite to the base portion, a pressurizing portion provided across the base portion and the opposing portion and pushing the opposing portion toward the base portion, a needle provided between the base portion and the opposing portion, a needle support portion provided on the base portion and the opposing portion and in contact with the outer surface of the needle, supporting the needle so that the needle can rotate about the axis of the needle relative to the base portion and the opposing portion, and a handle provided on the needle, wherein a rotation drive device for rotating the needle is detachably attached to the needle. In the friction characteristics testing machine for lubricants according to this disclosure, the needle support portion includes a pair of first spheres provided on the base portion, each of which contacts the outer surface of the needle, and a pair of second spheres provided on the base portion offset from the pair of first spheres in the longitudinal direction of the needle, each of which contacts the outer surface of the needle. In the friction characteristics testing machine for lubricants according to this disclosure, the needle support portion is provided on the opposing portion and has a cylindrical portion whose outer surface contacts the outer surface of the needle, and a recess is formed on the outer surface of the needle over its entire circumference into which the outer surface of the cylindrical portion is inserted. In the lubricant friction characteristics testing machine described herein, the magnitude of the pressing force applied to the opposing part toward the base part in the pressurizing section is adjustable. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the lubricant friction characteristics testing machine of this invention, an operator can experience the frictional force acting on the needle. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing a lubricant friction characteristic testing machine according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a front view showing the friction characteristics testing machine for lubricants. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a plan view showing a lubricant friction characteristics testing machine. [Figure 4] Figure 2 is a front view showing the base portion. [Figure 5] This is a plan view showing the base portion of Figure 4. [Figure 6] Figure 5 is a side view showing the base section. [Figure 7] This is a front view showing the opposing parts in Figure 2. [Figure 8] This is a plan view showing the opposing parts of Figure 7. [Figure 9] This is a side view showing the opposing part of Figure 8. [Figure 10] Figure 2 is a plan view showing the needle. [Figure 11] Figure 10 is a magnified view showing the lumbar region of the needle. [Figure 12] Figure 2 is a side view showing the recessed and cylindrical parts of the needle. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiment 1. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a lubricant friction characteristics testing machine according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2 is a front view showing the lubricant friction characteristics testing machine of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a plan view showing the lubricant friction characteristics testing machine of Figure 2. The lubricant friction characteristics testing machine according to Embodiment 1 comprises a base part 1, an opposing part 2, a pressurizing part 3, a needle 4, a needle support part 5, and a handle 6. The handle 6 is shown only in Figure 1. Figure 1 shows the hands of an operator. In the lubricant friction characteristics testing machine according to Embodiment 1, the lubricant is applied to the outer circumferential surface 401 of the needle 4, and the operator grasps the needle 4 and rotates it, thereby allowing the operator to feel the frictional force acting on the needle 4.

[0010] FIG. 4 is a front view showing the base portion 1 of FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the base portion 1 of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a side view showing the base portion 1 of FIG. 5. The shape of the base portion 1 is formed in a flat plate shape. Also, the shape of the base portion 1 is formed in a long plate shape extending in one direction. The dimension L1 in the longitudinal direction of the base portion 1 can be, for example, 40 mm to 100 mm, and more specifically, for example, 70.0 mm. The dimension L2 in the short transverse direction of the base portion 1 can be, for example, 12 mm to 40 mm, and more specifically, for example, 21.0 mm. The dimension L3 in the thickness direction of the base portion 1 can be, for example, 0.9 mm to 3.2 mm, and more specifically, for example, 2.5 mm.

[0011] Four through-holes 101 are formed in the longitudinal middle portion of the base portion 1. Each through-hole 101 penetrates the base portion 1 in the thickness direction of the base portion 1. The shape of the inner peripheral surface of each through-hole 101 is formed in an annular shape. The diameters of each through-hole 101 are the same as each other. The diameter of each through-hole 101 can be, for example, 3.2 mm to 13 mm, and more specifically, for example, 7.2 mm.

[0012] Each of a pair of the four through-holes 101 is defined as a first through-hole 101a, and each of the remaining pair of through-holes 101 is defined as a second through-hole 101b.

[0013] The pair of first through-holes 101a are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the base portion 1. The distance L4 between the centers of each first through-hole 101a can be, for example, 4 mm to 30 mm, and more specifically, for example, 10.7 mm.

[0014] The pair of second through-holes 101b are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the base portion 1. The distance between the centers of each second through-hole 101b is the same as the distance L4 between the centers of each first through-hole 101a.

[0015] The pair of second through-holes 101b are arranged offset from the pair of first through-holes 101a in the short side direction of the base portion 1. In other words, when the base portion 1 is viewed in the plate thickness direction, the pair of second through-holes 101b are arranged offset from the pair of first through-holes 101a in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the base portion 1.

[0016] One through-hole 102 is formed at each of both longitudinal ends of the base portion 1. Each through-hole 102 penetrates the base portion 1 in the plate thickness direction of the base portion 1. The shape of the inner peripheral surface of each through-hole 102 is formed in an annular shape. The diameters of the respective through-holes 102 may be the same as each other or different from each other. The diameter of each through-hole 102 can be, for example, 3 mm to 13 mm, and more specifically, for example, each is 6.0 mm.

[0017] FIG. 7 is a front view showing the opposing portion 2 of FIG. 2. FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the opposing portion 2 of FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a side view showing the opposing portion 2 of FIG. 8. The opposing portion 2 is provided facing the base portion 1. The shape of the opposing portion 2 is formed in a flat plate shape. Also, the shape of the opposing portion 2 is formed in a long plate shape extending in one direction. The longitudinal dimension L5 of the opposing portion 2 can be, for example, 40 mm to 100 mm, and more specifically, for example, it is 70.0 mm. The short side dimension L6 of the opposing portion 2 can be, for example, 12 mm to 40 mm, and more specifically, for example, it is 21.0 mm. The plate thickness dimension L7 of the opposing portion 2 can be, for example, 0.9 mm to 3.2 mm, and more specifically, for example, it is 2.5 mm. The outer shape of the opposing portion 2 is the same as the outer shape of the base portion 1.

[0018] The base portion 1 and the opposing portion 2 are arranged facing each other in a state where the longitudinal direction of the base portion 1 and the longitudinal direction of the opposing portion 2 coincide with each other, and the plate thickness direction of the base portion 1 and the plate thickness direction of the opposing portion 2 coincide with each other.

[0019] A through-hole 201 is formed in the longitudinal middle portion of the opposing portion 2. The through-hole 201 penetrates the opposing portion 2 in the direction of its plate thickness. The shape of the through-hole 201 is an elongated hole extending in the longitudinal direction of the opposing portion 2. The longitudinal dimension L8 of the through-hole 201 can be, for example, 4 mm to 26 mm, and more specifically, 14.3 mm. The short-side dimension L9 of the through-hole 201 can be, for example, 3 mm to 12.8 mm, and more specifically, 5.8 mm. The shape of the through-hole 201 may also be a square shape, where the length in the longitudinal direction and the length in the short direction are the same.

[0020] One through-hole 202 is formed at each of the longitudinal ends of the opposing portion 2. Each through-hole 202 penetrates the opposing portion 2 in the direction of the plate thickness of the opposing portion 2. The shape of the inner circumferential surface of each through-hole 202 is formed in an annular shape. The diameters of each through-hole 202 may be the same or different. The diameter of each through-hole 102 can be, for example, 3 mm to 15 mm, and more specifically, for example, 8.1 mm each.

[0021] The pressurizing section 3 is provided across the base section 1 and the opposing section 2. The pressurizing section 3 has a first connecting section 301 and a second connecting section 302. The first connecting section 301 connects one longitudinal end of the base section 1 to one longitudinal end of the opposing section 2. The second connecting section 302 connects the other longitudinal end of the base section 1 to the other longitudinal end of the opposing section 2.

[0022] The first connecting portion 301 includes a first bolt 303, a pair of first nuts 304, a pair of first washers 305, a first cylindrical portion 306, and a first wing nut 307. Note that a nut other than a wing nut may be used instead of the first wing nut 307.

[0023] The first bolt 303 is inserted into a through hole 102 formed at one longitudinal end of the base portion 1 and a through hole 202 formed at one longitudinal end of the opposing portion 2.

[0024] The pair of first nuts 304 are positioned so as to sandwich the base portion 1 in the thickness direction of the base portion 1. A first bolt 303 is inserted inside each of the pair of first nuts 304.

[0025] A pair of first washers 305 are positioned between a pair of first nuts 304, and are also positioned to sandwich the base portion 1 in the thickness direction of the base portion 1. A first bolt 303 is inserted inside each of the pair of first washers 305.

[0026] The base portion 1 is sandwiched between a pair of first nuts 304 via a pair of first washers 305, and furthermore, one longitudinal end of the base portion 1 is fixed to the first bolt 303 by passing through the pair of first nuts 304, the pair of first washers 305 and the base portion 1.

[0027] The first cylindrical portion 306 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The first cylindrical portion 306 is provided on the first nut 304, which is located near the opposing portion 2 of a pair of first nuts 304. The first cylindrical portion 306 is positioned to extend from the first nut 304 in a direction away from the base portion 1. The first bolt 303 is inserted inside the first cylindrical portion 306. The first cylindrical portion 306 is inserted into a through hole 202 formed at one longitudinal end of the opposing portion 2. Therefore, the opposing portion 2 is movable along the first bolt 303 relative to the first cylindrical portion 306.

[0028] The first bolt 303 is inserted inside the first wing nut 307. The first wing nut 307 is screwed onto the first bolt 303 until it contacts the first cylindrical portion 306. The contact of the first wing nut 307 with the first cylindrical portion 306 prevents the opposing portion 2 from coming off the first cylindrical portion 306.

[0029] The second connecting portion 302 includes a second bolt 308, a pair of second nuts 309, a pair of second washers 310, a second cylindrical portion 311, a second wing nut 312, and a compression spring 313. Note that a nut other than a wing nut may be used instead of the second wing nut 312.

[0030] The second bolt 308 is inserted into the through hole 102 formed at the other end in the longitudinal direction of the base portion 1 and the through hole 202 formed at the other end in the longitudinal direction of the opposing portion 2.

[0031] The pair of second nuts 309 are positioned so as to sandwich the base portion 1 in the thickness direction of the base portion 1. A second bolt 308 is inserted inside each of the pair of second nuts 309.

[0032] A pair of second washers 310 are positioned between a pair of second nuts 309, and are also positioned to sandwich the base portion 1 in the thickness direction of the base portion 1. A second bolt 308 is inserted inside each of the pair of second washers 310.

[0033] The base portion 1 is sandwiched between a pair of second nuts 309 via a pair of second washers 310, and the other end of the base portion 1 in the longitudinal direction is fixed to the second bolt 308 by passing through the pair of second nuts 309, the pair of second washers 310, and the base portion 1.

[0034] The second cylindrical portion 311 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The second cylindrical portion 311 is provided on the second nut 309, which is located near the opposing portion 2 of a pair of second nuts 309. The second cylindrical portion 311 is positioned to extend from the second nut 309 in a direction away from the base portion 1. The second bolt 308 is inserted inside the second cylindrical portion 311. The second cylindrical portion 311 is inserted into a through hole 202 formed at the other longitudinal end of the opposing portion 2. Therefore, the opposing portion 2 is movable along the second bolt 308 relative to the second cylindrical portion 311.

[0035] The second bolt 308 is inserted inside the second wing nut 312. The second bolt 308 and the second cylindrical portion 311 are inserted inside the compression spring 313. The compression spring 313 is positioned between the opposing portion 2 and the second wing nut 312. The second wing nut 312 can be screwed onto the second bolt 308 until it contacts the second cylindrical portion 311. When the second wing nut 312 is screwed onto the second bolt 308, the opposing portion 2 is pushed toward the base portion 1 against the elastic force of the compression spring 313.

[0036] By selecting one compression spring 313 from among several compression springs 313 having different moduli of elasticity, the magnitude of the pressing force applied to the opposing part 2 toward the base part 1 can be adjusted. In other words, the magnitude of the pressing force applied by the pressurizing part 3 toward the opposing part 2 toward the base part 1 can be adjusted.

[0037] Figure 10 is a plan view showing the needle 4 in Figure 2. Figure 11 is an enlarged view showing the waist portion of the needle 4 in Figure 10. The needle 4 is provided between the base portion 1 and the opposing portion 2. The shape of the needle 4 is cylindrical. The diameter L10 of the needle 4 can be, for example, 1.5 mm to 13 mm, and more specifically, 6.0 mm. The needle 4 is positioned so that its axial direction coincides with the short direction of the base portion 1 and the short direction of the opposing portion 2.

[0038] A recess 402 is formed on the outer circumferential surface 401 of the middle portion of the needle 4 in the longitudinal direction, extending over the entire circumference of the needle 4. The diameter L11 of the narrowest part of the portion of the needle 4 in which the recess 402 is formed can be, for example, 1.2 mm to 12.7 mm, and more specifically, for example, 5.0 mm. The dimension L12 of the recess 402 in the longitudinal direction of the needle 4 can be, for example, 1.2 mm to 13 mm, and more specifically, for example, 3.0 mm.

[0039] The shape of the recess 402 is such that the middle of the recess 402 is the deepest in the longitudinal direction of the needle 4, and the depth of the recess 402 gradually decreases as you move away from the middle of the recess 402 in the longitudinal direction of the needle 4.

[0040] The needle support portion 5 is provided on the base portion 1 and the opposing portion 2. The needle support portion 5 has a pair of first spheres 501, a pair of second spheres 502, and a cylindrical portion 503. The pair of first spheres 501 and the pair of second spheres 502 are provided on the base portion 1, and the cylindrical portion 503 is provided on the opposing portion 2.

[0041] Each first sphere 501 is formed in a spherical shape. Each first sphere 501 has the same diameter as the others. The diameter of each first sphere 501 is larger than the diameter of the first through hole 101a. The diameter of each first sphere 501 can be, for example, 3.5 mm to 12.7 mm, and more specifically, 7.5 mm.

[0042] A pair of first spheres 501 are inserted one by one into a pair of first through holes 101a. Each first sphere 501 is in contact with the base portion 1, with a portion of it positioned between the base portion 1 and the opposing portion 2. Each first sphere 501 is in contact with the outer circumferential surface 401 of the needle 4 in the region between the base portion 1 and the opposing portion 2.

[0043] The pair of second spheres 502 are positioned offset from the pair of first spheres 501 in the longitudinal direction of the needle 4. Each second sphere 502 is spherical in shape. The diameters of each second sphere 502 are the same. The diameter of each second sphere 502 is larger than the diameter of the second through hole 101b. The diameter of each second sphere 502 can be, for example, 3.5 mm to 12.7 mm, and more specifically, 7.5 mm.

[0044] A pair of second spheres 502 are inserted one by one into a pair of second through holes 101b. Each second sphere 502 is in contact with the base portion 1, with a portion of it positioned between the base portion 1 and the opposing portion 2. Each second sphere 502 is in contact with the outer circumferential surface 401 of the needle 4 in the region between the base portion 1 and the opposing portion 2.

[0045] Each of the pair of first spheres 501 and the pair of second spheres 502 is in contact with the outer circumferential surface 401 of the needle 4, specifically the portion offset from the recess 402. The contact of the outer circumferential surface 401 of the needle 4 with the pair of first spheres 501 and the pair of second spheres 502 stabilizes the axial direction of the needle 4 relative to the base portion 1. Furthermore, the contact of the outer circumferential surface 401 of the needle 4 with the pair of first spheres 501 and the pair of second spheres 502 supports the needle 4 so that its axial direction coincides with the short direction of the base portion 1 and the short direction of the opposing portion 2.

[0046] The cylindrical portion 503 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The axial dimension of the cylindrical portion 503 can be, for example, 3.5 mm to 15 mm, more specifically, 10 mm. The diameter of the cylindrical portion 503 is larger than the dimension L9 in the short direction of the through hole 201. The cylindrical portion 503 is inserted into the through hole 201. The axial direction of the cylindrical portion 503 coincides with the longitudinal direction of the opposing portion 2. Therefore, when viewed in the thickness direction of the base portion 1, the axial direction of the needle 4 and the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 503 are perpendicular to each other.

[0047] The cylindrical portion 503 is in contact with the opposing portion 2, with a portion of it positioned between the base portion 1 and the opposing portion 2. The outer circumferential surface 504 of the cylindrical portion 503 is in contact with the recess 402 on the outer circumferential surface 401 of the needle 4.

[0048] With the needle 4 sandwiched between the pair of first spheres 501 and the pair of second spheres 502 and the cylindrical portion 503, the needle 4 is rotatable about its axis AL1. In other words, the needle support portion 5 supports the needle 4 so that it is rotatable about its axis AL1 relative to the base portion 1 and the opposing portion 2. The pair of first spheres 501 and the pair of second spheres 502 are not bonded to the base portion 1, and the cylindrical portion 503 is not bonded to the opposing portion 2. However, by the pressurizing portion 3 pushing the base portion 1 and the opposing portion 2 toward each other, the pair of first spheres 501 and the pair of second spheres 502 do not substantially rotate relative to the base portion 1, and the cylindrical portion 503 does not substantially rotate relative to the opposing portion 2. Since the pair of first balls 501 and the pair of second balls 502 do not rotate relative to the base portion 1, and the cylindrical portion 503 does not rotate relative to the opposing portion 2, the friction between the needle 4 and the pair of first balls 501 and the pair of second balls 502, and the friction between the needle 4 and the cylindrical portion 503 can be felt.

[0049] Figure 12 is a side view showing the recess 402 and cylindrical portion 503 of the needle 4 in Figure 2. In Figure 12, the left-right direction is the axial direction of the needle 4. The outer circumferential surface 504 of the cylindrical portion 503 is inserted into the recess 402 of the needle 4. By inserting the outer circumferential surface 504 of the cylindrical portion 503 into the recess 402 of the needle 4, the movement of the needle 4 in the axial direction relative to the base portion 1 and the opposing portion 2 is restricted.

[0050] The handle 6 is located at one axial end of the needle 4. The handle 6 is operated by the operator. When the operator operates the handle 6, the handle 6 rotates, causing the needle 4 to rotate. The rotation of the needle 4 caused by the operation of the handle 6 occurs when the operator experiences frictional force.

[0051] A rotary drive device (not shown) for rotating the needle 4 is detachably attached to the other axial end of the needle 4. For example, an electric drill or electric drill driver can be used as the rotary drive device. When the rotary drive device is attached to the needle 4, the needle 4 rotates when the rotary drive device is driven. The rotational speed of the needle 4 by the rotary drive device is faster than the rotational speed of the needle 4 by operating the handle 6, and can be, for example, 60 rpm to 2500 rpm. The rotation of the needle 4 by the rotary drive device occurs when a tribochemical reaction is generated in the lubricant applied to the outer circumferential surface 401 of the needle 4, the pair of first spheres 501 and the pair of second spheres 502 in contact with it, and the cylindrical portion 503. Because the friction characteristic testing machine of this disclosure can form a tribofilm on the outer circumferential surface 401 of the needle 4, etc., the friction reduction effect of lubricants containing extreme pressure additives such as sulfur compounds, phosphorus compounds, and molybdenum compounds can be fully experienced. Furthermore, the friction characteristic testing machine disclosed herein can form a tribofilm immediately before the operator experiences the frictional force, allowing them to clearly experience the friction-reducing effects of various lubricants.

[0052] Next, the procedure for experiencing the frictional force acting on the needle 4 using the lubricant friction characteristic testing machine according to Embodiment 1 will be described. First, the operator applies the lubricant between each of the pair of first balls 501 and the pair of second balls 502 and the needle 4.

[0053] Subsequently, the operator attaches a rotary drive device to the needle 4 and drives the rotary drive device. This causes the needle 4 to rotate at high speed. The high-speed rotation of the needle 4 by the rotary drive device causes a tribochemical reaction to occur in the lubricant applied between each of the pair of first spheres 501 and the pair of second spheres 502 and the needle 4. As a result, a tribofilm is formed between each of the pair of first spheres 501 and the pair of second spheres 502 and the needle 4.

[0054] Afterward, the worker removes the rotary drive mechanism from the needle 4 and operates the handle 6. This allows the worker to feel the frictional force acting on the needle 4. Furthermore, by preparing friction characteristic testing machines with different lubricants applied and experiencing them consecutively, the worker can also feel the difference in friction reduction effects caused by the applied lubricants.

[0055] As described above, the lubricant friction characteristic testing machine according to Embodiment 1 comprises a base portion 1, an opposing portion 2, a pressurizing portion 3, a needle 4, a needle support portion 5, and a handle 6. The opposing portion 2 is provided opposite the base portion 1. The pressurizing portion 3 is provided across the base portion 1 and the opposing portion 2, and pushes the opposing portion 2 toward the base portion 1. The needle 4 is provided between the base portion 1 and the opposing portion 2. The needle support portion 5 is provided on the base portion 1 and the opposing portion 2, and contacts the outer circumferential surface 401 of the needle 4, supporting the needle 4 so that the needle 4 can rotate around its axis AL1 relative to the base portion 1 and the opposing portion 2. The handle 6 is provided on the needle 4. A rotary drive device for rotating the needle 4 is detachably attached to the needle 4. With this configuration, a tribofilm can be formed around the needle 4 by attaching a rotary drive device to the needle 4, and by removing the rotary drive device from the needle 4, the needle 4 can be rotated by the operator operating the handle 6. This allows the operator to feel the frictional force acting on the needle 4.

[0056] Furthermore, in the lubricant friction characteristic testing machine according to Embodiment 1, the needle support portion 5 has a pair of first balls 501 and a pair of second balls 502. The pair of first balls 501 are provided on the base portion 1 and each contacts the outer circumferential surface 401 of the needle 4. The second balls 502 are provided on the base portion 1 offset from the pair of first balls 501 in the longitudinal direction of the needle 4 and each contacts the outer circumferential surface 401 of the needle 4. With this configuration, the axis AL1 of the needle 4 is stable with respect to the base portion 1. This allows the needle 4 to rotate stably.

[0057] Furthermore, in the lubricant friction characteristic testing machine according to Embodiment 1, the needle support portion 5 has a cylindrical portion 503. The cylindrical portion 503 is provided on the opposing portion 2, and its outer peripheral surface 504 contacts the outer peripheral surface 401 of the needle 4. A recess 402 is formed on the outer peripheral surface 401 of the needle 4, into which the outer peripheral surface 504 of the cylindrical portion 503 is inserted, extending over the entire circumference. With this configuration, the movement of the needle 4 in the axial direction relative to the needle support portion 5 is restricted. This prevents the needle 4 from coming out of the needle support portion 5.

[0058] Furthermore, in the lubricant friction characteristic testing machine according to Embodiment 1, the pressure applied to the opposing part 2 toward the base part 1 in the pressurizing section 3 can be adjusted. This configuration allows for adjustment of the amount of frictional force acting on the needle 4.

[0059] In the lubricant friction characteristic testing machine according to Embodiment 1, a configuration in which the handle 6 is fixed to the needle 4 was described. However, the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the handle 6 may be detachably attached to the needle 4.

[0060] Although a preferred embodiment 1 of the lubricant friction characteristic testing machine has been described above, the invention is not limited to the lubricant friction characteristic testing machine according to embodiment 1 described above. Various modifications and transformations can be made to the lubricant friction characteristic testing machine according to embodiment 1 described above without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0061] The various aspects of this disclosure are summarized below as an appendix.

[0062] (Note 1) The base part, An opposing portion provided opposite to the base portion, A pressurizing portion is provided across the base portion and the opposing portion, which pushes the opposing portion toward the base portion, A needle provided between the base portion and the opposing portion, A needle support portion is provided on the base portion and the opposing portion, in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the needle, and supports the needle so that the needle can rotate about the axis of the needle relative to the base portion and the opposing portion, A handle provided on the needle, Equipped with, A lubricant friction characteristics testing machine is provided, wherein a rotary drive device for rotating the needle is detachably attached to the needle. (Note 2) The needle support portion is, A pair of first spheres are provided on the base portion, each of which contacts the outer circumferential surface of the needle, A pair of second spheres are provided on the base portion offset from the pair of first spheres in the longitudinal direction of the needle, and each of them contacts the outer circumferential surface of the needle, A friction characteristics testing machine for the lubricant described in Appendix 1, which has the following features. (Note 3) The needle support portion is, The opposing portion is provided and has a cylindrical portion whose outer surface contacts the outer surface of the needle, A friction characteristic testing machine for lubricants according to Appendix 1 or Appendix 2, wherein the outer circumferential surface of the needle has a recess formed over its entire circumference into which the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion is inserted. (Note 4) A friction characteristic testing machine for lubricants as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 3, wherein the pressing force applied to the opposing part toward the base part in the pressurizing section is adjustable. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 1 Base part, 2 Opposing part, 3 Pressurizing part, 4 Needle, 5 Needle support part, 6 Handle, 101 Through hole, 101a First through hole, 101b Second through hole, 102 Through hole, 201 Through hole, 202 Through hole, 301 First connecting part, 302 Second connecting part, 303 First bolt, 304 First nut, 305 First washer, 306 First cylindrical part, 307 First wing nut, 308 Second bolt, 309 Second nut, 310 Second washer, 311 Second cylindrical part, 312 Second wing nut, 313 Compression spring, 401 Outer surface, 402 Recess, 501 First sphere, 502 Second sphere, 503 Cylindrical part, 504 Outer surface.

Claims

1. The base part, An opposing portion provided opposite to the base portion, A pressurizing portion is provided across the base portion and the opposing portion, which pushes the opposing portion toward the base portion, A needle provided between the base portion and the opposing portion, A needle support portion is provided on the base portion and the opposing portion, in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the needle, and supports the needle so that the needle can rotate about the axis of the needle relative to the base portion and the opposing portion, A handle provided on the needle, Equipped with, A lubricant friction characteristics testing machine is provided, wherein a rotary drive device for rotating the needle is detachably attached to the needle.

2. The needle support portion is, A pair of first spheres are provided on the base portion, each of which contacts the outer circumferential surface of the needle, A pair of second spheres are provided on the base portion offset from the pair of first spheres in the longitudinal direction of the needle, and each of them contacts the outer circumferential surface of the needle, A friction characteristic testing machine for lubricants according to claim 1, having the following features.

3. The needle support portion is, The opposing portion is provided and has a cylindrical portion whose outer surface contacts the outer surface of the needle, The friction characteristic testing machine for lubricants according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a recess is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the needle, into which the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion is inserted, extending over the entire circumferential direction.

4. The friction characteristic testing machine for lubricants according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pressing force applied to the opposing portion toward the base portion in the pressurizing portion is adjustable.

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