Lubricant container, lubricant supply device, bearing device, rotating electric machine, elevator hoisting machine, method for manufacturing a lubricant container, method for installing a lubricant container

Abstract

The goal is to reduce the effort required to replace lubricant containers. [Solution] A lubricant container is provided, comprising a plurality of storage compartments 23 for containing lubricant and a connecting portion 22 that connects the plurality of storage compartments, wherein the connecting portion 22 is deformable. The plurality of storage compartments 23 are arranged in an annular shape when the connecting portion 22 is deformed. The connecting portion 22 is strip-shaped, and the plurality of storage compartments 23 are provided in a pocket-like manner on the surface of the connecting portion 22. The lubricant container also includes a handle portion 24 provided at one end of the plurality of storage compartments 23 connected by the connecting portion 22.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lubricant container, a lubricant supply device, a bearing device, a rotating electric machine, an elevator hoist, a method for manufacturing a lubricant container, and a method for installing a lubricant container.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a lubricant supply device that stores a lubricant in a ring-shaped container and supplies the lubricant to a bearing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a rotating electric machine using the lubricant supply device described in Patent Document 1, when replacing a container filled with a new lubricant, it is necessary to remove the cover of the rotating electric machine. Therefore, there is a problem that it takes time to replace the container.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to reduce the labor required for replacing the lubricant container.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The lubricant container according to the present disclosure includes a plurality of storage portions for storing a lubricant and a connecting portion for connecting the plurality of storage portions, and the connecting portion is deformable.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, since the connecting portion is deformable, the lubricant container can be inserted and removed from the side of the bearing device, and the labor required for replacing the lubricant container can be reduced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the configuration of an elevator according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is a conceptual diagram of the hoisting machine according to Embodiment 1, viewed from the front. [Figure 3] This is a side view of the hoisting machine according to Embodiment 1, as seen from direction C. [Figure 4] This is a view of the bearing device according to Embodiment 1, as seen from direction C. [Figure 5] This is a side view taken from direction C, showing the bearing device according to Embodiment 1 with the bearing cover removed. [Figure 6] This is a side view of the bearing device according to Embodiment 1, as seen from direction C. [Figure 7] This is an overall view of the lubricant container according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view AA of the lubricant container according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 9] This is a view of the lubricant container according to Embodiment 1, as seen from direction D. [Figure 10] This is a view of the bearing device according to Embodiment 1, seen from a cross-section of the bearing bracket. [Figure 11] This is a view of the bearing cover according to Embodiment 1, seen from a cross-section of the bearing ball joint. [Figure 12] This is a partially enlarged view of the BB cross-section of the bearing cover according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 13] This is a conceptual diagram showing a partially enlarged view of the installation groove and lubricant container according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 14] This is a view of the bearing device according to Embodiment 1, as seen from direction C. [Figure 15] This is a conceptual diagram of the bearing device according to Embodiment 1, viewed from the front. [Figure 16] This is a view of the bearing device 10 according to Embodiment 1, as seen from a cross-section of the bearing bracket. [Figure 17] This is a conceptual diagram showing how the lubricant falls downward when the bearing device 10 according to Embodiment 1 is viewed from the front. [Figure 18]It is a conceptual diagram showing how the lubricant container is housed when the bearing device 10 according to Embodiment 1 is viewed from the front. [Figure 19] It is a flowchart showing an example of a method for installing the lubricant container according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 20] It is a diagram showing, in a flowchart, an example of a manufacturing method of the lubricant container according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 21] It is a diagram showing a modification example of the lubricant container according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 22] It is a diagram of the modification example of the lubricant container according to Embodiment 1 as viewed from the A - A cross section. [Figure 23] It is a diagram showing an example of a modification example of the lubricant container according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 24] It is a diagram of the modification example of the lubricant container according to Embodiment 1 as viewed from the A - A cross section. [Figure 25] It is a diagram showing an example of a modification example of the lubricant container according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 26] It is a diagram of the modification example of the lubricant container according to Embodiment 1 as viewed from the A - A cross section.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Embodiment 1. ***Description of the Configuration*** In the embodiments and the drawings, the same elements or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals. The description of the elements denoted by the same reference numerals as those already described will be omitted or simplified as appropriate. The arrows in the figures mainly indicate the direction or the flow of the process.

[0010] The hoist 2 of the elevator 100 using the lubricant container 21 of the present disclosure will be described based on FIGS. 1 to 26. <<Elevator 100>> The configuration of the elevator 100 according to Embodiment 1 will be described using FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of the elevator 100 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of elevator 100 using 1:1 roping.

[0011] Buildings in which elevator 100 is installed are provided with an elevator shaft (not shown) for the elevator 100 to ascend and descend. Elevator 100 is located within the hoistway.

[0012] The elevator 100 comprises a control panel 1, a hoisting machine 2, a car 3, a main rope 4, a counterweight 5, and a deflector wheel 6.

[0013] Control panel 1 controls elevator 100. The control panel 1 controls the hoisting machine 2 to raise and lower the cage 3.

[0014] Passengers and the moving vehicle board and alight from the elevator car 3 through the landing door 7 located on floor 8, and luggage is also loaded into the elevator car 3. The cage 3 and counterweight 5 are suspended within the elevator shaft by the main rope 4.

[0015] One end of the main rope 4 is connected to the upper end of the basket 3. The main rope 4 is wrapped around the hoisting machine 2 and the deflection wheel 6. A counterweight 5 is connected to the other end of the main rope 4.

[0016] <<Hoisting machine 2>> The hoisting machine 2 in Figure 1 is shown as a front view of the hoisting machine 2. The hoisting machine 2 raises and lowers the basket 3 and the counterweight 5. The hoisting machine 2 is installed in the middle of the main rope 4 so that the basket 3 and the counterweight 5 move up and down in opposite directions.

[0017] Figure 2 is a conceptual diagram of the hoisting machine 2 viewed from the front. In Figure 2, for simplification, only the bearing device 10 of the hoisting machine 2 and the rotating shaft 41 of the hoisting machine motor 50 are shown. Based on Figure 2, the front view, C direction, and BB cross-section are defined to explain the positional relationship of the hoisting machine 2. In the following explanation, "front view" refers to the view of the hoisting machine 2 from the axial direction. In the following explanation, direction C refers to the radial direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the hoisting machine 2 (arrow C in Figure 2). In the following explanation, the BB cross-section of the hoisting machine 2 refers to the cross-section as seen from the BB side in Figure 2, relative to the front of the hoisting machine 2. The BB cross-section can also be described as the cross-section obtained when the hoisting machine 2 is cut in half symmetrically when viewed from the front.

[0018] Figure 3 will be used to illustrate the external view of the hoisting machine 2 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 3 is a side view of the hoisting machine 2 according to this disclosure, viewed from direction C. The hoisting machine 2 comprises a drive sheave 60 and a hoisting machine motor 50 (rotating electric machine).

[0019] The drive sheave 60 is connected to the hoisting motor 50. The main rope 4 is wound around the drive sheave 60. The drive sheave 60 is provided with a shaft hole (not shown). The rotating shaft 41 of the hoisting machine motor 50 is passed through the shaft hole of the drive sheave 60 and fixed in place. The drive sheave 60 rotates around the rotation axis 41 and together with the rotation axis 41. As the drive sheave 60 rotates, the basket 3 connected to the main rope 4 and the counterweight 5 move up and down.

[0020] The hoisting motor 50 comprises a hoisting motor body 50a, a rotating shaft 41, a bearing device 10, and a bearing device 10a. The hoisting machine motor body 50a rotates the rotating shaft 41.

[0021] The rotating shaft 41 is located on the hoisting machine motor body 50a. The rotating shaft 41 is rotated by the hoisting machine motor body 50a. The rotating shaft 41 rotates the drive sheave 60. The rotating shaft 41 is provided with bearing device 10 and bearing device 10a.

[0022] <<Bearing device 10>> Since bearing device 10 and bearing device 10a have the same configuration, bearing device 10 will be described below. The bearing device 10 according to Embodiment 1 will be explained using Figure 4. Figure 4 is a view of the bearing device 10 according to this disclosure, as seen from direction C. In Figure 4, for illustrative purposes, the rotating shaft 41, the bearing 42, and a portion of the boss 13 are shown with dotted lines, illustrating the internal structure of the bearing device 10. The bearing device 10 includes a lubricant supply device 30, a lubricant supply device 30a, a bearing 42, a boss portion 13, and a bearing base 11. Since the lubricant supply device 30 and the lubricant supply device 30a have the same configuration, the explanation of the lubricant supply device 30a will be omitted.

[0023] The bearing base 11 has a boss portion 13 integrally formed with it. A through hole is provided in the boss portion 13 of the bearing base 11.

[0024] The boss portion 13 supports the bearing 42. A bearing 42 is fitted into the through hole provided in the boss portion 13. The width of boss section 13 is w1. The width of the boss portion 13 is the length of the boss portion 13 in the left-right direction in Figure 4. The width w1 of the boss portion 13 is greater than the width w2 of the bearing 42, which will be described later.

[0025] Figure 5 is a side view taken from direction C, showing the bearing device 10 with the bearing cover 31 (described later) removed. The boss portion 13 has a boss-side replacement hole 12b that penetrates both the inside and outside of the boss portion 13. In Figure 5, the boss-side replacement hole 12b is formed from the side of the boss portion 13 in the depth direction. The width of the replacement hole 12b on the boss side is w3. The width of the boss-side replacement hole 12b is the width to which the boss-side replacement hole 12b extends in the left-right direction in Figure 5. The width w3 of the replacement hole 12b on the boss side is the difference between the width w1 of the boss portion 13 and the width w2 of the bearing 42 (described later), divided by 2.

[0026] As shown in Figure 4, the bearing 42 rotatably supports the rotating shaft 41. The bearing 42 comprises an outer ring 42b, an inner ring 42c, and a plurality of rolling elements 42a. The width of bearing 42 is w2. The width of the bearing 42 is the length of the bearing 42 in the left-right direction in Figure 4.

[0027] The outer ring 42b is annular. The outer ring 42b is supported by the boss portion 13.

[0028] The inner ring 42c is annular. The inner ring 42c is located on the inner circumference side of the outer ring 42b. The inner ring 42c is fitted onto the rotating shaft 41. The inner ring 42c rotates around the rotation axis 41.

[0029] The rolling element 42a is located between the inner ring 42c and the outer ring 42b. The rolling element 42a rotates due to the rotation of the inner ring 42c. As a result, the inner ring 42c is rotatable around the rotation axis 41 relative to the outer ring 42b. There is an annular gap with a width w0 in the radial direction between the inner circumference of the outer ring 42b and the outer circumference of the inner ring 42c.

[0030] <<Lubricant supply device 30>> Figure 6 is a side view of the bearing device 10 as seen from direction C. As shown in Figure 6, the lubricant supply device 30 is installed at the end of the boss portion 13. The lubricant supply device 30 comprises a lubricant container 21 and a bearing cover 31.

[0031] <<Lubricant container 21>> The lubricant container 21 according to Embodiment 1 will be explained with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7 is an overall view of the lubricant container 21 as seen from the opening side of the housing section 23. As shown in Figure 7, the lubricant container 21 of the lubricant supply device 30 includes a connecting portion 22, a plurality of storage portions 23, a handle portion 24, lubricant 25, and a sensor 26.

[0032] The storage section 23 is a container for storing the lubricant 25. The housing section 23 has an opening that is a recess. Lubricant 25 is injected into the housing section 23 through the opening. The housing section 23 is made of an elastic material that has oil resistance and heat resistance. Specifically, the housing section 23 is made of silicone rubber. The storage compartment 23 has a trapezoidal shape when viewed from the opening side. The storage section 23 is connected by the connecting section 22. There are 12 storage compartments 23. The lower base of the trapezoidal storage section 23 has a width w5.

[0033] Multiple storage compartments 23 are attached to the connecting section 22. The connecting portion 22 is made of an elastic material that has oil resistance and heat resistance. Specifically, the connecting portion 22 is made of silicone rubber. The connecting portion 22 is a deformable strip. Multiple storage compartments 23 are provided in a pocket-like manner on the surface of the connecting portion 22. Multiple housing sections 23 are provided so as to be in surface contact with the surface of the connecting section 22. The housing section 23, which is located at one end of the connecting section 22, is attached to the connecting section 22 so as to contact the connecting section 22 with a width w4. The width w4 is half the width w5. The other storage compartments 23 are attached to the connecting section 22 so as to be in contact with the connecting section 22 with a width w5.

[0034] The lubricant 25 protects the rolling elements 42a of the bearing 42. The lubricant 25 is housed in the housing section 23. The lubricant 25 is viscous and has a paste-like consistency. In this embodiment, the lubricant 25 is grease. The lubricant 25 is contained in multiple containment sections 23 located near the center, among the multiple containment sections 23 connected by the connecting section 22. In this embodiment, the lubricant 25 is contained in two containment sections 23 located in the center.

[0035] The handle portion 24 is provided at one end of a plurality of storage portions 23 connected by a connecting portion 22. The handle portion 24 is made of an elastic material that has oil resistance and heat resistance. Specifically, the handle portion 24 is made of silicone rubber. The handle portion 24 is the part of the connecting portion 22 to which the housing portion 23 is not attached.

[0036] Sensor 26 detects the lubricant 25. Sensor 26 is a pressure sensor. Sensor 26 has a pre-set pressure threshold. When the sensor 26 detects a pressure above a threshold, it sends a signal to the control panel 1 to inform it that it is time to replace the lubricant container 21. The sensor 26 is provided in at least one of the multiple housing sections 23. The position in which the sensor 26 is installed within the housing 23 is the center of the surface that is in surface contact with the connecting portion 22. The sensor 26 is installed in the housing section 23 located at both ends of the multiple housing sections 23. The sensor 26 is connected to the control panel 1 via wiring.

[0037] Figure 8 is a view of the lubricant container 21 shown in Figure 7 from cross-section AA. The AA cross-section is a cross-sectional view of the lubricant container 21 when viewed from the opening side of the housing section 23, and cut so that the housing section 23 is in half. The connecting portion 22 has a height t1. The height of the connecting portion 22 is the vertical length of the connecting portion 22 in Figure 8. The connecting portion 22 has a width w6. The width of the connecting portion 22 is the length of the connecting portion 22 in the left-right direction in Figure 8. The storage section 23 has a height t2. The height of the storage section 23 is the vertical length of the storage section 23 in Figure 8. The storage compartment 23 has a width w7. The width of the storage section 23 is the length of the storage section 23 in the left-right direction in Figure 8. The opening has a height t0. In Figure 8, the height of the opening refers to the vertical length of the opening. The height t0 of the opening is the same as, or approximately the same as, the width w0 of the annular gap.

[0038] A cover portion 27 can be attached to the opening of the storage portion 23 to cover the opening. The cover portion 27 is provided with a through hole (not shown) for passing the wiring of the sensor 26. The lid portion 27 prevents foreign matter such as dust and debris from getting into the lubricant 25. The lid portion 27 prevents leakage of the lubricant 25 when transporting the lubricant container 21 containing the lubricant 25.

[0039] Figure 9 is a view of the lubricant container 21 shown in Figure 7 from direction D. Viewing from direction D means viewing the lubricant container 21 from above in Figure 7. The connecting portion 22 has a first groove connecting portion 22a and a bearing adjacent portion 22b. The first groove connection portion 22a is the part of the connecting portion 22 in which the housing portion 23 is not provided. The width of the first groove connection portion 22a is w8. The width of the first groove connection portion 22a is the vertical length of the first groove connection portion 22a in Figure 9. The bearing-adjacent portion 22b is the part of the connecting portion 22 in which the housing portion 23 is not provided. The wiring for the sensor 26 is routed along the bearing-adjacent portion 22b toward the handle portion 24. The width of the bearing adjacent portion 22b is w9. The width of the bearing adjacent portion 22b is the vertical length of the bearing adjacent portion 22b in Figure 9. The housing portion 23 is attached to the connecting portion 22 such that the width w8 of the first groove connection portion 22a is greater than the width w9 of the bearing adjacent portion 22b.

[0040] <<Bearing cover 31>> The bearing cover 31 is a component that can be installed at the end of the boss portion 13. Figure 10 is a view of the bearing device 10 from the BB cross section. The bearing cover 31 is mounted adjacent to the surface of the bearing 42 that is perpendicular to the axial direction. Specifically, the bearing cover 31 is attached to the load side (load side) of the rotating shaft 41 indicated by arrow E in Figure 10.

[0041] Figure 11 is a view of the bearing cover 31 from the BB cross section. As shown in Figure 11, the bearing cover 31 is formed in an annular shape so that the rotating shaft 41 can pass through it. The bearing cover 31 is provided with a boss portion corresponding portion 33 and an installation groove 32. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the bearing cover 31 is provided with a bearing cover side replacement hole 12a (replacement hole 12).

[0042] The boss portion corresponding portion 33 is provided to allow the bearing cover 31 to be installed on the end of the boss portion 13 that supports the bearing 42. The boss portion corresponding portion 33 is an annular protrusion formed so as to fit onto the inner circumference of the boss portion 13. The boss portion corresponding portion 33 is a convex portion formed so that when the boss portion corresponding portion 33 is fitted onto the inner circumference of the boss portion 13, the boss portion corresponding portion 33 makes surface contact with the outer ring 42b of the bearing 42.

[0043] The mounting groove 32 is a groove formed in the bearing cover 31 so as to be located inside the inner circumference of the boss portion 13 when the bearing cover 31 is mounted on the boss portion 13. The mounting groove 32 is an annular groove for fitting the lubricant container 21. Figure 12 is a partially enlarged view of the BB cross-section of the bearing cover 31. As shown in Figure 12, the installation groove 32 is formed by a first groove 32a and a second groove 32b.

[0044] The first groove 32a is an annular recess formed in the bearing cover 31 for fitting the connecting portion 22 of the lubricant container 21. The width of the first groove 32a is w10. The width of the first groove 32a is the vertical length of the first groove 32a in Figure 12. The depth of the first groove 32a is d1. The depth of the first groove 32a is the length of the first groove 32a in the left-right direction in Figure 12. The depth d1 of the first groove 32a is preferably greater than or equal to the width w6 of the connecting portion 22. This allows the connecting portion 22 to be stably fitted into the first groove 32a.

[0045] The second groove 32b is an annular recess formed in the bearing cover 31 for fitting the housing portion 23 of the lubricant container 21. The formation of the second groove 32b provides the annular bearing cover 31 with a housing support portion 34. The width of the second groove 32b is w11. The width of the second groove 32b is the vertical length of the second groove 32b in Figure 12. The depth of the second groove 32b is d2. The depth of the first groove 32a is the length of the second groove 32b in the left-right direction in Figure 12. The depth d2 of the second groove 32b is preferably less than the width w7 of the housing portion 23. This prevents the housing portion support portion 34 from contacting the bearing 42 when the bearing cover 31 is installed on the boss portion 13. Thus, friction between the bearing cover 31 and the bearing 42 can be prevented.

[0046] Figure 13 is a conceptual diagram of the bearing device 10 viewed from the front, with a partially enlarged view of the installation groove 32 and lubricant container 21. As shown in Figure 13, the lubricant container 21 can be fitted into the installation groove 32. Specifically, the first groove connecting portion 22a fits into the first groove 32a, and the housing portion 23 fits into the second groove 32b, making it possible to install the housing portion 23 in an annular arrangement on the bearing cover 31. The width w10 of the first groove 32a is greater than the height t1 of the connecting portion 22. The width w11 of the second groove 32b is the same as the height t2 of the housing section 23, or greater than the height t2 of the housing section 23. Since the housing section 23 and the connecting section 22 are in contact with each other over a width w5, the w5 portion of the connecting section 22 does not deform and remains flat. Therefore, the width w11 of the second groove 32b has a width w10 that is sufficient for a flat plate with height t1 and width w5 to slide. With the lubricant container 21 fitted into the installation groove 32, a regular polygon is formed by the trapezoidal lower base of the opening. If there are 12 storage compartments 23, a regular dodecagon is formed. By setting the interior angles on both sides of the lower base of the trapezoidal opening to half the interior angles of the regular polygon, the upper base of the trapezoidal opening forms a regular polygon. Since the interior angles of a regular dodecagon are 150 degrees, if the interior angles on both sides of the lower base of the trapezoidal opening are set to 75 degrees, the upper base of the trapezoidal shape will be continuous, and the upper base will form a regular dodecagon. As a result, adjacent storage compartments 23 are arranged in a ring shape without any gaps. The interior angles on both sides of the trapezoidal base of the opening may be less than half the interior angle of the regular polygon.

[0047] As shown in Figure 5, the bearing cover side replacement hole 12a is a through hole provided in the bearing cover 31 for inserting and removing the lubricant container 21 into the inner space of the installation groove 32. The bearing cover side replacement hole 12a is a through hole that communicates with the inner space of the installation groove 32 and penetrates the inside and outside of the bearing cover 31. The bearing cover side replacement hole 12a is provided such that, when the bearing cover 31 is installed on the end of the boss portion 13, it forms a replacement hole 12 together with the boss portion side replacement hole 12b of the boss portion 13. In other words, the replacement hole 12 is provided across the bearing cover 31 and the boss portion 13. The shape of the replacement hole 12 should preferably match the shape of the AA cross-section of the lubricant container 21, as shown in Figure 8. The replacement hole 12 is provided so as to communicate with the installation groove 32 at the bottom of the bearing cover 31 installed on the boss portion 13. The entrance to the replacement port 12 is called the replacement port 12c.

[0048] Figure 14 is a side view of the bearing device 10 as seen from direction C. As shown in Figure 14, the bearing device 10 may also include a replacement port cover 12d to cover the replacement port 12c.

[0049] The following describes how the lubricant 25 is supplied from the lubricant supply device 30 to the bearing 42. Figure 15 is a conceptual diagram of a bearing device 10 with a lubricant supply device 30 installed on the boss portion 13, viewed from the front. As shown in Figure 15, the connecting portion 22 is fitted into the mounting groove 32 of the bearing cover 31 in a deformed state, causing the multiple housing portions 23 to be arranged in a ring shape. Here, the storage portion 23, which is located at one end of the connecting portion 22, is attached so as to be in contact with the connecting portion 22 with a width w4, so the handle portion 24 does not overlap with the connecting portion 22. The lubricant container 21 is installed such that the housing sections 23, which are located at both ends of the connecting section 22, are positioned below the bearing device 10. Therefore, the housing section 23 containing the lubricant 25 is installed on the top side of the bearing device 10. Therefore, the sensor 26 is installed so as to be located at the bottom of the bearing device 10.

[0050] Figure 16 is a view of the bearing device 10, in which the lubricant supply device 30 is installed on the boss portion 13, from a cross-sectional view of the bearing bracket. As shown in Figure 16, the lubricant supply device 30 is installed so that the opening of the housing 23 is adjacent to a surface perpendicular to the axial direction of the bearing 42. However, if the housing 23 and the inner ring 42c of the bearing 42 come into contact, friction will occur. Therefore, it is desirable that the installed lubricant supply device 30 is configured such that the bearing adjacent portion 22b of the connecting portion 22 contacts the outer ring 42b of the bearing 42, so that the opening of the housing portion 23 does not come into complete contact with the bearing 42.

[0051] The lubricant supply device 30 receives vibrations from the rotating shaft 41, and in response, the lubricant 25 is supplied to the rolling elements 42a from the opening of the housing section 23. Specifically, the lubricant 25 of the lubricant supply device 30 is installed on the top side of the bearing device 10, and as it lubricates the bearing 42, it falls downward due to gravity.

[0052] Figure 17 is a conceptual diagram showing how the lubricant 25 falls downward when the bearing device 10, on which the lubricant supply device 30 is installed in the boss portion 13, is viewed from the front. As shown in Figure 17, the lubricant 25 in the housing 23 located on the top side of the bearing device 10 gradually settles down to the lower part of the housing 23 of the bearing device 10 over time. In other words, the lubricant 25 that falls down through the bearing 42 accumulates over time in the housing 23 located at the bottom of the bearing device 10.

[0053] As lubricant 25 accumulates in the lower storage section 23, the pressure in the lower storage section 23 increases. A sensor 26 installed in the lower housing section 23 detects an increase in pressure in the lower housing section 23. When the sensor 26 detects a pressure above a threshold, it sends a signal to the control panel 1 indicating that the lubricant container 21 should be replaced.

[0054] ***Installation method of lubricant container 21 in Embodiment 1*** The following describes how to install the lubricant container 21. Figure 18 is a conceptual diagram of the lubricant container 21 in the process of being stored, as viewed from the front of the bearing device 10. As shown in Figure 18, the lubricant container 21 is inserted through the replacement port 12c when it is installed in the bearing device 10. The lubricant container 21 passes through the replacement hole 12, and the housing section 23 containing the lubricant 25 is located on the top side of the bearing device 10. The housing section 23 where the sensor 26 is installed is located at the bottom of the bearing device 10.

[0055] Figure 19 is a flowchart showing an example of how to install the lubricant container 21. The method for installing the lubricant container 21 will be specifically explained using Figure 19. The installation method for the lubricant container 21 shown in Figure 19 assumes that the lubricant container 21 that is due for replacement is removed from the bearing device 10, and a new lubricant container 21 is installed in the bearing device 10.

[0056] In step S11, the replacement port cover 12d provided on the replacement port 12c of the bearing device 10 is removed. After step S11, proceed to step S12.

[0057] In step S12, the handle portion 24 of the lubricant container 21 is pulled from the replacement port 12c. By pulling the handle portion 24, the lubricant container 21 can be removed from the bearing device 10. After step S12, proceed to step S13.

[0058] In step S13, a new lubricant container 21 is inserted into the bearing device 10. Insert the end of the lubricant container 21 opposite to the handle portion 24 into the replacement port 12c. The lubricant container 21 is inserted through the replacement hole 12, which is a through-hole provided in the bearing cover 31. Then, push the handle portion 24 toward the replacement hole 12. By doing so, the lubricant container 21 can be fitted into the installation groove 32, which is an annular groove provided in the bearing cover 31, and installed so that it completes one full rotation along the installation groove 32. Furthermore, since the wires of the sensor 26 are routed along the bearing-adjacent portion 22b of the lubricant container 21 toward the handle portion 24, the wires of the sensor 26 also make one full rotation along the installation groove 32. After step S13, proceed to step S14.

[0059] In step S14, the sensor 26 is wired. After the lubricant container 21 is installed in the bearing device 10, one end of the wiring for the sensor 26 is protruding from the replacement port 12c. Connect the wiring of sensor 26 to control panel 1. After step S14, proceed to step S15.

[0060] In step S15, insert the replacement port cover 12d into the replacement port 12c. In step S15, the installation of the lubricant container 21 into the bearing device 10 is completed.

[0061] ***Manufacturing Method for Lubricant Container 21 of Embodiment 1*** The manufacturing method for the lubricant container 21 will be described below. Figure 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for manufacturing the lubricant container 21 in Embodiment 1.

[0062] In step S21, multiple storage sections 23 for housing the lubricant 25 are connected by deformable connecting sections 22. Specifically, the housing section 23 and the connecting section 22 are bonded together with adhesive. After step S21, proceed to step S22.

[0063] In step S22, a handle portion 24 is installed at one end of a plurality of storage portions 23 connected by a connecting portion 22. Specifically, the handle portion 24 is attached to one end of the connecting portion 22 with adhesive. The length of the handle portion 24 should preferably be such that it does not protrude from the replacement port 12c when the lubricant supply device 30 is installed inside the hoisting machine 2. After step S22, proceed to step S23.

[0064] In step S23, the sensor 26 is installed inside the housing section 23. Specifically, the sensor 26 is attached with adhesive to the center of the surface in the housing 23 that is in surface contact with the connecting portion 22. Then, the wiring of the sensor 26 is routed along the bearing adjacent portion 22b toward the handle portion 24 and fixed in place. In step S23, the manufacturing of the lubricant container 21 is completed.

[0065] ***Summary of Embodiment 1*** The following is a summary of Embodiment 1. Embodiment 1 describes a lubricant supply device 30 comprising a lubricant container 21 made of an elastic material that is resistant to oil and heat, and a bearing cover 31 having an installation groove 32 that serves as a guide for guiding the lubricant container 21 to the vicinity of the rolling element 42a. The lubricant container 21 comprises a deformable connecting portion 22 and a housing portion 23, and is inserted into and removed from a replacement hole 12 provided on the side of the bearing device 10. The inserted lubricant container 21 fits into a circumferential groove-shaped installation groove 32 provided on the inside of the bearing cover 31, forming a cylindrical shape along the cylindrical wall of the boss portion 13 of the bearing device 10. As a result, lubricating oil is supplied from the grease lubricant 25 contained in the housing portion 23 to the rolling elements 42a, protecting the bearing 42. Initially, the lubricant 25 is filled only in the upper housing 23 of the bearing device 10, and over time, it lubricates the bearing 42 while accumulating in the lower housing 23 due to gravity. A sensor 26 is located in the lower housing 23, and when a certain amount of lubricant 25 has accumulated in the lower housing 23, an external alarm is triggered indicating that it is time to replace the lubricant. When replacing the lubricant container 21, the handle portion 24 of the lubricant container 21 located near the replacement hole 12 is pulled out to discharge the lubricant 25 from inside the bearing device 10.

[0066] ***Effects of Embodiment 1*** As described above, since the connecting portion 22 of the lubricant container 21 of Embodiment 1 is deformable, the lubricant container 21 can be inserted through the replacement hole 12 of the bearing device 10 and installed along the installation groove 32 of the bearing cover 31. In other words, the lubricant container 21 can be easily installed without removing the bearing cover 31 attached to the bearing device 10.

[0067] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the lubricant container 21 can be removed from the bearing device 10 by pulling the handle portion 24 through the replacement hole 12. In other words, the lubricant container 21 to be replaced can be removed without removing the bearing cover 31 attached to the bearing device 10.

[0068] Furthermore, in the lubricant container 21 of Embodiment 1 installed in the bearing device 10, the lubricant 25 that has been supplied to the bearing 42 and is no longer needed (for example, excess grease or dead grease) accumulates in the empty storage section 23 of the lubricant container 21. Therefore, when replacing the lubricant container 21, the lubricant container 21 to be replaced can be removed, and the excess lubricant 25 can also be removed from the bearing device 10. In other words, the effort required to replace the lubricant container 21 can be reduced. Furthermore, the excess lubricant 25 accumulates in the empty storage compartment 23, making it less likely for lubricant 25 to accumulate inside the bearing cover 31, thereby extending the lifespan of the bearing 42.

[0069] Furthermore, since the replacement hole 12 of the bearing device 10 is smaller than the mounting diameter of the bearing cover 31, the area to be protected during the replacement of the lubricant container 21 can be reduced.

[0070] Furthermore, a sensor 26 installed in the lubricant container 21 signals when it is time to replace the lubricant container 21, thus preventing the excess lubricant 25 from overflowing into the bearing cover 31. This eliminates the need for space to accumulate excess lubricant 25 inside the bearing cover 31 or bearing device 10, thus allowing for a reduction in the volume of the bearing cover 31 or bearing device 10.

[0071] Furthermore, depending on the threshold setting of the sensor 26, the lubricant container 21 can be replaced before the lubricant 25 runs out in the bearing 42 by triggering an alert that it is time to replace the lubricant container 21. Furthermore, as a measure to prevent lubrication depletion in the bearing 42, it is no longer necessary to seal a larger amount of lubricant 25 in the lubricant container 21, allowing the bearing device 10 to be made smaller.

[0072] Furthermore, by attaching a lid 27 to the storage section 23 of the lubricant container 21, it is possible to prevent oil from splashing into the surrounding area and foreign matter from entering during transport and operation.

[0073] Furthermore, in the hoisting machine 2 of Embodiment 1, the replacement work of the lubricant container 21 can be streamlined and made more efficient, thus reducing the service downtime of the elevator 100.

[0074] ***Supplement to Embodiment 1*** The following is supplementary information to Embodiment 1. <About Elevator 100> In this embodiment, the elevator 100 was assumed to have a machine room. The hoisting machine 2 was installed in the middle of the main rope 4 so that the car 3 and the counterweight 5 moved up and down in opposite directions. The roping method of the elevator 100 was 1:1 roping. However, elevator 100 does not need to have a machine room. Furthermore, elevator 100 may use a 2:1 roping system or other methods instead of a 1:1 roping system. In elevator 100 without a machine room, one end of the main rope 4 is fixed to the ceiling of the hoistway. In other words, the installation location of the hoisting machine 2 can be anywhere as long as the cage 3 can be raised and lowered by the main rope 4.

[0075] <About Hoisting Machine 2> In this embodiment, the hoisting machine 2 was equipped with a bearing device 10 and a bearing device 10a, but the hoisting machine 2 may also be equipped with only the bearing device 10. The hoisting machine 2 may be equipped with three or more bearing devices 10.

[0076] <Regarding bearing device 10> In this embodiment, the bearing device 10 has a lubricant supply device 30 attached to one side of the bearing 42 (the load-bearing side of the rotating shaft 41), and a lubricant supply device 30a attached to the other side of the bearing 42 (the non-load-bearing side of the rotating shaft 41). However, the bearing device 10 may also be configured to have a lubricant supply device 30 on only one side of the bearing 42. In other words, one or two lubricant supply devices 30 are sufficient for each bearing 42.

[0077] <Regarding the lubricant container 21> The lubricant container 21 may be installed in a bearing cover 31 that does not have a replacement hole 12. In this case, the bearing cover 31 must be removed when replacing the lubricant container 21. However, because the lubricant container 21 is strip-shaped, it is easier to remove and replace compared to a ring-shaped container.

[0078] There can be any number of storage compartments 23. However, since the housing sections 23 are arranged in a ring shape with respect to a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the bearing 42, it is desirable to have five or more housing sections 23.

[0079] In this embodiment, multiple storage sections 23 were connected by connecting sections 22 so that the lower bottoms of the storage sections 23 were continuous, but the embodiment is not limited to this. Multiple storage compartments 23 may be connected by connecting parts 22 so that the lower bottoms of the storage compartments 23 do not touch each other.

[0080] In this embodiment, the housing section 23 had a trapezoidal shape when viewed from the opening side, but it is not limited to this. The storage section 23 may be triangular when viewed from the opening side. In this case, the base of the triangle is attached to the surface of the connecting section 22. The housing section 23 may be fan-shaped when viewed from the opening side. In this case, the arc portion of the fan shape is attached to the surface of the connecting section 22.

[0081] The lubricant container 21 does not need to be equipped with a sensor 26.

[0082] The lubricant container 21 does not necessarily need to have a handle portion 24. Alternatively, the connecting portion 22 may be made longer to provide a handle portion 24.

[0083] The length of the handle portion 24 does not need to be shorter than the length required for the handle portion 24 to reach the replacement opening 12c when the lubricant container 21 is installed on the bearing cover 31. In this case, when removing the lubricant supply device 30 from the bearing cover 31, the handle portion 24 can be pulled using a jig.

[0084] The handle portion 24 may have the same hardness as the connecting portion 22, or it may have a different hardness. The handle portion 24 should be rigider than the connecting portion 22, which makes it easier to push the lubricant container 21 into the replacement hole 12 when installing the lubricant container 21 into the bearing cover 31.

[0085] In this embodiment, the connecting portion 22 and the housing portion 23 of the lubricant container 21 may be bonded together by welding, double-sided tape, buttons, or the like.

[0086] <Regarding the bearing cover 31> The replacement hole 12 may be formed only in the bearing cover 31. Specifically, if the width w1 of the boss portion 13 and the width w2 of the bearing 42 are the same, then the replacement hole 12 only needs to be the replacement hole 12a on the bearing cover side.

[0087] The bearing cover 31 may be integrated with the boss portion 13.

[0088] The installation groove 32 may also be configured to consist only of the first groove 32a. However, the bearing cover 31 requires a space such as the second groove 32b in order to accommodate the housing section 23. For example, if there is space for the housing 23 to be placed, the cylindrical inner diameter of the bearing cover 31 may be increased so that the second groove 32b is not formed inside the first groove 32a shown in Figure 10.

[0089] ***Modified Example of Embodiment 1*** The following describes a modified version of Embodiment 1. <Regarding the lubricant container 21> In this embodiment, the storage portion 23 of the lubricant container 21 is a container having a recess for storing the lubricant 25, and the storage portion 23 is provided so as to be in surface contact with the surface of the connecting portion 22, but the embodiment is not limited to this. Figure 21 shows an example of a modified lubricant container 21. As shown in the front view of the lubricant container 21 in Figure 21, the storage section 23 does not have to be a container. As shown in the cross-sectional view AA of the lubricant container 21 in Figure 22, it is sufficient if a recess for accommodating the lubricant 25 can be formed in the housing portion 23 and the connecting portion 22. The storage section 23 may also be structured as a pocket on the surface of the connecting section 22.

[0090] In this embodiment, the connecting portion 22 of the lubricant container 21 was strip-shaped, but it is not limited to this. The connecting portion 22 does not have to be strip-shaped and may be located between the storage portions 23. Figure 23 shows an example of a modified lubricant container 21 in which the connecting portion 22 is not strip-shaped. In Figure 23, a rim is formed on the lower part of the housing section 23. A deformable connecting section 22 connects the rims of the housing section 23. Figure 24 is a view of the lubricant container 21 shown in Figure 23, taken from cross-section AA. In Figure 24, the width w12 of the lower part of the storage section 23 is the same as the width w6 of the connecting section 22. Therefore, when the lubricant container 21 shown in Figures 23 and 24 is installed on the bearing cover 31, the edge of the housing portion 23 opposite to the opening and the first groove connecting portion 22a of the connecting portion 22 fit into the first groove 32a. The lubricant container 21 shown in Figures 23 and 24 can accommodate bearings 42 of various sizes by changing the number of housing sections 23 and connecting sections 22.

[0091] Figure 25 shows an example of a modified lubricant container 21 in which the connecting portion 22 is not strip-shaped. In Figure 25, the connecting section 22 connects the sides of the housing section 23. Figure 26 is a view of the lubricant container 21 shown in Figure 25 from cross-section AA. As shown in Figure 26, the width w7 of the storage section 23 is the same as the width w7 of the storage section 23 shown in Figure 8. Furthermore, the width w6 of the connecting portion 22 shown in Figure 26 is the same as the width w6 of the connecting portion 22 shown in Figure 8. The lubricant container 21 shown in Figures 25 and 26 can accommodate bearings 42 of various sizes by changing the number of housing sections 23 and connecting sections 22.

[0092] In this embodiment, the housing portion 23, which is located at one end of the connecting portion 22, is attached to the connecting portion 22 such that the width w4 in contact with the connecting portion 22 is half the width w5 in contact between the other housing portion 23 and the connecting portion 22, but the embodiment is not limited to this. In the connecting portion 22 of Figure 7, the housing portion 23, which is located at one end of the connecting portion 22, may be attached so as to be in surface contact with the surface of the connecting portion 22 with a width w5. However, it is desirable that the end of the connecting portion 22 be cut at an angle so that the back surface of the connecting portion 22 approaches the front surface of the connecting portion 22, so that the height t1 of the connecting portion 22 gradually decreases towards the end of the connecting portion 22. Specifically, it is preferable that the end of the connecting portion 22 is formed at an angle such that the back end of the connecting portion 22 bends toward the front surface of the end of the connecting portion 22 over a length of width w4 to width w5. By doing so, when the lubricant container 21 is installed on the bearing cover 31, even if the handle portion 24 overlaps the connecting portion 22, the housing portion 23 is arranged in a ring shape.

[0093] In this embodiment, the sensor 26 was a pressure sensor, but it is not limited to this. The sensor 26 may be a photoelectric sensor. In this case, the sensor 26 detects, using light such as infrared light, that a certain amount of lubricant 25 has accumulated in the housing 23. The sensor 26 may also be a strain sensor. In this case, the sensor 26 detects that the housing 23 expands and deforms when the lubricant 25 accumulates in the housing 23 above a certain level.

[0094] <Regarding the lubricant supply device 30> In this embodiment, the lubricant supply device 30 is provided on the bearing device 10, and the bearing device 10 is provided on the hoisting machine 2. However, the lubricant supply device 30 may be provided on a structure other than the hoisting machine 2 that has a rotating shaft 41. Examples include generators, motors, fans, water pumps, rotating electric machines including centrifugal compressors, casters, wheel hubs, and opening / closing devices.

[0095] The various aspects of this disclosure are summarized below as an appendix. (Note 1) Multiple compartments for containing lubricant, A connecting portion that connects the aforementioned multiple storage units, Equipped with, The aforementioned connecting portion is a deformable lubricant container. (Note 2) The lubricant container according to Appendix 1, wherein the plurality of housings are arranged in a ring shape when the connecting portion is deformed. (Note 3) The aforementioned connecting portion is strip-shaped, The plurality of storage compartments are lubricant containers as described in Appendix 1 or 2, provided in a pocket-like manner on the surface of the connecting portion. (Note 4) The plurality of storage compartments are containers having recesses for storing the lubricant, The connecting portion is a lubricant container as described in Appendix 1 or 2, which connects the sides of the plurality of housing portions. (Note 5) A lubricant container according to any one of the appendices 1 to 4, comprising a handle portion provided at one end of the plurality of housing portions connected by the aforementioned connecting portion. (Note 6) Each of the plurality of storage compartments has an opening, Each of the aforementioned storage compartments is a lubricant container according to any one of the appendices 1 to 5, comprising a lid that covers the opening. (Note 7) A lubricant container as described in any one of the items 1 to 5, A bearing cover that can be installed at the end of the boss portion that supports the bearing, Equipped with, The bearing cover is provided with an installation groove, which is an annular groove for fitting the lubricant container, and is located inside the inner circumference of the boss portion; and a replacement hole, which is a through hole that communicates with the inner space of the installation groove and penetrates the inside and outside of the bearing cover, and is a through hole for inserting and removing the lubricant container from the inner space of the installation groove. The lubricant container is a lubricant supply device installed in the bearing cover such that the plurality of housings are arranged in an annular shape by fitting into the installation groove. (Note 8) The lubricant supply device according to Appendix 7, wherein the installation groove is a groove having a recess for fitting the connecting portion of the lubricant container. (Note 9) The lubricant supply device according to Appendix 7 or 8, wherein the installation groove has a first groove which is a recess for fitting the connecting portion of the lubricant container, and a second groove which is a recess for fitting the plurality of housing portions. (Note 10) The lubricant container has a sensor for detecting the lubricant, The sensor is provided in at least one of the multiple housing sections of the lubricant supply device according to any one of the items 7 to 9. (Note 11) The sensor is a lubricant supply device as described in Appendix 10, provided in the lower of the multiple housings which are arranged in an annular shape when the multiple housings are installed in the bearing cover. (Note 12) A lubricant supply device described in any one of the appendices 7 to 11, A bearing that supports the rotating shaft, The boss portion that supports the bearing, Equipped with, Each of the plurality of storage compartments has an opening, The lubricant container is installed in a bearing device in which the openings of the plurality of housings are adjacent to a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the bearing. (Note 13) The bearing device described in Appendix 12, wherein the replacement hole is provided across the bearing cover and the boss portion. (Note 14) The bearing device described in Appendix 12 or 13, A rotating shaft rotatably supported by the aforementioned bearing device, A rotating electric machine equipped with the following features. (Note 15) Drive sheave and, A hoisting motor that rotates the drive sheave, Equipped with, An elevator hoisting machine in which the rotating electric machine described in Appendix 14 is used as the hoisting machine motor. (Note 16) In a method for manufacturing a lubricant container having multiple storage compartments for storing a lubricant, A method for manufacturing a lubricant container, comprising connecting the aforementioned multiple storage sections with a deformable connecting section. (Note 17) A lubricant container, with multiple storage compartments for holding lubricant connected by a deformable connecting part, is inserted through a through-hole, which is a replacement hole, provided in the bearing cover. A method for installing a lubricant container, comprising fitting the lubricant container into an annular groove, which is an installation groove, provided in the bearing cover, and installing the lubricant container so that it completes one full rotation along the installation groove. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0096] 1. Control Panel 2 Hoisting machine 3 baskets 4 Main rope 5. Counterweight 6. Vehicles that deflect 7 boarding doors 8th floor 10 Bearing device 10a Bearing device 11 Bearing base 12 exchange hole 12a Replacement hole on the bearing cover side 12b Replacement hole on the boss side 12c exchange port 12d Replacement port cover 13 Boss Section 14 Support part 21 Lubricant container 22 Connecting part 22a First groove connection 22b Bearing adjacent section 23 Storage Unit 24 Handle section 25 Lubricant 26 sensors 27 Lid 30 Lubricant supply device 30a Lubricant supply device 31 Bearing cover 32 Installation groove 32a First groove 32b Second groove 33 Boss Section Compatible Section 34. Support section for the housing 41 Rotation axis 42 Bearings 42a Rolling element 42b Outer ring 42c inner ring 50 Hoisting machine motor 50a Hoisting machine motor body 60 Drive Sheave 100 Elevators

Claims

1. Multiple compartments for containing lubricant, A connecting portion that connects the aforementioned multiple storage units, Equipped with, The aforementioned connecting portion is a deformable lubricant container.

2. The lubricant container according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of housings are arranged in a ring shape when the connecting portion is deformed.

3. The aforementioned connecting portion is strip-shaped, The lubricant container according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of storage compartments are provided in a pocket-like manner on the surface of the connecting portion.

4. The plurality of storage compartments are containers having recesses for storing the lubricant, The lubricant container according to claim 1, wherein the connecting portion connects the sides of the plurality of housing portions.

5. The lubricant container according to claim 1, further comprising a handle portion provided at one end of the plurality of storage portions connected by the aforementioned connecting portion.

6. Each of the plurality of storage compartments has an opening, The lubricant container according to claim 1, wherein each of the aforementioned storage compartments is provided with a lid that covers the opening.

7. A lubricant container according to any one of claims 1 to 5, A bearing cover that can be installed at the end of the boss portion that supports the bearing, Equipped with, The bearing cover is provided with an installation groove, which is an annular groove for fitting the lubricant container, and is located inside the inner circumference of the boss portion; and a replacement hole, which is a through hole that communicates with the inner space of the installation groove and penetrates the inside and outside of the bearing cover, and is a through hole for inserting and removing the lubricant container from the inner space of the installation groove. The lubricant container is a lubricant supply device installed in the bearing cover such that the plurality of housings are arranged in an annular shape by fitting into the installation groove.

8. The lubricant supply device according to claim 7, wherein the installation groove is a groove having a recess for fitting the connecting portion of the lubricant container.

9. The lubricant supply device according to claim 7, wherein the installation groove has a first groove which is a recess for fitting the connecting portion of the lubricant container, and a second groove which is a recess for fitting the plurality of housing portions.

10. The lubricant container has a sensor for detecting the lubricant, The lubricant supply device according to claim 7, wherein the sensor is provided in at least one of the plurality of housing sections.

11. The lubricant supply device according to claim 10, wherein the sensor is provided in the lower of the plurality of housings arranged in an annular shape when the plurality of housings are installed in the bearing cover.

12. The lubricant supply device according to claim 7, A bearing that supports the rotating shaft, The boss portion that supports the bearing, Equipped with, Each of the plurality of storage compartments has an opening, The lubricant container is installed in a bearing device in which the openings of the plurality of housings are adjacent to a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the bearing.

13. The bearing device according to claim 12, wherein the replacement hole is provided across the bearing cover and the boss portion.

14. The bearing device according to claim 12, A rotating shaft rotatably supported by the bearing device, A rotating electric machine equipped with the following features.

15. Drive sheave and, A hoisting motor that rotates the drive sheave, Equipped with, An elevator hoisting machine in which the rotating electric machine described in claim 14 is used as the hoisting machine motor.

16. In a method for manufacturing a lubricant container having multiple storage compartments for storing a lubricant, A method for manufacturing a lubricant container, comprising connecting the aforementioned multiple storage sections with a deformable connecting section.

17. A lubricant container, with multiple storage compartments for holding lubricant connected by a deformable connecting part, is inserted through a through-hole, which is a replacement hole, provided in the bearing cover. A method for installing a lubricant container, comprising fitting the lubricant container into an annular groove, which is an installation groove, provided in the bearing cover, and installing the lubricant container so that it completes one full rotation along the installation groove.

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