Lubrication control and monitoring system

Abstract

The invention relates to a lubrication control and monitoring system which combines a chip grease fitting, flow meter, cordless grease gun, grease cartridge, lubrication pump, labeling the lubrication gram information, period, and grease type at each lubrication point, and a system that manages, controls, and reports this process.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] LUBRICATION CONTROL AND MONITORING SYSTEM

[0003] Technical Field of the Invention

[0004] The invention relates to a lubrication control and monitoring system which combines a chip grease fitting, flow meter, cordless grease gun, grease cartridge, lubrication pump, labeling the lubrication gram information, period, and grease type at each lubrication point, and a system that manages, controls, and reports this process.

[0005] State of the Art

[0006] Cordless grease machines are grease machines that are powered by an electric motor or battery. These machines make the lubrication of industrial equipment and vehicles easier and more efficient. A flow meter, on the other hand, is a device used to measure the flow rate or amount of a liquid or gas within a pipe. Today, cordless grease guns and flow meters are already being produced and used on the market. Existing cordless grease guns only display the grease passing through it, do not receive any lubrication point information in any way and do not create a record-control-reporting system by sending the performed operation to the software.

[0007] Current grease guns and flow meters count each grease in the same amount, resulting in the same quantity being measured even though different weights of grease are pumped at a time according to the varying densities of the grease.

[0008] Application No. EP1192387 in the state of the art relates to a method and a device for manual lubrication of multiple lubrication points with a predetermined amount of lubricant for each lubrication point separately.

[0009] When the systems in the state of the art were examined, devices that have to be used in conjunction with a grease gun without having the ability to store and pump grease in itself have been encountered. In addition, these devices do not have instant data transfer feature. For this reason, it is crucial to offer a higher level of smart lubrication solution by combining a chip grease fitting, flow meter and cordless grease gun, labeling the lubrication gram information, period, and grease type at each lubrication point.

[0010] Summary and Objects of the Invention

[0011] The invention relates to a lubrication control and monitoring system which combines a chip grease fitting, flow meter, cordless grease gun, grease cartridge, lubrication pump, labeling the lubrication gram information, period, and grease type at each lubrication point, and a system that manages, controls, and reports this process.

[0012] An object of the invention is to calibrate different types of grease oils with coefficients suitable for their densities, so that the correct amount of grease can be pumped.

[0013] Another object of the invention is to enable measuring the grease flow in real time during the lubrication process with the flow meter integrated with the grease gun.

[0014] Another object of the invention is to enable determining lubrication points-specific requirements and lubrication periods with labeled chip grease fittings and flow meters that can be calibrated to different grease densities. In this way, lubrication processes are performed more precisely and accurately.

[0015] Another object of the invention is to prevent the use of unnecessary grease and reduce lubrication costs by determining the correct amount of lubrication. In addition, with the right lubrication, the life of the equipment is extended, thus reducing maintenance and repair costs.

[0016] Another object of the invention is to direct the lubrication personnel to the correct lubrication points. In this way, it prevents unnecessary loss of time during the process. This ensures that maintenance processes are completed faster and more efficiently.

[0017] Another object of the invention is to enable collecting, analyzing, and reporting data on lubrication processes. This data helps make decisions about maintenance planning and equipment performance. Another object of the invention is to minimize the negative effects on the environment by ensuring that the right amount of grease is applied at the right time. Preventing the use of unnecessary grease reduces the release of waste grease to the environment and contributes to the protection of natural resources.

[0018] Another object of the invention is to determine the right amount of lubrication, preventing unnecessary grease consumption and thus reducing carbon emissions. By consuming less energy, the carbon footprint on the environment is minimized and sustainability is ensured.

[0019] Description of the Drawings

[0020] Figure 1. The drawing showing the isometric view of the lubrication device and transponder of the invention.

[0021] Figure 2. The drawing showing the isometric view of the lubrication device of the invention.

[0022] Figure 3. The drawing showing the schematic view of the control board and the lubrication monitoring and control server of the invention.

[0023] Description of the References in the Drawings

[0024] 1 . Display

[0025] 2. Wireless communication module

[0026] 3. Automatic lubrication start and stop module

[0027] 4. Automatic calibration module

[0028] 5. Flow meter

[0029] 6. RFID point recognition antenna 7. Power saving module

[0030] 8. Multi-function keypad

[0031] 9. Sound and light warning and alert module

[0032] 10. Transponder

[0033] 11. Lubrication monitoring and control server

[0034] 12. Grease cartridge

[0035] 13. Lubrication pump

[0036] 20. Control board

[0037] 100. Lubrication device

[0038] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0039] The invention relates to a lubrication control and monitoring system which combines a chip grease fitting, flow meter, cordless grease gun, labeling the lubrication gram information, period, and grease type at each lubrication point, and a system that manages, controls, and reports this process.

[0040] There is a display (1) on the lubrication control and tracking system. The display (1) guides the personnel by showing the users the lubrication route to navigate to the lubrication points. The display (1 ) is touch-sensitive and colored. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the display (1) is a color display. The brightness of the display (1 ) can be adjusted. In this way, the readability of the display (1) in outdoor conditions is improved. The display (1) has an interface that allows users of the lubrication device (100) to identify user transponders. The display (1) shows the user information using the device if it has been identified. The display (1) guides the personnel by showing the information of the transponder to be installed for transponder identification at the lubrication points. The display (1) has an interface to open and close the connection point so that wireless communication can be achieved. The display (1) shows the access information used in wireless communication to the user. The display (1 ) shows the lubrication device (100) calibration information to the user. The display (1) presents the number and physical MAC address of the lubrication device to the user. The display (1) allows the power saving setting for the invention device to be adjusted. The display (1 ) performs the switching on of the manual wireless communication of the lubrication device (100), switching to manual update mode, manual measurement of the battery voltage, display of the transponder number scanned.

[0041] The display (1 ) operates via wireless communication module (2), automatic lubrication start and stop module (3), automatic calibration module (4), flow meter (5), RFID point recognition antenna (6), power saving module (7), sound and light warning and alert module (9), control board (20).

[0042] The wireless communication module (2) enables the lubrication control and monitoring system to transfer data to the cloud server without being connected to any device.

[0043] In the state of the art, the trigger needs to be pulled to start the lubrication process. In the state of the art, the trigger needs to be released to stop the lubrication process. Since there is no information about which point to lubricate and how much in the systems in the state of the art, it is not possible to stop the lubrication process automatically. The automatic lubrication start and stop module (3) allows the lubrication process to be started and stopped with a button. In addition, automatic lubrication start and stop process can be performed. Since a system that communicates with the cloud server has been developed, the lubrication system has information about which point will be lubricated with which grease and how much (this information is received by the device from the cloud-based lubrication monitoring and control server (11). After the device is attached to the point where it will perform the lubrication process, the RFID point recognition antenna (6) on the device is used to determine which point this point is and how much this point will be lubricated is shown on the display. When the lubrication process starts, grease is pumped in the amount of grease recorded in this module and the device automatically stops the lubrication process.) With the automatic lubrication start and stop module (3), the operation is performed such that the lubrication process is started and stopped automatically. The automatic calibration module (4) provides automatic calibration of the new generation lubrication device (100) according to the grease defined in the lubrication system. In this way, the correct amount of grease is flowed to the lubrication points.

[0044] With reference to the magnetic field generated by the rotation of the magnets placed on the elliptical gear wheels in the flow meter (5), the number of rotation turns is calculated with the reed switch component on the main circuit board. The grease volume transmitted by the elliptical wheels in one turn is calculated from CAD drawings and the grease flow is measured by establishing the number of turns and density connection. (Through an interface running on the electronic device, information on which point will be lubricated with which grease and the grease's density is received from the users. This data is entered via the interface during the initial setup and sent to the lubrication monitoring and control server (11). The device processes this data at the point to be lubricated on itself and calculates the amount of grease flow). With the use of elliptical gears, less energy is consumed compared to other measurement methods.

[0045] Old-style lubrication devices have RFID receiving antennas. However, there are often problems with the reading of these antennas. It is affected by the magnetic fields of the motors operating in the factory and cannot successfully continue the lubrication processes. Cordless grease guns, on the other hand, do not have any RFID technology. Cordless grease gun consists of a grease cartridge (12) and a lubrication pump (13). The RFID point recognition antenna (6) is mounted on the g-connection end in the lubrication device (100) hose and recognizes the lubrication points from the information on the transponder attached to the grease fitter in any working environment. (Each transponder has an ID. This ID is a unique ID. It can be thought of as a personal identification number.)

[0046] The power saving module (7), position determining integrations are used to detect three-axis movement. In case of any movement, certain signals are obtained from certain legs of the integration. With the sensitive movement-sensing electronic module created from these integrations, the power saving module is activated within the framework of the criteria determined in cases where there is no notification from any axis data, that is, when the invention is immobilized, and ensures that the elements that are not used at that moment and consume power are turned off. With power saving, battery health is protected with long-term use of the device.

[0047] The multi-function keypad (8) includes a 7-key membrane keypad to manage four different main display applications (1) including device settings, daily lubrication orders, lubrication point, and transponder identification, and access to the relevant pages to perform system controls of the device.

[0048] The sound and light warning and alert module (9) provides guidance when the lubrication operator attempts to lubricate a point other than the one shown on the lubrication device (100), indicating a route change and preventing erroneous operations, also issues audible and visual alerts regarding situations such as battery status, sending transponder reading of the device to the lubrication operator, opening in access point mode, connecting to the device from the access point, being in charge, pressing a button, or receiving an error message, as well as RFID and user-related operations.

[0049] The transponder (10) is attached to the grease fittings, which are mounted on the lubrication points. Each transponder (10) has a unique identification number. With these chips attached to the lubrication points, the point is recognized by the device with the help of an RFID antenna and the device shows the lubrication operator how much grease and which grease to lubricate with. (In the lubrication monitoring and control server, information on the type of grease to be used for the lubrication points in the locations during the initial installation process, the periods in which lubrication will be performed, and how much lubrication will be performed are entered). The smartening of the points is done in this way using transponders.

[0050] The lubrication monitoring and control server (11 ) enables lubrication processes in all locations to be managed from a single center using cloud systems. The lubrication monitoring and control server (11 ) communicates with all devices operating in the field using wireless technologies and accesses the lubrication information instantly. The information accessed is presented to end users using visual and reporting methods. In the lubrication monitoring and control server, information on the type of grease to be used for the lubrication points in the locations during the initial installation process, the periods in which lubrication will be performed, and how much lubrication will be performed are entered. In addition, the lubrication monitoring and control server (11 ) also reports the estimation of the amount and type of grease to be consumed by the locations in the specified date intervals.

[0051] The lubrication information for each point (lubrication information for each point is stable. In the datasheet of these machines and equipment, it is indicated which point is to be lubricated, how much and how often) can be taken from existing ERP or maintenance programs or can be defined via an interface.

[0052] The information defined for the lubrication points is processed on the lubrication tracking and control servers and RFID chip (transponder) identification work orders are created for each point. When the lubrication operator performs this identification process, they select the transponder identification page on the invention display with the multi-function keypad. Through the wireless communication module, the tasks of identifying the transponder are transferred to the invention via the server. By attaching each RFID chip grease fitter to the lubrication hose of the cordless grease gun, the identification information about the point (the point information entered into the system is matched with which transponder is attached to this point) is transferred again from the antenna at the end of the hose to the servers via the wireless communication module. Then, chip grease fittings are mounted at the points where they are assigned.

[0053] The information defined for lubrication points is processed in the lubrication monitoring and control servers and lubrication work orders for each point are again created with reference to the information entered. When the execution date of lubrication work orders comes, these orders are labeled as active lubrication work orders and lubrication task packages are created to contain the number of lubrication work orders determined by the server. When the lubrication operator performs lubrication, they fill the grease cartridge (12) (chamber) in which the grease can be stored and makes a request to the server to retrieve this list of generated lubrication task packages from the lubrication page on the display (1 ). With the wireless communication module, this request is transferred to the server. The list of task packages created by the server for the location of the invention and containing active lubrication work orders is transferred to the invention. Again, in order to transfer the lubrication work orders in the lubrication task package planned to be performed by the lubrication operator to the invention, the lubrication task is selected with the keypad on the display and a request is made to the server via the wireless communication module. Lubrication work orders are sent to the invention by the server. Lubrication orders including the point information to be lubricated, the type and amount of grease to be used are displayed on the screen. When the lubrication operator starts the lubrication process, they attach the RFID antenna-enabled hose to the grease fitting with the RFID chip (transponder) to be lubricated. With the hose with RFID antenna, the transponder identification information is transferred to the motherboard module included in the invention. The automatic calibration module determines according to which calibration this point will be lubricated with the identification information. Taking into account the calibration here, the lubrication pump (13) is triggered and the lubrication process starts under the control of the automatic lubrication start and stop module. During the lubrication process, the marks obtained by the movement of the magnets on the gears located in the flow meter are recorded by the automatic lubrication module. With each number of marks received, the calibration rate received from the automatic calibration module is processed and deducted from the total lubrication amount of that point. This process continues until the amount is reduced to zero. After all the grease that needs to be pumped has been pumped, the automatic lubrication start and stop module stops the lubrication process. After the lubrication process is finished, the audible and visual alert module is activated and transmits guiding messages to the lubrication operator.

[0054] If the voltage value read from the battery during lubrication or at normal times is less than the critical amount required for the operation of the invention, the audible and visual alert module activates and gives a warning, and the device puts the elements that are not needed at that moment and that consume energy into sleep mode through the power saving module. In addition, if the invention does not operate within the specified periods and is in a stationary position, this module is activated again and puts the device into sleep mode. If the voltage value increases above the critical level by connecting the invention to the charging unit, it is ensured that it automatically exits from power saving, but the invention can continue to be used in power saving mode.

[0055] USB Type-C communication technology is used to install the embedded software of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A lubrication control and monitoring system, characterized in that it comprises;- at least one lubrication device (100) comprising at least one display (1 ) guiding the personnel by showing the users the lubrication route to navigate to the lubrication points, allowing users of the lubrication device (100) to identify user transponders, having interfaces for guiding the personnel by showing the information of the transponder to be installed for transponder identification at the lubrication points; at least one wireless communication module (2) enabling the lubrication device (100) to transfer data to the cloud server without being connected to any device; at least one automatic lubrication start and stop module (3) for automatically pumping the amount of grease for the lubrication point received from the lubrication monitoring and control server (11 ); at least one automatic calibration module (4) ensuring that the correct amount of grease flows to the lubrication points by automatic calibration according to the grease defined in the lubrication monitoring and control server (11 ); at least one flow meter (5) measuring the grease flow by obtaining information from the lubrication monitoring and control server (1 1 ) on which grease the point to be lubricated will be lubricated with and the density of this grease; at least one RFID point recognition antenna (6) that recognizes the lubrication points from the ID information on the transponder (10) installed on the grease fitting; at least one power saving module (7) for detecting when the system is not working with a sensor that understands the three-axis movement, and shutting down the power; at least one multi-function keypad (8) to manage the display (1 ) interfaces including device settings, daily lubrication orders, lubrication point, and transponder identification, and to control the display (1 ) to perform systemic controls of the device; at least one sound and light warning and alert module (9) providing a sound and light warning that the route is changed when the lubrication operator is about to lubricate a point other than the indicated lubrication point, for following the lubrication route created in the lubrication monitoring and control server (11 ); at least one grease cartridge (12) for storing the grease; and at least one grease pump(13) pumping the grease on command from the automatic lubrication start and stop module (3),- at least one transponder (10), each containing an identification number, enabling the RFID point recognition antenna (6) to recognize the lubrication points by being attached to the lubrication points,- at least one lubrication monitoring and control server (11 ) accessing instant lubrication information in the device by communicating with the lubrication device (100) via the wireless communication module (2), receiving information from users on the type of grease to be used, the periods in which lubrication will be performed, and how much lubrication will be performed regarding the lubrication points in the locations through an interface executed on the electronic device with a wireless communication module, detecting the lubrication information of the lubrication point detected by the RFID point recognition antenna (6) using this information for showing on the display (1), generating lubrication work orders for each lubrication point entered by users through the interface, sending the work orders to the display (1) to be shown to the operator, and calculating the amount and type of grease to be consumed by the locations at specified date intervals.

2. The lubrication control and monitoring system according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises a battery that powers the lubrication device (100).

3. The lubrication control and monitoring system according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises a display (1 ) having an interface to enable opening and closing of the connection point for wireless communication.

4. The lubrication control and monitoring system according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises a display (1 ) that displays access information used in wireless communication, lubrication device (100) calibration information, lubrication device (100) number and physical MAC address to the user.

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