FR2857693A1 - Additional lubrication device for machine or engine of vehicle, provides lubrication and preliminary pressurizing while starting, and manages pressure security and/or oil temperature during operation - Google Patents

Abstract

The device provides lubrication and preliminary pressurizing in a conventional lubrication circuit, while starting of an engine or a machine. Thresholds of pressure security and/or oil temperature, compensation of variations/fall of pressure during violent accelerations/de-accelerations are managed during operation. Predetermination and/or anticipation of lubrication needs during partial or total defection of the oil pump (14) are made. The device manages during the breakdowns such as loss and/or oil leak or breaking of seal of the oil pump during violent braking of a vehicle in movement which throws the oil stored in the crank case, towards the front. The device maintains the pressure of the oil till the complete stop of the mechanical units in movement, while stopping of the machine or the engine.

Description

i

  The present invention relates to an auxiliary lubrication device, integrated and / or coupled to the traditional lubrication circuit, to maintain a sufficient oil pressure regardless of the running configuration of a machine or a motor.

  In general, a machine is equipped, to prevent excessive heating and premature wear of its parts, a lubrication circuit powered by a pump. When the ignition is switched on, the machine and its pump start together. As a result, the pump needs a few seconds to reach its flow and operating pressure to effectively lubricate all parts. During this time, the parts undergo a mechanical wear which is repeated at each start. There is a risk of seizure.

  During operation, the lubrication system may experience abnormalities or failures that result in an abnormal change in pressure, including: * During significant changes in speed: abrupt acceleration or deceleration.

  * In case of missing and / or leaking oil.

  * In case of partial or total defection of the oil pump.

  * In case of defusing the oil pump. Example: during a sudden braking of a moving vehicle the oil contained in the crankcase is projected forward.

  * An abnormal rise in temperature or oil pressure due to mechanical stress.

  When the contact is cut, the pressure drops rapidly but the need for lubrication remains until the mechanical parts in motion are completely stopped. A machine or a turbo engine needs several seconds to stop and therefore runs dry.

  Weather conditions can interfere with the normal operation of a machine and cause: * Difficult starting causing a longer build-up of pressure.

  * A thickening of the oil which increases the pressure in the circuit and disturbs its circulation.

  * Excessive heating of the oil due to the ambient temperature.

  The present invention relates to a device that overcomes these disadvantages by providing assistance and safety to the traditional lubrication circuit of a machine or motor, regardless of the running configuration. It pre-presses the lubrication circuit and lubricates the machine before starting. During operation, it maintains a sufficient oil pressure during: accelerations or sudden decelerations, a partial or total defection of the oil pump or particular failures such as missing and / or leakage of oil or the defusing the pump, in particular during a sudden braking of a moving vehicle which throws the oil stored in the crankcase forward and / or stops the machine safely in case of abnormal rise in pressure and / or the oil temperature. When the ignition is switched off, it maintains a sufficient oil pressure until the mechanical parts in motion are completely stopped, thus ensuring their lubrication. It can mitigate or mitigate the effects related to climatic constraints by heating the oil stored in a battery before starting. By integrating, for machines with variable speeds, a probe on the accelerator, the device can predetermine and / or anticipate the lubrication requirements. Depending on the design and the degree of security desired the circuit: lubrication can be simple or doubled and the device managed by a computer that triggers, depending on the anomaly or failure found, the appropriate intervention of the device. In case of failure or revision of the device, a valve can isolate and intervene without stopping the machine.

  I result: * Increased security.

* A production gain.

* A maintenance cost decreased.

  * A quick return on the investment.

  * Better reliability of the equipment.

  * An extended life of the machine. The device according to the invention comprises: * A connecting pipe which receives all or part of the material that the device comprises. The remaining material is mounted on the traditional lubrication circuit. It is equipped with a filling / draining valve of an accumulator.

  * One or more hydraulic accumulators: cylinder and / or pressurized balloon that stores or expels a quantity of oil under pressure to the lubrication circuit of the machine. It absorbs variations or pressure drops in the lubrication circuit. The oil contained in the accumulator can be heated. It is equipped with 2 level probes: full and empty which enslave, depending on the version used, the operation of a motor / oil pump unit, the stop of the machine safely, or are connected to a computer. The amount of oil stored must be able to absorb, at a minimum, starting and stopping of the machine.

  * A motor / oil pump, energy to be defined according to the context, which fills a hydraulic accumulator and / or supply and / or replaces the oil pump of the machine. The unit must be able to operate until the mechanical parts in motion of the machine are completely stopped. Its motor is at one or two speeds or driven by a variable speed drive.

  * A solenoid valve that allows a hydraulic accumulator to store or expel the pressurized oil it contains to the lubrication circuit of the machine. It opens under electrical voltage or other and its closure is direct or timed. Depending on the version, it can be controlled by a pressure switch, a computer or be replaced by a control valve with pressure probe or controlled by a computer.

  * A pressure switch or pressure switches that drive a motor / oil pump unit, a solenoid valve or a control valve depending on the pressure in the lubrication circuit and starts the machine after pressurization.

  * A safety valve that absorbs excess flow and pressure in the circuit.

  * During operation and depending on the version, the pump of the machine or the pump motor unit of the device fills an accumulator by means of a bypass whose flow is calibrated so as not to affect the lubrication of the machine. It is equipped with a non-return valve.

  * Sensors, placed on the entire lubrication circuit, inform a calculator of the lubrication conditions: pressure, flow, temperature, oil level and / or leakage and isolation valve.

  * A probe which, depending on the action exerted on the accelerator of the machine, informs a computer that determines and / or anticipates the oil pressure requirements in the circuit.

  * A computer that determines, according to its programming and operating parameters provided by detectors, a probe, two full and empty level probes, the appropriate intervention of the device according to the anomaly or the failure noted. When included in the device, the timers are integrated into its programming. The computer 15 may, depending on the fault, isolate one or more defective sectors, by closing the valve of the detectors concerned and the lubrication circuit is simple or doubled, depending on the desired degree of security.

  * Two non-return valves are mounted on the displacement of the motor / pump unit of the device and on that of the pump of the machine. They seal in case of failure and prevent all or part of the circuits from emptying.

  * An isolation valve of the device.

* A pressure gauge.

  * Depending on the version used, the device includes: - A timed relay when the machine is started after pressurization. 25 - A relay timed or not at the stop of a motor / oil pump.

  - A timed relay when closing a solenoid valve or a control valve that can be controlled by a pressure switch or a computer. The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention: FIG. 1 represents the entire device of the invention.

  FIG. 2 represents by way of example the device of the invention according to the first version.

  FIG. 3 represents by way of example the device of the invention according to the second version.

  FIG. 4 represents, by way of example, the device of the invention according to the third version.

  FIG. 5 represents, by way of example, the device of the invention according to the fourth version.

  FIG. 6 represents, by way of example, the device of the invention according to the fifth version.

  FIG. 7 represents the operating parameters of the computer of the device of the invention according to the fifth version.

  Generalities: e The different versions proposed are given as examples to show the possibilities of the device. Other combinations of equipment are possible depending on the degree of technical sophistication sought and the technical characteristics of the machine.

  * The first two versions proposed, using only the oil stored in an accumulator (1), ensure a limited safety in time with stop of the machine if necessary. Other versions, including a motor / pump unit (8), can provide unlimited safety over time.

  First version: With reference to figure 2. operation of the device: When the ignition is switched on, a relay (10) delays the starting of the machine and a solenoid valve (2) opens under electrical voltage or other and the rest until at the complete stop of the machine. A hydraulic accumulator (1) expels a portion of the pressurized oil which it stores to the lubrication circuit (13) of the machine via a connecting pipe (4). At the end of the delay (10), the operating pressure is reached and the previously lubricated machine starts. The pump (14) lubricates the machine and fills a hydraulic accumulator (1) with a connecting pipe (4) .During the operation, if the pressure undergoes variations, the solenoid valve (2) being open, these are absorbed by the reserve of oil stored in an accumulator (1).

  On switching off the contact, a relay (21) delays closing of the solenoid valve (2) to maintain a sufficient oil pressure in the circuit (13) until the complete shutdown of the moving mechanical parts. The accumulator (1) stores the oil until the next start.

  An empty level sensor (16) of an accumulator (1) triggers the safe shutdown of the machine before all the stored oil is consumed. A non-return valve (18) seals the pump (14). A pressure gauge (17) indicates the pressure in the circuit (13) and the valve (24) isolates the device Second version: Referring to Figure 3. Device operation: Its operation is identical to the first version with: during operation if the pressure drops sharply, a pressure switch (3) or pressure switches (26) activates a relay (11) which starts a motor / pump unit (8) and the oil is discharged to the circuit (13). When the operating pressure is reached, a pressure switch (3) deactivates a timed relay (11) and a group (8) stops. A control is created to avoid, when switching on the ignition, the simultaneous triggering of the pressure switch (3) and the solenoid valve (2). In the event of partial or total defection of the pump (14), a group (8) replaces or replaces it and fills an accumulator (1).

  A safety valve (7) absorbs excess flow and pressure. A nonreturn valve (18) is mounted on the delivery of the group (8).

  Third version: With reference to FIG. 4, operation of the device: Its operation is identical to the second version, except that when the ignition is switched on, a relay (10) delays the starting of the machine and that if the fall or falls of pressure consume almost all the oil stored in a battery (1), an empty level sensor (16) starts a group (8). The oil is pumped back to the circuit (13). When the accumulator (1) is full again, the full level sensor (15) stops the group (8).

  Referring to Figure 1. variants of the first and third versions: These variants relate to the first and third versions (Figures 2 and 4) and include additional equipment represented by a pressure switch (3) which, depending on the pressure in the circuit (13) drives a solenoid valve (2) and starts the machine when the operating pressure is reached. A bypass (5) whose oil flow is calibrated so as not to impair the lubrication, allows to fill a battery (1) when a solenoid valve (2) is closed. It is equipped with a non-return valve (6).

  Fourth version: With reference to FIG. 5. operation of the device: At start-up or during operation, by lack of pressure in the circuit (13), a pressure switch (3) activates a relay (11) which starts a group (8) . The oil is pumped back to the circuit (13) and lubricates the machine. When the operating pressure is reached, a pressure switch (3) deactivates a relay (11) timed to stop to prevent water hammers and a group (8) stops.

  When the contact is switched off, a group (8) starts or continues to rotate to maintain a sufficient pressure in the circuit (13) until the mechanical parts in motion are completely stopped. A relay (11) delays its stop.

  Fifth version: With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. operation of the device: This version is particularly applicable to machines or engines with variable speed. Referring to FIG. 7, operating parameters of the computer (12): A calculator (12) manages the lubrication of a machine and determines the appropriate intervention of the device according to its programming and the parameters provided by: Two probes: full level (15) and vacuum (16) of an accumulator (1) * Sensors (23) distributed on the circuit (13) which inform the computer about the lubrication conditions: flow, pressure, temperature, level and / or oil leakage and isolation valve. The circuit (13) is simple or doubled, depending on the degree of security desired. Depending on the failure, the computer may isolate one or more defective sectors, by commanding the detectors concerned to close their valve and to use the second circuit.

  * A probe (25), depending on the action exerted on the accelerator, informs the computer (12) which determines and / or anticipates the oil pressure requirements in the circuit (13). This may be the case for a competition vehicle operating on a circuit. The computer (12) can receive specific programming in the form of a preset sequence for one lap.

  To perform the appropriate intervention, the computer (12) has and / or controls: * Safety thresholds pressure and / or temperature ordering the start of a group (8) or stopping the machine, even if a battery (1) is not empty.

  * A reserve of pressurized oil stored in a hydraulic accumulator (1).

  * Safety: If the computer (12) fails, a group (8) starts and runs continuously or the machine stops.

  * Locking or tripping of the device * Control of a valve (19) or a solenoid valve (2).

  * Starting and stopping the machine.

  * Starting and stopping of a motor / oil pump unit (8) with one or two speed motor or controlled by an inverter (20).

  * Stopping the machine in case of failure * Isolation of one or more defective sectors of the circuit (13).

  * Maintaining the oil pressure until the mechanical parts stop in motion after the ignition is switched off.

  The computer permanently displays, on a control screen, the operating and safety parameters, leaving in certain situations, the technician decide on the choice of intervention.

  Referring to Figure 6, operation of the device: At the ignition of the contact, for lack of pressure in the circuit (13), a computer (12) opens a pilot valve (19) and a portion of the oil stored under pressure in an accumulator (1) is expelled to the circuit (13) via a connecting pipe (4) and lubricates the machine. When the operating pressure is reached, a computer (12) starts the previously lubricated machine and closes the valve (19).

  During operation, detectors (23) and a probe (25) inform a calculator (12) which, as needed, more or less opens a valve (19). Before an accumulator (1) is empty, an empty level sensor (16) informs a computer (12) that starts a group (8). The oil is discharged to the circuit (13) and an accumulator (1) is filled by a bypass (5) equipped with a non-return valve (6). The oil flow of the bypass is calibrated so as not to impair lubrication. When an accumulator (1) is full again, a full level sensor (15) informs a calculator (12) which stops a group (8) with or without a delay. When the machine is at high speed, it is she who fills a battery (1). If the pressure increases or falls sharply and / or if the temperature rises abnormally and even if an accumulator (1) still contains oil, a calculator (12) stops the machine safely or starts a group (8). ) which operates until a battery (1) is full again.

  When the contact is switched off, the valve (19) opens to maintain sufficient oil pressure in the circuit (13) until the mechanical parts in motion are completely stopped.

  Its stop is delayed The timers (10, 1 1 and 21) are integrated in a computer (12).

Claims (8)

  1 - Supplementary lubrication device integrated and / or coupled to the traditional lubrication circuit (13) of a machine or engine that provides assistance and safety to the basic circuit characterized in that said device processes and manages from a calculator the problem as a whole regardless of the running configuration of the machine, 1) at start-up: lubrication and pressurisation, 2) during operation: safety thresholds pressure and / or oil temperature, compensation variations or drops in pressure during accelerations or sudden decelerations, predetermination and / or anticipation of lubrication requirements, in the event of partial or total defection of the oil pump (14) or particular failures such as: lack and / or or oil leakage or defusing of the oil pump (14) (eg during sudden braking of a moving vehicle which throws oil stored in the crankcase forward), 3) A stopping: maintenance of the oil pressure until the complete stop of moving mechanical parts, said device consists of a reserve of oil (cold or heated) under pressure stored in one or more hydraulic accumulators (1) and / or, depending on the version, a computer (12) 15 and / or a motor / oil pump unit (8) whose engine is at one or two speeds or controlled by a speed variator (20), assisted by a solenoid valve (2) or a control valve (19) with a pressure sensor (22) or controlled by a computer (12), a pressure switch (3) or pressure switches ( 26), a connecting pipe (4), a bypass (5), a safety valve (7), non-return valves (6-18), a filling valve / emptying (9), timed relays (1 0-11-21), full-level (15) and vacuum (16) probes, detectors (23), an isolation valve (24), a feeler (25) and a control manometer (17).   2 - Device according to claim 1 characterized in that a first version (Figure 2) comprises a basic equipment represented by an accumulator (1), a solenoid valve (2), a connecting pipe (4), a valve ( 9), a relay (10) which delays the starting of the machine, an empty level sensor (16), a non-return valve (18), a relay (21) timed to close the solenoid valve (2). ), a pressure gauge (17) and an isolation valve (24) of the device When the ignition is switched on, a solenoid valve (2) opens at electrical voltage or other voltage until the machine stops. The pressurized oil stored in an accumulator (1) ensures the pressurization prior to starting, absorbs the pressure variations during operation and at the cutoff of the contact, maintains a sufficient pressure until the complete shutdown of the mechanical parts moving. The pump (14) of the machine fills an accumulator (1). An empty level sensor (16) stops the machine before the safety of the lubrication is no longer ensured. The minimum amount of oil stored in an accumulator (1) is calculated to absorb, at least, start up and shutdown of the machine. A non-return valve (18) seals the pump (14). This device provides a security limited in time related to the capacity of a battery (1).   3 - Device according to claims 1 and 2 characterized in that a second version (Figure 3) comprises a complementary equipment represented by a pressure switch (3), a pump motor unit (8) (energy to be defined according to the context), a relay (I 1) timed on stopping a group (8), a second non-return valve (18) mounted on the discharge of a group (8) and a safety valve (7) which absorbs the excess pressure and flow in the circuits (4 and 13). During operation, in the event of a significant drop in pressure, a pressure switch (3) activates a relay (11) which starts a group (8) and delays its shutdown. A group (8) replaces or replaces the oil pump (14) of the machine in case of partial or total defection of the machine and / or fills an accumulator (1). A control is created to avoid, when switching on the ignition, the simultaneous tripping of a pressure switch (3) and a solenoid valve (2). This version, including a group (8), provides security that is not limited in time.   4 - Device according to claims 1 to 3 characterized in that a third version (Figure 4) comprises complementary equipment represented by a solid level sensor (15) of an accumulator (1) which stops a group (8) . An empty level probe (16) controls the start of the group (8).   - Device according to one of claims 1 to 4 characterized in that two variants (Figure 1) relate to the first and third version (Figures 2 and 4) and comprise additional equipment represented by a bypass (5) which allows the filling an accumulator (1) when a solenoid valve (2) is closed, and whose oil flow is calibrated so as not to affect the lubrication of the machine and a non-return valve (6). Depending on the pressure in the circuit (13), a pressure switch (3) drives a solenoid valve (2) and starts the machine after the pre-pressurization.   6 - Device according to one of claims 1 to 5 characterized in that a solenoid valve (2) 25 may be replaced by a control valve (19) equipped with a pressure sensor (22).   This solution is particularly interesting for machines whose oil pressure in the circuit (13) is relatively constant.   7 - Device according to one of claims 1 to 6 characterized in that a fourth version (Figure 5) operates without hydraulic accumulator (1). As soon as the ignition is switched on and until the mechanical parts in motion stop, due to a lack of pressure in the circuit (13), a pressure switch (3) activates a relay (11) which starts a group (8). When the operating pressure is reached, a pressure switch (3) deactivates a relay (11) which delays the stopping of a group (8) to prevent water hammer. This version provides security over time and allows you to use less hardware.   8 - Device according to one of claims 1 to 7 characterized in that a fifth version (Figures 6 and 7) comprises complementary equipment represented by a computer (12), a valve (19) or a solenoid valve (2) driven by a computer (12), sensors (23), a probe (25) and a lubrication circuit (13) simple or doubled.   A calculator (12) manages the lubrication of a machine and determines the appropriate intervention of the device according to its programming and operating parameters provided by a probe (25) (action on the accelerator), two full-level probes (15) and vacuum (16) of an accumulator (1) and detectors (23) which inform mains lubrication conditions by sector: flow, pressure, temperature, level and / or oil leakage and isolation valve . Pressure and oil temperature safety thresholds are set. After analysis of the needs, to perform the appropriate intervention, the computer (12) controls the locking or tripping of the device, the control of a valve (19) or a solenoid valve (2), starting and stopping of the machine and a group (8), isolating the defective sector (s) from the circuit (13) by closing the valves of the detectors (23), safely stopping the machine in case of failure, the maintenance of the pressure in the circuit (13) until the complete stop of moving mechanical parts after the breaking of the contact and its own safety in case of failure by starting a group (8) or stopping of the machine.   A computer (12) can receive specific programming enabling it to predetermine and / or anticipate the lubrication requirements. The timers (10, 11 and 21) are integrated in the computer (12). This version is particularly suitable for machines with variable speed.   9 - Device according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that all or part of the material that comprises the device can be mounted on a connecting pipe (4) 20 and / or integrated in the base circuit (13) of a machine or 'a motor.