LUBRICATION SYSTEM AND CONTROLLER

• US 20130277148A1
• Filed: 04/20/2012
• Published: 10/24/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 04/20/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: ABet SKF, Lincoln Industrial Corporation (Lincoln Holdings Enterprises, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: ABet SKF
• Inventors: BECK, David, DONOVAN, Nathan, KRASSINGER, Eric
• Granted Patent: US 9,920,878 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 184/6.4
• CPC Class Codes: F16N 2230/02 Microprocessor; Microcomputer
• CPC Class Codes: F16N 29/02 for influencing the supply of lubricant
• CPC Class Codes: F16N 7/385 Central lubrication systems

Abstract

A lubrication system for lubricating bearings that includes at least one lubrication pump for pumping lubricant to the bearings and at least one metering valve for distributing the pumped lubricant throughout the lubrication system to the bearings. The system further includes a lubrication controller in communication with the at least one lubrication pump and at least one metering valve for controlling the lubrication system. The controller has firmware configured to provide a sequence of instructions to perform specified tasks and hardware that carries out the sequence of instructions to perform the specified tasks. In an unconfigured and unconnected state, the lubrication controller can be configured by reprogramming the firmware, to selectively control at least one of a series progressive lubrication system, a dual line lubrication system and a single line parallel lubrication system.

Claims

1. ) A lubrication system for lubricating bearings, the lubrication system comprising:

at least one lubrication pump for pumping lubricant to the bearings, and

at least one metering valve for distributing the pumped lubricant throughout the lubrication system to the bearings, and

a lubrication controller in communication with the at least one lubrication pump and at least one metering valve for controlling the lubrication system and having firmware configured to provide a sequence of instructions to perform specified tasks and hardware that carries out the sequence of instructions to perform the specified tasks, and wherein

in an unconfigured and unconnected state, the lubrication controller can be configured by reprogramming the firmware to selectively control at least one of a series progressive lubrication system, a dual line lubrication system and a single line parallel lubrication system.

2. The lubrication system according to claim 1, wherein the controller further comprises a USB port used to reflash the firmware.

3. The lubrication system according to claim 1, wherein the lubrication system further comprises at least one flow sensor and at least one pressure sensor, the flow and pressure sensors for sending feedback signals to the controller.

4. The lubrication system according to claim 3, wherein the controller is responsive to the respective flow and pressure sensor feedback signals and provides instructions to the lubrication pump and the at least one metering valve based on the feedback signals.

5. The lubrication system according to claim 1, further comprising at least one I/O device configured to interface with another information processing system and a power supply to drive the lubrication controller and the at least one I/O device.

6. The lubrication system according to claim 1, further comprising a computer remotely connected to the lubrication controller and including PC software loaded into the computer, the PC software and computer combination used to both simulate the lubrication system and program the lubrication system.

7. The lubrication system according to claim 1, wherein the computer is used to download a history data log of the lubrication system.

8. ) The lubrication system according to claim 1, wherein the I/O device accommodates multiple inputs and multiple outputs.

9. ) The lubrication system according to claim 8, wherein the multiple inputs include at least one of a pressure sensor/transducer at pump, a pressure sensor/transducer at end of line, a low level, a count switch, a remote manual lube, a standby/ignition switch and a secondary timer.

10. ) The lubrication controller according to claim 8, wherein the multiple outputs include at least one of a post spray, an air to pump solenoid and an alarm.

11. ) The lubrication system according to claim 1, wherein the lubrication controller further provides at least one communication port, the communication port to be used to connect with at least one of a remote sensor controller and a slave controller.

12. ) The lubrication system according to claim 10, wherein the lubrication system further comprises the air valve being connected to the controller, and wherein the lubrication controller sends signals to the air valve to open and close.

13. ) The lubrication system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one valve further comprises at least one of a dual line metering valve and a change over valve.

14. ) The lubrication system according to claim 1, wherein the lubrication controller further comprises an In-Cab display.

15. ) The lubrication system according to claim 11, wherein the communications port used for I/O expansion.

16. ) The lubrication system according to claim 11, wherein the communications port used for the remote controller to monitor bearings using lube sensors.

17. ) The lubrication system according to claim 11, wherein the communications port can integrate with factory automation systems.

18. ) The lubrication system according to claim 11, wherein the communications port can integrate with a PLC.

19. ) The lubrication system according to claim 14, wherein the In-Cab display further comprises:

at least two LED indicators for indicating low level and system failure,

an at least 3 digit display for selecting selected interval mode, timer operation, pump cycle and error codes, and wherein

the display can be used to set up a mode of operation, and wherein

the mode of operation set up includes at least one of a selection of a mode, a manual cycle and a reset system.

20. ) The lubrication system according to claim 1, further comprising a remote sensor controller connected to the lubrication controller, the remote controller allowing the addition of extra lubrication sensors without expanding the size of the system lubrication controller.