Controlled replenishing lubrication system
US4738336A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 27, 1987 |
| Grant date | Apr 19, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 27, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16C33/6674
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A controlled replenishing lubrication system provides a desired supply of oil to a rolling element bearing by monitoring the changes in the rolling element ball retainer to shaft speed ratio. This ratio is a function of elastohydrodynamic oil film thickness between elements of the bearing. Changes in the speed ratio are monitored by a sensor and fed to a control system which commands a pump to inject oil into the bearing when the speed ratio varies from a predetermined limit. The rolling elements are moveably mounted for rotation within a retainer or cage in a bearing housing. The retainer includes a light reflective indicia. A shaft is rotatably connected to rotate the retainer and the rolling elements. The shaft also includes a light reflective indicia. The sensor is mounted on or adjacent the bearing for simultaneously emitting light toward the retainer and shaft indicia for sensing variations in reflection of the light therefrom and for generating pulses to the control system responsive to the variations. The pump then responds to commands from the control system for providing a desired amount of lubricant to the bearing.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.