Valve for supplying and removing lubricant from system

Abstract

A valve (230) includes a housing (234) and a plunger (238). The housing (234) defines a chamber (258), a set of ports (280), and a set of conduits (284). A plunger (238) is disposed within the chamber (258) and is configured to move to an actuated condition in which the set of ports (280) are fluidly coupled to each other through a first section (344) of the chamber (258) to define a first passage (352) and the set of conduits (284) are fluidly coupled to each other through a second section (348) of the chamber (258) to define a second passage (356). In this actuated state, the valve (230) promotes flow of lubricant through the first passage (352) into the system to cause accompanying spent lubricant to be purged and released from the system through the second passage (356).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve for facilitating the transfer of lubricant relative to a system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a valve for supplying new lubricant to a system and purging used lubricant from the system in the process. Background Art

[0002] Applications such as mining, earth moving, and construction often involve the use of machines such as excavators, shovels, loaders, articulated trucks, etc. to perform one or more tasks at the worksite. Such machines often include systems in which components interact and / or move relative to each other so that they can effectively perform their intended functions. As an example, an articulation system in a hitch system of an articulated truck includes numerous components that are configured to interact and / or move relative to each other during travel of the machine to facilitate rotation of a front portion of the articulated truck's frame relative to a rear portion of the articulated truck's frame.

[0003] Typically, such components in such systems are supplied with one or more lubricants (e.g., grease) so that they can interact and / or move relative to each other relatively easily. However, after a period of use, such lubricants may deteriorate and / or lose one or more of their properties (e.g., viscosity), and may therefore need to be replaced. Replacing a lubricant (e.g., a used lubricant) or a lubricant replacement process typically involves discarding the used lubricant from the system and replenishing the system with a new lubricant. Improperly discarded lubricants may contaminate the environment. In addition, if the system to be replaced with a new lubricant is a sealed system (e.g., sealed to prevent external contamination of the components and / or the lubricant running therein), the difficulties associated with the lubricant replacement process are typically further exacerbated. Summary of the invention

[0004] In one aspect, the invention relates to a valve. The valve includes a housing and a plunger. The housing defines a chamber, a set of ports, and a set of conduits. The plunger is disposed within the chamber and is configured to move to an actuated state in which the set of ports are fluidly coupled to each other through a first section of the chamber to define a first passage, and the set of conduits are fluidly coupled to each other through a second section of the chamber to define a second passage. In the actuated state, the valve facilitates the flow of lubricant into the system through the first passage to cause concomitant removal and release of spent lubricant from the system through the second passage.

[0005] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for replenishing lubricant in a system. The method includes providing a valve. The valve includes a housing and a plunger. The housing defines a chamber, a set of ports, and a set of conduits. The plunger is disposed in the chamber and is configured to move to an actuated state, in which the set of ports are fluidly coupled to each other through a first section of the chamber to define a first channel, and the set of conduits are fluidly coupled to each other through a second section of the chamber to define a second channel. The method also includes fluidly coupling the first channel to a lubricant supply line to supply lubricant to the system, and fluidly coupling the second channel to a lubricant release line to release lubricant from the system. In the actuated state, the valve promotes lubricant to flow into the system through the first channel to cause concomitant removal and release of spent lubricant from the system through the second channel.

[0006] Machines such as excavators, diggers, loaders, articulated trucks, etc. typically include systems for performing one or more tasks. Such systems include multiple components that interact and / or move relative to each other so that they can effectively perform their intended functions, and therefore, such systems need to be properly lubricated and / or greased. The lubricant (e.g., grease) applied in such systems can be replaced after a period of use. If there is a good seal in such systems, it is usually difficult to replenish the system with new lubricant and remove the old lubricant. In addition, improper removal of used lubricants may also pollute the environment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is a side view of an exemplary machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, the exemplary machine having a front frame portion, a rear frame portion, and a hitch system pivotally coupling the front frame portion to the rear frame portion;

[0008] Figure 2 is an enlarged view of a hitch system shown in conjunction with a valve that facilitates transfer of lubricant relative to the hitch system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0009] Figure 3 is an enlarged view showing a hitch system having a valve according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

[0010] Figure 4 and Figure 5 are various views showing different working or actuation states of a valve according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments or features, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Generally, corresponding reference numerals may be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or corresponding parts, for example, 1, 1', 1'', 101, and 201 may refer to one or more comparable components used in the same and / or different depicted embodiments.

[0012] refer to Figure 1 , an exemplary machine (i.e., machine 100) is shown. Machine 100 may include an articulated machine 104 (e.g., an articulated dump truck 104') having a dump body 108 in which a payload (not shown) may be received. The payload may be transferred or hauled by machine 100 from one location at a worksite 112 to another location. The payload may include, but is not limited to, rocks, ores, minerals, and / or other disintegrated particles typically found at a worksite. Examples of worksite 112 may include construction sites, mining sites, landfills, quarries, underground mine sites, and the like. In addition, locations of worksite 112 that machine 100 may traverse back and forth between during operation may include one or more loading locations (not shown) from which machine 100 may receive material, and one or more unloading locations (not shown) until machine 100 may traverse to unload or release material from dump body 108.

[0013] The machine 100 may include a frame 116, an operator cab 120, and one or more traction devices 124 supported on the frame 116. The machine 100 may also include a number of other components and subsystems, such as a power compartment 128 that may house a power source (e.g., an internal combustion engine) (not shown) for providing power for a number of functions of the machine 100, including but not limited to providing power to the traction devices 124 so that the machine 100 can be propelled or moved on the ground 132 of the worksite 112. The traction devices 124 may include wheels or endless tracks or a combination thereof.

[0014] The frame 116 may include a rigid structure to which several other components (and / or subcomponents) of the machine 100 may be coupled. If the machine 100 includes an articulated machine 104, such as an articulated dump truck 104', the frame 116 may include a split frame configuration defining a front frame portion 136 and a rear frame portion 140. The front frame portion 136 may be pivotally coupled to the rear frame portion 140 via a hitch system 144 disposed at a hitch location 148 (see also FIG. 1 ). Figure 2 As an example, the hitch system 144 may be disposed between the front frame portion 136 and the rear frame portion 140. With the hitch system 144, the front frame portion 136 may pivot or articulate relative to the rear frame portion 140 during movement of the machine, thereby facilitating steering of the machine 100 during movement of the machine.

[0015] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In order to achieve the pivotal connection between the front frame portion 136 and the rear frame portion 140, portions of the hitch system 144 can be respectively accommodated in corresponding receiving portions or sockets (e.g., front socket 152 and rear socket 156) configured and arranged in the front frame portion 136 and the rear frame portion 140, respectively. In addition, lanes (e.g., first lane 154 and second lane 158) can be defined in the front frame portion 136. The first lane 154 and the second lane 158, when used in conjunction or in combination, can allow lubricant transfer (e.g., lubricant supply and lubricant removal / release) to be performed relative to one or more components or subsystems of the hitch system 144, so that proper operation of the hitch system 144 can be obtained. As an example, the first lane 154 can facilitate the supply of lubricant to such a system, and the second lane 158 can facilitate the release of lubricant or the removal of lubricant from such a system. As shown, the front frame portion 136 can also define a conduit 166. Additional details regarding each of the first lane 154, the second lane 158, and the conduit 166 will be set forth later in the present disclosure.

[0016] In addition, and by way of example, the front frame portion 136 may support an operator cab 120 that may house / position one or more operators (not shown) of the machine 100 to control many functions of the machine 100, in addition to housing various components and systems of the machine 100 (such as controllers, etc.). The front frame portion 136 may also support a power compartment 128 that houses a power source (e.g., an internal combustion engine) that may power a traction device 124 of the machine 100. The rear frame portion 140 may support a dump body 108 of the machine 100.

[0017] During straight travel of the machine 100, the front frame portion 136 may be aligned (i.e., in line) relative to the rear frame portion 140. However, during movement of the machine 100 toward the left side of the machine 100 or toward the right side of the machine 100, the front frame portion 136 of the machine 100 may articulate or pivot relative to the rear frame portion 140 of the machine 100, as facilitated by the hitch system 144.

[0018] It may be noted that the terms “forward” and “rearward” as used herein are related to an exemplary direction of travel of the machine 100, such as Figure 1100 is shown in FIG. 104 as indicated by arrow T. The travel direction T may be a direction in which the machine 100 may generally travel in order to move or shuttle between a loading position and a dump position at the worksite 112. The travel direction T may be illustratively defined from a rear end 160 of the machine 100 toward a front end 164 of the machine 100. Furthermore, the terms “left” and “right” used in the present disclosure may be understood when viewing the machine 100 from the rear end 160 toward the front end 164.

[0019] One or more aspects of the present invention are discussed in conjunction with a system of machine 100 that includes components that interact or move relative to each other, wherein such a system uses a lubricant (e.g., grease) so that they can move uninterruptedly relative to each other to perform the intended task. As an example, the system includes or corresponds to a hitch system 144 and / or one or more subsystems of the hitch system 144. However, these aspects may be applied to a variety of other systems or subsystems of the machine 100. In addition, it is also possible that various aspects of the present invention are also applicable to various systems of various other machines, such as excavators, loaders, graders, off-highway trucks, bulldozers, draglines, which use lubricants to achieve smooth and / or uninterrupted interaction and / or movement between any two or more of their components.

[0020] The use of one or more aspects of the present invention may also be extended to systems applied to, for example, marine applications, gas turbine applications, or stationary machine applications (e.g., generator sets), and where a group of components may require a lubricant (e.g., grease) so that they can interact and / or move smoothly relative to each other. Indeed, as can be seen and understood from the following disclosure, references to the hitch system 144 and / or its subsystems and / or the machine 100 itself are to be regarded as purely exemplary.

[0021] The hitch system 144 includes a plurality of components that interact with one another to perform the intended function of facilitating and / or enabling the front frame portion 136 to articulate or pivot relative to the rear frame portion 140. To this end, the hitch system 144 includes a hitch pin 168 and one or more subsystems, such as a first bearing system 172 and a second bearing system 176. Additionally, the hitch system 144 may also include a lubricant housing 180 and a seal 184. The hitch system 144 may include a variety of other components, but for simplicity, they are not discussed as they may be contemplated and applied by those skilled in the art.

[0022] The first bearing system 172 can include a first inner race 188 and a first outer race 192. The first inner race 188 and the first outer race 192 can be slidably disposed relative to each other. As an example, the first outer race 192 can be fixedly held (e.g., by press fit and / or by bolting) against and / or into the front socket 152 of the front frame portion 136 so that when the front frame portion 136 moves (e.g., pivots or articulates) relative to the rear frame portion 140, the first outer race 192 can move with the movement (e.g., rotational movement) of the front frame portion 136 relative to the first inner race 188. In addition, and as an example, the first inner race 188 can be fixedly held (e.g., by press fit and / or bolting) relative to a portion of the hitch pin 168.

[0023] The first outer race 192 can define a lubricant passage (e.g., a first lubricant passage 196) through which a lubricant (e.g., grease) can be introduced into an interface (e.g., a first interface 200) defined between the first inner race 188 and the first outer race 192. In doing so, movement (e.g., slidable and rotational movement) between the first inner race 188 and the first outer race 192 can be relatively easily achieved, and this in turn allows the front frame portion 136 to move (e.g., pivot or articulate) relative to the hitch pin 168 (and therefore relative to the rear frame portion 140). In some embodiments, a lubricant (such as grease) can be supplied to the first lubricant passage 196 through the first lane 154 of the front frame portion 136. In combination, the first lubricant passage 196 and the first lane 154 can serve as a lubricant supply line 198 for supplying lubricant (e.g., new lubricant) to the first bearing system 172.

[0024] Similar to the configuration of the first bearing system 172, the second bearing system 176 may include a second inner race 204 and a second outer race 208. The second inner race 204 and the second outer race 208 may be slidably disposed relative to each other. As an example, the second outer race 208 may be fixedly held (e.g., by press fit and / or by bolting) against and / or into the rear socket 156 of the rear frame portion 140, such that when the rear frame portion 140 moves (e.g., pivots or articulates) relative to the front frame portion 136, the second outer race 208 may move with the movement (e.g., rotational movement) of the rear frame portion 140 relative to the second inner race 204. In addition, and as an example, the second inner race 204 may be fixedly held (e.g., by press fit and / or bolting) to the hitch pin 168.

[0025] The second outer race 208 may also define a lubricant passage (e.g., second lubricant passage 212) through which a lubricant (e.g., grease) may be introduced into an interface (e.g., second interface 216) defined between the second inner race 204 and the second outer race 208. In doing so, movement (e.g., slidable and rotational movement) between the second inner race 204 and the second outer race 208 may be relatively easily achieved, thereby allowing the rear frame portion 140 to move (e.g., pivot or articulate) relative to the hitch pin 168 (and therefore relative to the front frame portion 136).

[0026] The lubricant housing 180 may be configured to collect a certain amount of lubricant (e.g., new lubricant) that leaves an interface (e.g., first interface 200) defined between the first inner race 188 and the first outer race 192. The lubricant housing 180 may be positioned below the first bearing system 172, and the collection of lubricant (e.g., new lubricant) from the first interface 200 may be obtained by gravity or by an inflow of lubricant due to excess lubricant pressure generated at the interface, such as during replenishment (or supply) of lubricant (e.g., new lubricant) at or in the first interface 200 through the first lubricant passage 196. In addition, the lubricant housing 180 may define an outlet 214 to direct lubricant from the lubricant housing 180 to the duct 166 formed in the front frame portion 136.

[0027] As shown, a seal 184 can be disposed or arranged above the first bearing system 172. The seal 184 can be used to shield the first bearing system 172 and the lubricant contained within or around the first bearing system 172 from the external environment. The seal 184 can also contain or confine the lubricant within the boundaries defined by or around the first bearing system 172. The seal 184 can define an internal sealed chamber 220 to accommodate many components of the first bearing system 172, such as portions of the hitch pin 168, and also receive a volume of lubricant that flows from the lubricant housing 180 through the conduit 166.

[0028] refer to Figures 2 to 5, a valve 230 for facilitating lubricant transfer of a first bearing system 172 relative to a hitch system 144 is described. The expression "lubricant transfer" as described above or used in the present invention may mean or relate to the supply of new lubricant into the first bearing system 172 or into the first interface 200 of the first bearing system 172 and the simultaneous or concomitant release or removal of used lubricant from the first bearing system 172. In some embodiments, the lubricant transfer may correspond to a controlled lubricant transfer. In other words, the lubricant transfer may involve metering a certain amount of new lubricant into the first bearing system 172 or into the first interface 200 of the first bearing system 172, and the fair release or removal of a certain amount of used lubricant from the first bearing system 172 or the first interface 200 of the first bearing system 172 caused by the metered new lubricant. The valve 230 includes a housing 234, a plunger 238, a biasing member 242, and a plug 246.

[0029] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the housing 234 can include a generally elongated cylindrical structure defining a major axial end 250 and a minor axial end 254. The major axial end 250 and the minor axial end 254 can be disposed axially opposite to each other. The housing 234 further defines a chamber 258 that can extend between the major axial end 250 and the minor axial end 254. The chamber 258 can impart a generally hollow cylindrical profile to the cylindrical structure of the housing 234. Other shapes or profiles of the housing 234 are contemplated. In addition, the chamber 258 can define a chamber axis 262 that is between and / or passes through the major axial end 250 and the minor axial end 254.

[0030] The wall 264 of the housing 234 can (at least partially) surround the chamber 258. As an example, a portion of the wall 264 (e.g., the first portion 268) can be present at the major axial end 250 of the housing 234 to close the chamber 258 at the major axial end 250 of the housing 234, while another portion of the wall 264 (e.g., the second portion 272) can be present annularly around the chamber 258 (e.g., it can extend annularly around the chamber axis 262). However, a portion of the wall 264 can be omitted at the second axial end 254 of the housing 234. In this way, the chamber 258 can be generally closed or enclosed to the major axial end 250 of the housing 234 and open to the minor axial end 254 of the housing 234. In addition, the chamber 258 can also define an opening 276 at the minor axial end 254 for entering the chamber 258 from the minor axial end 254.

[0031] The housing 234 may also define a set of ports 280 and a set of conduits 284. The set of ports 280 may correspond to a first port 280' and a second port 280''. A greater number of the set of ports 280 may be envisioned. As an example, the first port 280' may be formed or disposed at the main axial end 250 of the housing 234 and may extend through the thickness T1 of the first portion 268 of the wall 264 so that the first port 280' may facilitate fluid communication between the chamber 258 and the environment outside the housing 234. The first port 280' may define a first port axis 288, which may be coaxial or parallel to the chamber axis 262. The expression "substantially closed or enclosed" with respect to the chamber 258 as used above means that the first port 280' may be closed relative to the chamber 258 in one or more operating states of the valve 230.

[0032] As an example, the second port 280" can be formed or disposed on the second portion 272 of the wall 264 of the housing 234 and can extend through the thickness T2 of the second portion 272 of the wall 264 such that the second port 280" can facilitate fluid communication between the chamber 258 and the environment outside the housing 234. The second port 280" can define a second port axis 292. In some embodiments, the second port axis 292 can be disposed orthogonally to the first port axis 288.

[0033] The group of conduits 284 may correspond to a first conduit 284' and a second conduit 284'. A greater number of the group of conduits 284 may be envisioned. The first conduit 284' and the second conduit 284' may both be formed or disposed on the second portion 272 of the wall 264 of the housing 234, and may each independently extend through the thickness T2 of the second portion 272 of the wall 264, so that each of the first conduit 284' and the second conduit 284' may facilitate fluid communication between the chamber 258 and the environment outside the housing 234. Without limitation, the first conduit 284' and the second conduit 284' may be disposed diametrically opposite to each other. In addition, the first conduit 284' may define a first conduit axis 296, and the second conduit 284' may define a second conduit axis 300. In some embodiments, the first conduit axis 296 and the second conduit axis 300 may be coaxially aligned with each other or may be parallel to each other. Additionally, it may be noted that the set of ports 280 may be located toward (or relatively closer to) the major axial end 250 of the housing 234 , while the set of conduits 284 may be located toward (or relatively closer to) the minor axial end 254 of the housing 234 .

[0034] The plunger 238 may be disposed within the chamber 258 to slide or move within the chamber 258 (e.g., back and forth between the major axial end 250 and the minor axial end 254). In doing so, the plunger 238 may move or slide between an actuated state and a deactuated state. The actuated state refers to the position reached by the plunger 238 when the plunger 238 moves away from the first portion 268 of the wall 264 toward the second axial end 254 of the housing 234. In the actuated state, the plunger 238 opens the set of ports 280 and the set of conduits 284 to the chamber 258 (or a corresponding portion of the chamber 258). The deactuated state refers to the position reached by the plunger 238 when the plunger 238 moves all the way to abut or contact the first portion 268 of the wall 264 disposed at the major axial end 250 of the housing 234. In the deactuated state, the plunger 238 closes the set of ports 280 and the set of conduits 284 to the chamber 258.

[0035] In more detail, the plunger 238 may include a bobbin 304. The bobbin 304 may include a first piston portion 308 at a first axial end 312 of the bobbin 304, a second piston portion 316 at a second axial end 320 of the bobbin 304, and a rod portion 324 connecting the first piston portion 308 to the second piston portion 316. The first piston portion 308 and the second piston portion 316 may include similar or identical diameters (or cross-sectional areas), and each of them may be equal to or slightly smaller than the diameter (or cross-sectional area) defined by the chamber 258. In this way, the plunger 238 may be accommodated within the chamber 258 so as to slide within the chamber 258 with minimal clearance to the chamber 258. In addition, the rod portion 324 may include a diameter (or cross-sectional area) that is smaller than the diameters (or cross-sectional areas) of the first piston portion 308 and the second piston portion 316, so that the annular recess 328 may be defined around the rod portion 324.

[0036] In addition, the first piston portion 308, the second piston portion 316 and the rod portion 324 can be formed integrally. In addition, the first piston portion 308, the second piston portion 316 and the rod portion 324 can be defined coaxially relative to each other. In this way, the plunger 238 can define a plunger axis 332 passing through each of the first piston portion 308, the second piston portion 316 and the rod portion 324. When the plunger 238 is set or assembled into the chamber 258, the plunger axis 332 can be aligned in a straight line or coaxially with the chamber axis 262. In doing so, the movement or sliding (for example, in a forward and backward mode) of the plunger 238 in the chamber 258 along the chamber axis 262 can be promoted. In addition, in some embodiments, the plunger axis 332 can be coaxially aligned or can be parallel to the first port axis 288.

[0037] It can be noted that in the deactuated state of the plunger 238, the chamber 258 can be closed to the set of ports 280 and the set of conduits 284 by the first piston portion 308 and the second piston portion 316, respectively. Conversely, in the actuated state, the first piston portion 308 and the second piston portion 316 can clear and open the set of ports 280 and the set of conduits 284 leading to the chamber 258 (or a corresponding section of the chamber 258), respectively.

[0038] The plug 246 can be coupled to the housing 234 at the minor axial end 254 of the housing 234. As an example, the plug 246 can be inserted (e.g., by press fit) into the chamber 258 from an opening 276 formed at the minor axial end 254. In this regard, the plug 246 can define a stub portion 336 that can interfere with the chamber 258 at the opening 276 defining the chamber 258 at the minor axial end 254, such that the interference can help obtain an interference fit of the stub portion 336 (and thus the plug 246) with the opening 276 at the minor axial end 254. In this manner, a coupling between the plug 246 and the housing 234 can be obtained. Other manners of coupling or connection are contemplated, such as a threaded coupling of the plug 246 with the opening 276 of the chamber 258.

[0039] The biasing member 242 can be located between the plunger 238 and the plug 246. When the plug 246 is coupled to the housing 234 at the minor axial end 254 of the housing 234, the biasing member 242 can bias the plunger 238 to a deactuated state (or default state or initial state). In some embodiments, the biasing member 242 includes a spring 340.

[0040] The actuated state of the plunger 238 may be obtained when the lubricant supply enters the chamber 258 through the first port 280′ and the lubricant supply pressure of the lubricant supply impinges on the plunger 238 (or the first piston portion 308 of the plunger 238) and pushes and moves the plunger 238 against the force (e.g., spring force) of the biasing member 242, such that the plunger 238 moves in a direction toward the minor axial end 254 to the actuated state (see Figure 5 ). In the actuated state, the plunger 238 can open the first port 280' and the second port 280'' to communicate with a section of the chamber 258 (e.g., the first section 344), and can also open the first conduit 284' and the second conduit 284'' to communicate with another section of the chamber 258 (e.g., the second section 348). In other words, in the actuated state, the plunger 238 can divide the chamber 258 into the first section 344 and the second section 348 (see Figure 5 ), wherein the first section 344 is defined as being relatively closer to the major axial end 250 of the housing 234, and the second section 348 is defined as being relatively closer to the minor axial end 254 of the housing 234.

[0041] If you can Figure 5 Visually, in the actuated state of the plunger 238, the first section 344 can be defined or defined by the housing 234 and the first piston portion 308, or in other words, by the first portion 268 of the wall 264, an area of ​​the second portion 272 of the wall 264, and the first piston portion 308 of the plunger 238. In this way, in the actuated state, the set of ports 280 (e.g., the first port 280' and the second port 280'') can be fluidly coupled to each other through the first section 344 of the chamber 258 to define the first channel 352 of the housing 234. In addition, in the actuated state of the plunger 238, the second section 348 can be defined or defined by the housing 234, the first piston portion 308 and the second piston portion 316, or in other words, by the second portion 272 of the wall 264, the first piston portion 308 of the plunger 238, and another area of ​​the second piston portion 316. In this way, in the actuated state, the set of conduits 284 (e.g., the first conduit 284' and the second conduit 284'') can be fluidly coupled to each other via the second section 348 of the chamber 258 to define the second passage 356 of the housing 234. It can be noted that the second section 348 and the annular recess 328 can coincide with each other.

[0042] When the lubricant supply through the first port 280' is stopped and the corresponding lubricant supply pressure is reduced, the deactuated state of the plunger 238 can be obtained (see Figure 4 In doing so, the plunger 238 may be returned to a default or deactuated state by causing the biasing member 242 to push the plunger 238 toward the major axial end 250 of the housing 234 and thereby causing the plunger 238 to move all the way to abut or contact the first portion 268 of the wall 264 disposed at the major axial end 250 of the housing 234. Figure 4 As shown, in the deactuated state of the plunger 238 , the first piston portion 308 blocks the first passage 352 and the second piston portion 316 blocks the second passage 356 .

[0043] Industrial Applicability

[0044] A method for facilitating lubricant transfer relative to the first bearing system 172 of the hitch system 144 is discussed. During a lubricant transfer operation or lubricant replenishment of the first bearing system 172, an operator may provide a valve 230 and may bring the valve 230 out toward the hitch system 144 or the first bearing system 172 of the hitch system 144, and may fluidly couple the first passage 352 to the lubricant supply line 198. Thereafter, the operator may also fluidly couple the second passage 356 to the second lane 158. Because the second lane 158 facilitates the removal or release of lubricant (e.g., used lubricant) from the hitch system 144 or the first bearing system 172 of the hitch system 144, the second lane 158 may also be interchangeably referred to as a lubricant release line 162. In some embodiments, the fluid coupling between the first passage 352 and the lubricant supply line 198 may be achieved through a first hose 360, and the fluid coupling between the second passage 356 and the lubricant release line 162 may be achieved through a second hose 364. Other ways of achieving such fluid couplings may be envisioned by those skilled in the art. Furthermore, at this time, the plunger 238 of the valve 230 may be in a de-actuated state.

[0045] In some embodiments, and as Figure 3 As shown, the first hose 360 ​​and the second hose 364 can be omitted. In such cases, the valve 230 or the housing 234 of the valve 230 can be closer to (e.g., adjacent to) the front frame portion 136, so that the first channel 352 (or the second port 280 '' of the first channel 352) can be directly and fluidly coupled to the lubricant supply line 198, such as by using a suitable coupling. Similarly, the second channel 356 (or the first conduit 284 'of the second channel 356) can be directly and fluidly coupled to the lubricant release line 162, such as by using another suitable coupling.

[0046] Once the fluid connection between the first channel 352 and the lubricant supply line 198 and the fluid connection between the second channel 356 and the lubricant release line 162 are completed, the operator can begin to supply lubricant (e.g., new lubricant) (with a corresponding lubricant supply pressure) through the first channel 352, for example, sequentially through the first port 280`, the first section 344 of the chamber 258, and the second port 280`, so that the lubricant (e.g., new lubricant) passes through the first channel 352 and enters the first interface 200 defined between the first inner race 188 and the first outer race 192 of the first bearing system 172.

[0047] More specifically, when lubricant (e.g., new lubricant) enters the first port 280′, the lubricant supply pressure of the incoming new lubricant pushes against the plunger 238 or the first piston portion 308 of the plunger 238, such that the lubricant supply pressure overcomes the force of the biasing member 242 and causes the plunger 238 to move toward the minor axial end 254 of the housing 234 (see Figure 4 24 ), thereby moving the plunger 238 from the deactuated state to the actuated state. During the movement of the plunger 238 toward the second axial end 254 or to the actuated state, the plunger 238 opens the first portion 344 of the chamber 258 to each of the first port 280` and the second port 280``, thereby allowing the incoming inflow of new lubricant and the associated lubricant supply pressure to be introduced into the first portion 344 of the chamber 258 and the second port 280`` of the first passage 352. In addition, in the actuated state, the plunger 238 opens both the first conduit 284` and the second conduit 284`` to the chamber 258 (or the second portion 348 of the chamber 258), and thus also opens the second passage 356.

[0048] The continued lubricant supply pressure can cause the lubricant (e.g., new lubricant) to travel further through the first passage 352 and exit the first passage 352 through the second port 280''. In this way, the lubricant supply pressure is released from the first section 344 of the chamber 258, and the lubricant (e.g., new lubricant) is then delivered at or into the first interface 200. The lubricant (e.g., new lubricant) then enters the lubricant housing 180 from the first interface 200 (e.g., under the action of gravity). At the same time, a volume of lubricant (e.g., new lubricant) can also exit through the first interface 200 into the internal sealed chamber 220. Once the lubricant housing 180 is filled with lubricant (e.g., new lubricant), the continued lubricant supply pressure can force the lubricant filled within the lubricant housing 180 to move further or be discharged through the outlet 214 of the lubricant housing 180 into the conduit 166 and then further advance or advance into the internal sealed chamber 220 so as to properly fill the internal sealed chamber 220.

[0049] As long as the lubricant pressure supply can exist or be available, and it can be high enough to overcome the force (e.g., spring force) of the biasing member 242, the plunger 238 can remain in the actuated state. Once the internal sealed chamber 220 is properly filled, the operator can stop the lubricant (e.g., new lubricant) supply, thereby causing the lubricant supply pressure to drop. The drop in lubricant supply pressure can cause the force of the biasing member 242 to overcome the lubricant supply pressure and move or return the plunger 238 to the de-actuated state, in which the plunger 238 blocks the first passage 352 and the second passage 356.

[0050] If old or used lubricant is contained within (or around) the first bearing system 172, the introduction of lubricant (e.g., new lubricant) in the manner described above can simultaneously or concomitantly pressurize and / or push the used lubricant out of the lubricant release line 162 at a relatively low back pressure. In such cases, because the plunger 238 is in an actuated state, the open second passage 356 can provide an exit route for purging the used lubricant from the lubricant release line 162 and, therefore, from the hitch system 144 or from the first bearing system 172 of the hitch system 144 (see Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 direction B).

[0051] For example, in the actuated state, used lubricant enters the second section 348 of the chamber 258 through the first conduit 284', annularly bypasses the rod portion 324, and is discharged from the second section 348 of the chamber 258 (and the first bearing system 172) through the second conduit 284'. Effectively, in the actuated state, the valve 230 promotes the flow of lubricant (e.g., new lubricant) into the first bearing system 172 of the hitch system 144 through the first passage 352 to cause the concomitant purging and release of lubricant (e.g., used lubricant) from the first bearing system 172 of the hitch system 144 through the second passage 356, thereby effectively replenishing the lubricant in the first bearing system 172 of the hitch system 144.

[0052] By using valve 230, lubrication transfer (i.e., both the supply of new lubricant and the removal of used lubricant) is achieved efficiently and relatively easily. In addition, because used lubricant can be retrieved (e.g., with low back pressure) by using valve 230, used lubricant can also be easily collected at the outlet of second passage 356, for example, into a container, such as container 368 ( Figure 2 and Figure 3 ), thereby avoiding spillage and contamination of the external environment. As can be appreciated from the above description, valve 230 also facilitates and simplifies the transfer (and / or replenishment) of lubricant (e.g., new lubricant) into a sealed system (such as first bearing system 172 of hitch system 144). Similar manners of lubricant replenishment or lubricant transfer operations are contemplated for other subsystems of hitch system 144 (such as second bearing system 176) and / or various other systems of machine 100 or any machine.

[0053] It is clear to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made to the system of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention. Other embodiments will be clear to those skilled in the art in view of the specification and practice of the system disclosed herein. This specification and examples are intended to be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope of the present invention being indicated by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A valve (230), include: a housing (234) defining a chamber (258), a set of ports (280), and a set of conduits (284); and a plunger (238) disposed within the chamber (258) and configured to move to an actuated state in which the set of ports (280) are fluidly coupled to one another through a first section (344) of the chamber (258) to define a first passage (352), and the set of conduits (284) are fluidly coupled to one another through a second section (348) of the chamber (258) to define a second passage (356), Wherein in the actuated state, the valve (230) facilitates the flow of new lubricant into the system through the first passage (352) to cause the accompanying used lubricant to be purged and released from the system through the second passage (356).

2. The valve (230) of claim 1, wherein the plunger (238) is moved to the actuated state by a lubricant supply pressure of the new lubricant.

3. A valve (230) according to claim 2, wherein the piston (238) defines a piston axis (332), and the set of ports (280) includes a first port (280`) for introducing the lubricant supply pressure into the first section (344) of the chamber (258) and a second port (280``) for releasing the lubricant supply pressure from the first section (344) of the chamber (258), the first port (280`) defining a first port axis (288), and the first port axis (288) is defined along or parallel to the piston axis (332).

4. The valve (230) of claim 1, wherein the plunger (238) is configured to move to a deactuated state to block the first passage (352) and the second passage (356) in the deactuated state.

5. The valve (230) of claim 4, further comprising a biasing member (242) to bias the plunger (238) to the deactuated state.

6. A valve (230) according to claim 5, wherein the chamber (258) opens to an end (254) of the housing (234), the valve (230) further comprising a plug (246) inserted into the chamber (258) from the end (254), wherein the biasing member (242) is located between the plunger (238) and the plug (246).

7. The valve (230) of claim 5, wherein the biasing member (242) comprises a spring (340).

8. A valve (230) according to claim 4, wherein the piston (238) includes a spool (304), the spool (304) having a first piston portion (308) at a first axial end (312) of the spool (304), a second piston portion (316) at a second axial end (320) of the spool (304), and a rod portion (324) connecting the first piston portion (308) to the second piston portion (316).

9. The valve (230) according to claim 8, wherein In the actuated state of the plunger (238), the first section (344) of the chamber (258) is defined by the housing (234) and the first piston portion (308), and the second section (348) of the chamber (258) is defined by the first piston portion (308), the second piston portion (316) and the housing (234), and In the deactuated state of the plunger (238), the first piston portion (308) blocks the first passage (352) and the second piston portion (316) blocks the second passage (356).

10. A valve (230) according to claim 8, wherein the set of conduits (284) includes a first conduit (284`) and a second conduit (284``), and in the actuated state, the used lubricant enters the second section (348) of the chamber (258) through the first conduit (284`), passes annularly around the rod portion (324), and is discharged from the second section (348) of the chamber (258) through the second conduit (284``).

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