Lubrication nozzle

Abstract

Lubrication nozzle comprising a nozzle body (12) extending along a longitudinal axis (12a) and provided with a lubricant supply channel (24), and at least two spray heads (16, 18) each comprising an outlet opening (16b, 18b) in connection with the supply channel, characterized in that the second (18) of the at least two spray heads is fixed relative to the nozzle body (12), the lubrication nozzle also comprises at least one adjusting means (14) rotatable about an axis (30) which is radially offset outwards relative to the longitudinal axis (12a) of the nozzle body (24) and on which the first (16) of the at least two spray heads is arranged in order to modify the distance between the outlet openings (16b, 18b) of the spray heads by rotating the adjusting means (14) about the axis (30).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a nozzle that can spray lubricant onto moving elements, in particular conveyor chains used in industry.

[0002] Traditionally, such spray nozzles comprise a nozzle body connected to a lubricant supply circuit. The nozzle body is equipped with at least one distribution head, distribution gun, or spray head, which has an outlet opening through which the lubricant is expelled.

[0003] In certain industrial applications, and especially for conveyor chains, it is necessary to provide lubrication at the level of several areas that are close together.

[0004] For this purpose, it is known to use nozzles comprising a single spray head and to arrange them to spray the lubricant onto each of the areas to be lubricated. For further details, reference can be made, for example, to documents DE 100 06 283 A1 and US 6 374 948 B1. A lubrication nozzle comprising a nozzle body provided with a lubricant supply channel and at least two spray heads, each comprising an outlet opening connected to the supply channel, and comprising at least one adjusting means on which one of the spray heads is arranged to modify the distance between the outlet openings of the spray heads, is also known, for example, from - US 2 342 757 A - EP 0 894 535 A1 - JP H01- 218 658 Abekannt.

[0005] With this solution, however, the overall dimensions of the nozzle arrangement become too large in the case of relatively closely spaced areas requiring lubrication, because it is advisable to mount the nozzles offset from one another. Furthermore, it is necessary to install as many nozzles as there are areas to be lubricated.

[0006] To overcome these disadvantages, nozzles with a double spray head have been proposed, each including an outlet opening through which the lubricant is expelled. However, the distance between the outlet openings of a nozzle can be greater than the distance between two areas to be lubricated.

[0007] In this case, the nozzle must be mounted at an angle so that the plane passing through the outlet openings forms a non-zero angle with the plane passing through the two areas to be lubricated. However, the distance between the outlet opening and the associated area to be lubricated varies from one spray head to another. This can lead to poor lubrication.

[0008] The present invention aims to remedy this disadvantage.

[0009] In particular, the present invention is directed to provide a spray nozzle that is able to ensure optimized lubrication, even with a reduced distance between several areas to be treated.

[0010] The present invention also aims to provide a small-sized spray nozzle that is economical and easy to assemble.

[0011] According to the invention, a lubrication nozzle is provided according to independent claim 1. The dependent claims relate to advantageous embodiments.

[0012] In one embodiment, the lubrication nozzle comprises a nozzle body provided with a lubricant supply channel and at least two spray heads, each comprising an outlet opening in conjunction with the supply channel, and at least one adjusting means on which one of the spray heads is arranged to modify the distance between the outlet openings of the spray heads.

[0013] The other spray head is fixed in relation to the nozzle body.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the adjusting means comprises an eccentric which is angularly movable with respect to the nozzle body in order to modify the distance between the outlet openings of the spray heads when the eccentric is rotated.

[0015] In one embodiment, the nozzle body includes a receiving bore in the interior of which the eccentric is mounted. Preferably, the other spray head is supported by the nozzle body.

[0016] In another embodiment, the nozzle body comprises an eccentric bearing that is rigidly mounted inside a recess in the body and includes a receiving bore in which the eccentric is mounted. Preferably, the other spray head is supported by the eccentric bearing.

[0017] The outer surface of the eccentric can include a thread that engages with a mating thread in the receiving bore of the eccentric bearing. To limit the axial displacement of the eccentric, a joint can be provided that is mounted in the receiving bore of the eccentric and is able to engage with a contact shoulder on the outer surface of the eccentric.

[0018] Advantageously, the nozzle includes a locking mechanism to prevent the eccentric from twisting.

[0019] Preferably, the eccentric includes a cavity capable of accommodating an operating key for adjusting the angular position of the eccentric.

[0020] In one embodiment, the nozzle further comprises a flap that is able to slide under the influence of the pressure exerted by the lubricant and a spring that exerts a restoring force on the flap, wherein the flap and the spring are mounted inside the supply channel.

[0021] The invention also relates to a lubrication system comprising a plurality of nozzles as previously defined.

[0022] An exemplary method, which is not within the scope of protection of the claims, relates to the assembly of a lubrication nozzle, comprising a nozzle body which is provided with a lubricant supply channel, at least two spray heads, each comprising an outlet opening in connection with the supply channel, and at least one adjusting means on which one of the spray heads is arranged, in which the position of the adjusting means is set relative to the nozzle body in order to adjust the distance between the outlet openings of the spray heads depending on the distance of the areas to be lubricated, and wherein the adjusting means is locked after the setting relative to the nozzle body.

[0023] For example, an assembly procedure includes a step to adjust the position of the nozzle so that the plane passing through the outlet openings of the spray heads forms a zero angle with the plane passing through the associated areas to be lubricated.

[0024] The present invention will be better understood upon reading the detailed description of an embodiment which serves as a non-limiting example and is illustrated by the accompanying drawings, wherein: - the Fig. 1 and Fig. Two axial sectional views of a lubrication nozzle according to an example of the invention are shown, and - Fig. 3. A perspective view of the nozzle in the position of the Fig. 1 is.

[0025] In Fig. The assembly comprises a lubrication nozzle, designated as a whole by reference numeral 10, a nozzle body 12, an adjusting means which here comprises an eccentric 14 mounted on the nozzle body 12 and angularly movable relative to this body, a first spray head 16 mounted on the eccentric, and a second spray head 18 which is fixed relative to the nozzle body. As will be described in detail below, the relative position of the spray heads 16 and 18 can be adjusted depending on the existing distance between two areas to be lubricated.

[0026] The nozzle body 12 extends along a longitudinal axis 12a and comprises a section with a cylindrical base 20, which is axially extended by a head section 22 that allows the mounting of the eccentric 14 and the spray heads 16, 18. The nozzle body 12 includes a feed channel 24 that extends axially from an end face of the base section 20 to the head section 22. Axially lateral to the base section 20, the feed channel 24 allows connection to a lubricant distribution circuit (not shown), which includes, in particular, a circulation pump. The feed channel 24 comprises a stepped cylindrical section 24a with a small diameter, extending from the end face of the base section 20. At the level of the head section 22, this section is axially extended by a cylindrical section 24b with a large diameter, which in turn is axially extended by a conical section 24c that widens outwards.The head section 22 includes a cylindrical opening or recess 26 at the level of an end face, into the interior of which the conical section 24c of the supply channel opens.

[0027] The nozzle 10 also includes an eccentric bearing 28, which is mounted inside the recess 26 of the nozzle body in axial contact with the body. The bearing 28 is fastened in the recess 26 by any suitable means, for example by screws, adhesive bonding, or welding.

[0028] The eccentric bearing 28, which is essentially cylindrical, is provided with an axially through-hole 28a, in the interior of which the nozzle head 18 is fixedly mounted, and with a receiving bore 28b, having an axis 30 that is radially displaced outwards with respect to the longitudinal axis 12a of the nozzle body. The recess 28a opens at the level of the conical section 24c of the feed channel to allow a fluid connection between the channel and the nozzle head 18. The nozzle head 18 comprises an axial feed channel 18a, which is connected to the feed channel 24 and opens at the level of an outlet opening 18b. The nozzle head 18 projects axially beyond the bearing 28 and the nozzle body 12.

[0029] The eccentric 14 is centered on the axis 30 inside the receiving bore 28b of the eccentric bearing. The eccentric 14 can rotate about the axis 30 relative to the bearing 28 and the nozzle body 12. The eccentric 14 includes an axially through recess 14a, in the interior of which the spray head 16 is fixedly mounted. The recess 14a opens at the level of the conical section 24c of the feed channel to allow a fluid connection between the channel and the spray head 16. The spray head 18 is identical to the other head 16 and projects axially forward relative to the eccentric 14 and the nozzle body 12. The feed channel 16a of the spray head 16 is connected to the feed channel 24 and opens at the level of the outlet opening 16b. The distance or radial axial distance that exists between the two openings 16b, 18b of the spray heads is given in Fig. 1 is labelled with e.

[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, the recesses 28a of the bearing and 14a of the eccentric each include a threaded section to allow the attachment of the associated nozzle 18, 16. Alternatively, the nozzles 16, 18 can be attached by any other suitable means, for example, by screwing, gluing, or welding. In another embodiment, each nozzle 16, 18 and its associated bearing, i.e., the eccentric 14 or the eccentric bearing 28, can be manufactured from a single piece, for example, by injection molding a plastic material.

[0031] The outer surface of the eccentric 14 comprises a contact shoulder 14b, which is provided with a thread that engages with a mating thread provided in the receiving bore 28b of the eccentric bearing. A cavity 14c is provided on the end face of the eccentric, oriented axially outwards. The cavity 14c is centered on the axis 30 and is designed to accommodate an operating wrench (not shown) for adjusting the angular position of the eccentric 14 relative to the eccentric bearing 28 and, more generally, relative to the nozzle body 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the cavity 14b has a hexagonal shape for receiving an Allen wrench.

[0032] The nozzle 10 also includes an opening / closing flap 34, which is mounted inside the large-diameter cylindrical section 24b of the feed channel, and a spring 36 capable of exerting a permanent axial restoring force on the flap so that it comes into contact with the radial wall connecting the large-diameter cylindrical section 24b and the cylindrical section 24a of the feed channel, thus closing the channel. The flap 34 has a mushroom shape and is mounted inside a support plate 38, which has an L-shaped cross-section. Another plate 40 of identical design is attached to the eccentric 14 at the level of the end face of the eccentric, axially opposite the eccentric, on which the cavity 14c is formed.One end of the spring 36 comes into contact with the plate 40, while the other end of the spring comes into axial contact with the plate 38, so that the flap 34 closes the cylindrical section 24a of the supply channel when no lubricant is circulating inside the supply channel. Under the influence of the pressure exerted by the lubricant transported inside the cylindrical section 24a of the supply channel, the flap 34 can slide axially towards the eccentric 14 to allow the circulation of the lubricant and the supply to the spray heads 16, 18.

[0033] The distance between the nozzle heads 16 and 18 is adjusted as follows. The operating key is inserted into the cavity 14c of the eccentric to rotate the eccentric around the axis 30, thus setting its angular position inside the receiving bore 28b of the eccentric bearing. The angular position of the eccentric 14 is set according to the desired axial distance e between the outlet openings 16b and 18b of the nozzle heads, which is determined by the distance between the two areas to be lubricated. Fig. 1 The spray heads 16, 18 are arranged in the same radial plane in a maximum center-to-center spacing position, while they are in Fig. 2 are in a minimum axle spacing position.

[0034] After setting the angular position of the eccentric 14, which carries the spray head 18, the thread of the outer surface of the eccentric and the mating thread of the receiving bore 28b of the eccentric bearing enable the eccentric to be secured against rotation and the selected angular position to be held.

[0035] When adjusting the angular position of the eccentric 14, a slight axial displacement of the eccentric occurs relative to the bearing 28. The outlet opening 16b of the spray head, which is supported by the eccentric 14, may then be slightly shifted forward relative to the outlet opening 18b of the fixed spray head 18. However, such an axial displacement of the eccentric 14 is limited to a few millimeters and does not affect the quality of the lubrication.

[0036] To limit the axial displacement of the eccentric 14, an O-ring 32 is mounted in an annular groove located in the receiving bore 28b of the eccentric bearing. The ring 32 is able to interact radially with the contact shoulder 14c of the eccentric during axial displacement. Furthermore, the ring 32, through radial frictional contact with the outer surface of the eccentric 14, contributes to securing the eccentric 14 against rotation after the angular position has been set.

[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, the eccentric 14 comprises a thread that engages with a thread in the eccentric bearing 28. Alternatively, the outer surface of the eccentric and the receiving bore 28b of the eccentric bearing can be smooth. In this case, an angular locking means can be provided located outside the eccentric 14, for example, a screw that radially penetrates the thickness of the nozzle body 12 and the eccentric bearing 28 to engage with the outer surface of the eccentric by friction. Alternatively, the eccentric can be secured against rotation after adjustment by bonding or welding it to the eccentric bearing. Such anti-rotation means can also be provided for the eccentric 14, which has a thread on its outer surface as described above.

[0038] In all considered embodiments, the eccentric 14 is mounted on an eccentric bearing 28, which is attached to the nozzle body 12. Alternatively, it may be possible to omit an intermediate eccentric bearing and mount the eccentric directly into the nozzle body 12, enabling it to be angularly displaced.

[0039] Furthermore, it is also possible to provide a lubrication nozzle with a larger number of spray heads. For example, a nozzle with three spray heads is possible: one fixed spray head relative to the nozzle body and two spray heads that are angularly movable relative to the body, each mounted on a special eccentric. Alternatively, a nozzle can be provided in which each spray head is mounted on an eccentric that is angularly movable relative to the nozzle body.

[0040] Based on the invention, we have a nozzle for spraying lubricant in which the center-to-center distance between the nozzle outlets can be easily adjusted depending on the distance between the areas to be lubricated. This promotes good lubrication, ensuring that the lubricant is sprayed precisely onto the areas to be treated. The nozzle can also be used in areas with small dimensions. Therefore, we have a nozzle that can be used to lubricate areas with varying distances between them. Furthermore, if maintenance is required, it is possible to replace a defective component, such as a dirty nozzle, while reusing the other nozzle components. The nozzle components can be made of stainless steel, aluminum, or plastic.

Claims

[1] Lubrication nozzle comprising a nozzle body (12) extending along a longitudinal axis (12a) and provided with a lubricant supply channel (24) and at least two spray heads (16, 18) each comprising an outlet opening (16b, 18b) in conjunction with the supply channel, characterized by , that the second (18) of the at least two spray heads is fixed relative to the nozzle body (12), the lubrication nozzle also comprises at least one adjusting means (14) which is rotatable about an axis (30) which is radially offset outwards relative to the longitudinal axis (12a) of the nozzle body (24) and on which the first (16) of the at least two spray heads is arranged in order to modify the distance between the outlet openings (16b , 18b) of the spray heads by rotating the adjusting means (14) about the axis (30). [2] Lubrication nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the adjusting means comprises an eccentric (14) which is angularly movable with respect to the nozzle body. [3] Lubrication nozzle according to claim 2, wherein the nozzle body comprises an eccentric bearing (28) which is fixedly mounted inside a recess (26) of the body and comprises a bore (28b) in the interior of which the eccentric is mounted. [4] Lubrication nozzle according to claim 3, wherein the outer surface of the eccentric (14) comprises a thread which interacts with an additional thread of the bore (28b) of the eccentric bearing. [5] Lubrication nozzle according to claim 4, comprising a joint (32) which is mounted in the bore (28b) of the eccentric bearing and is able to cooperate by engaging with a contact shoulder (14b) of the outer surface of the eccentric to limit the axial displacement of the eccentric. [6] Lubrication nozzle according to one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the eccentric comprises a cavity (14c) which is able to accommodate an operating key for adjusting the angular position of the eccentric. [7] Lubrication nozzle according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a locking means against the twisting of the adjusting means. [8] Lubrication nozzle according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a flap (34) which is able to slide under the influence of the pressure exerted by the lubricant and a spring (36) which exerts a restoring force on the flap, wherein the flap and the spring are mounted inside the supply channel. [9] Lubrication system comprising a plurality of lubrication nozzles according to any one of the preceding claims.

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