Lubrication device for the targeted application of a lubricant

Abstract

The invention relates to a lubrication device (1) for the targeted application of a lubricant (2), comprising a lubricant supply unit (3) and an injection unit (4), wherein a fluid line (11) connects the lubricant supply unit (3) for supplying the lubricant (2) to the injection unit (4) and the injection unit (4) comprises a valve (15) coupled to the fluid line (11), a throttle (16) coupled to the valve (15) and two line lasers (17), wherein the laser beams (18) of the line lasers (17) intersect and a lubricant application position can be identified at the intersection of the laser beams (18).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a lubricating device for the targeted application of a lubricant according to the features of patent claim 1.

[0002] When machining metal workpieces, a lubricant, particularly a cooling lubricant, is usually applied directly to a tool cutting edge to prevent overheating of the workpiece or the cutting edge itself. Lubrication devices are known in the art in which the lubricant is guided directly to the tool cutting edge via small channels and applied there. However, this requires a large quantity of lubricant, as it can be applied over a large area of ​​the tool cutting edge and not locally at the interface between the cutting edge and the workpiece. The used lubricant is collected and returned to the tool cutting edge by a circulation pump. To maintain the quality of the lubricant, it must be cleaned and reprocessed, which is associated with high costs.

[0003] Alternatively, there are lubrication devices that generate a lubricant aerosol that is atomized over the machining area. However, in this case, the nozzle of the lubricator must be positioned in close proximity to the lubricant application position, usually at a distance of between 5 cm and 10 cm. The greater the distance between the nozzle and the lubricant application position, the more the aerosol spreads and covers areas that should not be lubrication. Due to the short distance between the nozzle and the lubricant application position, it may be necessary to remove the nozzle when changing workpieces and recalibrate it after the new workpiece has been loaded, which is time-consuming. In addition, the aerosol can create a harmful working atmosphere.

[0004] Devices for metalworking using cooling liquids are known from DE 60 2004 005 942 T2, JP H07-276 184 A and DE 10 2004 050 428 B4.

[0005] Based on this, the object of the present invention is to provide a lubricating device which is improved over the prior art and in particular enables precise application of the lubricant.

[0006] This problem is solved by the features of patent claim 1.

[0007] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0008] The lubrication device according to the invention for the targeted application of a lubricant is, in particular, a minimum-quantity lubrication device with which minimal amounts of lubricant can be applied specifically to a lubricant application position. The lubricant can be a cooling lubricant, in particular an oil, which is used for cooling and lubrication during the machining of metal workpieces.

[0009] The lubrication device comprises a lubricant supply unit and an injection unit. A fluid line connects the lubricant supply unit to the injection unit. The lubricant contained in the lubricant supply unit can be supplied to the injection unit via the fluid line.

[0010] The injection unit comprises a valve, a throttle, and two line lasers. One end of the valve is directly or indirectly connected to the fluid line. The other end of the valve is connected to the throttle. When the valve is open, lubricant can flow from the fluid line through the valve toward the throttle. The lubricant leaves the injection unit via the throttle at a defined pressure.

[0011] What is essential to the invention is that the linear laser beams of the line lasers intersect, and the intersection point of the laser beams allows a lubricant application position to be marked. The line lasers form the target unit of the lubricant device. The line lasers are aligned so that the intersection point of the laser beams is in alignment with the throttle. Thus, the intersection point of the laser beams lies on an extended longitudinal axis of the throttle and thus on the trajectory of the lubricant sprayed by the injection unit. When the injection unit is aligned with the workpiece to be machined, the linear laser beams intersect on the workpiece and mark the lubricant application position. This allows the injection unit to be aligned quickly and precisely by a user.

[0012] Preferably, the line lasers are arranged longitudinally parallel to the longitudinal direction of the choke. This parallel arrangement simplifies the alignment between the intersection point of the linear laser beams and the choke.

[0013] Preferably, the line lasers and the throttle form the vertices of an isosceles, right-angled triangle when viewed from the front of the injection unit. The front view of the injection unit refers to the side of the injection unit facing the workpiece when aligned. The legs running between the respective line lasers and the throttle are thus the same length, and the intersecting laser beams can be aligned so that they are perpendicular to each other at their intersection point when the intersection point is aligned with the throttle. This enables clear marking of the lubricant application position.

[0014] It is also advantageous if the line lasers are mounted in a radially adjustable manner. Rotation of the line lasers causes the linear laser beams to rotate. This allows for fine adjustment of the intersection position of the intersecting laser beams, since, depending on the orientation of the injection unit, the lubricant can be minimally deflected from the longitudinal axis of the throttle by gravity.

[0015] The valve is preferably a pulse valve. This allows for very short opening times of up to 2 ms, allowing minimal amounts of lubricant to be dispensed per spraying cycle. This allows for precise dosing of the lubricant, which can be adjusted to the specific lubricant requirements.

[0016] The throttle preferably has an opening width of 0.05 mm to 1 mm, particularly preferably 0.05 mm to 0.3 mm. The opening width of the throttle can be, in particular, 0.075 mm, 0.11 mm, 0.15 mm, 0.2 mm, or 0.3 mm. These opening widths of the throttle allow the injection unit to be arranged at a greater distance from the lubricant application position. With the lubrication device according to the invention, this distance can be up to one meter.

[0017] In addition, the throttle is preferably designed to be interchangeable, allowing throttles with different opening widths to be used depending on the application. The amount of lubricant delivered can be regulated by the throttle opening width, the valve opening time, and the set lubricant supply pressure.

[0018] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the throttle is a sapphire throttle, meaning the throttle is made of sapphire, preferably a synthetic sapphire. Particularly with throttle openings of less than 0.2 mm, even the slightest unevenness can deflect the lubricant, preventing the lubricant from reliably reaching the intended lubricant application position. When manufacturing a synthetic sapphire, no machining is required, so no burrs are created and clean channels can be formed. Furthermore, due to the high hardness and abrasion resistance of sapphire, such unevenness can be avoided with a sapphire throttle.

[0019] The throttle can be located within a protective screw connection connected to the housing of the injection unit. The protective screw connection protects the throttle, a delicate precision component, from damage.

[0020] The housing of the injection unit can have a fixing element by means of which the injection unit can be attached to a holder and aligned. The fixing element is designed, in particular, as a ball joint.

[0021] In particular, the injection unit comprises a coupling element that is connected to the valve and protrudes from the housing of the injection unit. The fluid line can be coupled to the injection unit via the coupling element.

[0022] The injection unit preferably includes a filter, which is arranged in particular between the coupling element and the valve. The filter can filter out impurities from the lubricant, preventing them from clogging the throttle. This is particularly relevant when throttles with a very small diameter are used. The filter is designed to be replaceable, allowing it to be replaced regularly to prevent clogging of the fluid line.

[0023] The fluid line is formed, in particular, from a robust hose, which preferably has an outer diameter of 3 to 7 mm, and in particular 5 mm. Furthermore, the fluid line preferably has an inner diameter of 1 to 3 mm, and in particular 2 mm.

[0024] The fluid line can be equipped with a shut-off valve near its end facing the injection unit. Connecting the fluid line to the injection unit releases the shut-off valve. When the fluid hose is removed from the injection unit, the shut-off valve closes automatically. This allows the fluid line to be separated from the injection unit without leakage, even while the lubrication device is operating.

[0025] The lubricant supply unit preferably comprises a lubricant reservoir and a distribution unit, with a pump fluidly connecting the lubricant reservoir and the distribution unit. The pump can pump the lubricant from the lubricant reservoir to the distribution unit. The lubricant reservoir is, in particular, an open tank, so that lubricant can be refilled into the lubricant reservoir even during ongoing operation of the lubrication device.

[0026] The distribution unit preferably has a connection, in particular at least two connections, wherein the fluid line is coupled to one of the connections. By means of the connections, several fluid lines can also be coupled to the distribution unit. This has the advantage that only one pump and one lubricant reservoir are required to supply several injection units with lubricant. The connections of the distribution unit can also have a shut-off valve and only open when connected to the fluid line. If the fluid line is decoupled, the connection of the distribution unit closes automatically. This has the advantage that fluid lines can be removed or added during operation of the lubrication device without disrupting the operation of fluid lines already connected.

[0027] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the lubricating device comprises a control unit. The control unit is connected to the injection unit and serves to control the injection unit, in particular the valve arranged in the injection unit.

[0028] The control unit can include two potentiometers. One of the potentiometers can be used to adjust the valve opening time, while the other can be used to adjust the pause time between valve openings. The potentiometers allow for continuous adjustment of the valve opening and pause times.

[0029] The control unit can further comprise a switch and a push button. The switch can be used to set continuous operation of the lubricating device. If the switch is switched on, the lubricating device runs in continuous operation, with the lubricant being sprayed onto the lubricant application position depending on the set opening time and pause time of the valve. If the switch is not activated, pressing the push button opens the valve with the set opening time. Thus, if the button is pressed once, the opening time of the valve is not dependent on the duration of the pressing process. However, it is conceivable that if the button is pressed for a longer period, several consecutive opening processes of the valve are triggered.

[0030] The control unit is preferably arranged in a compact housing. The housing, in particular, has a holding magnet so that the control unit can be positioned within reach of a user and operated by the user.

[0031] The pump is driven by an adjustable air supply unit, which also serves as a maintenance unit. This is an assembly comprising a filter with lubricant and a water separator, an adjustable pressure reducer, and a pressure gauge. The air supply unit is preferably arranged at the outlet points of a compressed air supply line, which in particular provides compressed air at 8 to 10 bar.

[0032] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to schematic drawings. These serve to facilitate understanding of the invention.

[0033] They show: Fig. 1 a circuit diagram of a lubricating device according to the invention, Fig. 2 an injection unit of a lubricating device according to the invention in a front view, Fig. 3 the injection unit of the Fig. 2 with linear laser beams Fig. 4 the injection unit of the Fig. 2 on average BB.

[0034] The same reference symbols are used for identical or corresponding components, even if a repeated description is omitted for reasons of simplification.

[0035] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a circuit diagram of a lubrication device 1 according to the invention for the targeted application of a lubricant 2 to a lubricant application position (not shown in detail). The lubrication device 1 comprises a lubricant supply unit 3, an injection unit 4, and a control unit 5.

[0036] The lubricant supply unit 3 comprises a lubricant reservoir 6 and a distribution unit 7, with a pump 8 fluidly connecting the lubricant reservoir 6 and the distribution unit 7. The lubricant 2 located in the lubricant reservoir 6 is pumped to the distribution unit 7 by the pump 8 during operation. The pump 8 is driven by an adjustable air supply 9, which is a maintenance unit.

[0037] In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the distribution unit 7 has twelve connections 10. A fluid line 11 is connected to one of the connections 10, which connects the distribution unit 7 to the injection unit 4. A further fluid line 12 is connected to one of the remaining connections 10, whereby the fluid line 12 is not coupled to an injection unit 4. The fluid line 12 has a check valve 13 at its free end. When the fluid line 12 is uncoupled, the check valve 13 is closed. When the fluid line 12 is coupled to an injection unit 4, the check valve 13 opens automatically and the lubricant 2 can be conveyed to the injection unit 4.

[0038] The connections 10 also each have a shut-off valve. By default, the connections 10 of the distribution unit 7 are closed in a fluid-tight manner. Only when a fluid line 11, 12 is coupled to one of the connections 10 is the connection 10 opened and the lubricant 2 can penetrate into the respective fluid line 11, 12. This has the advantage that several fluid lines 11, 12 can be supplied by one pump 8 and one lubricant reservoir 6. This allows several injection units 4 to be operated with one lubricant supply unit 3. In addition, the distribution unit 7 makes it possible for fluid lines 11, 12 to be connected to or removed from the distribution unit 7 during operation without leakage, without impairing the operation of the other fluid lines 11, 12.

[0039] The fluid line 11 is connected to the injection unit 4 at its end facing away from the distribution unit 7. The fluid line has a check valve 14 at its end facing away from the distribution unit 7. The check valve 14 is only released when the fluid line 11 is coupled to the injection unit 4. If the fluid line 11 is removed from the injection unit 4, the check valve 14 closes. This makes it possible to couple and decouple the fluid line 11 to the injection unit 4 without leakage during operation of the lubricating device 1.

[0040] The injection unit 4 comprises a valve 15, a throttle 16 and two line lasers 17.

[0041] The line lasers 17 form the aiming device of the injection unit 4. The injection unit 4 is in the Fig. 2 to 4. The line lasers 17 are arranged in their longitudinal direction L parallel to the longitudinal direction L of the throttle 16.

[0042] From the Fig. Viewed from the front view of the injection unit 4 shown in Figure 2, the line lasers 17 and the throttle 16 form the vertices of an isosceles, right-angled triangle. The distance A between the center of the throttle 16 and the respective centers of the line lasers 17 is thus equal.

[0043] Fig. 3 also shows the front view of the injection unit 4 according to Fig. 2, where the intersecting linear laser beams 18 emitted by the line lasers 17 are shown. The laser beams 18 are perpendicular to each other at their intersection point 19. The intersection point 19 of the laser beams 18 is aligned with the throttle 16 and thus in the trajectory path of the sprayed lubricant 2. According to the invention, the lubricant application position (not shown in detail) can thus be marked by the intersecting laser beams 18. If the injection unit 4 is aligned with the workpiece to be machined, the intersection point 19 of the laser beams 18 indicates the position at which the lubricant 2 will impinge on the workpiece. This enables simple and precise alignment of the injection unit 4.

[0044] The line lasers 17 are mounted in a radially adjustable manner. By rotating the line lasers 17, the intersecting laser beams 18 can be finely adjusted.

[0045] The throttle 16 has an opening width of 0.05 mm to 1 mm.

[0046] The throttle 16 is a sapphire throttle. With conventional metal throttles 16, even small irregularities can cause the lubricant 2 to deflect, preventing it from reaching the desired lubricant application position. The hard and abrasion-resistant sapphire prevents such irregularities.

[0047] The Fig. 4 shows the injection unit 4 in section BB of the Fig. 2. The injection unit 4 has a housing 20. The valve 15 is arranged within the housing 20 and connected to a coupling element 28 that protrudes from the housing 20. The shut-off valve 14 of the fluid line 11 can be coupled to the coupling element 28.

[0048] The injection unit 4 further includes a filter 21 arranged between the coupling element 28 and the valve 15. The filter 21 filters out impurities in the lubricant 2, preventing them from clogging the throttle 16.

[0049] The throttle 16 is coupled to the valve 15 at the end facing away from the fluid line 11 and protrudes from the housing 20 of the injection unit 4. A protective screw connection 22 is coupled to the housing 20. The throttle 16 protrudes into the protective screw connection 22 and is protected by it from impacts.

[0050] As in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the injection unit 4 further comprises a fixing element 23 in the form of a ball joint, by means of which the injection unit 4 can be fixed and aligned on a holder not shown in detail.

[0051] The Fig.Figure 1 further shows that the control unit 5 for controlling the injection unit 4, and in particular the valve 15, is electrically connected to the latter. The control unit 5 comprises two potentiometers 24, 25. One potentiometer 24 can be used to adjust the opening time of the valve 15. The valve 15 is a pulse valve, so that very short opening times of 2 ms can be achieved. The other potentiometer 25 can be used to set a pause time between the openings of the valve 15. Both potentiometers 24, 25 are continuously adjustable, giving the user the greatest possible freedom with regard to the adjustment to be made.

[0052] The control unit 5 further comprises a switch 26 and a pushbutton 27. Continuous operation of the lubrication device 1 can be set using the switch 26. If the switch 26 is activated, the valve 15 opens and closes according to the set opening and pause times, allowing the lubricant 2 to be sprayed onto the lubricant application position. The pushbutton 27 can be directly actuated or pressed by the user, causing the valve 15 to open and close once at the set opening time. The combination of the pushbutton 27 and the potentiometer 25 ensures that the valve 15 opens based on the set opening time, regardless of the length of time the pushbutton 27 is pressed.

[0053] The control unit 5 is arranged within a housing which can be fastened within reach of the user, for example by means of a holding magnet (not shown in detail here). Reference symbol: 1 lubrication device 2 lubricants 3 Lubricant supply unit 4 injection unit 5 Control unit 6 lubricant reservoirs 7 Distribution unit 8 Pump 9 Air supply 10 Connection 11 Fluid line 12 Fluid line 13 Check valve 14 Check valve 15 Valve 16 Throttle 17 line lasers 18 laser beam 19 Intersection 20 housings 21 filters 22 Protective screw connection 23 Fixing element 24 potentiometers 25 potentiometers 26 switches 27 buttons 28 coupling element A distance L longitudinal direction

Claims

[1] Lubrication device (1) for the targeted application of a lubricant (2), comprising a lubricant supply unit (3) and an injection unit (4), wherein a fluid line (11) connects the lubricant supply unit (3) for supplying the lubricant (2) to the injection unit (4) and the injection unit (4) comprises a valve (15) coupled to the fluid line (11), a throttle (16) coupled to the valve (15) and two line lasers (17), wherein the linear laser beams (18) of the line lasers (17) intersect and a lubricant application position can be marked with the intersection point (19) of the laser beams (18). [2] Lubrication device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the line lasers (17) are arranged in their longitudinal direction (L) parallel to the longitudinal direction (L) of the throttle (16). [3] Lubrication device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the line lasers (17) and the throttle (16) form the corner points of an isosceles, in particular right-angled, triangle when viewed from a front view of the injection unit (4). [4] Lubrication device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the line lasers (17) are mounted in a radially adjustable manner. [5] Lubrication device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the throttle (16) has an opening width of 0.05 mm to 1 mm, preferably of 0.05 mm to 0.3 mm, particularly preferably of 0.075 mm, 0.11 mm, 0.15 mm, 0.2 mm or 0.3 mm. [6] Lubrication device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the throttle (16) is a sapphire throttle. [7] Lubrication device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the injection unit (4) comprises a filter (21) which is arranged in particular between a coupling element (28) of the injection unit (4) and the valve (15). [8] Lubrication device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the lubricant supply unit (3) comprises a lubricant reservoir (6) and a distribution unit (7), wherein a pump (8) fluidically connects the lubricant reservoir (6) and the distribution unit (7). [9] Lubrication device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the distributor unit (7) has a connection (10), preferably at least two connections (10) and particularly preferably four, six, eight, ten or 12 connections (10), wherein the fluid line (11, 12) is coupled to one of the connections (10). [10] Lubrication device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the connections (10) include a shut-off valve. [11] Lubrication device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the fluid line (11, 12) has a check valve (14), wherein the check valve (14) is arranged in particular at the end region of the fluid line (11, 12) oriented towards the injection unit (4). [12] Lubrication device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the lubricating device (1) comprises a control unit (5), wherein the control unit (5) is connected to the injection unit (4), in particular the valve (15), for controlling the latter. [13] Lubrication device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the control unit (4) comprises two potentiometers (24, 25), wherein an opening time of the valve (15) can be adjusted with one potentiometer (24) and a pause time between the openings of the valve (15) can be adjusted with the other potentiometer (25). [14] Lubrication device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the control unit (5) has a switch (26) and a button (27), wherein the switch (26) can be used to set continuous operation of the lubricating device (1) and actuation of the button (27) triggers opening of the valve (15) with the set opening time.

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