Centralized lubrication device

Abstract

A centralized lubrication device (1) is provided comprising a first chamber (2) adapted to contain a lubricating fluid and defining a main axis (2a); at least one pumping device (3) including at least a second chamber (30) in fluid passage connection with the first chamber (2) and the exterior, and a piston (31) movable along a secondary axis (3a) transverse to the main axis (2a) with respect to the second chamber (30) so as to pump the lubricating fluid outwards; control means (4) configured to move the piston (31); and an actuator (5) operatively connected to the control means (4) to actuate them in response to an external stimulus and comprising a rod (50) movable along the main axis (2a) in response to the external stimulus; comprising a first interaction portion (41), and a radially eccentric disc-shaped second body (42), interfering with at least the piston (31) so as to move it along the secondary axis (3a) proportionally to its own rotation, including a second interaction portion (43) adapted to couple with the first interaction portion (41) to rotate the second body (42) in response to its movement along the main axis (2a) and mechanically connected to the rod (50) so as to define at least a free configuration in which the interaction portions (41, 43) are decoupled, and a plurality of coupling configurations in which the interaction portions (41, 43) are coupled and the second body (42) rotates in a predetermined direction of rotation proportionally to the translation along the main axis (2a).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] CENTRALIZED LUBRICATION DEVICE

[0003] The present invention relates to a centralized lubrication device of the type specified in the preamble of claim 1 .

[0004] In particular, the present invention relates to a lubrication device adapted to pump lubricant to a plurality of utilities starting from an innovative kinematic mechanism which, in its overall operation, behaves like a desmodromic mechanism.

[0005] As is known, automatic lubrication systems (ALS), also known as centralized lubrication systems (CLS), are mechanical devices designed to deliver precise quantities of lubricant to multiple points within machinery during operation.

[0006] Although generally fully automated, some systems may require manual activation via pumps or buttons and still fall within the category of centralized lubrication. They generally employ oil and / or grease lubrication and are preferably used for stationary equipment such as milling machines and CNCs, or mobile machinery such as trucks, mining and construction equipment.

[0007] These systems are essential for maintenance and reliability, providing lubrication points with metered quantities of grease or oil from a central reservoir.

[0008] In summary, therefore, centralized lubrication systems are intended to create thin surface films to reduce the coefficient of friction, temperatures and noise, while at the same time increasing the ability of moving surfaces to withstand high loads. Proper lubrication ensures efficiency and durability of the various members and, consequently, of the machinery.

[0009] Such systems therefore include manual pumps, electro-cyclic volumetric pumps, vibration pumps, gear electropumps and pneumatic volumetric pumps, magnetic pumps and also hydraulic pumps. Normally, centralized lubrication systems may also include distributors, metering devices, sensors, line fittings and terminals in addition to the piping for circuit implementation.

[0010] The known art described includes some significant drawbacks.

[0011] In particular, centralized lubricant pumping systems to the utilities use construction techniques and / or well-known devices depending on the type of actuation of the pump and / or pumping device (electric, pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical...) and the classic desmodromic pumping system has standard and rigid geometries at a global level, as well as the accompanying components necessary for its correct operation.

[0012] It is therefore not always possible to use such pumping and / or lubrication systems. In this situation, the technical task underlying the present invention is to devise a centralized lubrication device capable of substantially overcoming at least part of the above-mentioned drawbacks.

[0013] Within said technical task, an important aim of the invention is to obtain a centralized lubrication device that is versatile in handling and in dimensions. Furthermore, a further task of the invention is to obtain a centralized lubrication device that has high efficiency.

[0014] The technical task and the specified aims are achieved by a centralized lubrication device as claimed in the appended claim 1 .

[0015] Preferred technical solutions are highlighted in the dependent claims.

[0016] The features and advantages of the invention are clarified below by the detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] Fig. 1 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a centralized lubrication device according to the invention in which the actuator comprises an electromechanical motor;

[0018] Fig. 2 illustrates a longitudinal sectional view of a centralized lubrication device according to the invention in which the actuator is of the pneumatic type;

[0019] Fig. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of a centralized lubrication device according to the invention in which the actuator is of the hydraulic type;

[0020] Fig. 4a represents a perspective view of the control means of a centralized lubrication device according to the invention in which the second body is in the free configuration and the first body is outside the cavity;

[0021] Fig. 4b shows a perspective view of the control means of a centralized lubrication device according to the invention in which the second body is in the coupling configuration and the first body is partially inside the cavity;

[0022] Fig. 4c illustrates a perspective view of the control means of a centralized lubrication device according to the invention in which the second body is in the free configuration and the second interaction portion of the first body is entirely inside the cavity;

[0023] Fig. 5a is a longitudinal sectional view of the control means of Fig. 4a;

[0024] Fig. 5b represents a longitudinal sectional view of the control means of Fig.

[0025] 4b; and

[0026] Fig. 5c shows a longitudinal sectional view of the control means of Fig. 4c.

[0027] In the present document, dimensions, values, shapes and geometric references (such as perpendicularity and parallelism), when associated with words like “about” or other similar terms such as “approximately” or “substantially,” are to be understood as subject to measurement errors or inaccuracies due to production and / or manufacturing errors and, more importantly, to a slight deviation from the value, dimension, shape or geometric reference to which they are associated. For example, such terms, when associated with a value, preferably indicate a deviation not exceeding 10% of the value itself.

[0028] Moreover, when used, terms such as “first,” “second,” “upper,” “lower,” “main” and “secondary” do not necessarily identify an order, a priority of relationship or relative position, but may simply be used to more clearly distinguish between different components.

[0029] Unless otherwise specified, as will result from the following discussions, it is considered that terms such as “processing,” “computing,” “determination,” “calculation,” or the like, refer to the action and / or processes of a computer or similar electronic computing device that manipulates and / or transforms data represented as physical quantities, such as electronic quantities within registers of a computer system and / or memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within computer systems, registers or other storage, transmission or display devices.

[0030] The measurements and data reported herein are to be considered, unless otherwise indicated, as carried out in International Standard Atmosphere ICAO (ISO 2533:1975).

[0031] With reference to the Figures, the centralized lubrication device according to the invention is globally denoted by the number 1.

[0032] The device 1 is adapted to allow the lubrication of one or more utilities such as distributors or directly lubrication points on the machinery. In particular, preferably, the device 1 is adapted to pump lubricant to one or more utilities starting from a centralized desmodromic mechanism. To this end, preferably, the device 1 comprises at least a first chamber 2.

[0033] The first chamber 2 is substantially a pump body delimiting a containment volume. Appropriately, a reservoir for containing the lubricant may be present in connection with the pump body, preferably positioned above the pump body, from which the lubricant is poured into the pump body itself.

[0034] Furthermore, preferably, the first chamber 2 defines a main axis 2a. The main axis 2a is a virtual axis, for example a barycentric and / or central axis with respect to the first chamber 2. The latter may, in fact, be cylindrical, for example.

[0035] Furthermore, the device 1 comprises at least one pumping device 3. The pumping device 3 is adapted to pump fluid from the first chamber 2 to release it outside the pump body, in particular preferably to release it to what is provided by the lubrication system downstream of the pump and, finally, to at least one utility. Naturally, the device 1 could comprise a plurality of pumping devices 3. If present in a number greater than one, the pumping devices 3 are radially distributed around the main axis 2a.

[0036] Appropriately, the device 1 could comprise one pumping device 3 for each utility associated / connected to the device 1.

[0037] In particular, one or more of the pumping devices 3, and preferably each of them, comprises a second chamber 30 and a piston 31.

[0038] The second chamber 30 is preferably in fluid passage connection with the first chamber 2 (i.e. , the containment volume). To this end, for example, the second chamber 30 may be provided with an orifice communicating with the first chamber 2. Furthermore, the second chamber 30 is in fluid passage connection with the exterior of the first chamber 2. For example, the second chamber 30 may be in fluid passage connection with a delivery line adapted to convey lubricating fluid to a utility.

[0039] The piston 31 is a movable element with respect to the second chamber 30.

[0040] Naturally, the piston 31 is adapted to move inside the second chamber 30 so as to draw fluid from the first chamber 2 and convey it, through the second chamber 30, towards the utility.

[0041] In detail, the piston 31 is movable along a secondary axis 3a. The secondary axis 3a is preferably transverse to the main axis 2a, for example perpendicular thereto. The piston 31 therefore moves along the secondary axis 3a so as to vary the pressure in the second chamber 30 and thus pump the lubricating fluid out of the first chamber 2 proportionally to the movement of the piston 31 along the secondary axis 3a.

[0042] Therefore, the device 1 also comprises control means 4. The device 1 could comprise control means 4 for each pumping device 3.

[0043] The control means 4 are configured to move the piston 31. In particular, the control means 4 transmit the motion of an actuator 5 to the pumping device 3. Therefore, the device 1 also comprises the actuator 5. Appropriately, the device 1 could comprise one actuator 5 for each of the control means 4, or one actuator 5 configured to move one or more control means 4.

[0044] The latter is operatively connected to the control means 4 to actuate them. Even more in detail, the actuator 5 actuates the control means 4 in response to an external stimulus.

[0045] Therefore, the actuator 5 comprises a rod 50.

[0046] The rod 50 preferably extends along the main axis 2a (it is specified that the expression “along the axis” identifies a direction parallel or suitably coinciding with said axis). Therefore, the rod 50 is movable along the main axis 2a relative to the first chamber 2 in response to the external stimulus.

[0047] The external stimulus may be implemented in various ways. For example, it may be a pneumatic, hydraulic, or even electromechanical stimulus.

[0048] In fact, the actuator 5 may comprise an electromechanical motor operatively connected to the rod 50 in such a way as to exert on it an external stimulus proportional to an electrical command.

[0049] Alternatively, the actuator 5 may comprise a third chamber 53. If present, the third chamber 53 houses the rod 50 and a plunger 52. The plunger 52, if present, is preferably integral with the rod 50.

[0050] Therefore, the plunger 52 is arranged in the third chamber 53 in such a way as to push the rod 50 along the main axis 2a when a pneumatic or hydraulic fluid is introduced into the third chamber 53 and exerts pressure on the plunger 52, determining the external stimulus.

[0051] Naturally, the actuator 5 may further comprise first opposition means 51.

[0052] If present, the first opposition means 51 are preferably elastic. Moreover, they are configured to oppose the movement of the rod 50 along the main axis 2a in a direction concordant with the external stimulus. Therefore, the first opposition means 51 are configured to return the rod 50 to an initial position in the absence of said external stimulus. This means that, for example, when the first opposition means 51 are present and the actuator 5 is of the electromechanical type, it is sufficient to interrupt the power supply to the motor to elastically return the rod 50 to the original position. Or, in the case of a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator 5, the external stimulus can be nullified by interrupting the supply of pressurized fluid into the third chamber 53.

[0053] Naturally, the first opposition means 51 may also oppose the movement of the rod 50 in a direction opposite to the stimulus imposed by the actuation of the actuator 5. For example, therefore, the first opposition means 51 may provide an elastic external stimulus on the rod 50, and the latter may, contrary to the previously described configuration, be returned to the initial position only by overcoming the elastic force of the first opposition means 51 by supplying said motor or introducing pressurized fluid into the third chamber 53 for this purpose.

[0054] The control means 4, therefore, receive the motion of the rod 50 to transfer it to the piston 31.

[0055] In particular, to this end, preferably the control means 4 comprise a first body 40 and a second body 42.

[0056] The first body 40 is preferably integral with the first chamber 2. Furthermore, preferably, the first body 40 extends along the main axis 2a. Moreover, the first body 40 comprises a first interaction portion 41.

[0057] The first interaction portion 41 is preferably adapted to interact with the second body 42 in the manner described in more detail below.

[0058] The second body 42 is advantageously disc-shaped, radially eccentric with respect to the main axis 2a. This means that, by rotating around the main axis 2a, the second body 42 defines a periodically radially varying thickness.

[0059] Furthermore, the second body 42 radially interferes with the main axis 2a with at least one piston 31 , preferably with all the pistons 31 if they are more than one. Therefore, the second body 42 interferes with the piston 31 by moving said piston 31 along the secondary axis 3a proportionally to its own rotation around the main axis 2a.

[0060] To ensure interference between the second body 42 and the piston 31 , preferably one or more of the pumping devices 3 comprise second opposition means 32. If present, the second opposition means 32 are, similarly to the first opposition means 51 , elastic means configured to oppose the movement of the piston 31 along the secondary axis 3a in a direction away from the main axis 2a.

[0061] Therefore, the second opposition means 32 oppose the movement of the piston 31 away from contact with the second body 42, even more specifically by pressing in such a way as to push the piston 31 into contact with the second body 42.

[0062] The second opposition means 32, like the first opposition means 51 , may include a linear spring.

[0063] The second body 42 also includes a second interaction portion 43.

[0064] The second interaction portion 43 is adapted to couple with the first interaction portion 41 . In particular, advantageously, the second interaction portion 43 couples with the first interaction portion 41 to rotate the second body 42 about the main axis 2a in response to a movement of the second body 42 along the main axis 2a with respect to the first body 40.

[0065] Indeed, the second body 42 is also mechanically connected to the rod 50 in such a way as to define, in response to the external stimulus, at least a free configuration and a plurality of coupling configurations.

[0066] In the free configuration, preferably the interaction portions 41 , 43 are decoupled.

[0067] In the coupling configuration, preferably, the interaction portions 41 , 43 are coupled; therefore, the second body 42 rotates in a predetermined direction of rotation proportionally to the translation of the second body 42 along the main axis 2a during the transition between the coupling configurations.

[0068] Since the second body 42 rotates when moved by the rod 50, preferably, the actuator 5 and the second body 42 are mutually constrained by a joint 6. Preferably, the joint 6 is of mechanical type. Furthermore, in detail, the joint 6 constrains the second body 42 to the rod 50 integrally along the main axis 2a and idly around the main axis 2a. This means that, while the second body 42 is pushed along the main axis 2a by the rod 50, the second body 42 can rotate freely relative to it. The joint 6 can, therefore, for example, be of the cardan type.

[0069] As regards the coupling of the interaction portions 41 , 43, in detail, one of the interaction portions 41 , 43 preferably comprises at least one pivot 430. The pivot 430 is substantially a protrusion extending on the surface of one of the interaction portions 41 , 43.

[0070] The other of the interaction portions 41 , 43 comprises, instead, at least one groove 410.

[0071] The groove 410 is substantially a guide slot. Therefore, the groove 410 is preferably configured to accommodate the pivot 430.

[0072] Moreover, advantageously, the groove 410 extends around one interaction portion 41 , 43 along a circumferential trajectory extending in a zigzag pattern.

[0073] Said trajectory, therefore, extends periodically between two ends. In particular, the trajectory extends between a lower zone 41a and a higher zone 41b.

[0074] The higher zone 41 b is opposite the lower zone 41 a, i.e., arranged on a side of the first interaction portion 41 opposite the side on which the lower zone 41 a is positioned. Therefore, the higher zone 41 b is spaced from the lower zone 41 a parallel to the main axis 2a.

[0075] Accordingly, the pivot 430 enters or exits the groove 410 at the lower and higher zones 41 a, 41 b so that the second body 42 passes from the free configuration to the coupling configuration, or vice versa, by rotating the second body 42 in the predetermined direction of rotation while the second body 42 translate along the main axis 2a. Even more specifically, the groove 410 preferably comprises a delivery section 410a and a return section 410b.

[0076] The delivery section 410a and the return section 410b are mutually adjacent. Furthermore, the delivery section 410a and the return section 410b are preferably mutually transverse and incident at the lower and higher zones 41 a, 41 b.

[0077] Therefore, the delivery and return sections 410a, 410b alternate consecutively and periodically along the trajectory without interruption.

[0078] The delivery and return sections 410a, 410b may both extend helically around the main axis 2a. Alternatively, preferably, the delivery section 410a extends helically and the return section 410b extends parallel to the main axis 2a.

[0079] Furthermore, the groove 410 preferably comprises a plurality of ports 410c.

[0080] The ports 410c are preferably funnel-shaped with the maximum cross-section suitably facing the first body 40. Therefore, the ports 410c are preferably configured to guide the pivot 430 into the groove 410. Moreover, the ports 410c are arranged alternately between the lower zone 41 a and the higher zone 41 b upstream of one of the delivery and return sections 410a, 410b subsequent to the other between the of and return sections 410a, 410b with respect to the predetermined direction of rotation.

[0081] Therefore, thanks to the above configuration, the second body 42 is guided to periodically translation from the free configuration to the coupling configuration and return to the free configuration.

[0082] During the transition between the coupling configurations, preferably, the first body 40 penetrates into the second body 42. Therefore, preferably, the second body 42 comprises a cavity 420. If present, the cavity 420 extends along the main axis 2a. Moreover, the cavity 420 is peripherally bounded around the main axis 2a by the second interaction portion 43 and is configured to accommodate the first interaction portion 41 during the translation of the second body 42 along the main axis 2a.

[0083] The operation of the centralized lubrication device 1 previously described in structural terms is as follows.

[0084] When the actuator 5 is actuated, the rod 50 pushes the second body 42 towards the first body 40 allowing the pivot 430 to engage the groove 410 and thereby initiating the rotation of the second body 42, proportional to the translation along the main axis 2a.

[0085] During the rotation, since the second body 42 is eccentric, the pistons 31 are actuated so as to pump lubricating fluid from the first chamber 2 to an external utility. The centralized lubrication device 1 according to the invention achieves significant advantages.

[0086] In fact, the centralized lubrication device 1 allows, with a single simple movement based on a desmodromic mechanism, to ensure the pumping of lubricating fluid to all the utilities. It is therefore very versatile and can be actuated by very different means and, moreover due to its simplicity, miniaturized so as to be installed on various utilities.

[0087] The invention is susceptible to modifications falling within the scope of the inventive concept defined by the claims.

[0088] Within this scope, all the details may be replaced with equivalent elements and the materials, shapes and dimensions may be any.

Claims

C LA I M S1. Centralized lubrication device (1 ) including:- a first chamber (2) bounding a volume containing a lubricating fluid and defining a main axis (2a);- at least one pumping device (3) including at least:- a second chamber (30) in fluid passage connection with said containment volume and the exterior of said first chamber (2), and- a piston (31 ) movable along a secondary axis (3a) transverse to said main axis (2a) with respect to said second chamber (30) so as to pump said lubricating fluid out of said first chamber (2) based on the movement of said piston (31 ) along said secondary axis (3a);- control means (4) configured to move said piston (31 ); and- an actuator (5)- operationally connected to said control means (4) to actuate said control means (4) in response to an external stimulus, and- comprising a rod (50) extending along said main axis (2a) and moving along said main axis (2a) relative to said first chamber (2) in response to said external stimulus; and characterized in that said control means (4) include:- a first body (40) integral with said first chamber (2), extending along said main axis (2a) and including a first interaction portion (41 ), and- a second disc-shaped body (42)- radially eccentric to said main axis (2a), interfering radially with said main axis (2a) with at least said piston (31 ) so as to move said piston (31 ) along said secondary axis (3a) proportionally to itsown rotation about said main axis (2a),- including a second interaction portion (43) intended to couple with said first interaction portion (41 ) to rotate said second body (42) about said main axis (2a) in response to a movement of said second body (42) along said main axis (2a) with respect to said first body (40); and- mechanically connected to said rod (50) in such a way as to define, in response to said external stimulus, at least:- a free configuration in which said interaction portions (41 , 43) are decoupled, and- a plurality of coupling configurations in which said interaction portions (41 , 43) are coupled and said second body (42) rotates in a predetermined direction of rotation proportional to the translation of said second body (42) along said main axis (2a) during the transition between said coupling configurations.

2. Device (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein one of said interaction portions (41 , 43) includes at least one pivot (430) and the other of said interaction portions (41 , 43) comprises at least one guide groove (410) configured to accommodate said pivot (430) and extending around one of said interaction portions (41 , 43) along a circumferential trajectory extending in a zigzag pattern between a lower zone (41a) and a higher zone (41 b) opposite said lower zone (41 a) and spaced from said lower zone (41 a) parallel to said main axis (2a) at which zones said pivot (430) enters or exits said groove (410) so that said second body (42) moves from said free configuration to said coupling configuration or vice versa by rotating said second body (42) in said predetermined direction of rotation while said second body (42) translates along said main axis (2a).

3. Device (1 ) according to the preceding claim, wherein said groove (410) includes:- a delivery (410a) and a return (410b) section that are mutually adjacent, transverse, and incident at said lower and higher zones (41 a, 41 b) and alternating consecutively periodically along said trajectory without interruption, and- funnel-shaped ports (410c) configured to guide said pivot (430) to enter said groove (410) and arranged alternately between said lower zone (41 a) and said higher zone (41 b) upstream of one between said delivery (410a) and return (410) sections subsequent to the other between said delivery (410a) and return (410) sections with respect to said predetermined direction of rotation in such a way that said second body (42) is guided to periodically move from said free configuration to said coupling configuration returning to said free configuration.

4. Device (1 ) according to any preceding claim, wherein said second body (42) comprises a cavity (420) extending along said main axis (2a) delimited at the perimeter around said main axis (2a) by said second interaction portion (43) and configured to accommodate said first interaction portion (41 ) during the translation of said second body (42) along said main axis (2a).

5. Device (1 ) according to any preceding claim, wherein said actuator (5) further comprises first elastic means of opposition (51 ) configured to:- oppose the movement of said rod (50) along said main axis (2a) in a direction concurrent with said external stimulus such that said rod (50) is returned to an initial position in the absence of said external stimulus, or- impart said external stimulus on said rod (50).

6. Device (1 ) according to any preceding claim, wherein said actuator (5) and said second body (42) are mutually constrained by means of a joint (6) mechanically integrally binding said second body (42) to said rod (50) along said main axis (2a) and idly around said main axis (2a).

7. Device (1 ) according to any preceding claim, wherein said pumping device (3) comprises second elastic means of opposition (32) for opposing the movement of said piston (31 ) along said secondary axis (3a) away from said main axis (2a) in such a manner as to push said piston (31 ) into contact with said second body (42).

8. Device (1 ) according to any preceding claim, comprising a plurality of said pumping devices (3) distributed radially around said main axis (2a).

9. Device (1 ) according to any preceding claim, wherein said actuator (5) comprises a third chamber (53) housing said rod (50) and a plunger (52) integral with said rod (50) and arranged in said third chamber (53) so as to push said rod (50) along said main axis (2a) when a pneumatic or hydraulic fluid is introduced into said third chamber (53) and exerts pressure on said plunger (52) resulting in said external stimulus.

10. Device (1 ) according to any preceding claim, wherein said actuator (5) comprises an electromechanical motor operatively connected to said rod (50) in such a manner as to exert upon it an external stimulus proportional to an electrical command.

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