Distribution plate for lubrication head

Abstract

A distribution plate (1) for lubrication head is provided, developed along a main plane (1a) between two faces (10) mutually interconnected by perimeter walls (11) developed transversely to the main plane (1a) and comprising at least one main channel (2) suitable for conveying a lubricating fluid, developing approximately parallel to the main plane (1a) between the faces (10) and defining at least one access (20) located at one of the walls (11); at least one secondary channel (3) suitable for conveying said lubricating fluid, in fluid passage connection with the main channel (2) and developing approximately transversely to the main plane (1a) and defining at least one outlet (30) located at one of the faces (10); wherein the plate (1) is integrally formed by 3D printing process using FDM technique from a polymer filament reinforced with one or more continuous fibers.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] DISTRIBUTION PLATE FOR LUBRICATION HEAD

[0003] The present invention relates to a distribution plate for a lubrication head of the type specified in the preamble to the first claim.

[0004] In particular, the present invention relates to a plate suitable for conveying lubricating fluid through its internal channels to a plurality of dispensing nozzles distributed on the plate and constituting the terminals of a lubrication head positioned in such a way as to be able to uniformly spray the fluid onto an object or a mold.

[0005] Similar distribution plates are described in patent applications DE102017129840A1 , EP3970945A1, US2022154879A1 and KR20130004957A.

[0006] As is known, lubrication heads for molds are devices used to ensure uniform application of lubricant to work surfaces during the production process. These systems reduce friction, prevent overheating, and improve the operating life of the molds, thus contributing to the overall efficiency of the molding cycle.

[0007] A lubrication head consists of a supply system that conveys lubricant through a network of internal channels to nozzles, which distribute the fluid in a controlled manner to critical areas of the mold, such as contact surfaces and cavities. The system can operate in manual or automated mode, with the possibility of adjusting the dispensing quantity and frequency according to the specific needs of the production process.

[0008] From a construction point of view, the lubrication heads are generally mounted on Cartesian lubricators or anthropomorphic robots, which allow them to be positioned and moved within the work area. To ensure resistance and durability over time, thecomponents of the lubrication head are usually made of metallic materials, such as aluminium, stainless steel, or special alloys, capable of withstanding high temperatures and the action of aggressive chemical agents.

[0009] As anticipated, the operation of the lubrication head is based on a series of internal channels that manage the flow of lubricant. The main holes convey the fluid from the supply tank to the distribution chambers, from where the lubricant is divided into smaller secondary channels, which transport it to the nozzles. The latter can be adjustable or interchangeable, to optimize the direction and intensity of the flow. In the most advanced systems, the flow of lubricant is controlled by valves and monitored by pressure and flow sensors, to ensure consistently precise and uniform application.

[0010] The production of lubrication heads takes place through design, machining and assembly steps. In particular, distribution plates, which are the main element for managing the flow of lubricant, are traditionally produced using subtractive processes such as milling and drilling. This process allows for the creation of the internal channels and connections required for lubricant distribution, ensuring solidity and geometric precision.

[0011] However, the prior art has some drawbacks.

[0012] In particular, distribution plates made using traditional methods tend to significantly increase the overall weight of the lubrication head, making movement more complex, especially in automated systems. Furthermore, the need for precision machining to create internal channels can lead to high costs and limitations in the geometry of the ducts, affecting the optimization of lubricant flow.

[0013] Especially in cases where the internal channels are intricate, it may even happen that the processing techniques comprise, in addition to the application of subtractivetechnology, also the addition of material in points where the machining has resulted in the formation of cavities that are necessary for the manufacturing process, but not desired as they must be filled to form the complete and operational component. In this situation, the technical task underpinning the present invention is to design a distribution plate for a lubrication head capable of substantially obviating at least some of the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0014] Within the scope of this technical task, an important aim of the invention is to obtain a distribution plate for a lubrication head that is very light, especially compared to plates of the prior art, and therefore useful for simplifying its movement, especially in automated systems.

[0015] Consequently, another important object of the invention is to provide a lubrication head distribution plate that allows for cheaper molding processes.

[0016] Furthermore, a further aim of the invention is to obtain a distribution plate for a lubrication head which allows to reduce the limitations associated with the formation of complex distribution geometries of the channels, thus allowing to optimize the distribution of the lubricant flow flowing in the plate.

[0017] In conclusion, a further aim of the invention is to create a distribution plate for a lubrication head that can be produced by implementing a single production process, without the need to subsequently fill cavities required for processing, but which must be covered to ensure correct capillarization of the lubricating fluid.

[0018] The technical task and the specified purposes are achieved by a lubrication head distribution plate as claimed in the appended claim 1.

[0019] Preferred embodiments are highlighted in the dependent claims.

[0020] The characteristics and advantages of the invention will be clarified below by the detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, with reference to theaccompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] Fig. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a schematic example of a lubrication head comprising a lubrication head distribution plate according to the invention and a nozzle.

[0022] In the present document, the measurements, values, shapes and geometric references (such as perpendicularity and parallelism), when associated with words such as “about” or other similar terms such as “approximately” or “substantially”, are to be understood as within the limits of measurement errors or inaccuracies due to production and / or manufacturing errors and, in particular, within a slight deviation from the value, measurement, shape or geometric reference to which they are associated. For example, such terms, if associated with a value, preferably indicate a deviation not greater than 10% of the value itself.

[0023] Furthermore, 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.

[0024] Unless otherwise specified, as results 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 electrical 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 information display devices.

[0025] The measurements and data reported in this text are to be considered, unlessotherwise indicated, as carried out under International Standard Atmosphere ICAO (ISO 2533:1975).

[0026] With reference to the Figures, the distribution plate for lubrication head according to the invention is indicated in its entirety by the number 1.

[0027] The plate 1 is a portion adapted to support elements that spray lubricating fluid to apply it uniformly to the work surfaces during the production process. Furthermore, it allows the fluid to be conveyed to the lubricating components.

[0028] In general, the plate 1 has a predominantly flat shape, with a reduced or at least more reduced thickness than the other dimensions.

[0029] Therefore, preferably, the plate 1 develops along a main plane 1a. The main plane 1a is a virtual plane along which the prevailing dimensions of the plate 1 are determined.

[0030] The plate 1 is therefore delimited by two faces 10. The faces 10 are opposite, that is, at opposite sides of the plate 1. The latter then develops along the main plane 1 a between the faces 10.

[0031] Furthermore, the faces 10 are mutually interconnected by walls 11. The walls are perimeter walls. Therefore, the walls 11 develop transversely to the main plane 1a, defining the structural contours of the plate 1.

[0032] As mentioned, the plate 1 allows the distribution of lubricating fluid to the components responsible for spraying the fluid towards other devices being processed.

[0033] In this regard, the plate 1 comprises at least one main channel 2.

[0034] The main channel 2 is suitable for conveying the lubricating fluid. The main channel 2 develops almost parallel to the main plane 1a, extending between the two faces 10. Furthermore, it defines at least one access 20. The access 20 is located at oneof the walls 11. Therefore, the access 20 is the hole through which the lubricating fluid can enter the plate 1 to be distributed. For example, said access 20 may be a threaded opening suitable for allowing the insertion of a fitting for connection to a lubrication source. In general, the wall 11 may comprise a seat 4.

[0035] If provided, the seat 4 is recessed into the wall 11 at the access 20. Therefore, the thread can be made on the inner walls of the seat 4. Or the seat 4 may define a recess, for example cylindrical.

[0036] In addition, the plate 1 comprises at least one secondary channel 3.

[0037] The secondary channel 3 is also suitable for conveying the lubricating fluid. In fact, conveniently, the secondary channel 3 is in fluid passage connection with the main channel 2.

[0038] Furthermore, in detail, the secondary canal 3 develops along a direction approximately transversely to the main plane 1a. Therefore, the secondary channel 3 defines at least one outlet 30.

[0039] The outlet 30 is located at one of the faces 10, i.e. one of the sides with the greatest extension of the plate 1. Therefore, the outlet 30 is the hole through which the lubricating fluid is dispensed from the plate 1.

[0040] The outlet 30 may have a geometry that facilitates connection to additional components, such as distribution nozzles or flow control elements. In this sense, the outlet 30 can be analogous to the access 20.

[0041] Therefore, it may be a threaded opening suitable for allowing the insertion of a fitting for connection to a lubrication source.

[0042] Also in this case, the face 10 may comprise a seat 4.

[0043] If provided, the seat 4 is recessed into the face 10 at the outlet 30. Therefore, the thread can be made on the inner walls of the seat 4. Or the seat 4 may define arecess, for example cylindrical.

[0044] Up to now, features have been described that are, on the whole, common to any plate currently used in lubrication heads.

[0045] However, advantageously and differently from what is known, the plate 1 is formed entirely by means of a 3D printing process.

[0046] In even more detail, the 3D printing process is advantageously implemented using FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) technique. Preferably, additionally, the 3D printing process is carried out from a polymer filament reinforced with one or more continuous fibers.

[0047] Therefore, this technique guarantees a strong and resistant structure for the plate 1. Preferably, the polymer filament comprises, or consists of, polyamide otherwise commonly known as Nylon™, thus being formed by it. Furthermore, the continuous fiber is preferably made of carbon, an element that increases the structural rigidity and reduces the overall weight of the plate 1.

[0048] The invention also comprises a lubrication head 100.

[0049] The lubrication head 100 preferably comprises the plate 1 , as previously described, but may also not comprise it and comprise a conventional type plate.

[0050] However, the head 100 also comprises a new nozzle 5.

[0051] Therefore, the invention could also comprise only the nozzle 5.

[0052] In any case, the nozzle 5 is configured to deliver the lubricating fluid from the head 100 starting from said plate 1 or from a conventional plate.

[0053] In this regard, the plate 5 includes at least one body 50.

[0054] The body 50 defines a prevalent portion of the nozzle 5 through which the lubricating fluid flows.

[0055] Therefore, preferably, the nozzle 5 defines a first end 50a.The first end 50a is of the tubular type. Therefore, it is in fluid passage connection with the outlet 30 or an outlet of a conventional plate. The presence of the outlet nozzle 5 allows the lubricating fluid to be conveyed, starting from the outlet 30 of the plate 1, in a targeted manner towards the external environment or towards mechanical components to be lubricated.

[0056] In fact, the nozzle 5 also comprises a delivery conduit 51.

[0057] The delivery conduit 51 is preferably in fluid passage connection with the first end 50a. The delivery conduit 51 is configured to spray the incoming lubricating fluid from the outlet 30. Furthermore, the delivery conduit 51 sprays the fluid towards the outside of the plate 1 with a predetermined flow rate.

[0058] Preferably, in addition, the flow can be adjusted according to the needs of the lubrication system, optimizing lubricant consumption.

[0059] In this regard, the nozzle 5 preferably comprises regulating means 52.

[0060] The regulating means 52 are operatively interposed between the first end 50a and delivery conduit 51. Therefore, the regulating means 52 allow the predetermined flow rate of the lubricating fluid to be varied on command, offering more precise management of the lubrication process.

[0061] For example, the regulating means 52 may be of the conventional type comprising a valve equipped with a regulating spring.

[0062] Nozzles 5 of this type are already present within the scope of the prior art.

[0063] However, also in this case, advantageously and differently from what is known, the nozzle 5 is preferably formed at least in part by a 3D printing process. In particular, at least the body 50 is integrally formed by such a 3D printing process.

[0064] In even more detail, the 3D printing process is advantageously implemented using FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) technique. Preferably, additionally, the 3Dprinting process is carried out from a polymer filament reinforced with one or more continuous fibers.

[0065] Therefore, this technique guarantees a strong and resistant structure at least for the body 50. Preferably, the polymer filament comprises, or consists of, polyamide otherwise commonly known as Nylon™, thus being formed by it. Furthermore, the continuous fiber is preferably carbon.

[0066] The delivery conduit 51 could also be made using the 3D printing process. However, preferably, the nickel-plated conduit 51 is of the conventional type. Therefore, it is preferably made of metallic material, such as aluminium or more commonly nickel-plated brass.

[0067] The head 100 may also comprise, when provided with the plate 1, a fitting 6.

[0068] The fitting 6 is preferably of the conventional type. Therefore, like the delivery conduit 51, the fitting 6 is preferably made of metallic material, such as aluminium or more commonly nickel-plated brass.

[0069] Furthermore, the fitting 6 includes at least a second end 60. The second end 60 is preferably tubular. Therefore, it is in fluid passage connection with the access 20. Consequently, the fitting 6 is configured to introduce the lubricant fluid into the access 20, facilitating the integration of the plate 1 into a larger lubrication circuit. If the plate 1 is equipped with one or more seats 4, it is preferably configured to house the first end 50a and / or the second end 60, naturally depending on the position assumed on the plate 1.

[0070] The operation of the plate 1 and the head 100 previously described in structural terms is substantially analogous to that of conventional distribution plates and lubrication heads.

[0071] However, they allow to obtain at least a new process for making a distribution plateand a new process for making a lubrication head, respectively.

[0072] The invention may also comprise an isolated novel method for making a dispensing nozzle 5 for a lubrication head.

[0073] The process for making the plate 1 comprises at least one formation step. In this formation step, the plate 1 is integrally formed by means of a 3D printing process using FDM technique from a polymer filament reinforced with one or more continuous fibers, as previously described. This process ensures efficient and customizable implementation of the plate 1 , allowing for optimization of its geometry and structural properties.

[0074] Likewise, the process for making the nozzle 5 comprises at least one formation step, in which at least the body 50 is integrally formed by means of 3D printing process using FDM technique from a polymer filament reinforced with one or more continuous fibers.

[0075] The process for making the lubrication head 100 preferably comprises the integral formation of the plate 1 , but may also not comprise it.

[0076] In fact, the process for making the head 100 could also comprise only the process for making the nozzle 5.

[0077] In general, the process for making the head 100 comprises both the process for making the plate 1 and the process for making the nozzle 5 as previously described, i.e. through a 3D printing process with FDM technique starting from a polymer filament reinforced with one or more continuous fibers.

[0078] Furthermore, the process may optionally also include the formation of one or more seats 4, recessed in said face 10, at said access 20 and / or said outlet 30.

[0079] The formation of the seats 4 is advantageously carried out together with the formation of the plate 1, therefore with an additive technique and not with asubtractive technique implemented after 3D printing.

[0080] If the seats 4 are present, of course, the process for making the head 10 preferably also comprises one or more housing steps.

[0081] In a housing step, the first end 50a is housed in a seat 4. This housing ensures a smooth connection between the first end 50a and the outlet 30, ensuring a constant and controlled flow of lubricant.

[0082] Alternatively or additionally, in another housing step, the second end 60 is housed in a seat 4. This allows for a secure fluid connection between the fitting 6 and the plate 1, improving the efficiency of the lubrication system.

[0083] The lubrication head distribution plate 1, the lubrication head 100, the dispensing nozzle 5, and the related manufacturing processes, according to the invention achieve important advantages.

[0084] In fact, they allow to obtain a plate 1 or a nozzle 5 or an entire head 100 that is very light, especially compared to the components of the prior art, and therefore useful to simplify their movement especially in automated systems.

[0085] Consequently, the plate 1, nozzle 5 and head 100 allow for more economical molding processes.

[0086] Furthermore, the plate 1, the nozzle 5 and the head 100, especially thanks to the implemented manufacturing processes, allow to reduce the limitations associated with the formation of complex distribution geometries of the channels, thus allowing to optimize the distribution of the lubricant flow flowing therein.

[0087] In conclusion, the plate 1 , nozzle 5 and head 100 can be produced by implementing a single production process, without the need to subsequently fill the cavities required for processing, which must be covered to ensure correct capillarization of the lubricating fluid or having to intervene with further subtractive materialprocessing.

[0088] In summary, obtaining a lighter head 100 allows for less wear on the movement systems, less maintenance but also greater movement speed and this reduces lubrication time, benefiting the productivity of the production island, thus allowing for increased production: in a practical implementation example, reducing the production of a cylinder block by 1 second, which currently has a cycle time of around 90 seconds, bringing it down to 89, results in an increase in production of 10 pieces per day which, on a monthly basis, considering production of 6 days a week, leads to a considerable increase in production of 240 pieces per month per production island.

[0089] The invention is susceptible to variations falling within the scope of the inventive concept defined by the claims.

[0090] Within this scope, all details may be replaced by equivalent elements and the materials, shapes and dimensions may be of any type.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Distribution plate (1) for lubrication head developed along a main plane (1a) between two faces (10) mutually interconnected by perimeter walls (11) developed transversely to said main plane (1a) and comprising:- at least one main channel (2) suitable for conveying a lubricating fluid, developing approximately parallel to said main plane (1a) between said faces (10) and defining at least one access (20) located at one of said walls (11 );- at least one secondary channel (3) suitable for conveying said lubricating fluid, in fluid passage connection with said main channel (2) and developing approximately transversely to said main plane (1a) and defining at least one outlet (30) located at one of said faces (10);and characterized in that- said plate (1 ) is integrally formed by 3D printing process using FDM technique from a polymer filament reinforced with one or more continuous fibers.

2. Plate (1) according to claim 1, wherein said polymer filament is formed by polyamide.

3. Plate (1) according to any of the above claims, wherein said continuous fiber is carbon.

4. Lubricating head (100) comprising a plate (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, and a nozzle (5) suitable for dispensing said lubricating fluid from said head (100) from said plate (1) and including at least:- a body (50) defining a first tubular end (50a) in fluid passage connection with said outlet (30);- a delivery conduit (51) in fluid passage connection with said first end (50a) and suitable for spraying said incoming lubricating fluid from said outlet (30) to theoutside of said plate (1 ) with a predetermined flow rate; and- regulating means (52) operationally interposed between said first end (50a) and said delivery conduit (51) to vary, on command, said predetermined flow rate.

5. Head (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein at least said body (50) is integrally formed by means of 3D printing process using FDM technique from a polymer filament reinforced with one or more continuous fibers.

6. Head (100) according to any one of claims 4-5, further comprising a fitting (6) including at least a second tubular end (60) in fluid passage connection with said inlet (20) and suitable for introducing said lubricating fluid into said access (20) from outside said plate (1).

7. Head (100) according to any one of claims 4-6, wherein one or more between said face (10) and said wall (11 ) comprises a seat (4) recessed in said wall (11) at said access (20) and / or recessed in said face (10) at said outlet (30) and configured to house said first end (50a) and / or said second end (60).

8. Process of making a distribution plate (1) for lubrication head according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that it comprises integrally forming said plate (1) by means of 3D printing process using FDM technique from a polymer filament reinforced with one or more continuous fibers.

9. Process of making a lubrication head (100) according to at least claim 5, characterized in that it comprises:- a process of making a distribution plate (1) for lubrication head according to the preceding claim; and- integrally forming at least said body (50) by 3D printing process using FDM technique from a polymer filament reinforced with one or more continuous fibers.

10. Process according to the preceding claim, including:- forming one or more seats (4) recessed in said face (10) at said access (20) and / or in said face (10) at said outlet (30);- housing in said seat (4) a first tubular end (50a) of a body (50) of a nozzle (5) suitable for dispensing said lubricating fluid from said head (100) from said plate (1 ) so as to place in fluid passage connection said first end (50a) with said outlet (30); and / or- housing in said seat (4) a second tubular end (60) of a fitting (6) suitable for introducing said lubricating fluid into said access (20) from the outside of said plate (1 ) so as to place in fluid passage connection said second end (60) with said access (20).

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