CA1233725A - Liquid distributor - Google Patents
Liquid distributorInfo
- Publication number
- CA1233725A CA1233725A CA000510485A CA510485A CA1233725A CA 1233725 A CA1233725 A CA 1233725A CA 000510485 A CA000510485 A CA 000510485A CA 510485 A CA510485 A CA 510485A CA 1233725 A CA1233725 A CA 1233725A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- liquid
- reservoir
- distributor
- outlets
- lubricant
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16N—LUBRICATING
- F16N7/00—Arrangements for supplying oil or unspecified lubricant from a stationary reservoir or the equivalent in or on the machine or member to be lubricated
- F16N7/38—Arrangements for supplying oil or unspecified lubricant from a stationary reservoir or the equivalent in or on the machine or member to be lubricated with a separate pump; Central lubrication systems
- F16N7/385—Central lubrication systems
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Lubrication Of Internal Combustion Engines (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
The present invention provides a liquid distributor comprising a housing having an internal liquid reservoir, a control valve for opening and closing the reservoir to a source of pressurized liquid and a plurality of outlets from the reservoir through the housing and with individual valves for adjusting flow rates through each of the outlets when the reservoir is open to the source of pressurized liquid.
The present invention provides a liquid distributor comprising a housing having an internal liquid reservoir, a control valve for opening and closing the reservoir to a source of pressurized liquid and a plurality of outlets from the reservoir through the housing and with individual valves for adjusting flow rates through each of the outlets when the reservoir is open to the source of pressurized liquid.
Description
~L;Z,33~72~
FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
The present invention relates to a distributor or manifold for distributing liquid and in particular liquid lubricant from a single source to a plurality of different points of use and at different flow rates if required.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION-In production plants and the like using numerous pieces of machinery it is generally the practice for the operator to attend, at required intervals, to the lubrication of the individual machines. The main problem with this system is that i-t is subject to human error where the operator may not use the proper amount of lubricant or tot~ally ~orgets to lubricate the machinery.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION:
The present invention provides a distributor device particularly useful in a liquid lubricant distribution system and arranged to be operated by a programmable timing system specifically to avoid the problems described above.
, .-;
..
1 233~2S
More particularly the device itself comprises a housing having an internal liquid reservoir, control means for opening and closing the reservoir to a source of pressurized liquid, a plurality of outlets from the reservoir through the housing and valve means to individually adjust liquid flow rates through each of the outlets when the reservoir is open to the source of pressurized liquid.
When used as a lubricating manifold, the provision of a plurality of outlets, each of which has it own flow rate adjustment, allows the distributor to be connected through hoses or the like to different machines which may require different amounts of lubricant as automatically adjusted for by the manifold.
BRIEF DISCUSSION OF_THE DRAWINGS:
The above as well as other advantages and features of the present invention will be described in greater detail according to the preferred embodiments of t-e present invention in which:
' ~,33~:2S
Figure 1 is a top perspective view of a manifold or distributor according to a preferred embodiment of the present inventiun;
: Figure 2 is a sectional view from one end of the distributor or manifold of figure l;
~ Figure 3 is a side view showing in section the : distributor or manifold of figure l;
:
Figure 4 is a schematic view showing an oil lubricating system in accordance with an aspect of the ~ ~ present invention;
p : DETAIL DESCRIPTION~ACCORDING TO THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
OF THE PRESENT INVENTI_N:
Figure 1 shows a manifold or distributor generally indicated at 1 for use in a liquid distribution system and as referred to above particularly intended for use:in a lubricating system. The manifold comprises a ~:~ :main housing 3:which as seen in figures 2 and 3 includes an:internal liquid reservoir or chamber 5. Located to the:
: : outside of the housing is a valve and specifically a solenoid valve 7 for opening and closing reservoir 5 to a source of liquid IubrlFant fed into the distributor ~: through condult 31.
~- : ' :
~233'~2~;
4 _ Opening directly to the internal reservoir are a plurality of liquid outlets extending through the casing or housing 3. These outlets comprise a narrowed inner end 11 and a wider outer end 13 fitted with a check valve comprising ball 15 and spring 17. Further fitted into each of the outlets is a connector fitting 19 for hooking up with hoses 21 as best seen in figure 3. These hoses are taken off the distributor -to different points of use, i.e. different pieces of machinery or the like.
In accordance with the present invention flow rate from the distributor is adjustable at the individual outlets so that the amount of lubricant is variable from outlet to outlet. This is accomplished by means of a valving system individually adjustable at each of the outlets and in particular through the use of a plurality of needle valves, one at each outlet. These needle valves which are indicated at 23 in figure 2 comprise narrowed stem portion 25 and a larger head portion 27 threadably fitted into the distributor housing. Each of the threaded head portions is provided with an allen key slot 29 for adjusting the needle valves which can be moved to a fully closed position as shown in the left hand side of figure 2 where the stem on the needle valve completely blocks off passage 11 to a fully opened position allowing complete clearance through the liquid passage. Additionally the .,, valves can be set in a semi opened position as shown in ..
1~33~;25 the right hand side of figure 2 where stem 25 of the needle valve is partially blocking passage 11 of the lubricant outlet. With the needle valve in the fully closed position as shown in the left hand side of the figure no lubricant can be forced out through that particular outlet whereas on the right hand side of the figure some lubricant is allowed to clear past the needle valve through the outlet when the solenoid valve is open to allow more lubricant to be forced into the chamber from the outside lubricant source.
The overall lubricating system ~is best described having reference to figure 4 showing the distributor or manifold operated through a programmable controller 37 having an input 39 and controlling a servo motor 35. This servo motor dictates the position of valve 7 for opening and closing the liquid reservoir in the manifold to an outside oil or lubricant source 33 from which lubricant is drawn and forced into the manifold by means of pump 34 when valve 7 is open.
!
The first step in the operation of the system is to prime both the manifold and the outlet hoses~i.e. fill them with lubricant. Here it is to be noted that once the ~ hoses have been completely filled the check valves prevent ; ~
~: :
~ ~33~
any return flow into the manifold. With the system thusly primed any additional lubricant forced into the manifold when the solenoid valve is opened instantaneously results in distribution from the already filled hoses. This is particularly important in view of the fact that the hoses are likely to be, as shown in the drawings, of different lengths which otherwise would result in a time dif~erence between which the hoses would fill such that some of hoses would be distributing while others are still filling with lubricant. Also of importance is that with the system preprimed even a small amount of lubricant allowed to enter the chamber will result in an immediate distribution from the hoses to the machines which may require as little ~ as a few drops of lubricantO
;:; ` : :
Once the system is primed a program for controller 37 is entered at input 39 for timed operation ::: : ~:
of the~system~ When the system is in the on or operativè
mode servo motor 35, through controller 37, functions to :: : : : : :
both open valve 7 and at the same time to operate pump 34 to force lubricant or oil from reservoir 33 into the `:
manifold lubricant chamber and causes the lubricant to flow out of the manifold through the outlets along the respective hoses 21 to the desired points of use. Slnce the flow rates through the individual outlets can be separately adjusted by the positioning of the : ::: :~
`:
. .,: ~
: ~ -; ~ ' ~ ' :' ~: .... ;
, ~ .
33~2S
needle valves from a fully closed to a fully opened position, the manifold can be preset to deliver different amounts of lubricant to those different points of use as required. Furthermore, if some of the outlets are not being used they can be completely closed off as again shown in the left hand side of figure 2, such that only the outlets that remain open will permit the delivering of lubricant. The use of needle valves in the flow rate adjustment for the individual outlets has the particular benefit of providing extremely sensitive adjustments where, as described above, the lubrication of certain machines may only require as little as a few drops of lubricant controlled through the finely adjustable needle valves~
AS a further feature of the present invention, each of the distribution hoses is provided, as seen in Figure 4, with a low lubricant level sensor and flow valve at its outer end, the point of distribution to the machine to which each hose is connected. In the event that any one of the machines runs low on lubricant, this is sensed ~and the controller opens the solenoid valve for delivery of lubricant to the required location.
:
-`` 3L~33~S
The actual manner in which the needle valves fit at generally right angles through the outlet passages to block them in a fully closed position is best seen in figure ~ of the drawings. Here it is to be noted that the diameter of the stem of each needle valve exceeds the width of the narrow part of each outlet passage through which the needle valve is fitted, which results in an extremely effective seal by providing four distinct sealing contact regions a9 b, c, and d, between the valve stem and the outlet walls when the needle valves are fully closed.
It will now be seen that in accordance with the present invention a single manifold can be used to provide liquid flow and if required at different flow rates to dlfferent points of use free of operator error.
Although various preferred embodiments of the ': : : :
~present invention have been described herein in detail it will be appreciated~by those skilled in the art that variations maybe m~ade thereto without departlng from the spirit of the invention or the~scope of the appended claims.
:
`: :
':
FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
The present invention relates to a distributor or manifold for distributing liquid and in particular liquid lubricant from a single source to a plurality of different points of use and at different flow rates if required.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION-In production plants and the like using numerous pieces of machinery it is generally the practice for the operator to attend, at required intervals, to the lubrication of the individual machines. The main problem with this system is that i-t is subject to human error where the operator may not use the proper amount of lubricant or tot~ally ~orgets to lubricate the machinery.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION:
The present invention provides a distributor device particularly useful in a liquid lubricant distribution system and arranged to be operated by a programmable timing system specifically to avoid the problems described above.
, .-;
..
1 233~2S
More particularly the device itself comprises a housing having an internal liquid reservoir, control means for opening and closing the reservoir to a source of pressurized liquid, a plurality of outlets from the reservoir through the housing and valve means to individually adjust liquid flow rates through each of the outlets when the reservoir is open to the source of pressurized liquid.
When used as a lubricating manifold, the provision of a plurality of outlets, each of which has it own flow rate adjustment, allows the distributor to be connected through hoses or the like to different machines which may require different amounts of lubricant as automatically adjusted for by the manifold.
BRIEF DISCUSSION OF_THE DRAWINGS:
The above as well as other advantages and features of the present invention will be described in greater detail according to the preferred embodiments of t-e present invention in which:
' ~,33~:2S
Figure 1 is a top perspective view of a manifold or distributor according to a preferred embodiment of the present inventiun;
: Figure 2 is a sectional view from one end of the distributor or manifold of figure l;
~ Figure 3 is a side view showing in section the : distributor or manifold of figure l;
:
Figure 4 is a schematic view showing an oil lubricating system in accordance with an aspect of the ~ ~ present invention;
p : DETAIL DESCRIPTION~ACCORDING TO THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
OF THE PRESENT INVENTI_N:
Figure 1 shows a manifold or distributor generally indicated at 1 for use in a liquid distribution system and as referred to above particularly intended for use:in a lubricating system. The manifold comprises a ~:~ :main housing 3:which as seen in figures 2 and 3 includes an:internal liquid reservoir or chamber 5. Located to the:
: : outside of the housing is a valve and specifically a solenoid valve 7 for opening and closing reservoir 5 to a source of liquid IubrlFant fed into the distributor ~: through condult 31.
~- : ' :
~233'~2~;
4 _ Opening directly to the internal reservoir are a plurality of liquid outlets extending through the casing or housing 3. These outlets comprise a narrowed inner end 11 and a wider outer end 13 fitted with a check valve comprising ball 15 and spring 17. Further fitted into each of the outlets is a connector fitting 19 for hooking up with hoses 21 as best seen in figure 3. These hoses are taken off the distributor -to different points of use, i.e. different pieces of machinery or the like.
In accordance with the present invention flow rate from the distributor is adjustable at the individual outlets so that the amount of lubricant is variable from outlet to outlet. This is accomplished by means of a valving system individually adjustable at each of the outlets and in particular through the use of a plurality of needle valves, one at each outlet. These needle valves which are indicated at 23 in figure 2 comprise narrowed stem portion 25 and a larger head portion 27 threadably fitted into the distributor housing. Each of the threaded head portions is provided with an allen key slot 29 for adjusting the needle valves which can be moved to a fully closed position as shown in the left hand side of figure 2 where the stem on the needle valve completely blocks off passage 11 to a fully opened position allowing complete clearance through the liquid passage. Additionally the .,, valves can be set in a semi opened position as shown in ..
1~33~;25 the right hand side of figure 2 where stem 25 of the needle valve is partially blocking passage 11 of the lubricant outlet. With the needle valve in the fully closed position as shown in the left hand side of the figure no lubricant can be forced out through that particular outlet whereas on the right hand side of the figure some lubricant is allowed to clear past the needle valve through the outlet when the solenoid valve is open to allow more lubricant to be forced into the chamber from the outside lubricant source.
The overall lubricating system ~is best described having reference to figure 4 showing the distributor or manifold operated through a programmable controller 37 having an input 39 and controlling a servo motor 35. This servo motor dictates the position of valve 7 for opening and closing the liquid reservoir in the manifold to an outside oil or lubricant source 33 from which lubricant is drawn and forced into the manifold by means of pump 34 when valve 7 is open.
!
The first step in the operation of the system is to prime both the manifold and the outlet hoses~i.e. fill them with lubricant. Here it is to be noted that once the ~ hoses have been completely filled the check valves prevent ; ~
~: :
~ ~33~
any return flow into the manifold. With the system thusly primed any additional lubricant forced into the manifold when the solenoid valve is opened instantaneously results in distribution from the already filled hoses. This is particularly important in view of the fact that the hoses are likely to be, as shown in the drawings, of different lengths which otherwise would result in a time dif~erence between which the hoses would fill such that some of hoses would be distributing while others are still filling with lubricant. Also of importance is that with the system preprimed even a small amount of lubricant allowed to enter the chamber will result in an immediate distribution from the hoses to the machines which may require as little ~ as a few drops of lubricantO
;:; ` : :
Once the system is primed a program for controller 37 is entered at input 39 for timed operation ::: : ~:
of the~system~ When the system is in the on or operativè
mode servo motor 35, through controller 37, functions to :: : : : : :
both open valve 7 and at the same time to operate pump 34 to force lubricant or oil from reservoir 33 into the `:
manifold lubricant chamber and causes the lubricant to flow out of the manifold through the outlets along the respective hoses 21 to the desired points of use. Slnce the flow rates through the individual outlets can be separately adjusted by the positioning of the : ::: :~
`:
. .,: ~
: ~ -; ~ ' ~ ' :' ~: .... ;
, ~ .
33~2S
needle valves from a fully closed to a fully opened position, the manifold can be preset to deliver different amounts of lubricant to those different points of use as required. Furthermore, if some of the outlets are not being used they can be completely closed off as again shown in the left hand side of figure 2, such that only the outlets that remain open will permit the delivering of lubricant. The use of needle valves in the flow rate adjustment for the individual outlets has the particular benefit of providing extremely sensitive adjustments where, as described above, the lubrication of certain machines may only require as little as a few drops of lubricant controlled through the finely adjustable needle valves~
AS a further feature of the present invention, each of the distribution hoses is provided, as seen in Figure 4, with a low lubricant level sensor and flow valve at its outer end, the point of distribution to the machine to which each hose is connected. In the event that any one of the machines runs low on lubricant, this is sensed ~and the controller opens the solenoid valve for delivery of lubricant to the required location.
:
-`` 3L~33~S
The actual manner in which the needle valves fit at generally right angles through the outlet passages to block them in a fully closed position is best seen in figure ~ of the drawings. Here it is to be noted that the diameter of the stem of each needle valve exceeds the width of the narrow part of each outlet passage through which the needle valve is fitted, which results in an extremely effective seal by providing four distinct sealing contact regions a9 b, c, and d, between the valve stem and the outlet walls when the needle valves are fully closed.
It will now be seen that in accordance with the present invention a single manifold can be used to provide liquid flow and if required at different flow rates to dlfferent points of use free of operator error.
Although various preferred embodiments of the ': : : :
~present invention have been described herein in detail it will be appreciated~by those skilled in the art that variations maybe m~ade thereto without departlng from the spirit of the invention or the~scope of the appended claims.
:
`: :
':
Claims (11)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A distributor device for distributing liquid forced under pressure into said device which comprises an internal liquid reservoir pre-filled with the liquid, control means for opening and closing said reservoir to a pressurized source of the liquid, a plurality of liquid passages all having outlets independent of one another opening directly from said reservoir upwardly through said housing with all of said outlets being subjected to a substantially uniform pressure when said reservoir is opened to the pressure source and valve means to individually adjust liquid flow rates through each without affecting others of the outlets and flow tubes of different lengths attached to said outlets, said flow tubes all being prefillable without being subject to liquid pressure when said reservoir is closed to said source by said control means.
2. A distributor as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said valve means comprises a plurality of individual valves, one for each of said outlets.
3. A distributor as claimed in Claim 2, wherein each of said valves comprises a needle valve.
4. A distributor as claimed in claim 3, wherein each needle valve is threaded for adjustment thereof.
5. A distributor as claimed in Claim 4, wherein said outlet comprises a liquid passage from said reservoir through said housing and wherein said needle valves are adjustable to vary clearance through the liquid passages of said outlets.
6. A distributor as claimed in Claim 5, wherein said needle valves are adjustable from a fully opened to a fully closed liquid passage position.
7. A distributor as claimed in Claim 5, including a connector fitting at each outlet.
8. A distributor as claimed in Claim 5, wherein each liquid passage comprises an inner small diameter region and an outer large diameter region having a check valve fitted in said large diameter region.
9. A distributor as claimed in Claim 8, wherein said needle valves when closed extend at generally right angles through the small diameter regions of said outlets and are of increased diameter relative thereto to provide four distinct sealing contact regions at each outlet.
10. A distributor as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said control means comprises a solenoid valve for opening and closing said reservoir.
11. A distribution system for distributing specific amounts of liquid lubricant to different points of use with drop by drop control of said system which comprises a distributor device connected to a pressure source of the liquid lubricant, a liquid reservoir filled with the lubricant internally of said device, programmable control means for timed opening and closing of said reservoir to the lubricant source and for maintaining said reservoir filled when closed, a plurality of liquid passages all having outlets independent of one another directly from said reservoir upwardly through said housing, a plurality of needle valves at right angles to each of said liquid passages to individually adjust lubricant flow rates through each of said liquid passages when said reservoir is opened to said lubricant source and a plurality of lubricant filled flow tubes connected to said outlets with a check valve at each flow tube and outlet connection to ensure complete filling of each tube for substantially instantaneous delivery from each tube when opened past its respective needle valve and when said reservoir is opened to said lubricant source.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000510485A CA1233725A (en) | 1986-05-30 | 1986-05-30 | Liquid distributor |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000510485A CA1233725A (en) | 1986-05-30 | 1986-05-30 | Liquid distributor |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1233725A true CA1233725A (en) | 1988-03-08 |
Family
ID=4133257
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000510485A Expired CA1233725A (en) | 1986-05-30 | 1986-05-30 | Liquid distributor |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1233725A (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2011038813A1 (en) * | 2009-10-02 | 2011-04-07 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | High-pressure distribution block in a coolant-lubricant supply device |
-
1986
- 1986-05-30 CA CA000510485A patent/CA1233725A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2011038813A1 (en) * | 2009-10-02 | 2011-04-07 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | High-pressure distribution block in a coolant-lubricant supply device |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |