GB2501787A

GB2501787A - Flow limiter for liquid lubricant and which includes a groove

Info

Publication number: GB2501787A
Application number: GB1222291.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Roger Bignall
Original assignee: BIGNALL LUBRITEC Ltd
Current assignee: BIGNALL LUBRITEC Ltd
Priority date: 2012-12-11
Filing date: 2012-12-11
Publication date: 2013-11-06
Anticipated expiration: 2032-12-11
Also published as: GB2501787B; GB201222291D0

Abstract

A flow limiter 100 for liquid lubricant in a lubrication system (470 Fig 4) includes a male member 110 and a releaseably connected female member 102. The male member has a tapered male portion (132 Fig 1E) cooperating with a tapered female portion (130 Fig 1D) of the female member and a circuitous groove (134 Fig 1E) provided on at least one of the exterior of the tapered male portion and the interior of the tapered female portion. The groove provides a circuitous passage, such as a tapered helical passage 136, to limit lubricant flow. The flow limiter may also include an inlet chamber 144, a valve chamber 142 with a spring-loaded valve flap 104 upstream of the groove, an aperture 156 and an outlet chamber 158 downstream of the groove and an outlet pipe 122 with associated sealing and fastening 116, 118, 120. The arrangement provides for a flow limiter that is tolerant to contamination and can easily be dismantled for cleaning.

Description

FLOW LIMITER FOR LIQUID LUBRICANT

The present invention relates to a flow limiter for liquid lubricant, and more particularly, to a lubrication system comprising a flow limiter for liquid lubricant.

BACKGROUND

The joints, bearings, slideways, chains, gear wheels and other moving parts in agricultural equipment and vehicles that are subject to high mechanical demands or exposed to dusty environments typically require frequent or continuous lubrication with oil or grease to enhance their operational lifetime, with the lubricant being applied at corresponding "lubrication points". For example, agricultural tillage equipment may have several drive chains and a lubrication system with lubricant applicators that supply lubricant to the chains.

In lubrication systems it is necessary to control the flow of lubricant to each lubricant applicator, and where there are several applicators it is necessary to control the relative amounts of lubricant that each supplies. However, due to the demanding operational conditions, such lubrication systems require to be mechanically simple and robust.

A known lubrication system has a lubricant reservoir with an in-built lubricant filter, which is coupled to a distributor through a lubricant pump, which increases the pressure of the lubricant (e.g. produces a pressure of over 10 PSI/approximately lOkPa). The distributor has outputs that are coupled to lubricant applicators through flow limiters, which serve as chokes to the lubricant flow. The components are interconnected by suitable pipework, e.g. hoses (typically reinforced), or by solid or flexible tubing (typically not reinforced).

A known and commonly used flow limiter for such systems comprises a parallel-sided grub screw tightly secured within a parallel-sided tube. Such a flow limiter is assembled by heating the tube to cause thermal expansion of the tube before inserting the grub screw into the tube, such that when the tube cools to normal operating temperatures and contracts, it firmly holds the grub screw, forming a contact along the outer periphery of the screw thread.

Accordingly, inlets and outlets to the tube are in fluid connection through a helical passage formed around the helical groove of the grub screw.

Many oils that are used for lubrication contain additives, which can deposit on the components and build-up within the helical passage, reducing or stopping the flow of lubricant to the lubricant applicator. In particular, in storage, the additives can separate out to form a jelly-like phase that blocks the helical passage. Although specialist oils are available that reduce such deposition, they are commonly not used.

Refilling the lubricant reservoir in the field can result in the accidental introduction of debris (e.g. mud) into the lubricant reservoir. The flow limiters can become blocked if such debris passes through the pipework to the flow limiters. To avoid this, the lubricant reservoir is provided with a fine debris filter. However, the slow rate at which such fine filters pass the lubricant, may lead the operator removing the filter during refilling, leaving the lubrication system exposed to risk of debris introduction and leaving the flow limiters exposed to the risk of associated blockages.

Due to their construction, the known grub-screw' type of flow limiters cannot be disassembled, and there is no effective way to clean them, even with a bath of boiling solvent. It is difficult to monitor the flow limiters to detect when the flow performance has become reduced, so they are commonly used until they have become blocked, and require to be replaced. Accordingly, such systems incur operating costs both through the replacement of the flow limiters, and more significantly, through undetected periods of inadequate or absent lubrication to parts of the equipment requiring lubrication.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

A first aspect of the present invention provides a flow limiter for liquid lubricant in a lubrication system, comprising: a male member having a tapered plug portion, a female member having a recess with a tapered recess portion, a mouth and a closed end, wherein the tapered plug portion and tapered recess portion are tapered in mutual correspondence, a circuitous groove is provided on at least one of the exterior of the tapered plug portion and the interior of the tapered recess portion, and the male and female members are releasably connectable to maintain a snugly mating fit between the tapered plug portion and the tapered recess portion, and the circuitous groove provides a circuitous oil flow limitation passage.

A second aspect of the present invention provides a lubrication system comprising: a lubricant reservoir: a flow limiter according to the first aspect; a lubrication applicator; and pipework for providing fluid communication between other parts of the lubrication system, wherein the system is configured for lubricant to flow from the reservoir to the flow limiter, and the flow limiter is configured to limit the flow of lubricant to the applicator.

A third aspect of the present invention provides a kit of parts for a lubrication system comprising the following parts: a lubricant reservoir: a flow limiter according to the first aspect; a lubrication applicator; and pipework for providing fluid communication between other parts of the kit; wherein the flow limiter is connectable to limit the flow of lubricant between to the applicator.

Advantageously, the flow limiter may be conveniently disassembled for cleaning, when blocked, when flow is reduced, or for regular servicing. Accordingly, the costs of replacement of the flow limiters is reduced, compared to known flow limiters. Such cleaning enables the flow limiter to maintain lubricant flow performance to the lubricant applicator, increasing the operational lifetime of the lubricated parts.

Advantageously, the flow performance of a flow limiter may be conveniently changed by exchanging the member that is provided with the circuitous groove with a corresponding member having a different circuitous groove (e.g. a groove that is longer or has a smaller cross-sectional area, will provide a lower flow rate).

Further, due to the convenience with which the flow limiter can be disassembled for cleaning, the importance of avoiding the introduction of debris from the fluid reservoir into the flow limiters is reduced. Accordingly, this may enable the use of a less fine debris filter, which will pass oil more quickly, and so reduce the likelihood of an operator removing and bypassing the filter during refilling.

The groove may be a tapered helical groove. The length of the groove may be at least twice the mean circumference of the respective one of the exterior of the tapered plug portion and the interior of the tapered recess portion (e.g. in the case of the helical groove, it may wind at least twice around the respective interior or exteilor), and preferably at least four times the mean circumference (e.g. the tapered helical gioove may wind around at least foui times).

The groove may be an intricately folded groove.

The tapered plug portion and the tapered recess portion may have substantially equal taper angles of 1° to 6°. Advantageously for taper an9les of 1° or more, the tolerances are sufficiently small that the axial variations in the assembly of the male and female members are small. The tapered plug portion and the tapered recess portion may have substantially equal taper angles of 1.50. Advantageously, 1.50 is an industrial standard taper angle for mutually engageable tapered members, with which the male and female members release reliability, and which may be conveniently manufactuied.

The female member may be provided with a first lubricant conduit in fluid communication with the oil flow limitation passage.

The male member may be provided with a second lubricant conduit in fluid communication with the oil flow limitation passage.

A lubricant conduit may have a valve chamber comprising an inlet in a face of the valve chamber, a valve flap configured to cover the inlet and a iesiliently deformable member that biases the valve flap against the face of the valve chamber.

The valve flap may have a peripheral lip having a larger internal diameter than the diameter of the valve chambei inlet. Advantageously this lip incleases the surface aiea upon which the lubricant acts to open the valve, such that a more easily manufactured, stronger spring may be used.

The flow limiter may comprise a valve chamber within the female member and closed by the male member, wherein the valve chamber connects with the tapered recess, and the resiliently deformable member has a first end biased against the valve flap towards the valve chamber inlet and an opposed second end biased against the opposite end of the valve chamber.

The valve chamber inlet may be provided thiough the female membei and the opposed second end of the resiliently deformable member may be biased against the tapeied plug portion of the male member.

The resiliently deformable member may be a helical spring.

The male and female members may be releasably connectable by means of a male and female screw thread.

The flow limiter may comprise a first seal for providing a first liquid-tight seal between the male and female members, and the first seal may be located between the mouth of the recess and the circuitous oil flow limitation passage The circuitous oil flow limitation passage may be in fluid communication with an end recess portion of the recess at the closed end.

The flow limiter may comprise a second seal for providing a second liquid-tight seal between the male and female members, and the second seal may be located between the closed end of the recess and the circuitous oil flow limitation passage.

The groove may be provided on the tapered plug portion.

The groove may be provided on the tapered recess portion.

The tapered plug portion and the tapered recess portion may be formed from mild steel.

The tapered plug portion and the tapered recess portion may be formed of a first material and provided with a protective coating of a second material on at least their mating surfaces.

Advantageously, the coating may protect them from corrosion by acids in the lubricant or in the atmosphere around the flow limiter in use (e.g. acids present in crop spray). The coating may reduce wear from repeated assembly and disassembly. The coating may also prevent the male and female members from binding together (commonly referred to as an anti-weld" property). In the case that the male and female members are ferrous, the surface coating may be formed by a ferritic nitrocarburizing process (e.g. a coating formed by the Tuffiride® process), or may be a plated (e.g. zinc plating). The male and female members may be formed from a soft malleable steel (e.g. mild steel).

One or both of the male and female members may be provided with an external thread for engagement with a further component of a lubrication system, e.g. a lubricant distributor or a lubricant applicator.

One or both of the male and female members may be provided with connection means for connecting pipework. The pipework connection means may comprise a nut for detachable engagement with an external thread of the respective member and retention means for retaining the pipework in fluid-tight communication with the respective member.

The lubrication system may further comprise a lubricant pump, wherein the lubricant pump is configured to pump lubricant from the reservoir to the flow limiter.

The kit may further comprise a lubricant pump connectable between the reservoir and the flow limiter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention are further described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: * Figure 1A shows an exploded view of a flow limiter according to an embodiment of the present invention; * Figure 1 B shows a cut-away view of the assembled flow limiter of Figure 1A; * Figures 1 C and 10 show side and cut-away views of the main body of the flow limiter of Figure 1A; * Figures 1 E and iF show side and cut-away views of the insert of the flow limiter of Figure 1A; * Figures 1G and 1H show side and cut-away views of the nut of the flow limiter of Figure 1A; * Figure 2 shows a cut-away view of an insert according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention; * Figure 3 shows a side view of an insert according to a further alternative embodiment of the present invention; and * Figure 4 shows a schematic view of a lubrication system with a plurality of flow limiters.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout, albeit in some cases incremented by multiples of 100. Accordingly, 110, 210 and 310 each indicated an insert for a flow limiter.

Figure 1A shows an exploded view of a flow limiter 100 according to the present invention, for limiting the flow of liquid lubricant in a lubrication system. Figure 1 B shows a corresponding cut-away view of the assembled flow limiter.

The flow limiter 100 has a main body (female body) 102, a valve flap 104, a helical spring 106, a first 0-ring sealing member 108, an insert (male body) 110, a second 0-ring seal 112, a nut 114, a third 0-ring sealing member 116, a star-shaped spring clip 118 and a cap 120.

Figures 1 C, 1 E and 1 G show side views and Figures 10, 1 F and 1 H show cut-away views of the main body 102, insert 110 and nut 114 respectively.

The main body 102 has a tapered recess portion 130, in the shape of a smooth-sided conical recess. The insert 110 has a tapered plug portion 132, in the shape of a conical plug with a tapered helical groove 134, having a uniform groove cross-section along its length, but having windings of successively decreasing diameter. The recess portion 130 and the plug portion 132 have equal tapers e (of from 1° to 6°) and corresponding ranges of diameters, so that the main body 102 and the insert 110 may be releasably connected to form a snug mating fit between the recess portion and the plug portion, with the groove 134 providing a tapered helical passage 136 (which is a type of circuitous passage) along the joint face between the recess and plug portions.

The main body 102 is configured for connection to a lubricant (e.g. oil or grease) supply, e.g. it is provided with an external thread 140 for releasable connection to a lubricant distributor (not shown). The main body 102 has a valve chamber 142 with an inlet 144 for the lubricant.

The inlet to the valve chamber 142 is covered by the valve flap 104. Although the valve flap 104 may have flat or tapered base, in the illustrated embodiment, advantageously, the valve flap has a peripheral lip 146 around the base, which increases the surface area of the base exposed to the lubricant, enabling the use of a stronger helical spring 106, that can be more easily manufactured. The opposite end of the valve chamber 142 is provided by the tapered plug portion 132, and the valve flap 104 is held in place by a helical spring 106. At one end the helical spring 106 fits around a projection 148 of the valve flap 104, and at the other end the helical spring is received into a spring receiving recess 150 in the tapered plug portion 132. In use, the valve flap 104 enables liquid lubricant to enter the valve chamber 142 from the chamber inlet 144.

The main body (female body) 102 and insert (male body) 110 are configured to be releasably connected together, being provided with corresponding screw threads 152 and 154. The first 0-ring 108 provides a fluid-tight seal between the main body 102 and insert when they are connected together, to prevent leakage out of the flow limiter 100 from the passage 136.

The passage 136 is long and has a small cross-section, so that it chokes the flow of lubricant through it in use, such that the oil flow rate varies little across the range of ordinary operating pressures at the chamber inlet 144. The length of the tapered helical passage 136 (or other type of circuitous passage) is from 100mm to 220mm long, with a cross-sectional area of 0.04mm2 to 0.34mm2.

Advantageously, the lubricant flow rate of the flow limiter 100 can be conveniently changed by exchanging the insert 110 for another insert, with a differently dimensioned groove, to provide a different lubricant flow rate (e.g. a passage that is longer or has a smaller cross-section provides a lower flow rate for a given lubricant), or for use with a lubricant having a different viscosity. In particular, the flow limiter may be used with lubricants ranging from SAE1O hydraulic oils to highly viscous SAE9O lubricants.

In use, lubricant is received from the valve chamber 142 into the adjacent end of the passage 136, flows through the passage, and flows out through an outlet aperture 156 through the side of the insert 110, into an internal bore 158. A pipe 122 is connected to the internal bore 158 of the insert 110 to receive the lubricant flowing out of the flow limiter 100.

The pipe 122 is connected to the insert 110 by an arrangement of the nut 114, the spring clip 118 and the cap 120, with the fluid-tight connection between the pipe 122 and the internal bore 158 of the insert 110 provided by the second and third 0-ring seals 112 and 116. The nut 114 is releasably connected to the insert 110 by a screw thread arrangement 160 and 162 and sealed with the second 0-ring 112. The cap 120 clicks into place in the nut 114 by engagement of projections on the cap with a groove within the bore of the nut, and secures the spring clip 118 and the third 0-ring 116 within the nut. When the pipe 122 is inserted into the nut 114, the spring clip 118 engages with the outside of the pipe to secure the pipe within the nut. A fluid-tight seal is formed between the pipe 122 and the nut 114 by the third 0-ring 116. Alternatively the nut may connect the pipe to the insert by other suitable means, such as by use of a compressible olive/ferrule.

The nut 114 may be detached from the insert 110 by disengagement of the screw thread arrangement 160 and 162, for repair or servicing. Replacement of the pipe 122 from the nut 114 can be achieved by cutting the pipe close to the nut 114, removal of the severed stub of the pipe and engaged spring clip 118 from within the nut, and attachment of a further pipe with a further spring clip.

Each of the main body 102, insert 110 and nut 114 are provided with a hexagonal region for receiving a spanner for applying torsional forces during assembly and disassembly.

Advantageously, the groove may be conveniently formed on the exterior surface of the tapered plug portion of the insert, as shown in the in the illustrated embodiment of Figure 1A.

For example the groove may be formed by a machining process on a lathe. However, the groove may alternatively be provided on the interior of the tapered recess portion of the main body. Or in a further alternative arrangement, complementary grooves may be provided on each of the exterior surface of the tapered plug portion of the insert and the interior of the tapered recess portion of the main body.

The tapered plug and recess portions are conveniently manufactured with a conical tapered shape. However, the tapered plug and recess portions may have an alternative shape, which enables a snug mating fit to be formed when they are connected together, whilst also enabling them to be separated for cleaning.

The groove may be conveniently formed as a tapered helix, for example by machining a helix-like groove into the exterior of the tapered plug portion on a lathe. However, an alternative circuitous groove may be provided, e.g. an intricately folded groove, of which an example would be a zig-zag arrangement winding around the plug or recess portion, with interconnected groove sections running substantially axially.

The embodiment of Figure 1 is a relatively linear design of the flow limiter 100, in which the lubricant inlet 144 is provided through the main body 102 and the outlet aperture 156 and internal bore 158 are provided in the insert 110, such that the lubricant flows in and out through opposite ends of the flow limiter. Such flow limiters 100 are particularly advantageous for fluid lubrication systems in which the flow limiters are directly connected to a lubricant distributor, being screwed into respective lubricant outlets of the distributor.

Alternatively, a pail of bores 258A and 258B may be provided through the insert 210, as shown in Figure 2, in which the tapered plug portion 232 forms a mating fit in the tapered recess of a main body, such that the lubricant flow and return to the flow limitation passage ale both through the insert, rather than one being through an inlet in the main body. Such a design is advantageous where it is required to connect the inflow and outflow through pipes at the same end of the flow limiter.

Figure 3 illustrates an alternative insert 310 in which a further 0-ring 364 is provided between the groove 334 and the end 366 of the tapered plug region 332, in addition to the first 0-ring 308. A further aperture 368 is provided between the groove 334 and the further 0-ring 364. Accordingly, once the insert 310 is received into a tapered recess portion to form a snug mating fit, the groove 334 is within a legion that is sealed at each end, around the exterior of the tapered plug portion 332, being sealed by the 0-rings 308 and 364. The apertures 356 and 368 provide fluid communication between respective internal bores (not shown) ot the insert 310 and the opposite ends of the tapered helical passage formed by the groove 334. The internal bores of the insert may connect to opposite ends of the insert (like in Figure 1 F), or to the same end (like in Figure 2).

In use, the flow limiter is built into a lubrication system, as shown in Figure 4. The lubrication system 470 has a lubricant reservoir 472 in a lubricant tank 474 (with an optional internal lubricant filter 476), a lubricant pump 478, a distributor 480, flow limiters 400A to 400D, and lubricant applicators 482A to 482D, coupled together by pipework. The pump 478 receives lubricant from the lubricant reservoir 472, which is supplied to the distributor 480. The lubricant pump 478 pressurises the lubricant (e.g. it produces a pressure of over 10 PSI/approximately 7OkPa). The distributor 480 distributes the lubricant between the flow limiters 400A to 400D. The flow limiters 400A to 4000 act as chokes to the flow of lubricant, supplying a controlled flow of lubricant to each lubricant applicator 482A to 482D, which in turn applies the lubricant to a lubrication point for lubricating the corresponding moving parts (not shown).

In alternative lubrication systems, the distributor may be omitted, and the pump is connected directly to the one or more flow limiters. Also, in alternative lubrication systems, the system may be arranged to provide a gravity fed flow of lubricant from the lubricant reservoir to the lubricant applicators, without the use of a lubricant pump.

Although illustrated in Figure 4 as an assembled lubrication system, it will be appreciated that the lubrication system may be supplied as a kit of parts for fitting.

Advantageously, through the provision of a flow limiter that may be conveniently disassembled for cleaning, a more consistent flow rate of lubricant can be provided, with more uniform distribution to the plurality of lubricant applicators, with reduced costs for replacement parts, and with a coarser lubricant filter in the lubricant reservoir than in known lubricant systems having known grub-screw type' flow limiters. The lubrication system may be built into a larger piece of equipment (e.g. agricultural equipment), or may be sold as a kit of pads for fitting to such equipment.

The figures provided herein are schematic and not to scale.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of them mean "including but not limited to", and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A flow limiterfor liquid lubricant in a lubrication system, comprising: a male member having a tapered plug portion, a female member having a recess with a tapered recess portion, a mouth and a closed end, wherein the tapered plug portion and tapered recess portion are tapered in mutual correspondence, a circuitous groove is provided on at least one of the exterior of the tapered plug portion and the interior of the tapered recess portion, and the male and female members are releasably connectable to maintain a snugly mating fit between the tapered plug portion and the tapered recess portion, and the circuitous groove provides a circuitous oil flow limitation passage.
2. A flow limiter according to claim 1, wherein the groove is a tapered helical groove.
3. A flow limiter according to claim 1, wherein the groove is an intricately folded groove.
4. A flow limiter according to any one of claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein the tapered plug portion and the tapered recess portion have substantially equal taper angles of 1° to 6°.
5. A flow limiter according to any preceding claim, wherein the female member is provided with a first lubricant conduit in fluid communication with the oil flow limitation passage.
6. A flow limiter according to any preceding claim, wherein the male member is provided with a second lubricant conduit in fluid communication with the oil flow limitation passage.
7. A flow limiter according to claims 5 or 6, wherein a lubricant conduit has a valve chamber comprising a valve chamber inlet in a face of the valve chamber, a valve flap configured to cover the inlet and a resiliently deformable member that biases the valve flap against the face of the valve chamber.
8. A flow limiter according to claim 7, wherein the valve flap has a peripheral lip having a larger internal diameter than the diameter of the valve chamber inlet.
9. A flow limiter according to claims 7 or 8, comprising a valve chamber within the female member and closed by the male member, wherein the valve chamber connects with the tapered recess, and the resiliently deformable member has a first end biased against the valve flap towards the valve chamber inlet and an opposed second end biased against the opposite end of the valve chamber.
10. A flow limiter according to claim 9, wherein the valve chamber inlet is provided through the female member and the opposed second end of the resiliently deformable member is biased against the tapered plug portion of the male member.
11. A flow limiter according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the resiliently deformable member is a helical spring.
12. A flow limiter according to any preceding claim, wherein the male and female members are releasably connectable by means of a male and female screw thread.
13. A flow limiter according to any preceding claim, comprising a first seal for providing a first liquid-tight seal between the male and female members, and the first seal is located between the mouth of the recess and the circuitous oil flow limitation passage
14. A flow limiter according to claim 13, wherein the circuitous oil flow limitation passage is in fluid communication with an end recess portion of the recess at the closed end.
15. A flow limiter according to claim 13, comprising a second seal for providing a second liquid-tight seal between the male and female members, and the second seal is located between the closed end of the recess and the circuitous oil flow limitation passage.
16. A flow limiter according to any preceding claim, wherein the groove is provided on the tapered plug portion.
17. A flow limiter according to any preceding claim, wherein the groove is provided on the tapered recess portion.
18. A flow limiter according to any preceding claim, wherein the tapered plug portion and the tapered recess portion are formed from mild steel.
19. A flow limiter according to any preceding claim, wherein the tapered plug portion and the tapered recess portion are formed of a first material and provided with a protective coating of a second material on at least their mating surfaces.
20. A lubrication system comprising: a lubricant reservoir: a flow limiter according to any preceding claim; a lubrication applicator; and pipework for providing fluid communication between other parts of the lubrication system, wherein the system is configured for lubricant to flow from the reservoir to the flow limiter, and the flow limiter is configured to limit the flow of lubricant to the applicator.
21. A lubrication system according to claim 20, further comprising a lubricant pump, wherein the lubricant pump is configured to pump lubricant from the reservoir to the flow limiter.
22. A lubrication system, according to claim 20 or 21, comprising: a lubricant distributor having a plurality of distributor outlets; a plurality of flow limiters according to any one of claims ito 19; a plurality of lubrication applicators; wherein the distributor is configured to distribute lubricant from the pump to the plurality of distributor outlets, and the flow limiters limit the lubricant flow from a respective distributor outlet to a respective applicator.
23. A kit of parts for a lubrication system comprising the following pads: a lubricant reservoir: a flow limiter according to any one of claims ito 19; a lubrication applicator; and pipework for providing fluid communication between other parts of the kit, wherein the flow limiter is connectable to limit the flow of lubricant between to the applicator.
24. A kit according to claim 23, further comprising a lubricant pump connectable between the reservoir and the flow limiter.
25. A kit according to claim 23 0124, comprising: a lubricant distributor having a plurality of distributor outlets; a plurality of flow limiters according to any one of claims ito 19; a plurality of lubrication applicators; wherein the distributor is configured to distribute lubricant from the pump to the plurality of distributor outlets, and the flow limiters are configured to limit the lubricant flow from a respective distributor outlet to a respective applicator.
26. A flow limiter substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying description and any one of the Figures.
27. A lubrication system comprising a flow limiter substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying description and any one of the Figures.