JP2000015162A - Automatic grease coating applicator - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic grease coating applicator capable of improving the working efficiency of coating application and cleaning work. SOLUTION: The grease coating applicator 10 has a grease coating application mechanism 12 and an automatic nozzle cleaning mechanism 13 existing below this grease coating application mechanism 12. The block 12a of the grease coating application mechanism 12 is fixed to the vertical moving mechanism of an applicator body 11. A nozzle switching mechanism 14 is arranged atop the block 12a. A swiveling plate 28 is fixed to the front end of a swiveling shaft 15 constituting the nozzle switching mechanism 14 and a first and second coating application nozzles 29, 30 are mounted at both ends of a swiveling plate 28. The first coating application nozzle 29 side is defined as a coating application position X1 and the second coating application nozzle 30 side as a cleaning position X2. Both coating application nozzles 29, 30 may be positionally switched by the nozzle switching mechanism 14. The nozzle heads 29a, 30a of both coating application nozzles 29, 30 are constituted to be made rotatable. The coating application and cleaning work are carried out while these nozzle heads are rotated by an external drive source.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an automatic grease applying apparatus, and more particularly to an automatic grease applying apparatus having an automatic application nozzle cleaning mechanism.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, high-viscosity fluids such as grease are applied to bearings and sliding surfaces. As a method of applying the grease thinly and uniformly, a method of applying by a worker using a column-shaped jig or a method of spreading by using a device that rotates while discharging grease from a nozzle head provided with a grease discharge hole. is there.

However, in these methods, if the number of times of application is increased, residual grease tends to accumulate at the tip of the nozzle head. For this reason, there is a problem that the application amount is not stable, and there is a possibility that grease may adhere to a portion other than the predetermined location. Therefore, since the worker has to wipe off and clean with a cloth or the like at regular intervals, monitoring by the worker is required, and there is a problem that the working efficiency is deteriorated.

In order to solve the above problems, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No.
Japanese Patent Publication No. 315659 discloses a viscous fluid application device having means for uniformly applying a viscous fluid such as grease and removing fluid remaining after the application. As a feature of this viscous fluid application device, a mechanism for moving an application unit having one application nozzle by an XY table can be moved to a cleaning device after completion of application to perform cleaning. Further, the cleaning device is provided with a fluid removing means for sequentially blowing air from a plurality of directions to a fluid remaining on a coating nozzle head (shown as a chip in the above-mentioned publication) after coating.

[0005]

However, since the application unit of the viscous fluid application device has only one application nozzle, the application operation must be interrupted when cleaning the application nozzle until the cleaning is completed. As a result, there is a problem that the work efficiency of the coating operation is low.

Further, in the cleaning device, there is a problem that a valve is provided for each air nozzle for sequentially blowing air, which complicates the structure and control and increases the cost.

Further, in the structure of the cleaning device, a large number of air nozzles cannot be arranged (only three are arranged in the drawing of the official gazette). Is less likely to occur and residual grease may be generated.

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide an automatic grease applying apparatus capable of improving the work efficiency of the applying and cleaning work.

[0009]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 1 includes a plurality of grease application nozzles, and each of the application nozzles has two positions, an application position and a cleaning position. The gist of the present invention is that a nozzle guide means for guiding the nozzle is provided.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, two grease application nozzles, a mounting table for mounting a work to which grease is applied, a cleaning means for cleaning each grease application nozzle, and each grease application nozzle are arranged in front of each other. The gist of the invention is to provide a nozzle guide unit for guiding the grease to a work placed on the table, and a cleaning position for cleaning the work with the cleaning unit.

[0011] The invention described in claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1 or 2.
The automatic grease applying apparatus according to the above, further comprising a rotating means for rotating each of the grease applying nozzles at the applying position and the cleaning position, and applying grease to the work while rotating the grease applying nozzle at the applying position. The gist is that the nozzle is cleaned while rotating the grease application nozzle at the cleaning position.

The invention described in claim 4 is the first to third aspects of the present invention.
In the automatic grease applying apparatus according to any one of the above,
The gist is that the nozzle guide means guides one grease application nozzle to the cleaning position while guiding the other grease application nozzle to the application position.

[0013] The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to claims 2 to 4.
In the automatic grease applying apparatus according to any one of the above,
The gist of the invention is that the cleaning means is provided with a removing means for blowing air to a grease application nozzle guided to the cleaning position to remove grease adhering to the nozzle.

(Operation) According to the first aspect of the present invention,
The nozzle guide means guides each coating nozzle to two positions, a coating position and a cleaning position. Therefore, when one grease application nozzle is guided to the application position and the other grease application nozzle is guided to the cleaning position, the other grease application nozzle performs the application operation while the other grease application nozzle performs the application operation. The application nozzle can be cleaned. As a result, the work efficiency of the application and cleaning operations of the grease application nozzle can be improved.

According to the second aspect of the invention, when one of the grease application nozzles is guided to the application position for applying grease to the work placed on the mounting table by the nozzle guide means, the other grease application nozzle is used. Is guided to a cleaning position for cleaning by the cleaning means, the other grease application nozzle can be cleaned while one grease application nozzle is performing the application operation. As a result, the work efficiency of the application and cleaning operations of the grease application nozzle can be improved.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the first aspect is provided.
Or, in addition to the operation of the automatic grease applying device described in item 2, each grease applying nozzle is rotated by a rotating means between an application position and a cleaning position. The grease application nozzle at the application position can apply grease uniformly to the work, and the grease application nozzle at the cleaning position can clean the entire surface.

According to the invention described in claim 4, according to claim 1,
In addition to the operation of the automatic grease applying device according to any one of the above-described items 3, when one of the grease applying nozzles is guided to the application position by the nozzle guide means, the other grease applying nozzle is guided to the cleaning position. be able to.

Therefore, when one grease application nozzle is performing the application operation, the other grease application nozzle can be cleaned. As a result, the work efficiency of the application and cleaning operations of the grease application nozzle can be improved.

According to the invention described in claim 5, according to claim 2,
In addition to the operation of the automatic grease applying device according to any one of the above-described items 4, grease adhered to the grease applying nozzle by the removing means is removed by air. Therefore, the grease attached in a non-contact manner can be removed, so that the nozzle is not worn and damaged.

[0020]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the automatic grease applying apparatus 10 of the present embodiment includes a grease applying mechanism 12 that is vertically movably attached to a support wall 11 a of a main body 11, and is located below the grease applying mechanism 12. An automatic nozzle cleaning mechanism (hereinafter, referred to as a cleaning mechanism) 13 as cleaning means fixed on the base 11b of the main body 11 is provided. The block 12a of the grease applying mechanism 12 is formed in a tubular shape, and the vertical moving mechanism 1 attached to the support wall 11a via a support arm 12b.
1c. A nozzle replacement mechanism 14 as nozzle guide means is disposed above the block 12a.

Gear box 14a of the nozzle replacement mechanism 14
Is fixed to the upper surface of the block 12a as shown in FIGS. A cover 14b is fixed to the upper surface of the gear box 14a. Two first and second gears 14c and 14d are arranged in a space defined by the gear box 14a and the cover 14b.

The first gear 14c is disposed in the gear box 14a such that the central axis thereof coincides with the central axis of the block 12a. The center hole of the first gear 14c is a nozzle replacement mechanism 1 that penetrates the block 12a.
4 is inserted through and fitted to the turning shaft 15 and integrally connected to the turning shaft 15 via a key. 1st gear 1
When 4c rotates, the turning shaft 15 rotates together.

The second gear 14d is arranged in parallel so as to mesh with the first gear 14c. Second gear 14
d is rotatably mounted by bearings 14e and 14f arranged on the gear box 14a and the cover 14b. The center hole of the second gear 14d is inserted through and fitted to a rotary shaft 16a of a rotary actuator 16 fixed to the lower surface of the gear box 14a, and is integrally connected to the rotary shaft 16a via a key. When the rotation shaft 16a rotates, the second gear 14d also rotates. Therefore,
The rotational force of the rotary actuator 16 is transmitted to the turning shaft 15 via a second gear 14d and a first gear 14c.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first gear 14c
A stopper 17 that can rotate together with the first gear 14c is fixed on the upper side. The stopper 17 is formed in a disk shape, and a restricting portion 17a is formed on the outer periphery of the disk so as to protrude in the radial direction. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, the stopper 17 is
The rotation is restricted within a predetermined range (in the present embodiment, within a range of about 180 degrees) by abutting against the bolt 18 mounted on 4b. Therefore, the rotation range of the first gear 14c, that is, the rotation range of the turning shaft 15 is restricted within 180 degrees.

The turning shaft 15 is formed in a hollow elongated rod shape. The base end 15a extends through the first gear 14c and the cover 14b and is exposed above the first gear 14c and the cover 14b. A bearing 20 that supports the center shaft 19 is fitted on the inner periphery of the base end 15a. The center shaft 19 is rotatably supported by the bearing 20 so as to pass through the inner hole 15 b of the turning shaft 15. The center shaft 19 is the center shaft 1
The motor 9 is driven and rotated by a motor as an external drive source (not shown) connected to the base end 19a.

The intermediate portion of the turning shaft 15 is rotatably supported by bearings 21 and 22 arranged on the inner circumference of both ends of the block 12a. A liner 2 for holding the inner rings of the bearings 21 and 22 is provided between the two bearings 21 and 22.
3 is externally fitted to the turning shaft 15. Bearings 21, 22
Are fixed to the block 12a.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a large diameter portion 15c is formed at the tip of the turning shaft 15. Large diameter part 15
Two grease supply holes 15d and 15e are formed on the outer circumference of c at symmetrical positions with respect to the central axis of the turning shaft 15. Grease discharge holes 15f and 15g are formed below the two grease supply holes 15d and 15e, respectively, corresponding to the supply holes 15d and 15e. Two grease supply holes 15d and 15e and two grease discharge holes 15
f and 15g are communicated by passages 15h and 15i, respectively. A cylindrical member 2 is provided on the outer periphery of the large diameter portion 15c.
4 are fitted.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a cylindrical member 24 is connected and fixed to the tip of the block 12a. The cylindrical member 24 has one through hole 24a at an intermediate position of the cylindrical portion.
Is provided. The through hole 24a communicates with the grease supply hole 15d on one side (the right side in FIG. 2). A grease supply pipe 25 connected to a grease supply pump (not shown) is attached to the through hole 24a.

On the upper and lower sides of the through hole 24a, two annular concave portions are formed along the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical member 24. The cylindrical member 24 is connected to the large-diameter portion 15c via seals 26a and 26b inside the annular concave portion.
Is loosely fitted. That is, the turning shaft 15 is
It is rotatably supported with respect to. Further, one ends of two first and second grease discharge pipes 27a and 27b are attached to the two grease discharge holes 15f and 15g, respectively.

Therefore, in FIG. 2, the grease supplied by the grease supply pump via the grease supply pipe 25 by the constant pressure feeding enters the one grease supply hole 15d, and the first grease passes through the passage 15h and the grease discharge hole 15f.
It is sent to the grease discharge pipe 27a. When the turning shaft 15 (the large-diameter portion 15c) rotates by 180 degrees from the state shown in FIG. 2, the grease supplied by the grease supply pump via the pipe 25 by the constant pressure feeding is supplied to the grease supply hole 15e.
And is sent to the second grease discharge pipe 27b through the passage 15i and the grease discharge port 15g. At this time,
The large diameter portion 15c of the revolving shaft 15 and the cylindrical member 24 have a tight gap by being rubbed together, and the grease supply holes 15d, 1
Grease is prevented from flowing out to other than 5e.

The first and second grease discharge pipes 27
Below the a and 27b, a turning plate 28 constituting the nozzle replacement mechanism 14 is integrally connected to the tip of the turning shaft 15. The two ends of the turning plate 28 in the longitudinal direction are symmetrically arranged with respect to the center axis O1 of the turning shaft 15.
Two first and second application nozzles 29, 30 are mounted. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the distance L from the center axis of the turning shaft 15 to the outermost end faces of the application nozzles 29 and 30 is defined as the distance Y from the center axis O1 of the turning shaft 15 to the support wall 11a. It is set smaller. And
In FIG. 1, the application position X is below the first application nozzle 29.
The cleaning position X2 is below the second application nozzle 30. The first and second application nozzles 29, 30 are formed in a similar configuration. For convenience of explanation, only one application nozzle (the application nozzle on the left side in FIG. 1) 29 will be described in detail.

As shown in FIG. 3, the central axis 31 of the first coating nozzle 29 is formed such that an inverted T-shaped grease passage 31a
Is provided, and a connection hole 31b is provided at the large-diameter base end. The end of the linear portion of the grease passage 31a and the connection hole 31b communicate with each other at right angles.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the other end of the first grease discharge pipe 27a is attached to the connection hole 31b of the center shaft 31. An intermediate portion of the central shaft 31 is supported via bearings 33 and 34 with respect to a cylindrical shaft 32 penetrating the central shaft 31.

The tip 32a of the flange of the shaft 32
Are connected by bolts 36 to a joint 37 inserted through the tip of the central shaft 31. A seal 37b is disposed in a groove 37a formed on the upper surface of the joint 37. The seal 37b is formed in the groove 3 by the ring 35.
7a. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a grease passage 37c is provided inside the joint 37. In addition, the grease passage 37c communicates with the grease passage 31a.
The joint 37 is connected to the bolt 3 via a ring 38.
At 9, it is connected to a nozzle head 29 a inserted from the tip of the central shaft 31. A seal 37e is disposed in a groove 37d formed on the lower surface of the joint 37. The seal 37e is fixed to the groove 37d by the ring 38.
Are trapped inside.

A grease discharge port 29b is provided inside the nozzle head 29a so as to be eccentric with respect to the center axis of the first application nozzle 29. In addition, the grease outlet 29b communicates with the grease passage 37c through a conduction hole 38a provided in the ring 38. Therefore, the grease discharge port 29b provided in the nozzle head 29a is connected to the conduction hole 38a and the grease passage 37.
c, the first through the grease passage 31a and the connection hole 31b.
The grease discharge pipe 27a communicates with the grease discharge pipe 27a.

As shown in FIG. 3, a knockout 40 is attached to the end of the center shaft 31 together with a spring 41 and a spring receiver 42. Moreover, the knockout 40, the spring 41 and the spring receiver 42
Are arranged in a concave portion 29c formed in the nozzle head 29a. Further, the knockout 40 can move upward along the central axis 31 against the elasticity of the spring 41.

Further, the shaft 32 is rotatably held at an intermediate portion thereof by a holder 45 via bearings 43 and 44. Therefore, the shaft 32 is rotatably supported by the center shaft 31 and the holder 45. The holder 45 is connected to a gear box 46 connected to the turning plate 28. The shaft 32 is fastened to the gear 47 by a friction fastening ring 48 and a pressure flange 49 at a base end 32b.

The gear 47 is a driven gear.
As shown in FIG. 6, the driven gear 47 is meshed with an intermediate gear 50 arranged in parallel. The intermediate gear 50 is rotatably supported by a support shaft 51 fixed to the gear box 46. Further, the intermediate gear 50 is
0 is meshed with the driving gear 52 arranged in parallel with the driving gear 52.
The driving gear 52 is integrally connected to the tip of the center shaft 19. Above the driving gear 52, a bearing 53 is disposed, and the driving gear 52 and the turning plate 2 are arranged.
8 is rotatably supported. The front end of the center shaft 19 is supported by the bearing 53, and the driving gear 52 can rotate with the rotation of the center shaft 19.

On the other hand, at the cleaning position X2 below the second application nozzle 30, the cleaning mechanism 13 for cleaning the nozzle head 30a of the second application nozzle 30 is arranged. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6C, a first plate 61 is fixed to a side surface of the block 60 of the cleaning mechanism 13. On the upper surface of the first plate 61, a second plate 63 that holds the pipe 62 is fixed.

As shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C, a ring 64 is incorporated in the upper part of the inner periphery of the pipe 62.
The ring 64 is provided with a plurality of air discharge holes 64a (four on the left, right, front and rear sides in this embodiment) as grease removing means penetrating the wall of the ring 64. The air discharge hole 64a is provided on the ring 64 from above the outer periphery of the ring 64.
It is formed obliquely downward toward the inner periphery. A groove 62 is formed on the inner surface of the pipe 62 in contact with the air discharge hole 64a.
a is provided. The pipe 62 has an air pipe mounting hole 62 communicating with the groove 62a from the upper outer surface.
b is provided. This air pipe mounting hole 62b is
It is connected to an air supply source via an air pipe (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 6C, the first plate 6
A groove 61a is provided on the inner side surface of 1. A joint 65 is fixed to the groove 61a. An air discharge hole 65 a is provided inside the joint 65. At this time, an air pipe mounting hole 61b is provided in the groove 61a of the first plate 61, and the mounting hole 61b communicates with an air discharge hole 65a provided inside the joint 65. Similarly, the air pipe attachment hole 61b is connected to an air supply source via an air pipe (not shown).

An air nozzle 66 is fixed to the upper end of the joint 65. An air discharge hole 66a is provided inside the air nozzle 66 as grease removing means. The air discharge hole 66a communicates with the air discharge hole 65a provided with the joint 65. A cap 67 is fixed above the air nozzle 66. Cap 67
An annular concave portion 67a is formed on the bottom surface of.

The air nozzle 66 and the cap 67
A tapered portion 64b that expands downward is formed on the inner periphery of the lower portion of the ring 64 disposed at a position substantially at the same height as that of the ring 64. Further, below the pipe 62,
A grease storage box 68 is replaceably disposed on the block 60.

The cleaning mechanism 13 is bolted to the base 1 so that the center axis of the air nozzle 66 coincides with the center axis of the application nozzle 30 at the cleaning position X2.
1b.

Hereinafter, the application and cleaning processes of the automatic grease applying apparatus 10 of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, first, the height of the work W is adjusted by an adjustment block 70 as a mounting table so that the application surface thereof comes to the application position Z <b> 2 of the first application nozzle 29. The height of the application position Z2 is set in advance so as to match the height of the cleaning position of the second application nozzle 30.
Then, the two grease applying mechanisms 1 and 2 are moved so that the lower surfaces of the respective nozzle heads 29a and 30a come from the standby position Z1 to the application and cleaning position Z2.
2 together with the vertical movement mechanism 11c.

Next, grease is pumped from a grease supply pump (not shown). The grease enters the grease supply hole 15d via the grease supply pipe 25. Then, the grease is distributed to the first grease discharge pipe 27a of the first application nozzle 29 at the application position X1 via the passage 15h communicating with the grease supply hole 15d.
At this time, the grease supply hole 15d is connected to the second grease discharge pipe 27 of the second application nozzle 30 at the cleaning position X2.
The grease is not distributed to the grease discharge pipe 27b because it is not communicated with the grease. Further, the grease distributed to the first grease discharge pipe 27a is pressure-fed to the nozzle head 29a via the central shaft 31 and the joint 37. Then, the grease is discharged from the nozzle head 29a and applied to the work W.

At this time, the center shaft 19 is driven and rotated by a motor (not shown). The rotation of the center shaft 19 is transmitted to the shaft 32 via the driving gear 52, the intermediate gear 50, and the driven gear 47. Then, the nozzle head 29a and the joint 37 are rotated together with the shaft 32. Therefore, the grease discharged from the nozzle head 29a is uniformly applied to the work W. In addition, the thickness of the grease applied to the work W can be controlled by changing the rotation speed.

The grease is applied to the work W by the first application nozzle 29 at the application position X1, and the second application nozzle 30 at the cleaning position X2 is cleaned by the cleaning mechanism 13 at the same time. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 6B, since the nozzle head 30a of the second application nozzle 30 rotated together with the center shaft 19 is disposed in the ring 64 of the cleaning mechanism 13, an air supply (not shown) The air supplied from the source via the air pipe is discharged at a certain angle from the upper side to the lower side through the groove 62a and the obliquely formed air discharge hole 64a, and blows the outer peripheral surface of the nozzle head 30a. Further, since the nozzle head 30 a is disposed above the air nozzle 66 of the cleaning mechanism 13, the air supplied from the same air supply source (not shown) via the air pipe is supplied to the air discharge hole of the joint 65. 65a and air nozzle 6
6 is discharged through the air discharge hole 66a. The air discharged from the air nozzle 66 hits the bottom of a cap 67 disposed above the air nozzle 66. Since the annular concave portion 67a is formed at the bottom of the cap 67, the air discharged from the air nozzle 66 is discharged in the circumferential direction from the center of the air nozzle 66 along the concave portion 67a, and the first coating is performed. The bottom surface of the nozzle head 30a of the second application nozzle 30 rotating in synchronization with the nozzle 29 is air blown. Thus, the residual grease adhering to the nozzle head 30a of the application nozzle 30 is removed and accumulated in the grease accumulation box 68 below the pipe 62.

When the application and cleaning are completed, the grease applying mechanism 12 is raised by the vertical movement mechanism 11c so that the lower surfaces of the nozzle heads 29a and 30a come from the application and cleaning position Z2 to the standby position Z1. Then, the rotary actuator 16 is driven. The rotation of the rotary actuator 16 is controlled by the second gear 14.
d, to the revolving plate 28 via the first gear 14c and the revolving shaft 15. Rotary actuator 16
Is rotated by the stopper 1 fixed on the first gear 14c.
7 to 180 degrees. Then, the turning plate 28 is turned 180 degrees with the rotation of the rotary actuator 16. Therefore, both application nozzles 2
9 and 30 are turned 180 degrees together with the turning plate 28. That is, the first application nozzle 29 at the application position X1
Is rotated to the cleaning position X2, and the second
The application nozzle 30 is turned to the application position X1.

Up to this point, one cycle of the application and cleaning process of the automatic grease application device 10 is completed. At this time, since the cylindrical member 24 to which the grease supply pipe 25 is fixed is not turned, the grease supply pipe 25 is always communicated with the grease discharge pipe 27a or 27b of the application nozzle 29 or 30 on the application position X1 side.

Then, when the next cycle of the coating and cleaning process is started, the cleaned second coating nozzle 30 is
The grease is applied to the next work W at the application position X1, and the first application nozzle 29 to which the grease has adhered in the previous cycle and which has become dirty is automatically cleaned by the cleaning mechanism 13 at the cleaning position X2.

Next, the features of the automatic grease applying apparatus 10 of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described. (1) In the present embodiment, the grease application mechanism 12 has two application nozzles 29 and 30. One application nozzle 29 is located at the application position X1, and the other application nozzle 30 is located at the cleaning position X2. One application nozzle 29
When applying grease to the work W at the application position X1,
The other application nozzle 30 is cleaned by the cleaning mechanism 13 at the cleaning position X2. Further, the two nozzles 29 and 30 are moved by the nozzle replacement mechanism 14 between the coating position X1 and the cleaning position X2.
Can be replaced during That is, the application nozzle 29 that is greased and adhered to the nozzle head 29a is dirty.
Is turned to the cleaning position X2, and at the same time, the application nozzle 30 that has been cleaned neatly is turned to the application position X1. Therefore, the application operation and the cleaning operation can be performed simultaneously at different positions. The efficiency of the application operation and the cleaning operation can be improved as compared with the related art in which the application operation is interrupted and the cleaning operation is performed.

(2) In the present embodiment, the application head 29a of the grease application mechanism 12 includes the shaft 32, the gears 47, 50, 52, and the center shaft 1 as the nozzle head 29a.
9 and is connected to the motor. It can rotate with the rotation of the center shaft 19 driven by the motor. Therefore, by discharging the grease while rotating the nozzle head 29a, the grease can be uniformly applied to the work W.

(3) In the present embodiment, a knockout 40 is attached to the end of the central shaft 31 together with the spring 41 and the spring receiver 42. Moreover, the knockout 40, the spring 41 and the spring receiver 42
Are arranged in a concave portion 29c formed in the nozzle head 29a. Further, the knockout 40 can move upward along the central axis 31 against the elasticity of the spring 41. Therefore, after applying grease to the work W, the knockout 40 can press the surface of the work W by the elasticity of the spring 41 so that the nozzle head 29a does not come into close contact with the work W. As a result, it is possible to prevent the nozzle head 29a from sticking together with the work W after applying grease to the work W.

(4) In the present embodiment, the nozzle head 30a of the application nozzle 30 at the cleaning position X2 is
3, the air supplied from an air supply source (not shown) via an air pipe
The nozzle head 30a is discharged at a certain angle from the upper side to the lower side through an air discharge hole 64a formed in the nozzle head 4, and the outer peripheral surface of the nozzle head 30a is air blown. Air supplied from the same air supply source (not shown) via the air pipe is discharged through the air discharge hole 65a of the joint 65 and the air discharge hole 66a of the air nozzle 66.
The air discharged from the air nozzle 66 is discharged in the circumferential direction from the center of the air nozzle 66 along the concave portion 67a of the cap 67 disposed above the air nozzle 66,
Air blowing is performed on the bottom surface of the nozzle head 30a. Therefore,
Since not only the bottom surface of the nozzle head 30a as the application location but also the outer peripheral surface of the nozzle head 30a other than the application location is cleaned, it is possible to prevent grease from adhering to locations other than the application location. Moreover, since the cleaning method is a non-contact cleaning using air, it is possible to prevent the nozzle head 30a from being worn.

(5) In the present embodiment, the application nozzle 29,
The 30 nozzle heads 29a and 30a are rotated together with the center shaft 19 in the application and cleaning operations. Therefore, the nozzle head 30a of the application nozzle 30 is
Since the nozzle head 30a is cleaned so as to blow air while being rotated, the entire circumference of the nozzle head 30a can be cleaned, and the conventional control method of blowing air sequentially from a plurality of directions can be eliminated.

(6) In the present embodiment, a tapered portion that expands downward is formed on the inner periphery of the lower part of the ring 64 that is disposed at substantially the same height as the air nozzle 66 and the cap 67 of the cleaning mechanism 13. 64b are formed. Therefore,
When the bottom surface of the nozzle head 30a is cleaned, the discharged air hits the tapered portion 64b, so that the discharging direction is directed downward, so that the grease can be prevented from re-adhering to the nozzle head 30a. As a result, the cleaning efficiency can be improved.

The embodiment of the present invention may be modified as follows. The grease application mechanism 12 of the above embodiment may be implemented with four application nozzles. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the swivel plates 75 and 76 connecting the application nozzles 71 and 72 and the application nozzles 73 and 74 are fixed to the swivel shaft 15 so as to be orthogonal to each other. If any two of the four application nozzles 71 to 74 are set to the application position, the positions of the remaining two application nozzles are set to the cleaning position. Although not shown, two grease supply pipes are arranged on the cylindrical member 24 corresponding to the two application nozzles at the application position. Further, the cleaning mechanism 1 is provided below the two application nozzles at the cleaning position.
3 is arranged.

When the coating operation is performed from two adjacent coating nozzles 71 and 73, the two coating nozzles 71 and 73 at the coating position and the two coating nozzles 72 and 74 at the cleaning position are replaced. Two swivel plates 75,7
6 by simultaneously turning 180 degrees. On the other hand, when the application operation is performed from the two application nozzles 71 and 72 fixed to the same rotating plate 75, two application nozzles 71 and 72 at the application position and two application nozzles 73 and 72 at the cleaning position are used. Replacement with 74 is 2
This is performed by simultaneously turning the two turning plates 75 and 76 by 90 degrees. The stopper 17 is configured or set so that the turning shaft 15 can be rotated by 90 degrees in one direction.

Therefore, according to this alternative example, in addition to the effects of the above-described embodiment, since the coating can be performed on the two works W at the same time, the efficiency of the coating operation can be further improved. Further, based on the above idea, the grease application mechanism 12 may be implemented with six or eight application nozzles as long as the apparatus is not enlarged.

The grease application mechanism 12 of the above embodiment may be implemented with three application nozzles. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, three application nozzles 81,
A swivel plate 84 connecting the 82 and 83 is integrally fixed to the swivel shaft 15 such that the application nozzles 81, 82 and 83 form 120 degrees with each other. When any two of the three application nozzles 81, 82, 83, for example, the application nozzles 81, 82 are set at the application position, the remaining 1 The position of the application nozzle 83 is set to the cleaning position. Although not shown, two grease supply pipes are arranged on the cylindrical member 24 corresponding to the two application nozzles 81 and 82 at the application position.

The replacement of the coating nozzles 81, 82, 83
This is performed by turning the turning plate 84, which is integrated, by 120 degrees. The stopper 17 is provided on the pivot shaft 1.
5 are configured or set so that they can rotate in one direction by 120 degrees. At this time, each of the application nozzles 81, 82,
In 83, one cleaning operation is performed after two application operations.

On the other hand, three coating nozzles 8 are used for the case where there is much adhesion of grease or the like in the coating operation.
If any one of the application nozzles 1, 82, 83, for example, the application nozzle 81 is set to the application position, the positions of the remaining two application nozzles 82, 83 are set to the cleaning position. Although not shown, one grease supply pipe is arranged on the cylindrical member 24 corresponding to one application nozzle 81 at the application position. Also, the two application nozzles 8 at the cleaning position
The cleaning mechanism 13 is disposed below each of the cleaning mechanisms 2 and 83.

The replacement of the coating nozzles 81, 82, 83 is as follows.
This is performed by turning the turning plate 84, which is integrated, by 120 degrees. The stopper 17 is provided on the pivot shaft 1.
5 are configured or set so that they can rotate in one direction by 120 degrees. At this time, each of the application nozzles 81, 82,
Reference numeral 83 indicates that after one application operation, two cleaning operations are performed.

Therefore, according to this alternative example, in addition to the effects of the above-described embodiment, the cleaning time of the application nozzle can be determined by the degree of adhesion or contamination of the grease or the like to the application nozzle in the application operation. Waste can be reduced. Further, based on the above idea, the grease application mechanism 12 may be implemented with five or seven application nozzles as long as the device is not enlarged.

In the above embodiment, the nozzle head 29
The intermediate gear 50 and a support shaft 51 for rotatably supporting the intermediate gear 50 are disposed between the driven gear 47 and the driven gear 52 for rotating the a and 30a. When the relative positions may be close to each other, the driving gear 52 and the driven gear 47 are directly meshed with each other, that is, the intermediate gear 50 and the support shaft 51 that rotatably supports the intermediate gear 50 are omitted. Is also good. In this case, substantially the same effects as in the above embodiment can be obtained.

In the above embodiment, the grease applying mechanism 1
2 is a support wall 11 of the main body 11 via a support arm 12b.
The grease application mechanism 12 is fixed to the up-down movement mechanism 11c attached to a and is moved up or down by the up-down movement mechanism 11c. However, the grease application mechanism 12 is directly fixed to the support wall 11a of the main body 11 via the support arm 12b. Alternatively, the base 11b of the main body 11 may be fixed to a vertically moving mechanism so as to be vertically movable. In this case, the work W and the cleaning mechanism 13 can be raised or lowered by the vertical movement of the base 11b instead of the vertical movement of the grease applying mechanism 12. Therefore,
The same effect as the above embodiment can be obtained.

In the above embodiment, the ring 64 of the cleaning mechanism 13 is provided with four oblique air discharge holes 64a penetrating the wall of the ring 64 on the left, right, front and rear sides. May be implemented by providing four or more pieces on the peripheral surface of the wall of the ring 64. In this case, the same effect as in the above embodiment can be obtained.

[0069]

As described in detail above, according to the first, second and fourth aspects of the present invention, the work efficiency of the application and cleaning of the grease application nozzle can be improved.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the first aspect is provided.
Or, in addition to the effect of the automatic grease applying device described in item 2, the work can be uniformly applied with grease, and the grease applying nozzle at the cleaning position can be thoroughly cleaned.

According to the invention described in claim 5, according to claim 2,
In addition to the effects of the automatic grease applying device described in any one of Items 4 to 4, the nozzle is not worn and damaged.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front sectional view of a main part of an automatic grease applying apparatus according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of a main part of the automatic grease applying apparatus.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view of a coating nozzle of the automatic grease coating device.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a nozzle replacement mechanism of the automatic grease applying apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an overall view of a cleaning mechanism of the automatic grease applying device.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 1 of another example.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 1 of another example.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Automatic grease application apparatus, 13 ... Automatic application nozzle cleaning mechanism, 14 ... Nozzle replacement mechanism as nozzle guide means, 29, 30, 71-74, 81-83 ... Application nozzle, 29a, 30a ... Nozzle head, 64a, 66a ...
Air discharge holes as grease removing means, W ... work,
X1: Application position, X2: Cleaning position.

Claims (5)

[Claims] A plurality of grease application nozzles (29, 3)
0,71-74,81-83) and their respective application nozzles (29,30,71-74,81-83)
Automatic grease applying apparatus provided with nozzle guide means (14) for guiding each of the two to a coating position (X1) and a cleaning position (X2). 2. A grease applying nozzle (29, 3)
0), a mounting table (70) on which a work (W) to be greased is mounted, a cleaning means (13) for cleaning each grease application nozzle (29, 30), and a grease application nozzle (29, 30). 30) is guided to two positions: a coating position (X1) for applying grease to the work (W) placed on the mounting table (70) and a cleaning position (X2) for cleaning by the cleaning means (13). An automatic grease applying device including a nozzle guide means (14). 3. The automatic grease applying device according to claim 1, wherein each of the grease applying nozzles (29, 30, 71 to 74,
81 to 83) with the application position (X1) and the cleaning position (X
2) rotating means for rotating in the application position (X
1) In the grease application nozzle (29, 30, 7)
1-74, 81-83) while rotating the work (W)
Grease, and the grease applying nozzles (29, 30, 71 to 74, 81) at the cleaning position (X2).
To 83) while rotating the nozzles (29, 30, 71).
To an automatic grease applying device for cleaning the same. 4. The automatic grease applying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said nozzle guide means (14) includes one of the grease applying nozzles (29, 30, 71 to 74, 81 to 83). Automatic grease applying device which guides the other grease applying nozzles (29, 30, 71 to 74, 81 to 83) to the cleaning position (X2) when the grease is guided to the applying position (X1). 5. The automatic grease applying device according to claim 2, wherein said cleaning means (13) is provided with a grease applying nozzle (29, 30, 71) guided to said cleaning position (X2). ~ 74,
81 to 83) and spray the same nozzle (29, 3).
0, 71 to 74, 81 to 83), an automatic grease applying apparatus provided with a removing means (64a, 66a) for removing grease attached to the grease.