US2736621A - Journal box lubricating system - Google Patents

Journal box lubricating system Download PDF

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US2736621A
US2736621A US341804A US34180453A US2736621A US 2736621 A US2736621 A US 2736621A US 341804 A US341804 A US 341804A US 34180453 A US34180453 A US 34180453A US 2736621 A US2736621 A US 2736621A
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oil
journal
drum
reservoir
bearing
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US341804A
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Porte George Clark La
Edwin W Taylor
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    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B61RAILWAYS
    • B61FRAIL VEHICLE SUSPENSIONS, e.g. UNDERFRAMES, BOGIES OR ARRANGEMENTS OF WHEEL AXLES; RAIL VEHICLES FOR USE ON TRACKS OF DIFFERENT WIDTH; PREVENTING DERAILING OF RAIL VEHICLES; WHEEL GUARDS, OBSTRUCTION REMOVERS OR THE LIKE FOR RAIL VEHICLES
    • B61F17/00Lubrication specially adapted for axle-boxes of rail vehicles
    • B61F17/02Lubrication specially adapted for axle-boxes of rail vehicles with oil
    • B61F17/14Rotating lubricating devices
    • B61F17/20Rotating lubricating devices with scoops or the like attached to, or coupled with, the axle

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  • This invention relates to journal boxes for railway cars and more particularly to a novel system for effecting efiicient lubrication of the axle journal and its bearing at all speeds of rotation of the journal.
  • Another object is to provide a lubricating system of the above type wherein a novel arrangement is utilized for conveying oil from a reservoir in the journal box to the bearing and journal by the interaction of the forces of capillary attraction, gravity and centrifugal force, so that the parts will be efficiently lubricated at all speeds.
  • a further object resides in the provision of a novel oil conveying member which is secured to the rotating journal and which is effective to efficiently distribute the oil, picked up from a reservoir in the journal box, to the bearing and journal, regardless of the speed of rotation of the latter.
  • Still another object comprehends a system of the foregoing character which may be readily installed within journal boxes of the present-day type with a minimum of effort, and without the necessity of varying the shape or size or otherwise changing the design of any part of such boxes.
  • a still further object resides in the provision of a novel oil reservoir which may be readily inserted within the journal box for cooperation with the oil conveying member carried by the journal.
  • Still another object includes a novel splash guard or shield arrangement which not only includes essential portions of the oil distributing system, but which also effectively confines the splash of the oil to the parts to be lubricated and prevents loss of oil through the entrance opening of the journal box.
  • Fig. 1 is an axial sectional view of a car journal box, journal and bearing having the present invention associated therewith;
  • Fig. 2 is an end view of the journal box, certain parts being broken away to more clearly illustrate the invention
  • Fig. 3 is a partial view in perspective of certain of the parts of the novel lubricating system.
  • Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the oil conveying member.
  • journal box 10 having an axle journal 12 therein, the latter being provided with the-conventional type of bearing brass 14 and wedge 16 at its upper portion.
  • the journal box 10 Other objects and novel features of the invention will i understood, however, that thendrawings are utilized for i is provided with an entrance opening 18 which is adapted to be closed by the usual dust cover or shield, not shown.
  • the novel lubricating system of the present invention is of the free oiling type and includes a novel oil conveyor member 20 which is formed as a drum with its central portion dished inwardly at 22 to provide a flattened face so that the drum may be connected to the outer end of the journal 12 as by means of a plurality of screws 24.
  • the drum 20 is provided with a peripheral flange 26 which, as illustrated in Fig. l, is adapted to overlie an inclined ledge 28 which is secured to the forward portion of the bearing 14 as by means of a plurality of screws 30, see Fig. 3.
  • the drum 20 may be formed of metal or may be of a suitable plastic capable of being molded.
  • the periphery 25 of the drum 20 is provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced slits 36, 38, 40 and 42, such slits forming a plurality of openings defining separate arcuate drum or flange sections 44, '46, 48 and 50 of substantially equal length.
  • the two diametrically opposed ends of the'drum sections 46 and 50 are directed inwardly to form triangular vanes 52 and 54 respectively, the leading edges of which face in the same direction of rotation of the drum.
  • the opposite ends of the drum sections 46 and 50 are directed inwardly to form similarly shaped, diametrically opposed triangular vanes 56 and 58, the leading edges of these vanes facing in the same direction of rotation of the drum 20 but oppositely from the direction of vanes 52 and 54.
  • the vanes 52 and 54 both function to deliver oil from the reservoir 32 to the oil collecting ledge 28 during movement of the drum 26 in the direction of the arrow A. as viewed. in Fig. 4 and under certain speed conditions.
  • the vanes 56 and 58 will function to deliver oil from the reservoir 32 to the ledge 28 when the drum 20 and journal 12 rotate in the opposite direction such as shown by the arrow B in Fig. 4.
  • the oil will likewise coat both surfaces of the sections 46 and As the section 46 rises from the oil bath, the oil heid thereon by capillary attraction will flow to the vane 56 and will finally drip off the free corner of such vane on to the ledge 28 when the vane overlies the ledge. This operation will also take place one-half revolution later when the vane 55 overlies the ledge 28.
  • the novel construction of the drum vanes will cause oil to be conveyed to the ledge 28 and thence to the journal and bearing each half revolution and regardless of the direction of rotation.
  • the present invention therefore provides a novel construction for efiiciently' lubricating the parts at such intermediate speeds.
  • This novel arrangement comprises a plurality of fins 60, 62, 64 and 66, all of which are similarly formed and which are respectively secured to the inner surfaces of the drum sections 44, 48, 46 and 50. Since all of these fins are similar, one only will be described in detail. Referring to Fig. 4, the fin 60, for example, is secured at its base 68 to the drum and is also secured to the drum flange along its side edge 70.
  • the. fin 60 forms a pocket. 74 with the inner surface of the flange segment 44 for a purpose which will appear more fully hereinaften.
  • the. fins heretofore described are directed. in opposite directions.
  • the fins 60 and 62 may be inclined in the same direction of rotation of the drum. 20 while the fins 64 and 66 may be directed in the opposite direction of rotation of the drum 20.
  • the fins are arranged between the vanes, as shown in Fig.
  • the respective fins of the pairs are diametrically opposed in order that oil delivery to the ledge 28 may take place during each half revolution of the drum 20 in opposite directions.
  • the particular location and the angularity of the fins with respect to the drum sections 44, 46, 48 and 5t) may be varied depending upon the viscosity of the oil utilized for lubricating the journal.
  • the reservoir 32 for the oil comprises a novel construction which is so arranged that it may be readily inserted through the opening 18 of the journal box it) and placed in the position shown in Fig. 1, prior to the application of the drum 20 to the end of the journal 12. More particularly, and as shown in Figs. l and 2, the reservoir 32 includes an inclined bottom 76 which slopes toward the front of the journal box 10. The shortened rear face 78 which results from the inclination of the bottom 76 enables the reservoir to be inserted into position beneath the journal 12. In order to elevate the rear face 78 to the position shown in Fig. 1, after the reservoir is in position, the invention provides a collapsible resilient support including a supporting bolt 3t which projects through a casing 82 secured to the face '75.
  • a spring 84 is interposed between the top of the. casing 82 and a shoulder 86 on the bolt m normally urge the rear portion of the reservoir 32 upwardly, the limit of such upward movement. being adjustable as by means of a nut 88 threadedly received by the bolt 80 and bearing against the top of the casing 82.
  • the spring 84 may be compressed when the reservoir 32 is placed in position so that the bolt 80 will clear the inner surface of the front Wall of the journal box 18. Thereafter, when. the reservoir 32 is in position, the parts opening 18.
  • the foregoing comprises a splash shield and oil confining member 90 which includes a front shield 92 which interfits the forward edge 94 of the reservoir 32 at 96 to provide an oil-tight joint.
  • the shield 92 is extended to provide side sections 98, the lower portions of which also interfit at 100 with the side edges of the reservoir 32.
  • the shield or guard 90 has a plurality of nuts 102 welded thereto for the reception of retaining screws 104 for retaining the member 90 in position after assembling thereof within the journal box 10, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2.
  • the shield member 90 is provided with a top portion 106 which bears against the upper portion of the journal box and centrally of the top 106, there is positioned a splash guard 108 comprising a web 110 and a pair of troughs 112 and 114 which are inclined toward the rear and which overlie the ledge 28. Adjacent the top 106, the member 90 is also formed with an inclined trough 116 which is directed toward the ledge 28 and overlies the latter as clearly shown in Figs. 2 and 3. With such an arrangement, oil thrown from the drum 20 under the action of centrifugal force and during high speed operation of the journal 12 and the drum 20, will be collected in the trough 116 and will flow by gravity to the ledge 28.
  • Oil will also be collected within the troughs 112 and 114 of the splash shield 90 and due to the inclination of such troughs, the oil will flow to the ledge 28.
  • two troughs 116 are associated with the member 20 at the upper portion thereof so that one or the other of the troughs will be effective to conduct oil to the ledge 28 depending upon the direction of operation of 'the device.
  • the front face 92 of the member 90 may be provided with a series of heat radiating fins, not shown, in order to efficiently dissipate heat from the chamber 118 defined by the member 90.
  • one or more suitable handles may be provided on the front shield 92 to facilitate insertion and removal of the shield member 90.
  • the present invention provides highly efficient delivery of oil to the journal 12 and the bearing 14 regardless of the speed of operation of the journal.
  • This is achieved by the novel constructiondisclosed herein and including the oil collecting and delivering drum member 20 which is effective to deliver oil to the parts regardless of the direction of rotation of the journal.
  • the particular arrangement of the vanes 52, 54, 56 and 58 has been found to provide highly effective lubrication at extremely slow speeds of operation and the addition of the fins 60, 62, 64 and 66 not only supplements thelubricating action of the vanes, at low speeds, but is also effective to efficiently deliver oil to the parts at intermediate speeds when centrifugal force may offset the lubricating action of the vanes.
  • the oil which clings to the periphery of the flanges 26 of the drum 20 is thrown off under the action of centrifugal force and is collected by the troughs 116, 112 and 114 for delivery to the ledge 28 and thence to the relatively rotating parts by way of channels 34 and grooves 32.
  • the splash guard or shield member 90 confines the oil to the chamber 118 and thus prevents depletion of the oil supply from the reservoir 32 by reason of overflow or splash distribution to the bottom of the journal box 10 or through the entrance
  • the member 20 is so arranged that it may be readily assembled in engagement with the walls of the reservoir 32 and maintained in position by means of the screws 104. In. the assembly and disassembly of the member 90, it will be readily understood that these operations may be readily effected after movement of the reservoir 32 to the left as illustrated in Fig. 1.
  • the slip connection shown at 96 and the overlapping connection shown at 100 readily facilitates the insertion or removal of the member 20 from the journal box.
  • a journal box having an oil reservoir, a journal and a bearing partially surrounding the top portion of the journal, the improvement which comprises an inclined ledge secured to the bearing and extending outwardly from the end of the latter, and a drum secured to said journal andprovided with an anular flange overlying said ledge and dipping into the oil in said reservoir, said flange having a free edge and being provided with a plurality of spaced-apart axially arranged openings extending from said free edge through the width of said flange and defining a plurality of arcuate flange sections, the ends of a plurality of said sections being directed inwardly to provide triangular vanes for delivering oil from the reservoir to the ledge during rotation of the journal and drum, each of said triangular vanes having a base portion coincident with said free edge, and channel means for conducting oil from said ledge to said bearing.
  • a journal box having an oil reservoir, a journal and a bearing partially surrounding the top portion of the journal, the improvement which comprises an inclined ledge secured to the bearing and extending outwardly from the end of the latter, and a drum secured to said journal and provided with an annular flange overlying said ledge and dipping into the oil in said reservoir, said flange having a free edge and being provided with a plurality of sections of substantially equal arcuate extent and said sections being separated by openings extending from the free edge through the width of said flange, both ends of a pair of alternate sections being directed inwardly to provide triangular vanes for delivering oil from the reservoir to the ledge during rotationof the journal and drum in opposite directions, each of said triangular vanes having a base portion coincident with said' free edge, and means for conducting oil from said ledge to said bearing.
  • journal box box having an oil reservoir, 21 journal and a bearing partially surrounding the top portion of the journal, the improvement which comprises an oil collecting member extending outwardly from the end of the bearing and positioned adjacent the upper portion of the bearing, means for conducting oil from said member through said bearing to said journal, and means for delivering oil from said reservoir to said member at all'speeds of rotation of said journal comprising an oil conveying element secured to said journal and having an axially directed flange dipping into the oil in said reservoir and overlying said member, said flange having a free edge and having also a plurality of spaced-apart inwardly directed vanesproviding openings from the free edge through the width of said flange, each of said vanes having'a base portion coincident with said free edge, and a plurality of oil conducting troughs positioned at'the upper portion of said journal box for conducting oil thrown from said element by centrifugal force to said member.
  • a drum-shaped oil, conveying member adapted to be secured to and rotated by a journal, said member having an annular flange provided with a free edge and having a plurality of spaced-apart. Openings extending from the free edge through the width of said flange, said openings dividing the flange into a plurality of separate and spaced-apart arcuate sections, and the ends of a plurality of said arcuate sections being directed inwardly toward the center of the member and forming substantially triangular vanes, each of said triangular vanes having a base portion conincident with said free edge.
  • a drum-shaped oil conveying member adapted to be secured to and rotated by a journal, said member having an axially directed annular flange provided with a free edge and having a plurality of spaced-apart openings extending from the free edge through the width of said flange and defining a plurality of separated arcuate flange sections, the opposite ends of a plurality of said sections being directed inwardly toward the center of the element to provide triangular vanes, each of said triangular vanes having a base portion coincident with said free edge.
  • journal box having an oil reservoir, a journal and. a bearing partially surrounding the top portion of the journal
  • improvement which comprises an oil collecting member extending outwardly from the end of the bearing and positioned adjacent the upper portion of the bearing, means for conducting oil from said member through said bearing to said journal, and means for delivering oil from said reservoir to said member at all speeds of rotation of said journal
  • an oil conveying element secured to said journal and having an axially directed flange dipping into the oil in said reservoir and overlying said member, said flange having a plurality of spaced-apartv openings defining a plurality of separate arcuate drum sections, the ends of a plurality of said sections being directed inwardly to provide triangular vanes, and each of the inner surfaces of said drum sections having between the ends thereof, an angularly directed inwardly projecting fin connected with the drum section throughout the length of the fin, and a plurality of oil conducting troughs positioned at the upper portion of said journal box for conducting oil thrown from said element by centr
  • journal box is provided with an open end and which cornprises in addition, a splash shield for closing said end, said shield interfitting at its lower end with said oil reservoir and engaging the journal box at its upper end, said shield having an axially directed splash plate overlying said flange and oil collecting member and provided with a pair of inclined troughs for dripping oil on to said member.
  • a journal box having an open end, a journal and a bearing for the top portion of the journal
  • the improvement which comprises an oil collecting member extending outwardly from the end of the bearing and positioned adjacent the upper portion of the bearing, means for conducting oil from said member through said bearing to said journal, a reservoir for oil insertable through the open end of the journal box to a position beneath-the journal, the bottom of said reservoir being inclined upwardly from the front to the rear thereof and the rear portion having a collapsible support to facilitate entry of the reservoir through the open end of the journal box, said support being resiliently extended to support the rear portion of the reservoir when the latter is positioned beneath the journal, and means carried by said journal and dipping into the oil in said reservoir by conveying oil to said oil collecting member during rotation of the journal.
  • a journal box having an open end, a journal and a bearing for the top portion of the journal, the improvement which comprises an oil collecting member extending outwardly from the end of the bearing and positioned adjacent the upper portion of the bearing, means for conducting oil from said member through said bearing to said journal, a reservoir for oil insertable through the open end of the journal box to a position beneath the journal, the bottom of said reservoir being inclined upwardly from the front to the rear thereof and the rear portion having a collapsible support to facilitate entry of the reservoir through the open end of the journal box, said support being resiliently extended to support the rear portion of the reservoir when the latter is positioned beneath the journal, means carried by the journal and dipping into the oil in said reservoir for conveying oil to said oil collecting member during rotation of the journal, and a splash shield for closing the open end of the journal box, said shield being positioned within the box and having its lower end portion in sealing engagement with the reservoir, and having the upper end portion overlying the oil conveying means and in engagement with the upper portion of the journal box.
  • journal box having an open end, a journal and a bearing for the top portion of the journal
  • the improvement which comprises an oil collecting member extending outwardly from the end of the bearing and positioned adjacent the upper portion of the bearing, means for conducting oil from said member through said bearing to said journal, a reservoir for oil insertable through the open end of the journal box to a position beneath the journal, the bottom of said reservoir being inclined upwardly from the front to the rear thereof and the rear portion having a collapsible support to facilitate entry of thereservoir through the open end of the journal box said support being resiliently extended to support the rear portion of the reservoir when the latter is positioned beneath the journal, means carried by the journal and, dipping into the oil in said reservoir for conveying oil to said oil collecting member during rotation of the journal, and a splash shield for closing the open end of the journal box, said shield being positioned within the box and having its lower end portion in sealing engagement with the reservoir, and having the upper end portion overlying the oil conveying means and in engagement with the upper portion of the journal box,
  • journal box having an oil reservoir, a journal and a bearing partially surrounding the top portion of the journal, the improvement which comprises an oil collecting member extending outwardly from the end of the bearing and positioned adjacent the upper portion of the bearing, means for conducting oil from said member through said bearing to said journal, and means for delivering oil from said reservoir to said member at all speeds of rotation of said journal
  • oil collecting member extending outwardly from the end of the bearing and positioned adjacent the upper portion of the bearing
  • a drum shaped oil conveying member secured to said journal and having an axially directed flange dipping into the oil in said reservoir and overlying said member, said flange being slit throughout its depth at a plurality of points spaced about its periphery, to provide a plurality of separate drum sections of substantially equal arcuate 'extent,'both ends of alternate sections directed inwardly at the corners thereof to provide oppositely
  • each fin being secured throughout its FOREIGN PATENTS length to the inner surface of each respective section and 416 480 G B t 10 the base of each fin being secured throughout its length 673,178 :32 $21 to the base 0f
  • Oil conveying member- 695:226 France QILQQI: Dec. 12: 1930 5 791,309 France Dec. 7, 1935 References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Re. 5,775 Piret Feb. 24, 1874 151,642 Whitaker June 2, 1874 10

Description

Feb. 28, 1956 5, Q LA PQRTE ET AL 2,736,621
I JOURNAL BOX LUBRICATING SYSTEM Filed March 11, 1953 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR 1 g- ATTORNEYS George C la/ orze I G. C. LA PORTE ET AL JOURNAL BOX LUBRICATING SYSTEM Feb. 28, 1956 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed March 11, 1953 fowzb W 7519/0 George C [a Fan:
ATTORNEYS INVENTOR States Patent JOURNAL BOX LUBRICATING SYSTEM George Clark La Porte and Edwin W. Taylor, Baltimore, Md.
Application March 11, 1953, Serial No. 341,804
13 Claims. (Cl. 30886) This invention relates to journal boxes for railway cars and more particularly to a novel system for effecting efiicient lubrication of the axle journal and its bearing at all speeds of rotation of the journal.
Various types of systems for lubricating car journals and bearings have heretofore been proposed wherein rotating dippers or paddles are arranged to dip into an oil supply in the journal box and drip oil upon the journal bearing during rotation of the journal. It has been found in practice, however, that is the prior systems of the dipper type, while the bearing may be properly lubricated at high speeds when the centrifugal forces effective on the oil on the dipper are relatively high, such systems have the disadvantage that the bearing is insutficiently lubricated at low and intermediate speeds. This objectionable feature has prevented any extensive use of these systems in the field of railway car journals. While many attempts have been made to provide efficient lubrication of the bearings and journals at all car speeds, none of them have been successful.
It is accordingly the principal object of the present invention to provide a novel lubricating system for railway car journals which is operable to eificiently lubricate the parts at all speeds of rotation of the journal.
Another object is to provide a lubricating system of the above type wherein a novel arrangement is utilized for conveying oil from a reservoir in the journal box to the bearing and journal by the interaction of the forces of capillary attraction, gravity and centrifugal force, so that the parts will be efficiently lubricated at all speeds.
A further object resides in the provision of a novel oil conveying member which is secured to the rotating journal and which is effective to efficiently distribute the oil, picked up from a reservoir in the journal box, to the bearing and journal, regardless of the speed of rotation of the latter.
Still another object comprehends a system of the foregoing character which may be readily installed within journal boxes of the present-day type with a minimum of effort, and without the necessity of varying the shape or size or otherwise changing the design of any part of such boxes.
A still further object resides in the provision of a novel oil reservoir which may be readily inserted within the journal box for cooperation with the oil conveying member carried by the journal.
Still another object includes a novel splash guard or shield arrangement which not only includes essential portions of the oil distributing system, but which also effectively confines the splash of the oil to the parts to be lubricated and prevents loss of oil through the entrance opening of the journal box.
2,736,62l Patented Feb. 28, 1956' ice purposes of illustration only and are not designed as a definition of the limits of the invention, reference being had for this purpose to the appended claims.
Referring to the drawings, wherein similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views, I
Fig. 1 is an axial sectional view of a car journal box, journal and bearing having the present invention associated therewith;
Fig. 2 is an end view of the journal box, certain parts being broken away to more clearly illustrate the invention;
Fig. 3 is a partial view in perspective of certain of the parts of the novel lubricating system, and
Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the oil conveying member.
Referring more particularly to Fig. 1 of the drawings, the present invention is illustrated therein in connection with a journal box of the type currently used on railway cars. More particularly, the journal comprises a journal box 10 having an axle journal 12 therein, the latter being provided with the-conventional type of bearing brass 14 and wedge 16 at its upper portion. The journal box 10 Other objects and novel features of the invention will i understood, however, that thendrawings are utilized for i is provided with an entrance opening 18 which is adapted to be closed by the usual dust cover or shield, not shown.
The novel lubricating system of the present invention is of the free oiling type and includes a novel oil conveyor member 20 which is formed as a drum with its central portion dished inwardly at 22 to provide a flattened face so that the drum may be connected to the outer end of the journal 12 as by means of a plurality of screws 24. The drum 20 is provided with a peripheral flange 26 which, as illustrated in Fig. l, is adapted to overlie an inclined ledge 28 which is secured to the forward portion of the bearing 14 as by means of a plurality of screws 30, see Fig. 3. With such an arrangement, it will be readily seen that with the lower portion of the drum 20 submerged within the oil contained within a reservoir 32, any oil deposited from the drum 20 to the ledge 28 will be conducted from the latter to bearing grooves or slots 32 positioned on opposite sides of the bearing 14, see Fig. 2, through passages or channels 34. Thus, the inclined ledge 28, is positioned beneath the flange 26 of the drum 20 and conveys all oil conducted thereto, during operation of the journal 12, to the bearing grooves 32 for efficient lubrication of the journal.
One of the important features of the present invention resides in the novel construction of the oil conveyor or drum 20 and the parts associated therewith, so that efficient oiling of the journal 12 may be effected throughout all ranges of speed of the journal. This highly desirable result is secured by the novel drum construction illustrated in Figs. 1 and 4, when taken in connection with the structure shown in Fig. 3. More particularly, the drum 20 may be formed of metal or may be of a suitable plastic capable of being molded. As shown, the periphery 25 of the drum 20 is provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced slits 36, 38, 40 and 42, such slits forming a plurality of openings defining separate arcuate drum or flange sections 44, '46, 48 and 50 of substantially equal length. As will be clearly seen from Fig. 4, the two diametrically opposed ends of the'drum sections 46 and 50 are directed inwardly to form triangular vanes 52 and 54 respectively, the leading edges of which face in the same direction of rotation of the drum. Likewise it will be seen that the opposite ends of the drum sections 46 and 50 are directed inwardly to form similarly shaped, diametrically opposed triangular vanes 56 and 58, the leading edges of these vanes facing in the same direction of rotation of the drum 20 but oppositely from the direction of vanes 52 and 54. As will appear more fully hereinafter, the vanes 52 and 54 both function to deliver oil from the reservoir 32 to the oil collecting ledge 28 during movement of the drum 26 in the direction of the arrow A. as viewed. in Fig. 4 and under certain speed conditions. On the other hand, the vanes 56 and 58 will function to deliver oil from the reservoir 32 to the ledge 28 when the drum 20 and journal 12 rotate in the opposite direction such as shown by the arrow B in Fig. 4.
With the drum construction heretofore described connected with the journal 12, as illustrated in Fig. 1, it is desired to point out that the vanes 52, '4 and 56, 58 are efiective to convey oil to the ledge 23 during. extremely slow speeds of operation of the journal 12 in either of opposite directions. For example, and referring to Figs. 1 and 4, let it be assumed that the journal .12 and the drum 2%) are rotated in the direction or the arrow A. As the vane 52 and the drum section 46' emerge from the oil bath, oil will cling, by capillary attraction to both the inner and outer surfaces of the rum section 46 and the vane 52. As the section 46 and the vane 52 move upwardly, gravity acting upon the oil on such surfaces will cause the oil to flow to the vane 52 and as the latter passes over the ledge 28, the oil will drip off the free corner of the vane 52 and will be deposited upon the ledge 28 for passage to the hearing 7,4 and journal 12 through channels 34 and grooves 32. During the next half revolution of the drum 2%, the oil will collect upon the opposite surfaces of the section 50 and will drip from the free corner. of the vane 54 on to the ledge 23. On the other hand, should the journal 12 and the drum 2% be rotated in the opposite direction, such as indicated by the arrow B of Fig. 4, the oil will likewise coat both surfaces of the sections 46 and As the section 46 rises from the oil bath, the oil heid thereon by capillary attraction will flow to the vane 56 and will finally drip off the free corner of such vane on to the ledge 28 when the vane overlies the ledge. This operation will also take place one-half revolution later when the vane 55 overlies the ledge 28. Thus it will be seen from the foregoing that during extremely slow speed operation of the journal 12 and the drum 2%, the novel construction of the drum vanes will cause oil to be conveyed to the ledge 28 and thence to the journal and bearing each half revolution and regardless of the direction of rotation. The ready flowof the oil on both the inner and outer surfaces of the drum sections occurs through the action of gravity and the flow of oil from the exterior surfaces of the drum sections to the various vanes and from the corners thereof to the ledge 28 is readily enabled by reason of the slits in the drum flange 26, such slits forming gaps or openings in the flange. Thus, the oil delivered by the vanes is that retained not only on the inner surface of the drum sections but also that retained on the outer surfaces thereof. Due to this construction, highly efficient delivery of oil is assured to the journal and bearing notwithstanding the fact that the drum rotates at relatively low speeds.
During certain intermediate speeds of operation of tne journal 12 and the drum 2f), the effect of the gravity flow of oil from the vanes 52, 54, 56 and 58 may be offset somewhat by the action of centrifugal force. The present invention therefore provides a novel construction for efiiciently' lubricating the parts at such intermediate speeds. This novel arrangement comprises a plurality of fins 60, 62, 64 and 66, all of which are similarly formed and which are respectively secured to the inner surfaces of the drum sections 44, 48, 46 and 50. Since all of these fins are similar, one only will be described in detail. Referring to Fig. 4, the fin 60, for example, is secured at its base 68 to the drum and is also secured to the drum flange along its side edge 70. The top edge 72 of the. fin extends to the marginal edge. of the drum flange. It will thus be seen that with such an arrangement, the. fin 60 forms a pocket. 74 with the inner surface of the flange segment 44 for a purpose which will appear more fully hereinaften. As. in. the. case of the vanes 52, 54,56. and 58., the. fins heretofore described are directed. in opposite directions. For example, the fins 60 and 62 may be inclined in the same direction of rotation of the drum. 20 while the fins 64 and 66 may be directed in the opposite direction of rotation of the drum 20. Preferably, the fins are arranged between the vanes, as shown in Fig. 4, and the respective fins of the pairs are diametrically opposed in order that oil delivery to the ledge 28 may take place during each half revolution of the drum 20 in opposite directions. The particular location and the angularity of the fins with respect to the drum sections 44, 46, 48 and 5t) may be varied depending upon the viscosity of the oil utilized for lubricating the journal.
Referring again. to. Figs. 1 and 4, it will be readily understood that duling extremely low speed. operation of the journal 12 and the drum 2t in the direction of the arrow A, Fig. 4, oil will not only be delivered from the free corners of the vanes 52 and 54 to the ledge 28, but will also be delivered to said ledge from the free corners of the inclined fins 6t) and 62. This will be readily apparent when it is considered that as the drum section 44 emerges from the oil bath, the oil adhering to the inner surface of such section will flow by gravity into the. pocket 74 and will drip from the free corner of the fin 66 as the latter passes over the ledge 23. The same action will occur one-half revolution later when the oil drips from the free corner of the fin 62. Should the drum 20 be rotated in the opposite direction, at relatively slow speeds of operation, the fins 64 and 66 will be effective to drip oil onto the ledge 28 and thus supplement the action of the vanes 56 and 58.
During operation of the journal 12 and the drum 26 at those intermediate speeds where the flow of oil from the vanes may be somewhat nullified by the action of centrifugal force, efiicient lubrication of the journal 12 will evertheless be effected by the oil delivered by the fins 6%, 62, 64 and 66. Under these conditions of operation, the oil adhering to the inner surface of the section &4, for example, as the drum is rotated in the direction or the arrow A of Fig; 4, will flow into the pocket 74 and will finally be delivered to the ledge 28 by dripping from the outer edge 72 of the fin. Subsequently, after the drum 20 has rotated one-half revolution, the fin 62 will supply the oil to the ledge 28. During rotation of the drum 20 in the opposite direction, as indicated by the arrow B of Fig. 4, the fins 64 and 66 will deliver oil to the ledge 28 during each half revolution of the drum 29.
The reservoir 32 for the oil, comprises a novel construction which is so arranged that it may be readily inserted through the opening 18 of the journal box it) and placed in the position shown in Fig. 1, prior to the application of the drum 20 to the end of the journal 12. More particularly, and as shown in Figs. l and 2, the reservoir 32 includes an inclined bottom 76 which slopes toward the front of the journal box 10. The shortened rear face 78 which results from the inclination of the bottom 76 enables the reservoir to be inserted into position beneath the journal 12. In order to elevate the rear face 78 to the position shown in Fig. 1, after the reservoir is in position, the invention provides a collapsible resilient support including a supporting bolt 3t which projects through a casing 82 secured to the face '75. A spring 84 is interposed between the top of the. casing 82 and a shoulder 86 on the bolt m normally urge the rear portion of the reservoir 32 upwardly, the limit of such upward movement. being adjustable as by means of a nut 88 threadedly received by the bolt 80 and bearing against the top of the casing 82. Thus, the spring 84 may be compressed when the reservoir 32 is placed in position so that the bolt 80 will clear the inner surface of the front Wall of the journal box 18. Thereafter, when. the reservoir 32 is in position, the parts opening 18.
conducting oil from the reservoir 32, to the ledge 28 under conditions of high speed operation of the journal 12 and the drum 20. As shown, such arrangement also provides a readily removable splash shield or guard construction for confining the distribution of the oil and for preventing flow thereof to the entrance opening 18. More particularly and as shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the foregoing comprises a splash shield and oil confining member 90 which includes a front shield 92 which interfits the forward edge 94 of the reservoir 32 at 96 to provide an oil-tight joint. The shield 92 is extended to provide side sections 98, the lower portions of which also interfit at 100 with the side edges of the reservoir 32. Preferably the shield or guard 90 has a plurality of nuts 102 welded thereto for the reception of retaining screws 104 for retaining the member 90 in position after assembling thereof within the journal box 10, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2.
The shield member 90 is provided with a top portion 106 which bears against the upper portion of the journal box and centrally of the top 106, there is positioned a splash guard 108 comprising a web 110 and a pair of troughs 112 and 114 which are inclined toward the rear and which overlie the ledge 28. Adjacent the top 106, the member 90 is also formed with an inclined trough 116 which is directed toward the ledge 28 and overlies the latter as clearly shown in Figs. 2 and 3. With such an arrangement, oil thrown from the drum 20 under the action of centrifugal force and during high speed operation of the journal 12 and the drum 20, will be collected in the trough 116 and will flow by gravity to the ledge 28. Oil will also be collected within the troughs 112 and 114 of the splash shield 90 and due to the inclination of such troughs, the oil will flow to the ledge 28. It will be understood from Fig. 2-that two troughs 116 are associated with the member 20 at the upper portion thereof so that one or the other of the troughs will be effective to conduct oil to the ledge 28 depending upon the direction of operation of 'the device. Preferably, the front face 92 of the member 90 may be provided with a series of heat radiating fins, not shown, in order to efficiently dissipate heat from the chamber 118 defined by the member 90. Also, one or more suitable handles may be provided on the front shield 92 to facilitate insertion and removal of the shield member 90.
From the foregoing, it will be readily seen that the present invention provides highly efficient delivery of oil to the journal 12 and the bearing 14 regardless of the speed of operation of the journal. This is achieved by the novel constructiondisclosed herein and including the oil collecting and delivering drum member 20 which is effective to deliver oil to the parts regardless of the direction of rotation of the journal. The particular arrangement of the vanes 52, 54, 56 and 58 has been found to provide highly effective lubrication at extremely slow speeds of operation and the addition of the fins 60, 62, 64 and 66 not only supplements thelubricating action of the vanes, at low speeds, but is also effective to efficiently deliver oil to the parts at intermediate speeds when centrifugal force may offset the lubricating action of the vanes. At high speeds, the oil which clings to the periphery of the flanges 26 of the drum 20 is thrown off under the action of centrifugal force and is collected by the troughs 116, 112 and 114 for delivery to the ledge 28 and thence to the relatively rotating parts by way of channels 34 and grooves 32.
In addition to the foregoing, the splash guard or shield member 90 confines the oil to the chamber 118 and thus prevents depletion of the oil supply from the reservoir 32 by reason of overflow or splash distribution to the bottom of the journal box 10 or through the entrance In addition, the member 20 is so arranged that it may be readily assembled in engagement with the walls of the reservoir 32 and maintained in position by means of the screws 104. In. the assembly and disassembly of the member 90, it will be readily understood that these operations may be readily effected after movement of the reservoir 32 to the left as illustrated in Fig. 1. The slip connection shown at 96 and the overlapping connection shown at 100 readily facilitates the insertion or removal of the member 20 from the journal box.
While the invention has been illustrated and described herein with considerable particularity, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, while four vanes and four fins have been illustrated as being embodied in the drum' 20, it will be readily understood that this number may be varied if desired. Moreover, the particular positioning of the fins 60, 62, 64 and 66 with relation to the location of the slits 36, 38, 40 and 42 and the inclination of such fins may be varied dependent upon the viscosity of the oil utilized for the lubrication. Other changes and variations may be resorted to within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
What is claimed is:
1. In a journal box having an oil reservoir, a journal and a bearing partially surrounding the top portion of the journal, the improvement which comprises an inclined ledge secured to the bearing and extending outwardly from the end of the latter, and a drum secured to said journal andprovided with an anular flange overlying said ledge and dipping into the oil in said reservoir, said flange having a free edge and being provided with a plurality of spaced-apart axially arranged openings extending from said free edge through the width of said flange and defining a plurality of arcuate flange sections, the ends of a plurality of said sections being directed inwardly to provide triangular vanes for delivering oil from the reservoir to the ledge during rotation of the journal and drum, each of said triangular vanes having a base portion coincident with said free edge, and channel means for conducting oil from said ledge to said bearing.
2. In a journal box having an oil reservoir, a journal and a bearing partially surrounding the top portion of the journal, the improvement which comprises an inclined ledge secured to the bearing and extending outwardly from the end of the latter, and a drum secured to said journal and provided with an annular flange overlying said ledge and dipping into the oil in said reservoir, said flange having a free edge and being provided with a plurality of sections of substantially equal arcuate extent and said sections being separated by openings extending from the free edge through the width of said flange, both ends of a pair of alternate sections being directed inwardly to provide triangular vanes for delivering oil from the reservoir to the ledge during rotationof the journal and drum in opposite directions, each of said triangular vanes having a base portion coincident with said' free edge, and means for conducting oil from said ledge to said bearing.
3. In a journal box box having an oil reservoir, 21 journal and a bearing partially surrounding the top portion of the journal, the improvement which comprises an oil collecting member extending outwardly from the end of the bearing and positioned adjacent the upper portion of the bearing, means for conducting oil from said member through said bearing to said journal, and means for delivering oil from said reservoir to said member at all'speeds of rotation of said journal comprising an oil conveying element secured to said journal and having an axially directed flange dipping into the oil in said reservoir and overlying said member, said flange having a free edge and having also a plurality of spaced-apart inwardly directed vanesproviding openings from the free edge through the width of said flange, each of said vanes having'a base portion coincident with said free edge, and a plurality of oil conducting troughs positioned at'the upper portion of said journal box for conducting oil thrown from said element by centrifugal force to said member.
4. For use in the lubrication of bearings and journals, a drum-shaped oil, conveying member adapted to be secured to and rotated by a journal, said member having an annular flange provided with a free edge and having a plurality of spaced-apart. Openings extending from the free edge through the width of said flange, said openings dividing the flange into a plurality of separate and spaced-apart arcuate sections, and the ends of a plurality of said arcuate sections being directed inwardly toward the center of the member and forming substantially triangular vanes, each of said triangular vanes having a base portion conincident with said free edge.
5. For use in the lubrication of bearings and journals, a drum-shaped oil conveying member adapted to be secured to and rotated by a journal, said member having an axially directed annular flange provided with a free edge and having a plurality of spaced-apart openings extending from the free edge through the width of said flange and defining a plurality of separated arcuate flange sections, the opposite ends of a plurality of said sections being directed inwardly toward the center of the element to provide triangular vanes, each of said triangular vanes having a base portion coincident with said free edge.
6. The improvement set forth in claim 3 wherein the flange of the oil conveying element is also provided with a plurality of angularly directed inwardly projecting fins respectively positioned between adjacent vanes.
7. In a journal box having an oil reservoir, a journal and. a bearing partially surrounding the top portion of the journal, the improvement which comprises an oil collecting member extending outwardly from the end of the bearing and positioned adjacent the upper portion of the bearing, means for conducting oil from said member through said bearing to said journal, and means for delivering oil from said reservoir to said member at all speeds of rotation of said journal comprising an oil conveying element secured to said journal and having an axially directed flange dipping into the oil in said reservoir and overlying said member, said flange having a plurality of spaced-apartv openings defining a plurality of separate arcuate drum sections, the ends of a plurality of said sections being directed inwardly to provide triangular vanes, and each of the inner surfaces of said drum sections having between the ends thereof, an angularly directed inwardly projecting fin connected with the drum section throughout the length of the fin, and a plurality of oil conducting troughs positioned at the upper portion of said journal box for conducting oil thrown from said element by centrifugal force to said member.
8. The improvement set forth in claim 7 wherein adjacent vanes and fins are angularly directed in opposite directions.
9. The improvement set forth in claim 3 wherein the journal box is provided with an open end and which cornprises in addition, a splash shield for closing said end, said shield interfitting at its lower end with said oil reservoir and engaging the journal box at its upper end, said shield having an axially directed splash plate overlying said flange and oil collecting member and provided with a pair of inclined troughs for dripping oil on to said member.
10. In a journal box having an open end, a journal and a bearing for the top portion of the journal, the improvement which comprises an oil collecting member extending outwardly from the end of the bearing and positioned adjacent the upper portion of the bearing, means for conducting oil from said member through said bearing to said journal, a reservoir for oil insertable through the open end of the journal box to a position beneath-the journal, the bottom of said reservoir being inclined upwardly from the front to the rear thereof and the rear portion having a collapsible support to facilitate entry of the reservoir through the open end of the journal box, said support being resiliently extended to support the rear portion of the reservoir when the latter is positioned beneath the journal, and means carried by said journal and dipping into the oil in said reservoir by conveying oil to said oil collecting member during rotation of the journal.
11. In a journal box having an open end, a journal and a bearing for the top portion of the journal, the improvement which comprises an oil collecting member extending outwardly from the end of the bearing and positioned adjacent the upper portion of the bearing, means for conducting oil from said member through said bearing to said journal, a reservoir for oil insertable through the open end of the journal box to a position beneath the journal, the bottom of said reservoir being inclined upwardly from the front to the rear thereof and the rear portion having a collapsible support to facilitate entry of the reservoir through the open end of the journal box, said support being resiliently extended to support the rear portion of the reservoir when the latter is positioned beneath the journal, means carried by the journal and dipping into the oil in said reservoir for conveying oil to said oil collecting member during rotation of the journal, and a splash shield for closing the open end of the journal box, said shield being positioned within the box and having its lower end portion in sealing engagement with the reservoir, and having the upper end portion overlying the oil conveying means and in engagement with the upper portion of the journal box.
12'. In a journal box having an open end, a journal and a bearing for the top portion of the journal, the improvement which comprises an oil collecting member extending outwardly from the end of the bearing and positioned adjacent the upper portion of the bearing, means for conducting oil from said member through said bearing to said journal, a reservoir for oil insertable through the open end of the journal box to a position beneath the journal, the bottom of said reservoir being inclined upwardly from the front to the rear thereof and the rear portion having a collapsible support to facilitate entry of thereservoir through the open end of the journal box said support being resiliently extended to support the rear portion of the reservoir when the latter is positioned beneath the journal, means carried by the journal and, dipping into the oil in said reservoir for conveying oil to said oil collecting member during rotation of the journal, and a splash shield for closing the open end of the journal box, said shield being positioned within the box and having its lower end portion in sealing engagement with the reservoir, and having the upper end portion overlying the oil conveying means and in engagement with the upper portion of the journal box, said shield having an axially directed splash plate overlying said oil collecting member and provided with a pair of inclined troughs for dripping oil on to said member.
I 13. In a journal box having an oil reservoir, a journal and a bearing partially surrounding the top portion of the journal, the improvement which comprises an oil collecting member extending outwardly from the end of the bearing and positioned adjacent the upper portion of the bearing, means for conducting oil from said member through said bearing to said journal, and means for delivering oil from said reservoir to said member at all speeds of rotation of said journal comprising a drum shaped oil conveying member secured to said journal and having an axially directed flange dipping into the oil in said reservoir and overlying said member, said flange being slit throughout its depth at a plurality of points spaced about its periphery, to provide a plurality of separate drum sections of substantially equal arcuate 'extent,'both ends of alternate sections directed inwardly at the corners thereof to provide oppositely inclined triangular. vanes, and an inclined fin directed inwardly 9 10 from each section, each fin being secured throughout its FOREIGN PATENTS length to the inner surface of each respective section and 416 480 G B t 10 the base of each fin being secured throughout its length 673,178 :32 $21 to the base 0f Said Oil conveying member- 695:226 France QILQQI: Dec. 12: 1930 5 791,309 France Dec. 7, 1935 References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Re. 5,775 Piret Feb. 24, 1874 151,642 Whitaker June 2, 1874 10
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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US151642A (en) * 1874-06-02 Improvement in car-axle lubricators
FR695226A (en) * 1929-08-29 1930-12-12 Isothermos Sa Oil lifting device for self-lubricating axle boxes
GB416480A (en) * 1933-02-08 1934-09-10 Edward Francis Matthews Method of and apparatus for lubricating axle bearings
FR791309A (en) * 1935-06-14 1935-12-07 Crown pallet for axleboxes with automatic lubrication
DE673178C (en) * 1934-12-08 1939-03-17 Walther Lehmann Axle bearings, especially for rail vehicles

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US151642A (en) * 1874-06-02 Improvement in car-axle lubricators
FR695226A (en) * 1929-08-29 1930-12-12 Isothermos Sa Oil lifting device for self-lubricating axle boxes
GB416480A (en) * 1933-02-08 1934-09-10 Edward Francis Matthews Method of and apparatus for lubricating axle bearings
DE673178C (en) * 1934-12-08 1939-03-17 Walther Lehmann Axle bearings, especially for rail vehicles
FR791309A (en) * 1935-06-14 1935-12-07 Crown pallet for axleboxes with automatic lubrication

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