US3656584A

US3656584A - Lubricant manifold assembly

Info

Publication number: US3656584A
Application number: US866319A
Authority: US
Inventors: Frank J Lyden
Original assignee: Oil Rite Corp
Current assignee: Oil Rite Corp
Priority date: 1969-10-14
Filing date: 1969-10-14
Publication date: 1972-04-18
Anticipated expiration: 1989-04-18

Abstract

A manifold assembly is disclosed for the distribution of lubricant to a plurality of lubricators. The manifold includes a plurality of blocks arranged in series or in end to end relation longitudinally. Each block is provided with a longitudinally extending bore with the bores of the respective blocks being axially aligned and in communication with each other to form a manifold distribution passage. An inlet to the distribution passage is provided in one of the blocks and an outlet communicating with the distribution passage is provided in each of the blocks. A plurality of lubricators corresponding to the number of blocks are supplied from the distribution passage through corresponding coupling means which are secured in the outlets of the respective blocks and support the lubricators.

Description

United States Patent Lyden [151 3,656,584 [451 Apr.. l, 1972 [54] LUBRICANT MANIFOLD ASSEMBLY [72] Inventor: Frank J. Lyden, Manitowoc, Wis.

[73] Assignee: Oil-Rite Corporation, Manitowoc, Wis.

[22] Filed: Oct. 14, 1969 [21] Appl. No.: 866,319

Primary Examiner-Manuel A. Antonakas Attorney-Andrus, Sceales, Starke & Sawall [5 7] ABSTRACT A manifold assembly is disclosed for the distribution of lubricant to a plurality of lubricators. The manifold includes a plurality of blocks arranged in series or in end to end relation longitudinally. Each block is provided with a longitudinally extending bore with the bores of the respective blocks being axially aligned and in communication with each other to form a manifold distribution passage. An inlet to the distribution passage is provided in one of the blocks and an outlet communicating with the distribution passage is provided in each of the blocks. A plurality of lubricators corresponding to the number of blocks are supplied from the distribution passage through corresponding coupling means which are secured in the outlets of the respective blocks and support the lubricators.

7 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures 'PATENTEMPMIQN 3,555,564

BY Mw, @n @wf QM Attor n @ys LUBRICANT MANIFOLD ASSEMBLY BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a lubricant manifold assembly for use with a plurality of lubricators such as sight feed valves.

In one form of gang or multiple lubricators as shown and described in the earlier U.S. Pat. No. 2,646,856 by the instant inventor, a manifold was common or integral with the sight feed valve bodies. In that construction the manifold distribution passage was intercepted and obstructed by the several needle valves. Because of the needle valve restriction on oil flow, only a relatively few valves could be accommodated when oil consumption was fairly high. Also, in the earlier construction, where the inlet was to be brought in centrally of the lubricators, a gap in the valves was required to accommodate the inlet and thus more space was required for the gang mounting. Alignment problems were also common with the earlier construction. Each valve unit required accurate machining relative to the tie rod securement for proper alignment and appearance. Such accuracy proved difficult to attain and as a consequence appearance sometimes had to be sacriced. It is generally an object of this invention to overcome the noted problems and to provide a more versatile manifold construction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the invention, a manifold assembly for the distribution of a lubricant to plurality of lubricators comprises a plurality of blocks arranged in series or in end to end relation longitudinally. Each of the blocks is provided with a longitudinally extending bore with the respective bores being axially aligned and in communication with each other to form the manifold distribution passage. An inlet having communication with the distribution passage is provided in one of the blocks. Each block is provided with an outlet communicating with the distribution passage. A plurality of lubricators corresponding to the number of blocks are supplied from the distribution passage through coupling means secured in the outlet of the respective blocks and which support the lubricators.

DRAWING DESCRIPTIONS The drawings furnished herewith illustrate the best mode presently contemplated and set forth hereinafter for carrying out the invention.

In the drawings: l

FIG. l is a partially exploded perspective view and shows the manifold structure of this invention with a plurality of sight feed valves connected thereto;

FIG. 2 is a plan view with parts broken away and sectioned showing the manifold structure adapted for an increased number of sight feed valves;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view taken generally on line 3-3 of FIG. 2 and further shows a sight feed valve added for clarit FIG. 4 is an enlarged view taken generally on line 4-4 of FIG. 2 with parts broken away and sectioned;

FIG. 5 is a partial elevational view with parts broken away and sectioned and shows a further form of terminal block;

FIG. 6 is a partial elevational view with parts broken away and sectioned and shows a further embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 7 is a partial elevational view with parts broken away and sectioned ans shows a further detail of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS Referring to the drawings, the manifold 1l of this invention communicates with a lubricant reservoir, not shown through an inlet pipe l2. The lubricant from the reservoir is distributed by the manifold 11 to a plurality of lubricators such as the sight feed valves 13 for delivery to a plurality of points of application, not shown. The lubricant may flow through the system under the influence of gravity or be force fed by an applied pressure.

The manifold 1l generally comprises a plurality of blocks arranged and assembled in end to end relation or in series longitudinally with each block being adapted to receive a lubricator 13. As generally shown in FIGS. 1-4 any number of desired intermediate blocks 14 are disposed between the terminal blocks l5 and 16 at the respective end of the manifold.

Each of the blocks 14 is provided with a longitudinally extending through bore 17 generally centrally of the block. At the corresponding end of each block 14 a relatively shallow counterbore 18 is provided generally concentrically with the bore 17. The respective counterbores 18 are adapted to receive a resilient O-ring 19 having an inside diameter corresponding generally to that of bore 17 and the cross-sectional diameter of which somewhat exceeds the depth of the counterbores. In the manifold assembly, the O-rings are compressed within the counterbores to seal the corresponding joint between the adjacent blocks 14.

A threaded outlet 20 extends from the forward face 21 of each block 14 generally normal to a vertical plane through the centerline of bore 17. The outlet 20 communicates with the bore 17 with the center line of the outlet being somewhat beneath the centerline of the bore to provide a natural flow path from the bore into the outlet. A hollow threaded coupling element 22 is adapted to be threaded into the outlet 20 to place the bore 17 in communication with the corresponding lubricator 13 supported from the coupling element. Since the outlets 20 and the corresponding coupling elements 22 are generally transversely aligned, the lubricators 13 are as a consequence similarly aligned.

The forward face 21 of each block 14 is provided with an indentation or recess 23 which extends the entire length of the block adjacent to the upper surface thereof. The recess 23 may be generally square in cross section, as shown, and provides the forward face 21 with a stepped configuration. A similar longitudinally extending recess 24 is provided in the rear face 25 of each block 14 adjacent to the lower surface thereof.

Any desired number of blocks 14 are arranged in series longitudinally with the bores 17 being axially aligned as well as the front and

rear faces

21 and 25, respectively, being similarly aligned and with the counterbores 18 all facing in the sarne direction. With the blocks 14 so arranged the aligned bores 17 form a part of the manifold distribution passage 26 which communicates with the respective lubricators 13.

As shown .in the drawings, the assembly further includes the opposed terminal blocks 15 and 16 having generally similar cross-sectional dimensions as the blocks 14. The terminal block 15, as viewed on the right in FIGS. 2 and 4, is provided with a longitudinal through bore 27 axially aligned with the bores 17 and having a like diameter. The block 15 further includes at outlet 20 in the front face thereof transversely aligned with the similar outlets in the blocks 14 for reception of a coupling element 22 for support of a lubricator 13. The outer end of bore 27 is threaded at 28 and is adapted to receive the closure plug 29 forming one terminus for the distribution passage 26. The joint between the terminal block 15 and the adjacent block 14 is sealed upon assembly by the O- ring 19 provided in the counterbore 18 of the latter block. The block 15 includes the diagonally opposed indentations or

recesses

23 and 24 in the front and

rear faces

21 and 25 respectively, similarly as in the blocks 14.

The terminal block 16, on the left as viewed in FIGS. 2 and 4, is generally similar to block 15 but of opposite hand. Through bore 30 in block 16 is axially aligned with and of like diameter with the

bores

17 and 27 of the blocks 14 and 15. The outer end of bore 30 is threaded. at 31 to receive a closure plug 29 to form the other terminus for the distribution passage 26 of the manifold. A relatively shallow counterbore 32 is provided concentn'cally with bore 30 to correspond generally with the counterbore 18 in the blocks 14. An O-ring 19 is disposed in the counterbore 32 to effect a seal at the joint between terminal block 16 and the adjacent block 14. Block 16 further includes an outlet 20 transversely aligned with the similar outlets n blocks 14 and 15 for receipt of a coupling element 22 and corresponding lubricator 13.

After the desired number of blocks 14 together with the terminal blocks l and 16 are arranged in end to end relation as described, a terminal plate 33 is placed at the respective ends of the assembly outwardly of the terminal blocks. The respective plates 33 are provided with openings 34 which are aligned with and oversize relative to the corresponding threaded bores 27 and 30 in terminal blocks 15 and 16 to provide for passage of the respective closure plugs 29.

With the

blocks

14, 15 and 16 arranged as described, the indentations or recesses 23 and 24 in the forward and rear faces of the respective blocks are generally aligned and adapted to receive the tie rods 35 having a cross-section generally corresponding to that for the recesses. The respective tie rods 35 are somewhat shorter than the combined length of the aligned blocks 14, 15 and 16 so that the respective ends of the tie rods remain spaced from the corresponding terminal plates 33. Screws 36 extend through the respective terminal plates 33 and engage within axially extending threaded openings 37 in the corresponding ends of the tie rods 35 to secure the assembly into an integral unit. As the respective screws 36 are drawn up tight, the

respective blocks

14, 15 and 16 are drawn together to compress the several O-rings 19 and so seal the corresponding joints between the respective blocks against leakage.

The manifold distribution passage 26 is supplied from a lubricant reservoir, not shown, through a threaded inlet 38 adapted for receipt of an inlet fitting 39 and disposed in one of the blocks 14. In FIGS. l through 3 the inlet 38 and its fitting 39 are shown disposed in the rear face 25 of the centermost block 14 of the manifold assembly with the centerline of the inlet being above the centerline of distribution passage 26. If a particular application permits, the inlet 38 may be eliminated and either of the threaded bores 27 or 30 may serve as the inlet to the distribution passage 26. FIG. 7 shows another fonn of block 40 to be further described hereinafter and indicates that, depending on particular applications or desires, the inlet 38 may be placed in the upper surface 41 of a block and even in one ofthe terminal blocks.

ln the embodiment of FIG. 5, another form of terminal block 42 is shown. ln the terminal block 42 the longitudinally extending bore 43 of the manifold distribution passage 44 stops short of the end of the block eliminating any need for closure plug 29. While a gasket 45 is shown between the terminal block 42 and the adjacent block 46, the O-ring construction ofthe earlier figures could be utilized therebetween.

The embodiment of FIG. 6 shows a gasketed construction and presents the further advantage that all of the blocks 47 in the manifold assembly, even those corresponding to the terminal blocks, may be generally similar. The blocks 47 are generally similar to blocks 14 except for the mode of sealing therebetween and each has a longitudinally extending through bore 48 which in assembled relation forms the manifold distribution passage 49. While apertured gaskets 45 are provided for sealing the joints between adjacent blocks 47, non-aper tured gaskets 50 are preferably used together with an end closure plate 51 having no aperture aligned with passage 49 to seal the ends of the passage. The block 40 of FIG. 7 is generally similar to the blocks 47 except for the additional provision of the inlet 38.

lclaim:

1. ln a manifold for the distribution of lubricant, to a plurality of lubricators, a plurality of block-like members corresponding to said lubricators and arranged in series longitudinally to form an assembly, said block-like members each having a longitudinally extending bore generally centrally thereof with the bores of the respective members being disposed in axially aligned relation and in communication with each other to form a manifold distribution passage in the assembly, said block-like members each having longitudinally extending recesses provided along a pair of diagonally opposed edges thereof with the recesses of the respective members being longitudinally aligned over the length of the assembly, and tie rod means disposed in the diagonally opposed and aligned recesses of said series of block-like members for securing the assembly into an integral unit, one of said blocklike members having an inlet communicating with the manifold distribution passage and each of said members having an outlet communicating with said passage and receiving a corresponding lubricator, said outlets in the respective blocklike members having their centerline disposed beneath the centerline of the manifold distribution passage to place the corresponding lubricators in communication with said manifold passage.

2. In a manifold for the distribution of lubricant, a plurality of lubricators, a plurality of block-like members corresponding to said lubricators and having front, rear, top bottom and opposed end faces and being arranged in series end to end to form a longitudinally extending assembly, said block-like members each having a bore extending end to end and generally centrally thereof with the bores of the respective members being disposed in axially aligned relation and in communication with each other to form a longitudinally extending manifold distribution passage in the assembly, said block-like members each having longitudinally extending recesses provided along the diagonally opposed edges formed between the front and top faces thereof and between the rear and bottom faces thereof with the recesses of the respective members being longitudinally aligned over the length of the assembly, and tie rod means disposed in the diagonally opposed and aligned recesses of said series of block-like members for securing the assembly into an integral unit, one of said block-like members having an inlet in the rear face thereof communicating with the manifold distribution passage, said inlet being disposed above the tie rod means and having a centerline disposed above the centerline of said manifold passage, said members each having an outlet communicating with said manifold distribution passage and receiving a corresponding lubricator, said outlets in the respective block-like members being disposed in the front face thereof beneath the tie rod means and having their centerline disposed beneath the centerline of the manifold distribution passage to place the corresponding lubricators in corresponding lubricators in communication with said manifold passage.

3. In a manifold for the distribution of lubricant, a plurality of lubricators, a plurality of intermediate block-like members arranged in series longitudinally, a pair of terminal block-like members having similar cross-sectional dimensions as the intermediate block-like members and being disposed at the respective ends of the intermediate members to form an assembly having opposed front and rear faces, said intermediate and terminal block-like members together corresponding to said lubricators, said block-like members each having a longitudinally extending bore with the bores of the respective members being axially aligned and in communication with each other to form a manifold distribution passage in the assembly, end closure means for said manifold passage provided at the outer ends of the terminal members, said block-like members each having longitudinally extending recess along the upper edge of the front face and the lower edge of the rear face to provide the assembly with diagonally opposed, longitudinally aligned recesses, and tie rod means disposed in the diagonally opposed recesses of the assembly for securing the assembly into an integral unit, one of said block-like members having an inlet in the rear face thereof communicating with the manifold distribution passage, said inlet being disposed above the tie rod means and having a centerline disposed above the centerline of said manifold passage, said members each having an outlet communicating with said manifold distribution passage and receiving a corresponding lubricator, said outlets in the respective block-like members being disposed in the front face thereof beneath the tie rod means and having their centerline disposed beneath the centerline of the manifold distribution passage to place the corresponding lubricators in communication with said manifold passage.

4. The invention as set forth in claim 3 wherein the bore in said tenninal block-like members terminates inside the respective terminal members to fonn the end closure means for the manifold distribution passage.

an end plate and a sealing member intennediate the respective terminal members and the corresponding end plate.

7. The invention as set forth in claim 6 wherein the end plates forming the end closure means constitute a part of the tie rod means for securing said block-like members into an integral unit.

Claims

1. In a manifold for the distribution of lubricant, to a plurality of lubricators, a plurality of block-like members corresponding to said lubricators and arranged in series longitudinally to form an assembly, said block-like members each having a longitudinally extending bore generally centrally thereof with the bores of the respective members being disposed in axially aligned relation and in communication with each other to form a manifold distribution passage in the assembly, said block-like members each having longitudinally extending recesses provided along a pair of diagonally opposed edges thereof with the recesses of the respective members being longitudinally aligned over the length of the assembly, and tie rod means disposed in the diagonally opposed and aligned recesses of said series of block-like members for securing the assembly into an integral unit, one of said block-like members having an inlet communicating with the manifold distribution passage and each of said members having an outlet communicating with said passage and receiving a corresponding lubricator, said outlets in the respective block-like members having their centerline disposed beneath the centerline of the manifold distribution passage to place the corresponding lubricators in communication with said manifold passage.

4. The invention as set forth in claim 3 wherein the bore in said terminal block-like members terminates inside the respective terminal members to form the end closure means for the manifold distribution passage.

5. The invention as set forth in claim 3 wherein the bore in said terminal block like members is a through bore having threaded outer end portions and the end closure means for the manifold distribution passage are plugs adapted to be threaded into said bore end portions.

6. The invention as set forth in claim 3 wherein the bore in said terminal block like members is a through bore and the end enclosure means for the manifold distribution passage are an end plate and a sealing member intermediate the respective terminal members and the corresponding end plate.