LUBRICANT DISTRIBUTOR VALVE

Abstract: A single line valve construction including a distributor valve with inlet means (12) thereto for a lubricant, the apparatus serving under the control of a timing device for selectively or cyclically aligning various ports (11, 30) and passageways within the structure for the purpose of dispensing, and for distributing lubricant material to structural apparatus including, for illustrative purposes, a gear mechanism, although obviously the invention is applicable to apply lubricant material in any desired sequence to portions of mechanical devices to prevent wearing and improper functioning thereof, the distributing means including removable cartridges (20) in a main valve body (10), each movably containing a piston (44) the piston (44) and cartridge (20) respectively having openings (36) and passageways (34) therein adapted for selective connection to various distributing passageways (11, 30) in a main valve body.

Description: LϋBRICANT DISTRIBUTOR VALVE Background of the Invention Field of the Invention » This invention relates generally to a field of lubricant distributor valves and more particularly to a lubricating system of a single line type wherein a plural¬ ity of selected areas of a mechanical device are provided with lubricant material which can be of varying type and degrees of viscosity depending upon the mechanical apparatus. The structure of the present invention can be adapted for use to disseminate the lubricant material, that is, to meter and discharge a predetermined quantity of lubricant to each desired point of use, such as bearings in a predetermined, and selected sequence depending upon a selected timing scheme in which the phases of lubrication can be varied by means of the timing device and details of the apparatus of the invention. Description of the Prior Arc ..Lubricant distributor valves and mechanism of the general type to which reference is hereinabove made have been known and in use for many years. The prior art devices gen- erally speaking include a plurality of separate parts fastened together by bolts to form a unitary valve structure, and in which valves are operatively disposed. Such sectional devices utilize bolts or similar fastening devices to enable portions or parts to be either structurally related, one to another, or removed from one another to permit ease of cleaning, repair and/or replacement of worn parts. The prior art utilized the plurality of sections primarily for ease of manufacture and maintenance. The known prior art includes A. Snow et al, U.S. Patent Number 4,312,425. The structure shown in this patent includes a plurality of blocks with a plurality of intermediate block units and interfitted between an inlet block unit and an end block unit. Each of the intermediate block units in¬ cludes a bore, a spool movable in the bore, and at least a lubricant outlet. A series of ports or passages are formed in the block units and serve to provide for cyclic operation of the distributor valve. Through bolts connect the various block units to interconnect the lubricant passageways therein. The Snow patent is directed primarily to the use of a base or mounting plate comprised of sections. This prior structure included, in addition to the sections or blocks, a number of inlet and outlet tubes and connections. Repair or rearrange- ment of the units and components required a disconnection and disassembly of the various units. Another drawback in this prior patented structure was directed to the connecting bolts which required removal for separation of the unit, and in use, an overtightening could result in a binding of the valves per se and which could serve to unduly wear certain components and/or interfere with their proper desired function in the overall structure. Another example of the prior art is shown in Porter et al, U.S. Patent Number 3,298,460. The Snow patent referred to above utilized a base or mounting plate comprised of a plurality of sections. The Porter construction teaches use of a one piece base plate, the remainder of the structure being such as to function in substantially the same manner as Snow but the specific ^ features of structures in these two patents differing. Reference is made to the above patents as constituting the closest known prior art to the present device, and each of these patents respectively refers to other existing prior art and reference is made thereto for a disclosure of prior pending art. As regards distributor valves generally of the type to which the present invention is directed, the overall valve structure will include at least three units or movable members which can sequentially or otherwise be controlled to perform lubrication to members in any desired cycle and as timed by the timing device. In all prior art units, the spools, spool valves or pistons operatively mounted within a valve body served to force a predetermined quantity of lubricant through an outlet to a bearing or other point of use, the spool serving as a valve in conjunction with the passageways of the system formed in the enclosing valve body or sectionalized members thereof. In all of the prior known art, particularly those mentioned above, the lubricant inlets and outlets are formed in a base member or support and movable spools are also contained within- individual block units but all the block units being interconnected by such bolt means as to possibly disrupt the desired function of the unit while at the same time increasing complexity of assembly and disassembly in the manufacture, maintenance or repair of components in the unit. Summary of the Invention An object of the present invention is to provide a single line valve structure of a modular design incorpora¬ ting a plurality of movable individual spool valves or pistons each of which is operatively mounted in a cartridge that is se cured into the overall structure. The cartridges each contain a cylindrical cartridge body having a plurality of bores or openings therein adapted for intercommunication with passage¬ ways in a single manifold type of valve body and further including a key way in the overall valve body for coacting with a key on the cylindrical cartridge bodies, the end result in assembly being that the various passageways of lubricant in the valve body can operatively mate with passage¬ ways in the cartridge bodies and from thence as governed by the various spaced lands of the spool valve or piston body per se. The modular design which includes pistons or spool valves movably confined within the interior of the cartridge bodies as above explained permits easy and ready change and/or repair of any section, or assembly and disassembly of the overall structure, without the main lubricant inlet and outlet lubricant tube connections being disturbed. Cartridges having the same outer dimensions, but different inner dimensions, can be selectively interchanged to provide flexibility in the final valve design. - # The present invention, .by its arrangement of "tie-rods" insures that the valve function is not sensitive to the torque applied to the tie-rods or bolts thus eliminating problems occurring in previous structures by overtightening and subse¬ quent binding of the pistons. To the contrary, if loose tie-rods were used a probability of leakage was promoted. Basically, therefore, the present invention has as its main objective, the overcoming of drawbacks in the prior art and the provision of highly desirable new end features and constructions. These include the use of a movable piston which is slidably contained within a cartridge, the cartridge being positionally introducable into a single valve body _ 6 _ 0 member or one consisting of a plurality of interconnected sections, means being provided on the pistons, cartridge body to ensure proper positionment of the components of the device and eliminating drawbacks of the prior devices. In other words, the cartridge confining the spool valve or movable piston is applicable to either a stackable type of assembly or a solid, one piece body in which holes are drilled to accommodate the insertion therein of cartridges into an operative relationship with various lubricant passage- ways contained within the overall distribution system of a known type. The present invention additionally permits volume adjustment for introduction of lubricant to any desired mechanism by changing only an end retaining screw for design flexibility. This feature, as will appear hereinafter, is con¬ stituted by an endretaining screw coacting with the longitud¬ inal end axis of a shaft on the ends of the valve spool body. Further objects and advantages of the present construction reside in: elimination of need for a separate base; permitting servicing of components without disturbing inlet and outlet tube connections; providing a quick and easy method for changing of valve sizes; and all "round" configuration permitting parts manufacturing on an automatic screw machine to minimize costs; permits reduction of inven- tory since all valve bodies are the same; eliminates the requirement for extensive use of "0 seal rings"; the design permits larger passageways to minimize clogging; and tjhe discharge capacity can be changed simply by changing the end retaining plug, this substantially reducing cost of inventory and cost of change. Basically, therefore, the present invention may be summarized as a lubricant distributor consisting of a plural¬ ity of pistons or spool valves movably mounted within cartridg bodies, the cartridge bodies being operatively disposed in openings in an underlying body which can consist of a single body or a plurality of valve bodies interconnected. Alignment of orifices within the pistons and cartridge body are operable in conjunction with timing means and their disposition to impart to machine areas or pieces of an appropriate lubricant and to govern the sequence or time of operation for such placement. Each cαrtri ge containing a piston or spool valve body is appropriately oriented or disposed within the overall body by means of a key on the external surface of the cylin¬ drical cartridge body and the individual openings in the cartridge body are prefixed for excreting or dispensing a lubricant to a desired member or place. Brief Description of the Drawings Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a valve body having a plurality of cartridges, one of which is shown in an excluded position; Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1, taken on line 2-2 of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view, in perspecti of one of the cartridges and showing a reciprocable piston or valve spool body therein; Fig. 4 is a schematic view of the present invention and showing a plurality of cartridge bodies and additionally showing associated pistons or spool valve bodies therein in operative relationship; Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the invention utilizing three stacked valve bodies, each having a cartridge element and associated structure therein, one cartridge ele¬ ment assembly being shown in an exploded condition with its associated valve body; Fig. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary top plan view of Fig. 5, with a portion of the interior broken away to show one of the cartridges and an associated piston therein; Fig. 7 is an elevational view of one of the spacer components positioned between each valve body and shown in Fig. 5; Fig. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary view showing the association of a spacer plate and associated sealers or sealer means positioned between two valve bodies; and Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing a spacer plate and its positional placement between two valve bodies, the latter being shown in phantom lines. _ _ 85/01320 Description of Preferred Embodiments Figs. 1-3 inclusive disclose a preferred form of the invention wherein there is a single manifold valve body utilized having a plurality of cylindrical bores therethrough - into which various of the cylindrical cartridge bodies are operatively insertable, positionally being governed by co- action between the key on the cartridge body and key way in the bore of the valve body. A second preferred embodiment is shown in Figs. 5-9 inclusive. As is usual, and as seen in the aforementioned prior art patents, apparatus of this type is :.ncorporated in a control and lubrication dispersement member having a plurality of passageways therein and therethrough and which, as governed by the timing mechanism and presetting of sizes of the valve lands will serve to appropriately discharge lubricant out of the distributing mechanism. A schematic flow sheet is shown in Fig. 4, being directed to a single desired and preset functional system, and pointed out is identical for the stacked or single body types. A more detailed but still limited explanation of Fig. 4 will appear hereinafter. The principles of the overall system are clearly shown in the two patents cited as constituting prior art and reference can be made thereto for details and knowledge in the art, the present application utilizing basically the same concepts as shown in these patents. Referring now more specifically to the drawings, in Fig. 1 there is shown a construction including a single manifold valve body 10 which serves as supporting and interconnecting means for various portions of the system of the invention. This valve body 10 is provid- ed with an interior operating distributor line circuit 11, as well known in the art. A lubricant pressure supply line 12 and lubricant ' .dis¬ tribution lines 16 connect.with.circuit 11. The single body shown in Fig. 1 has a plurality, in this instance ^ three, cylindrical bores 18 drilled thereinto. Each of these bores has a key way interconnected longitudinally with the bore as shown in Fig. 1. As aforementioned, a cart¬ ridge body 20 which is cylindrical is insertable into a bore 18 and the cartridge body has a key 22 for interengagement in key way 24 in the body. The mating of the key and key way ensure that the .plural openings 24 in the cartridge body will appropriately be positioned with respect to- various of the passageways of circuit 11 within the distributor. By further reference to Fig. 1 it will be noted that threads are provided at 26, the end of a bore, and adapted for coaction with cap 27, likewise being screw threaded at 28. This end cap 28 serves to close the outer ends of the bore 18 following the placement therein of the cartridge body 20. Some of the interior passageways are shown at 30 interconnected with other passageways 32 and ultimately are interconnected to and through a plurality of openings 34 in , 2 _ n _ ^ _-, r _, 11 PCT/US85/01320 the cartridge. The piston or spool valve includes a central axis 38 and a plurality of lands 40, the purpose of which is to open or close different ones of the passages 34 dependent upon operation of the timing cycle and the positionment of the pistons or spool body valves therein. An adjustment means for further positioning of the passages in the cartridge body to the passageways within the overall valve body is accomplished by means of volume adjustment studs 42 which threadly engage within the hollow interior of the cartridges. Such studs 42 are of selectively different lengths, so by choosing a suitable length, the travel of piston 44 can be controlled. This adjustability feature provides for different lengths of the interior of the valves for limiting movement of the pistons generally designated 44. The limitation of movement by this means, in conjunction with the introduction of lubricant at various locations with respect to the pistons and/or lands thereof serve to govern the passage of the lubri¬ cant in lesser or greater amounts through openings 36 and ther by to the parts or part to be lubricated. It will be readily seen that this construction overcomes drawbacks in prior art devices and clearly contri¬ butes a beneficial teaching and structure in the art. Referring briefly to the schematic flow sheet of Fig. 4, the c r xi'dj bπdies are operatively placed with respect to one another and the smaller diameter axis or centra axis 38, spacing the lands 40 will permit passage or flow of lubricant through the passageways generally indicated at 46 in accordance with the desired prearrangement and function ing of the timing means. This drawing accordingly shows fragmentarily a portion of an operating system to impart lube to an elected surface or area. In Fig. 4, the lowermost spool valve or piston has moved to the extreme left position as indicated by arrow 46 due to introduction of fluid into end 48 of the cartridge and the axis 38 has its end in abutme with the opposite end of the cartridge. The plural passage- ways and interconnects will not be explained in detail herein since they are well known in the art and depend upon the pattern of passageways and their functioning. The control of movement of each of the pistons or spools is controlled by a timing device, not shown. It is of significance to note that it is not necessary to completely dismantle the structur as required in the prior art set forth above in order to fix or repair or adjust a part. Due to the present structure a cartridge is readily and easily removed and replaced. The longitudinal adjustment of the valve body or piston governs the amount of lubricant applied to any desired part. Referring now to Figs. 5 and following, the overall valve body generally designated 50 consists of a plurality of stacked bodies 52 which are spaced by dividers or spacer members 54 to which are attached seal means such as resilient 0-rings or the like, these resilient interconnectors being designated 56. These seal means serve to provide appropriate flow in the flow valve from one valve body to the next. The configuration depends upon the shape of the passages being interconnected in the various valves. Such seals are well known in the art. The interrelationship between the plural valve bodies 52 is schematically shown in Fig. 9 with a spacer body or divider 54 being interposed between adjacent body portions 52 in an obvious manner. The operation and function of this latter embodiment of Figs. 5-9 is the same as that described with reference to the embodiment of Figs. 1-3. In the stacked array of Fig. 5, it is pointed out that tie- rods 58 passing through the end and stacked valve body units maintain the overall entity of the overall valve body. The placement of these tie-rods and their function will not inter- fere with the appropriate action in distributing the lubricant since not affecting the arrangement of the cartridge and pistons therein by misplacement or binding as will be obvious. The present invention due primarily to the utiliza¬ tion of the cartridge bodies with the pistons operatively mounted ' therein and the mounting of the cartridge bodies as above described teaches a new and very efficient apparatus and construction. While preferred embodiments have been shown and described therein, manifestly minor changes or variations can be incorporated without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined and limited sole¬ ly by the appended claims.

Claims: CLAIMS : -15- 1. In a system for distribution of lubricant to working mechanical apparatus components, a main valve body, said body having a passageway lubricant distribution system therein, at least one cylindrical bore in said body, a cartridge member removably inserted in a said bore and having plural peripheral openings therethrough, a spool valve slidably mounted in said cartridge and having a passageway therein for selectively intercommunicating some body passageways in a manner to pass a lubricant to a desired area of the apparatus, said bore and said cartridge respectively having interengaging elements for positive positionment of said cartridge in a said bore. 2. A system as claimed in claim 1, said positionment elements comprising a keyway adjacent said bore and a mate- able key on said cartridge. 3.- A system as claimed in claim 2, said bore having end closure means therein, said spool valve having a central shaft, adjustable means in ends of the bore ends, said axis being engageable therewith upon longitudinal .movement within a said cartridge to govern the quantity of lubricant to be dispensed from said device. 4. In a system as claimed in claim 3, said adjust¬ ment means for controlling longitudinal movement of said spool valve comprising a threadedly mounted closure in the outer end of a said bore. 5. In a system as claimed in claim 4, said system constituting a single line valving system for selective movement lubricant from a single supply source to individual areas or components of the apparatus and timing means for controlling the positions of the spool valve to thereby control movement of lubricant through said passageways as desired. 6. In a system as claimed in claim 1, said main valve body being substituted by a single member having a plurality of longitudinal cylindrical bores therein for selective insertion or removal of cartridges and spool valves for working and adjustment thereof or replacement and repair. 7. In a system as claimed in claim 5, said valve body consisting of a plurality of stacked members each having passageway portions therethrough and openings for insertion of said cartridges therein, spacer means between -17 said plural sections, said spacer means having a plurality of openings therethrough adapted for mating with various passageways in said valve body and further including sealing means disposed around the openings in said spacer to insure appropriate flow of lubricant therethrough. 8. In a single line valving system for distributing lubricants to areas of a structural apparatus, a reservoir for the lubricants, a single flow line operatively connected into said reservoir", a main valve body, said flow line being operatively connected into said main valve body, said main valve body including a flow distribution system comprised of selectively interconnectable flow passageways, a pluralit of cylindrical bores in said main valve body, a hollow cylindrical cartridge member removably mounted in said bores a longitudinally movable piston in each said cartridge, said cartridges and pistons being compositely introducable and removable from said cylindrical bores as integrated units, said cartridges and said piston having mateable lubricant flow openings therein for selective interconnection to selec tive ones of said flow passageways, positive positioning to orient said cartridges in said bores, and said pistons therein, to operatively interconnect said flow openings into said flow passageways in said main valve body for selective emission of lubricant to desired areas or members of the structural mechanism. 9. In a system as claimed in claim 8, said positive, positioning means including a keyway adjacent said cylindri¬ cal bores, said cylindrical cartridge member having a key on the exterior surface thereof mateable with the keyway of said bore to positively fix the relative position of interconnections and intercommunication of said lubricant passageways. 10. In a valving system as claimed in claim 9, said main valve body consisting of a single member having a plurality of cylindrical bores therein and interengaging openings in said valve body, said cartridge and said piston. 11. In a system as claimed in claim 9, said main valve body consisting of a plurality of individual separable units in a stacked array and with a divider and spacer be¬ tween said bodies having openings therethrough and surround¬ ing seal means for operatively interconnecting and inter¬ engaging various ports and passageways in said valve body and in said cartridge and piston therein.

Inventors: SMITH ROY B, VARYDA SURESH C, SMITH, ROY, B., VARYDA, SURESH, C.
Applicants: CLEVELAND GEAR, CLEVELAND GEAR COMPANY
Application year: 1985
Main classification: F16N27
IPC codes: F16N25