Patent GB-829913-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in lubricators for sprocket chains
IPC: F16H57/05
Filed: 1956-11-08
Abstract: 829,913. Lubricating. CLARKE, CHAPMAN & CO. Ltd., and HEMSLEY, T. B. Nov. 8, 1957 [Nov. 8, 1956], No. 34201/56. Class 12 (3). In a  c hain. lubricator which is operable whilst the chain is in motion about a sprocket, engagement and disengagement of at least one lubricant charging unit with and from an opposed lubricant receiving nipple on the chain and forcing of lubricant through the charging unit into a nipple when engaged by the unit are effected by means operated by a pressure fluid under the control of valve means which are operable by the rotation of the lubricator. A lubricator comprising an annular housing 2 is secured by a flange 4 to a chain sprocket 6 rotating on a bush 8 on a stationary shaft 10. A lubricant charging unit consists of a cylinder 24 containing a double-acting piston 26 to the rod 28 of which is attached a self-centring nipple connector 30, the piston 26 being urged to the disengaged position by a spring 27. Compressed air to effect movement of the piston 26 is supplied to the appropriate end of the cylinder 24 through a bore 12 in the shaft 10, an air manifold 17, conduit 19, air valve 20 and conduit 22 or 42. The air valve 20 is operated by the engagement of a roller 94, mounted on a piston extension 92, with a fixed cam 104 as the lubricator rotates. Lubricant under pressure is supplied to the nipple connector 30 whilst it is in engagement with the nipple, the appropriate time being determined,by the actuation of a piston valve 72 by a roller 102 engaging a fixed cam 106. Lubricant is supplied to the piston valve 72 through a bore 14 in the shaft 10, a fluid manifold 18, conduit 66, non-return valve 64, conduit 68, grease ram 40 and conduit 70. Just prior to the opening of valve 72, the fluid pressure in conduit 70 is increased by the rod 38, carrying a piston 36, in the grease ram being forced towards the left by compressed air, fed into the cylinder through a conduit 32 branching from conduit 22, when compressed air is supplied through the latter to actuate the piston 26 of the discharge unit cylinder 24. In a modification, shown in Figs. 5 and 6, a shaft 101 rotates and carries a sprocket 6<SP>1</SP> and annular lubricator housing 2<SP>1</SP>. In this case, the cams 104; . 106 are mounted on a sleeve 110 which is held stationary by an arm 114. Air and grease manifolds 17<SP>1</SP> and 18<SP>1</SP> are also held stationary. Annular pipes 122, 124 are provided in the air and grease circuits so that a number of cylinders 201 and non-return valves 64<SP>1</SP> may be coupled thereto. In another arrangement, shown in Fig. 7, the circuits of Fig. 2 are modified so that the cylinder 74 is first operated to force the connector 78 into engagement with the nipple 128, under control of the valve 71 actuated by cam 113, the cylinder 84<SP>1</SP> is then operated to force grease through the connector into the nipple and the piston rod 86<SP>1</SP> is then withdrawn, both under control of the valve 81<SP>1</SP> actuated by cam 114, and the cylinder 74 is finally operated to withdraw the connector 78 to the position shown in Fig. 1. A similar modification of the circuit of Fig. 6 is described with reference to Fig. 8 (not shown). In a further modification shown in Figs. 9 and 10, face cams 104<SP>1</SP>, 106<SP>1</SP> actuate the rollers 94, 102 of an air valve 20 and grease valve 21 and movement of the connector 30 is effected from an air cylinder unit 24<SP>1</SP> through rack and pinion gearing 131 to 135. Specification 767,219 is referred to.