Patent Description:
Machines, including backhoe loaders, excavators, loaders and the like, commonly comprise one or more work tools, such as buckets, backhoes, arms, grapples and the like, attached to the machine by an arm arrangement, for example comprising a stick and a boom. Coupling assemblies may be provided to connect components together such that they can rotate relative to one another. For example, a stick may be rotatably mounted to a boom by a coupling assembly. Typically, the coupling assembly may comprise a pin rotatably mounted in one or more bearing housings and the components are mounted to the pin and one or more bearing housings.

Lubricant is commonly provided to the pin and one or more bearing housings in order to reduce the friction therebetween, thereby improving the performance and lifetime of the coupling assembly. The machine therefore may comprise a lubrication delivery system for delivering lubricant to one or more coupling assemblies of the machine. A lubrication delivery system may include a reservoir for storing lubricant, a pump for driving lubricant through the lubrication delivery system, distributor blocks for distributing quantities of lubricant to multiple outlets and lines or flexible hoses for fluidly connecting the reservoir, pump and the distributor blocks with the coupling assemblies. However, such lines or flexible hoses are exposed to falling debris and rocks in the working environment around the machine. Furthermore, the lubrication delivery system may be very complex, thereby increasing maintenance requirements, due to the high number of coupling assemblies requiring lubrication in such machines.

<CIT> discloses a spherical slide bearing having an outer ring and an inner ring slidably retained within the outer ring. A pin having a lubricant supply flow path extending through an interior thereof to open in an outer peripheral surface thereof is inserted into the inner ring so that the pin is circumferentially slidable, with the inner ring being equipped with a communication flow path establishing communication between a gap defined between the inner ring and the pin and a gap defined between the inner ring and the outer ring. The inlet port of the communication flow path is provided at a position where lubricant having flown out of an outlet port of the lubricant supply flow path flows after having flown through the gap between the pin and the inner ring substantially through the entire length in the axial direction of the pin. However, such a system still requires multiple lines or hoses for delivering lubricant.

<CIT> describes a swing pin assembly including a pin body defining first and second lubricant channels and including a zerk mount attached to the pin body.

<CIT> describes a suspension for a replaceable hydraulically operable tool attachment which includes pivot pins containing bores to establish hydraulic communication between fluid supply and discharge passages in a tool holder.

<CIT> describes a bushing for a baring assembly which has an inner circumferential channel provided on an inner surface of the bushing.

<CIT> describes a spherical slide baring having an inner and outer ring with a pin extending there through.

The present disclosure therefore provides a coupling assembly for a machine comprising: a pin comprising a first end; a second end; an outer surface extending between the first and second ends at least a first pin passageway for lubricant extending between a first pin passageway inlet located at the first end of the pin and a first pin passageway outlet located at the outer surface of the pin for directing lubricant outside of the pin to the outer surface; and at least a second pin passageway for lubricant extending between a second pin passageway inlet and second pin passageway outlet; and a distribution device for distributing lubricant comprising at least one distribution device inlet for receiving lubricant and at least one distribution device outlet, wherein the distribution device is mounted to the pin and the at least one distribution device outlet is arranged to direct lubricant into the first pin passageway inlet. The second pin passageway inlet is located in the outer surface of the pin and the second pin passageway outlet is located in the first end of the pin for directing lubricant from the outer surface of the pin to the second pin passageway outlet. The at least one distribution device inlet is aligned with the second pin passageway outlet for directing lubricant from the second pin passageway into the at least one distribution device inlet.

The present disclosure further provides a method for lubricating the coupling assembly described above, the method comprising: receiving lubricant through the at least one distribution device inlet of the distribution device; directing the lubricant through the at least one distribution device outlet of the distribution device; directing the lubricant from the distribution device outlet to the pin through the first pin passageway inlet, along the first pin passageway and to the first pin passageway outlet; directing lubricant outside of the pin to the outer surface or the pin via the first pin passageway outlet; and
directing lubricant from the second pin passageway outlet to the at least one distribution device inlet.

By way of example only, embodiments of apparatuses and methods of the present disclosure are now described with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings, in which:.

The present disclosure is generally directed towards a rotatable coupling or joint assembly of a work machine which may reduce the number of lubricant hoses required. The coupling assembly comprises a pin and a distribution device and may comprise a bearing housing. The pin comprises a number of internal pin passageways for directing lubricant therein. The distribution device may split an input flow of lubricant into one or more predetermined quantities of lubricant and direct these predetermined quantities through one or more outlets. The bearing housing may house the pin and may communicate the lubricant between a lubricant delivery system and one or more of the internal pin passageways. The lubricant may enter a pin passageway and be directed to the distribution device, where it is split into one or more predetermined quantities and fed into one or more outlets of the distribution device. The lubricant may then enter one or more pin passageways. One or more of the pin passageways may direct lubricant to the interface between the pin and the bearing housing. One or more of pin passageways may also direct lubricant back through the bearing housing and into the lubricant delivery system. This outgoing stream of lubricant may then supply another coupling assembly.

<FIG> illustrates a machine <NUM> comprising at least one coupling assembly <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> according to the present disclosure. The at least one coupling assembly <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may pivotally or rotatably connect at least two components of the machine <NUM> to one another. In the illustrated embodiment the machine <NUM> comprises a backhoe loader, although the machine <NUM> may be any other type comprising at least one coupling assembly <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, such as a work machine, truck (e.g. a dump truck), excavator, another type of loader such as a wheel loader or track loader, dozer, shovel, material handler or telehandler.

The machine <NUM> may comprise a main body <NUM> and a work tool <NUM> pivotally attached to the main body <NUM> about a work tool coupling assembly <NUM>. The work tool <NUM> may comprise an arm arrangement <NUM> pivotally mounted about the work tool coupling assembly <NUM> to the main body <NUM>. The arm arrangement <NUM> may comprise a boom <NUM> rotatably attached to the stick <NUM> at a boom stick coupling assembly <NUM>. The work tool <NUM> may comprise an implement <NUM> rotatably attached to the arm arrangement <NUM> by at least one implement coupling arrangement <NUM>. The implement coupling arrangement <NUM> may facilitate pivoting of the implement <NUM> with respect to a stick <NUM> and is illustrated in further detail in <FIG>. The implement coupling arrangement <NUM> may comprise a plurality of coupling assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> in accordance with the present disclosure. The machine <NUM> may comprise at least one actuator <NUM> for controlling the work tool <NUM> by, for example, pivoting or rotating one or more of the components of the work tool <NUM> (e.g. the boom <NUM>, stick <NUM> and implement <NUM>) about the work tool coupling assembly <NUM>, implement coupling arrangement <NUM> and boom stick coupling assembly <NUM> and thereby enabling the performance of work using the implement <NUM>.

The machine <NUM> may comprise a lubrication delivery system for delivering lubricant to the at least one coupling assembly <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The lubrication delivery system may comprise at least one reservoir of lubricant (not illustrated in the drawings) and at least one pump (not illustrated in the drawings) for directing lubricant through the lubrication delivery system. The lubrication delivery system may comprise at least one lubrication system passageway and/or flexible hose (not illustrated in the drawings) for directing lubricant from the reservoir, through the at least one pump and to the at least one coupling assembly <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. At least one lubrication system passageway may be integrated inside the one or more components of the coupling arrangement (for example at least one of the stick <NUM>, boom <NUM>, implement <NUM>, at least one first coupling arm <NUM> and/or at least one second coupling arm <NUM>) and direct lubricant to the at least one coupling assembly <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the present disclosure. In particular, as illustrated in <FIG>, a first component <NUM> (in this case a component of the stick <NUM>) may comprise a first lubrication system passageway <NUM> (e.g. bore) for directing lubricant to at least one coupling assembly <NUM>. Although not shown, a hose or other lubrication system passageway may be mounted to the first lubrication system passageway <NUM> to deliver lubricant thereto. A second component <NUM> (in this case a first coupling arm <NUM> as discussed below) may comprise a second lubrication system passageway <NUM> that may extend between two coupling assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. Further lubrication passageways <NUM> may be located in other components and in fluid communication with other coupling assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>.

The coupling assembly <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the present disclosure will be described with particular reference to its application in the implement coupling arrangement <NUM>, but may be applied in any coupling assembly <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the machine <NUM>, such as the work tool coupling assembly <NUM> and boom stick coupling assembly <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates the implement coupling arrangement <NUM> in further detail. The implement coupling arrangement <NUM> may comprise at least one first coupling arm <NUM> pivotally attached by a first coupling assembly <NUM> to the stick <NUM>. The implement coupling arrangement <NUM> may comprise a second coupling assembly <NUM> pivotally connecting the stick <NUM> and the implement <NUM>. The at least one first coupling arm <NUM> may be attached to at least one second coupling arm <NUM> by a third coupling assembly <NUM>. The at least one second coupling arm <NUM> may be attached by a fourth coupling assembly <NUM> to the implement <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate the first and second coupling assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, <FIG> illustrates the first coupling assembly <NUM> and <FIG> illustrates the second coupling assembly <NUM>. The following references to "the coupling assembly" applies to both the first and second coupling assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> and the same reference numerals have been used to indicate the same features in the first and second coupling assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> unless otherwise stated. The coupling assembly <NUM>, <NUM> comprises a pin <NUM> and a distribution device <NUM> mounted to the pin <NUM>. The coupling assembly <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise one or more bearing housings <NUM>, <NUM>.

The pin <NUM> may be rotatably mounted in the one or more bearing housings <NUM>, <NUM> and at least two components of the machine <NUM> (for example in the case of the first coupling assembly <NUM> the at least two components are the stick <NUM> and the first coupling arm <NUM>) may be mounted to the one or more bearing housings <NUM>, <NUM> such that the at least two components can pivot relative to one another by the relative movement between the pin <NUM> and the one or more bearing housings <NUM>, <NUM>. In particular, each component may comprise a component passageway <NUM> and one or more bearing housings <NUM>, <NUM> may be mounted in the component passageway <NUM> such that the one or more bearing housings <NUM>, <NUM> does not rotate relative to the component to which it is mounted. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the first coupling assembly <NUM> may comprise at least two bearing housings <NUM>, <NUM>. A first bearing housing <NUM> may be mounted in a passageway of the stick <NUM> and a second bearing housing <NUM> may be mounted in a passageway of the first coupling arm <NUM>. The pin <NUM> extends between the bearing housings <NUM>, <NUM> of the stick <NUM> and first coupling arm <NUM> and they are therefore operable to pivot relative to one another about the pin <NUM>. <FIG> shows only one end of the first and second coupling assembles <NUM>, <NUM> and thus similar bearing housings <NUM>, <NUM> may be located at the other hidden end.

In the present disclosure the lubrication delivery system directs lubricant to the distribution device <NUM>, through at least one passageway in the pin <NUM> and to the interface between the one or more bearing housings <NUM> and pin <NUM> to provide lubrication of the first coupling assembly <NUM>. As illustrated in detail in <FIG>, the pin <NUM> comprises a first pin passageway <NUM> extending between a first pin passageway inlet <NUM> and a first pin passageway outlet <NUM>. The pin <NUM> may comprise a second, third and/or fourth pin passageway <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> extending respectively between a second, third and/or fourth pin passageway inlet <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and a second, third and/or fourth pin passageway outlet <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The pin <NUM> may comprise additional pin passageways. The terms "first", "second", "third" and "fourth" are used herein for nomenclature purposes only rather than defining a quantity and are thus interchangeable.

The pin <NUM> may comprise a first end <NUM>, a second end (not shown in the illustrations) and an outer surface <NUM>, which may extend between the first and second ends <NUM> and may be cylindrical. The pin passageway inlets <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and outlets <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be located at the first end <NUM>, second end and/or outer surface <NUM>. The first pin passageway inlet <NUM> may be located at the first end <NUM> and the first pin passageway outlet <NUM> may be located at the outer surface <NUM>. The second pin passageway inlet <NUM> may be located at the outer surface <NUM> and the second pin passageway outlet <NUM> may be located at the first end <NUM>. The third and/or fourth pin passageway inlet <NUM>, <NUM> may be located at the first end <NUM> and the third and/or fourth pin passageway outlet <NUM>, <NUM> may be located at the outer surface <NUM>. The first and fourth pin passageway outlets <NUM>, <NUM> may be located at the outer surface <NUM> between (i.e. parallel to the axis of rotation of the pin <NUM>) the second pin passageway inlet <NUM> and third pin passageway outlet <NUM> as illustrated.

The first and fourth pin passageways <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to direct lubricant from the distribution device <NUM> to between the pin <NUM> and the one or more bearing housings <NUM>, <NUM>. The second pin passageway <NUM> may be configured to receive lubricant and direct the lubricant to the distribution device <NUM>. The third pin passageway <NUM> may be configured to direct lubricant from the distribution device <NUM> to a different coupling assembly <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

The distribution device <NUM> may be mounted to the pin <NUM> at least partially in a recess <NUM> in the first end <NUM> of the pin <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG> in the first coupling assembly <NUM>. The distribution device <NUM> may thus be mounted to the pin <NUM> such that it is completely encapsulated by the recess <NUM> of the pin <NUM>. Thus in the first coupling assembly <NUM> the first, third and fourth pin passageway inlets <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and the second pin passageway outlet <NUM> may extend to and be located in the recess <NUM>. Alternatively, the distribution device <NUM> may be mounted to a substantially flat surface <NUM> at the first end <NUM> of the pin <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> in the second coupling assembly <NUM>. The distribution device <NUM> may therefore be mounted completely outside the pin <NUM>. Thus in the second coupling assembly <NUM> the first, third and fourth pin passageway inlets <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and the second pin passageway outlet <NUM> extend to and are located at the flat surface <NUM>. In further embodiments, the distribution device <NUM> may be mounted to the pin <NUM> such that part of the distribution device <NUM> is encapsulated by the pin <NUM> and part is outside the pin <NUM>.

The distribution device <NUM> is illustrated in further detail in <FIG> and comprises at least one distribution device inlet <NUM>, which may be arranged to receive lubricant from the lubrication delivery system. The at least one distribution device inlet <NUM> may extend to the outside of the distribution device <NUM> and pin <NUM> (i.e. to an opposite side to that shown in <FIG>) such that a hose or the like can be directly mounted to the at least one distribution device inlet <NUM>. However, as illustrated in the Figures, the second pin passageway <NUM> may be configured to receive lubricant from the lubrication distribution system and direct the lubricant to the at least one distribution device inlet <NUM>. In particular, the distribution device <NUM> may be mounted to the pin <NUM> such that the at least one distribution device inlet <NUM> is aligned with the second pin passageway outlet <NUM>.

The distribution device <NUM> comprises at least one distribution device outlet <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> for directing lubricant into first, third and/or fourth pin passageways <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The at least one distribution device outlet <NUM> is arranged to direct lubricant into the first pin passageway inlet <NUM>. In particular, first and/or fourth distribution device outlets <NUM>, <NUM> may be arranged to direct lubricant to the first and/or fourth pin passageway inlets <NUM>, <NUM>. Therefore, the distribution device <NUM> may be mounted to the pin <NUM> such that the first and/or fourth distribution device outlets <NUM>, <NUM> are aligned with the first and/or fourth pin passageway inlets <NUM>, <NUM>. Second and/or third distribution device outlets <NUM>, <NUM> may be arranged to direct lubricant into the third pin passageway <NUM>. In particular, the second and/or third distribution device outlet <NUM>, <NUM> may be mounted to the pin <NUM> to be in fluid communication with the third pin passageway inlet <NUM>. In particular, the lubricant from the second and/or third distribution device outlets <NUM>, <NUM> may combine or merge prior to or upon entry to the third pin passageway <NUM>. Therefore the third pin passageway inlet <NUM> may be arranged to receive lubricant from the second and/or third distribution device outlet <NUM>, <NUM>. Alternatively, the third pin passageway <NUM> may have a further third pin passageway inlet <NUM>, such that the second and/or third distribution device outlet <NUM>, <NUM> may each be aligned with the respective third pin passageway inlets <NUM> and the third pin passageway <NUM> may combine the lubricant flows therefrom.

The coupling assembly <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise at least one elastomeric seal, such as an O-ring, rectangular, or D-ring seal arranged between the distribution device <NUM> and the pin <NUM>, to form seals between the or each pin passageway <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and the respective distribution device inlet <NUM> or outlet <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. Therefore, the at least one elastomeric seal may prevent lubricant from leaking between the pin <NUM> and the distribution device <NUM>. A first distribution device elastomeric seal <NUM> may be present between the first distribution device outlet <NUM> and the first pin passageway inlet <NUM>. A second distribution device elastomeric seal <NUM> may be present between the fourth distribution device outlet <NUM> and the fourth pin passageway inlet <NUM>. The first and second distribution device elastomeric seals <NUM>, <NUM> may be formed from a single elastomeric seal as illustrated in <FIG>. A third distribution device elastomeric seal <NUM> may surround both the second and/or third distribution device outlets <NUM>, <NUM> and the third pin passage way inlet <NUM>. Therefore the third distribution device elastomeric seal <NUM> may effectively combine the outflow of lubricant from the second and/or third distribution device outlet <NUM>, <NUM> prior to entry of the lubricant into the third pin passageway inlet <NUM>. The first, second, and third elastomeric seals <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be substantially rectangular seals, optionally with rounded corners, as is illustrated in <FIG>.

The distribution device <NUM> may be arranged to receive lubricant from the at least one distribution device inlet <NUM> and selectively distribute predetermined quantities of the received lubricant through the first, second, third and/or fourth distribution device outlets <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The distribution device <NUM> may operate in accordance with any known distribution block method and may comprise at least one spool, at least one spool passageway and at least one check valve for the or each distribution device outlet <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The distribution device <NUM> may operate as a single-line series progressive distributor. As is known in the art (and not illustrated in the Figures), the distribution device <NUM> may comprise at least one spool operable to move between first and second positions by backpressure caused by lubricant entering the at least one distribution device inlet <NUM>. The at least one spool in the first position may block the communication of lubricant from the distribution device <NUM> to the first distribution device outlet <NUM> and in the second position may facilitate the communication of lubricant from the distribution device <NUM> to the first distribution device outlet <NUM>. The distribution device <NUM> may contain a plurality of spools, which may, when in a second position, facilitate the communication of lubricant from the distribution device <NUM> to a respective distribution device outlet <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The distribution device <NUM> may be arranged to sequentially move each spool, therefore sequentially outputting the respective predetermined quantity of lubricant out of the respective distribution device outlet <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The internal geometry of the distribution device <NUM> and the spools may determine the predetermined quantities of lubricant distributed. The distribution device <NUM> may be arranged to follow a periodic/cyclic process, such that the pattern of the movement of the spools restarts once finished. The distribution device <NUM> may not need electrical control or input, and may work only by the input of lubricant, the internal geometry and the spools. The check valves may prevent lubricant from re-entering the at least one spool passageway from the at least one distribution device outlet <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

The one or more bearing housings <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise, as illustrated in further detail in <FIG> and <FIG> for the first bearing housing <NUM>, a bearing housing main body <NUM>, which may be a hollow cylinder, and a flange <NUM> attached to the bearing housing main body <NUM> for assisting in mounting the one or more bearing housings <NUM>, <NUM> in the component passageway <NUM>. The one or more bearing housings <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise a first internal seal <NUM> and may comprise at least one housing input passageway <NUM> arranged to direct lubricant to the first internal seal <NUM>. The pin <NUM> may be mounted in the one or more bearing housings <NUM> such that the second pin passageway inlet <NUM> is aligned with and arranged to receive lubricant from the at least one housing input passageway <NUM> via the first internal seal <NUM>. The first internal seal <NUM> may comprise first and second elastomeric seals <NUM>, <NUM>. The elastomeric seal may be an O-ring as illustrated, D-ring, rectangular seal, or any other suitable elastomeric seal. The first and second elastomeric seals <NUM>, <NUM> may be positioned on either side of the at least one housing input passageway <NUM> and around the outer surface <NUM> of the pin <NUM> and on either side of the second pin passageway inlet <NUM>. The coupling assembly <NUM>, <NUM> may therefore comprise an internal seal cavity <NUM>, which may be torus-shaped and/or circumferential, between the outer surface <NUM> of the pin <NUM>, the first elastomeric seal <NUM>, the second elastomeric seal <NUM> and the bearing housing <NUM>. The first internal seal <NUM> may prevent lubricant from leaking along the outer surface <NUM> of the pin <NUM> and may instead direct lubricant from the at least one housing input passageway <NUM> to the second pin passageway inlet <NUM>. Despite the contact between pin <NUM> and the one or more bearing housings <NUM>, the elastomeric seals53, <NUM> may still facilitate rotation therebetween.

The one or more bearing housings <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise at least one second internal seal <NUM> formed in a substantially similar manner. As shown in the Figures the first internal seal <NUM> may be formed on the first bearing housing <NUM> and the second internal seal <NUM> may be formed on the second bearing housing <NUM>. The second internal seal <NUM> may be identical in design and/or function to the first internal seal <NUM>. However, the second internal seal <NUM> may instead be aligned with an at least one housing output passageway <NUM> of the one or more bearing housings <NUM>, <NUM> and the third pin passageway outlet <NUM>. As a result, the second internal seal <NUM> may be arranged to direct lubricant from the third pin passageway <NUM> to the at least one housing output passageway <NUM>. As discussed further below, the at least one housing output passageway <NUM> may direct the lubricant to the lubrication delivery system and particularly onto another coupling assembly <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

The pin <NUM> may be a floating pin <NUM> and may be able to move transversely (i.e. along the axis of rotation of the pin <NUM>) in addition to rotating in the one or more bearing housings <NUM>, <NUM>. The distance the pin <NUM> may move transversely may depend upon the size of the coupling assembly <NUM>, <NUM> and, for example, may be able to move transversely <NUM> to <NUM> in use. The internal seals <NUM>, <NUM> of the one or more bearing housings <NUM>, <NUM> may be especially able to facilitate a floating pin <NUM> in the present disclosure. The elastomeric seals <NUM>, <NUM> may be able to maintain the internal seal cavity <NUM> for lubricant between the one or more bearing housings <NUM>, <NUM> and the outer surface <NUM> of the pin <NUM> allowing the floating pin <NUM> to move transversely in use.

The one or more bearing housings <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise at least one internal groove <NUM>, which may be located on an inner surface <NUM> of the one or more bearing housings <NUM>, <NUM> that engages the pin <NUM>. The at least one internal groove <NUM> may be arranged to distribute lubricant received from the first and/or fourth pin passageway outlets <NUM>, <NUM> to the interface between the pin <NUM> and the one or more bearing housings <NUM> in which the pin <NUM> is located. In particular, the at least one internal groove <NUM> may be aligned with the first and/or fourth pin passageway outlet <NUM>, <NUM>. The at least one internal groove <NUM> may be radial, helical, a mixture of radial and helical and/or any other suitable shape for distributing lubricant.

The one or more bearing housings <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise at least one external groove <NUM>, which may be located on an outer surface <NUM> of the one or more bearing housings <NUM>, <NUM> that engages the component passageway <NUM> in which the one or more bearing housings <NUM>, <NUM> is located. The at least one external groove <NUM> may be configured to communicate lubricant between the one or more component passageways <NUM> of the lubrication delivery system and the at least one housing inlet and/or output passageway <NUM>, <NUM>. The at least one housing inlet and/or output passageway <NUM>, <NUM> may each be located at separate external grooves <NUM>.

During operation of the machine <NUM>, lubricant may be pumped by the at least one pump from the reservoir of the lubrication delivery system to at least one flexible hose. The at least one flexible hose may be mounted to a port over the first lubrication system passageway <NUM>. The first lubrication system passageway <NUM> may direct the lubricant into the at least one external groove <NUM>, which may direct the lubricant through the at least one housing input passageway <NUM> into the first internal seal <NUM>. The first internal seal <NUM> may direct the lubricant into the second pin passageway inlet <NUM> and the second pin passageway <NUM> may direct the lubricant to the second pin passageway outlet <NUM>. Lubricant may then be directed through the at least one distribution device inlet <NUM> and past the elastomeric seal arranged between the second pin passageway outlet <NUM>, first end <NUM> of the pin <NUM>, distribution device <NUM> and at least one distribution device inlet <NUM>.

The distribution device <NUM> may then split the flow of lubricant and meter predetermined quantities of the lubricant out of the first, second, third and/or fourth distribution device outlets <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. In particular, lubricant may pass into the distribution device <NUM>, and may be sequentially directed to the first, second, third and/or fourth distribution device outlets <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> by the position of the one or more spools. The change in position of the one or more spools may result from the backpressure caused by the lubricant entering the distribution device <NUM>. The at least one check valve may allow lubricant to exit the first, second, third and/or fourth distribution device outlets <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and may prevent lubricant from re-entering the distribution device <NUM>.

Lubricant may then be sequentially directed from the first, second, third and/or fourth distribution device outlet <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to the first, third and/or fourth pin passageway inlet <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and past the elastomeric seal(s) acting as interface(s) therebetween. In particular, lubricant may be sequentially directed from the first and/or fourth distribution device outlet <NUM>, <NUM> to the first and/or fourth pin passageway inlet <NUM>, <NUM>. Additionally, lubricant may be sequentially directed from the second and/or third distribution device outlet <NUM>, <NUM> to the third pin passageway <NUM>. Lubricant may then be directed from the first, third and/or fourth pin passageway inlet <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> through the first, third and/or fourth pin passageway <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to the first, third and/or fourth pin passageway outlet <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. After exiting the first and/or fourth pin passageway outlets <NUM>, <NUM>, lubricant may pass into the internal grooves <NUM> of the one or more bearing housings <NUM>, <NUM>. The lubricant may then be spread across the interface between the pin <NUM> and bearing housing <NUM> for lubrication.

After exiting the third pin passageway outlet <NUM>, lubricant may enter the second internal seal <NUM> and be directed through the at least one housing output passageway <NUM>. The lubricant may then be directed from the at least one housing output passageway <NUM>, for example along at least one external groove <NUM>, to the lubricant delivery system, such as to the second lubrication system passageway <NUM>. The lubricant may then travel through the second lubrication system passageway <NUM> to another coupling assembly <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, lubricant may output the first coupling assembly <NUM> and be delivered to the second, third and/or fourth coupling assembly <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. <FIG> in particular illustrates the second lubrication system passageway <NUM> extending from the first coupling assembly <NUM> to the third coupling assembly <NUM> for delivering lubricant thereto. The process may continue for at least some of or all of the coupling assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, which may be arranged in series and/or parallel to one another.

In the above description reference has been made to first, second, third and fourth pin passageways <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. However, the coupling assembly <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise any number of first, second, third and fourth pin passageways <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. Furthermore, multiple distribution devices <NUM> may be mounted to the pin <NUM> with at least one distribution device outlet <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of one distribution device <NUM> leading to at least one distribution device inlet <NUM> of a further distribution device <NUM>.

By delivering lubricant through the first and/or fourth pin passageway <NUM>, <NUM>, the lubricant may enter the interface between the pin <NUM> and one or more bearing housings <NUM>, <NUM>. As a result, external hoses and the like may not be required to deliver lubricant directly to the area of the interface where it is required. Instead, the lubricant delivery system may deliver lubricant to the distribution device <NUM> (e.g. through the pin <NUM>).

The distribution device <NUM> may not require external input or control, and may operate passively. Therefore, if a sufficient amount of lubricant and a sufficient pressure is provided, the distribution device <NUM> may sequentially distribute one or more predetermined quantities of lubricant to the respective one or more passageway outlets <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. This may simplify the system and may ensure it is more robust.

By mounting the distribution device <NUM> to the pin <NUM>, only a single input system may be required to direct lubricant to the pin <NUM>, such as via the at least one housing input passageway <NUM> and second pin passageway <NUM>. By the distribution device <NUM> having multiple distribution device outlets <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and fewer distribution device inlets <NUM> than distribution device outlets <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, fewer flexible hoses and the like may be required to deliver lubricant to multiple points at the interface between the pin <NUM> and the one or more bearing housings <NUM>, <NUM>.

The implementation of the housing input passageway <NUM> may result in the reduction of vulnerable external lines as the housing input passageway <NUM> may enable the communication of lubricant entirely internally within the components of the machine <NUM> from a single port on the outside of the component to the second pin passageway <NUM> via the first lubrication system passageway <NUM>. The internal seals <NUM>, <NUM> may prevent lubricant from leaking along the outer surface <NUM> of the pin <NUM>.

The pin <NUM>, distribution device <NUM> and one or more bearing housings <NUM> may be configured to direct lubricant received at the distribution device <NUM> back to the lubrication delivery system for onward communication to further coupling assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. In particular, the second internal seal <NUM>, the third pin passageway <NUM> and the at least one housing output passageway <NUM> may allow lubricant to pass through the first coupling assembly <NUM> in the present disclosure and back into the lubrication delivery system. This may allow the lubrication delivery system to deliver lubricant to a number of other coupling assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> arranged in series or in parallel. Thus a single flexible hose mounted to a single port on the outside of the component delivering lubricant to the second pin passageway <NUM> can be used to feed lubricant to a plurality of coupling assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. This may significantly reduce the number of flexible hoses and other such lines of the lubrication delivery system, thus reducing the likelihood of them being struck by debris or the like whilst undertaking work.

Claim 1:
A coupling assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) for a machine (<NUM>) comprising:
a pin (<NUM>) comprising:
a first end (<NUM>);
a second end;
an outer surface (<NUM>) extending between the first and second ends;
at least a first pin passageway (<NUM>) for lubricant extending between a first pin passageway inlet (<NUM>) located at the first end (<NUM>) of the pin (<NUM>) and a first pin passageway outlet (<NUM>) located at the outer surface (<NUM>) of the pin (<NUM>) for directing lubricant outside of the pin to the outer surface (<NUM>); and
at least a second pin passageway (<NUM>) for lubricant extending between a second pin passageway inlet (<NUM>) and second pin passageway outlet (<NUM>); and
a distribution device (<NUM>) for distributing lubricant comprising at least one distribution device inlet (<NUM>) for receiving lubricant and at least one distribution device outlet (<NUM>),
wherein the distribution device (<NUM>) is mounted to the pin (<NUM>) and the at least one distribution device outlet (<NUM>) is arranged to direct lubricant into the first pin passageway inlet (<NUM>),
characterised in that the second pin passageway inlet (<NUM>) is located in the outer surface (<NUM>) of the pin (<NUM>) and the second pin passageway outlet (<NUM>) is located in the first end (<NUM>) of the pin (<NUM>) for directing lubricant from the outer surface (<NUM>) of the pin (<NUM>) to the second pin passageway outlet (<NUM>) and further characterised in that the at least one distribution device inlet (<NUM>) is aligned with the second pin passageway outlet (<NUM>) for directing lubricant from the second pin passageway (<NUM>) into the at least one distribution device inlet (<NUM>).