Patent Document

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to sewing machines and, more particularly, to industrial sewing machines subject to high speed operation over extended periods of time. It is concerned particularly with means for monitoring lubrication flow to parts requiring same. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In contrast to splash type lubrication systems, many of today&#39;s machines employ pressurized lubrication systems for ensuring adequate machine part lubrication. In some splash lubrication systems, a viewing glass is used to assure adequate levels of lubricants. With pressurized systems, however, where lubricant is forced through interconnecting passageways, the flow of lubricant is not easy to perceive. Some pressurized systems provide an atomized stream of lubricant to be discharged into a viewing glass. As will be appreciated, an atomized stream of lubricant against the viewing glass, in a position removed from the immediate working area, is not readily conspicuous to the operator. Accordingly, if something should affect the flow of lubricant in such a system, an operator may not quickly envision that lubricant is not being distributed as required. Thus, with today&#39;s increasing machine speeds, there is an increasing need for an indicator which allows an easy and quick evaluation of lubricant flow through the pressurized system. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the above, and in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a device which virtually eliminates the heretofore known problems. The present invention includes a device adapted for reciprocal movement relative the machine frame. The device is arranged in communication with, and is positionally responsive to fluid pressures within the pressurized lubrication system. With the present invention, an exteriorally conspicuous indicator is positioned as a function of the lubricant flow through said system. 
     It is therefore a primary object of this invention to provide a device for indicating fluid flow in a pressurized lubrication system. 
     Another object of this invention is the provision of a lubricant flow indicator which is effective, simplistic, and easily adaptable to existing systems. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is the provision of an indicator which is associated with the lubrication system in a direct and simple arrangement. 
    
    
     Other characteristics and advantages of the device will be apparent from the detailed description which follows of a preferred embodiment, which description refers to the accompanying drawings wherein: 
     FIG. 1 represents a cross-sectional view through the standard or support part of the sewing machine frame illustrating the present invention applied thereto; 
     FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along Lines 2--2 of FIG. 1. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals indicate like parts throughout the views, there is shown an upper arm portion of a sewing machine frame or housing 2 having a transverse web or wall 1. Journaled for turning movement in the frame is a shaft 4 which may be supported for rotation in bushing or bearings 3 carried by the transverse web. 
     The sewing machine is provided with a pressurized lubrication system including plumbing arranged internally of the machine for delivering lubricant to the machine parts requiring same. The plumbing of the present invention includes a series of interconnected passageways for distributing lubricant throughout the machine. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper shaft of the machine 4 is provided with a longitudinal lubricant conducting bore 5 with a radial port 6 arranged in communication with the bore 5. A collar or sleeve 8 formed with an annular grove 9, slightly larger than the external diameter of shaft 4, is arranged in the wall 1. A port 7, formed in collar 8, leads from the annular groove 9 to the exterior of the collar. A lubricant conducting passageway 11 is effective to allow communication between the collar port 7 and a passageway or duct 12 extending transverse to the lubricant conducting bore 5. One end of the passageway 12 opens to the exterior of housing 2. The passageway 12 is connected, as at 13, with a lubricant conduit 14 leading from a lubricant pumping device (not shown). In this manner, a forced flow of lubricant may be delivered to passageway 12 from whence it flows through the interconnecting passageways 11, 7, and 6 to be lubricant conducting bore 5 and is distributed to parts requiring lubrication. 
     A transparent dome 17 is arranged at the open end of duct 12. The dome 17 extends exteriorally of the housing and is secured in an opening 15 in the top cover 16 of the machine. 
     A hydraulically actuated indicator 18, arranged in communication with and positionally sensitive to fluid pressures in the lubrication system, is arranged for sliding movement relative to the machine frame. In its present form, the indicator includes a stem portion and an integrally formed mushroom shaped cap portion 19. The stem portion should preferably be made of one piece steel construction. The term &#34;one piece construction&#34; should not, however, be literally construed. For purpose of this description, the concept of one piece or unitary construction should be interpreted to mean that the stem or body portion of the indicator is smooth and uniformly sized and is free of seals, springs balls, detents or other allied mechanisms not required for effective and efficient operation of the present invention. The stem portion of the indicator is arranged for free sliding movement in the passageway opening to the dome 17. As such, the indicator, in its preferred form, is limited to reciprocal linear movement. The body portion of the indicator has a slightly smaller but similar cross sectional shape to that of the passageway in which it is disposed. The cap portion of the indicator may be treated such that it is conspicuously visible and acts as a signal when projected toward the dome as will be discussed hereinafter. The downward movement of the indicator is limited by having the cap portion seat in a step 21 formed at the upper end of duct 12. 
     As best seen in FIG. 2, the seat 21 opens, on one side, to a recess 22 which, in turn, opens to the interior cavity of the machine. When it is necessary to add lubricant to the machine, cap 17 may be removed and lubricant added through the bore 15. Passing through the bore 15, the added lubricant will pass from the seat 21 into the recess from whence it drains into the machine reservoir (not shown). 
     The indicator 18 is normally biased toward the position shown in solid lines in FIG. 1. In this position, the cap portion is not visible within the dome 17. In the preferred embodiment, when the indicator is in its initial or nonvisible position, the depending stem portion operatively extends between the lubricant supplying duct along the longitudinal receiving bore. That is, the depending stem covers the passageway 11 whereby preventing lubricant flow through that portion of the system serially arranged in communication with the lubricant supplying duct. It will be appreciated, however, that the present invention would serve the same function if arranged in a parallel relationship with the lubrication system. 
     When the machine is operated, the lubricant pump forces pressurized lubricant into conduit 14 which exits into the duct 12. The pressurized lubricant flow into the duct acts upon the indicator whereby displacing same. In the illustrated embodiment, the lubricant continually displaces the indicator until the depending stem portion uncovers or opens the interconnecting passageways 11, 7, 6, and 5 whereby allowing lubricant to flow through the system. For so long as the pressure in the system is sufficient to overcome the normal resistance of indicator 18, the system remains open. When the pressure in duct 12 displaces the indicator stem portion, the cap portion is projected into the transparent dome 17, as shown in phantom lines in FIG. 1, whereat it is exterially visible. Thus, lubricant flow is indicated as a function of the reciprocal position of the indicator. It will be further appreciated that any lubricant seepage from around the indicator is returned to the lubricant reservoir via the step 21 and recess 22. 
     Thus, it is apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the invention, a lubricant sensing device for sewing machines that fully satisfies the objects, aims, and advantages set forth above. While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

Technology Category: 6