US20160207090A1 - Lubricator with quick release modular mounting - Google Patents
Lubricator with quick release modular mounting Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20160207090A1 US20160207090A1 US14/980,841 US201514980841A US2016207090A1 US 20160207090 A1 US20160207090 A1 US 20160207090A1 US 201514980841 A US201514980841 A US 201514980841A US 2016207090 A1 US2016207090 A1 US 2016207090A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- fluid applicator
- roller
- fluid
- applicator
- assembly
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D—WORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS OR PROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D37/00—Tools as parts of machines covered by this subclass
- B21D37/18—Lubricating, e.g. lubricating tool and workpiece simultaneously
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D—WORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS OR PROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D37/00—Tools as parts of machines covered by this subclass
- B21D37/04—Movable or exchangeable mountings for tools
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16N—LUBRICATING
- F16N7/00—Arrangements for supplying oil or unspecified lubricant from a stationary reservoir or the equivalent in or on the machine or member to be lubricated
- F16N7/12—Arrangements for supplying oil or unspecified lubricant from a stationary reservoir or the equivalent in or on the machine or member to be lubricated with feed by capillary action, e.g. by wicks
Definitions
- JIT just in time
- lean manufacturing have changed the stamping industry. For instance, large inventories of sheet stock are no longer stored on site. Smaller inventories require shorter stamping runs and more frequent setups to accommodate customer orders as they are received.
- atomized or spray lubricants can be relatively quickly changed to accommodate different runs, due to undesirable health effects caused by inhalation as well the housekeeping problems created by overspray of such lubricants, the industry is moving away from atomized lubricants. Slippery floors and oily work environments also are undesirable side effects of spray lubricants.
- Roller applicators are increasingly used instead of spray applicators.
- roller applicators with wicking contact surfaces cannot be easily or thoroughly cleaned when changing to different lubricants.
- the end user must fabricate brackets or, more often, use whatever is readily available in the work area to position and secure the applicator equipment.
- the present disclosure is directed in general to provide a roller applicator with quick change capability having a complement of mounting options.
- the roller applicator system is modular in design. Beginning with the roller head, in one embodiment, a cassette can be mounted directly or fit into a quick release mounting base. The base can be permanently mounted and the roller head can be snapped out and replaced by another. A user might designate a specific roller head for a specific lubricant and designate other roller heads for other lubricants, thus eliminating contamination or the need for cleaning. Changeover between lubricants would complement the quick die change technologies employed in the various embodiments of the disclosure.
- the device is an applicator whereby lubricant is applied to the top and bottom surfaces of metal strips, typically from coil form, as it enters a stamping press or similar.
- the rollers are continuously replenished with lubricant, in this case internally, in graduated amounts to control the thickness of the coating.
- a roller assembly is configured for modular mounting and includes quick change features.
- the roller assembly may have a base affixable to a process line such as stamping equipment.
- a roller applicator may be rapidly removed and replaced with another roller applicator without cleaning or contacting fluid application surfaces.
- a fluid applicator system may include a fluid applicator; a quick release base for carrying the fluid applicator, the quick release base being configured to hold and release the fluid applicator; a height adjustment assembly configured for positioning the fluid applicator; and means for mounting the fluid applicator proximate a processing line.
- the fluid applicator in this embodiment may be a roller configured to apply a lubricant to a stock material.
- the roller may be two or more rollers that form a nip therebetween through which the stock material travels.
- One of the rollers may include elastomer rings disposed along the roller to help catch and guide the stock material.
- the quick release base may include a catch having a spring constant. The catch in a first state may hold the fluid applicator at or near the processing line. The catch in a second state may release the fluid applicator for cleaning, replacement or other maintenance.
- the height adjustment assembly may include a slot and may further include a mounting assembly connecting the quick release base to the quick release base.
- the mounting assembly may be adjustable along the slot.
- the fluid applicator may be mounted using a bracket or the like to mechanically connect the system to the processing line. Alternatively or additionally, the fluid applicator may be mounted using a magnet for communication with the processing line.
- FIG. 1 are schematic front and side elevational views of a roller lubricator system in an intended use environment according to an aspect of the present disclosure
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a roller applicator cassette as used in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the roller applicator cassette as in FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 4 are perspective, plan and elevational views of a quick release assembly used with the roller applicator cassette as in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the roller applicator cassette and the quick release assembly as in FIGS. 1-4 ;
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a height adjustment assembly used with the roller applicator cassette as in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 8 are side elevational and exploded, perspective views of a roller lubricator system according to another aspect of the disclosure and;
- FIG. 9 an elevational view of a portion of the roller lubricator system as in FIG. 8 ;
- FIG. 10 a perspective view of a roller lubricator system according to another aspect of the disclosure.
- FIG. 11 are perspective views of various components of the roller lubricator system as in FIG. 10 ;
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a roller lubricator system according to another aspect of the disclosure.
- FIG. 1 shows a roller lubricator system, designated in general by the numeral 10 , arranged next to or connected or attached to a press or stamping machine 1 .
- the exemplary roller lubricator system 10 broadly includes a roller applicator head or cassette 12 , a quick release base or assembly 14 , a height adjustment assembly 16 , a window mounting bracket 18 , and a magnetic mounting kit or assembly 20 .
- a sheet of material such as stock metal 3 in coil form may be unrolled into the roller lubricator system 10 .
- the roller applicator head 12 applies a lubrication fluid to a surface of the metal 3
- the metal 3 proceeds downstream in a production line supported by a bolster 5 where the lubricated metal 3 is stamped, cut or the like.
- FIGS. 2 and 3 show the roller applicator head 12 in greater detail.
- the exemplary roller applicator head 12 may include a cover 22 having a plurality of apertures, notches and cut-outs to accommodate various features of the roller lubricator system 10 .
- the cover 22 may include a stock entry window or opening 24 and a stock exit window or opening 26 for respectively receiving and dispatching the metal 3 introduced above in FIG. 1 .
- one or more hoses or conduits 7 may be connected to a fluid source containing, for instance, a lubrication fluid 9 that may be fed into the roller applicator head 12 and applied to the metal 3 . Once the metal 3 is lubricated or otherwise treated with the fluid 9 , the metal 3 exits the roller applicator head 12 through stock exit window 26 for stamping or the like.
- FIGS. 2 and 3 further show that roller applicator cassette or head 12 may include one or more roller adjustment apertures or holes 28 through which roller pressure adjustment thumbscrews or knobs 54 project, the operation of which are described below. Also shown, a hose quick connector notch 30 and an easy lift roller notch 32 are provided in the cover 22 to accommodate an exemplary roller assembly 34 . A manual roller lift handle 57 is provided to ease loading of the roller assembly 34 .
- the roller assembly 34 may include a frame 36 having opposing connection arms, fingers or hooks 38 .
- an indentation or trough 40 is formed to assist in connecting or mating the frame 36 of the roller applicator cassette 12 to the quick release assembly 14 as described in greater detail below.
- the roller assembly 34 may include a dual rollers or axles.
- a top, upper or first roller 42 which may be needle-bearing mounted, may have a removable plurality of felt washers or rings 44 , a cloth tube or the like.
- the surface 44 may be a wicking, fibrous or similar surface and is continuously replenished with lubricant, in this case internally, in graduated amounts to control coating thickness.
- a quick connector 46 may be in communication with an interior of the top roller 42 such that the fluid 9 may pass through the tube 7 , which connects the fluid tank 9 to the connector 46 , into the roller 46 .
- a bottom, lower or second roller 48 may have removable felt washers or rings 50 , a cloth tube or the like.
- a quick connector 52 may be in communication with an interior of the bottom roller 48 such that the fluid 9 may pass through the tube 7 into the roller 48 via the connector 52 .
- the fluid 9 is injected into, soaked up by, or permeates the felt rings 44 , 50 , which in turn contact the metal 3 as it passes into a gap or nip 51 formed between the rollers 42 , 48 .
- any excess fluid is returned to the tank 9 by an oil return valve or nozzle 58 .
- FIG. 2 particularly shows that the felt rings 44 , 50 may include traction washers 35 .
- the washers 35 may be the same diameter as the felt rings 44 , 50 .
- the felt ring 50 is about one-eighth inch (1 ⁇ 8′′) to about one-half inch (1 ⁇ 2′′), particularly about one-quarter inch (1 ⁇ 4′′) in thickness.
- the washers 35 disposed about a surface of the ring 50 may be an elastomer (e.g., rubber, urethane, polyurethane and polyurea elastomer) and may be approximately one-thirty-second inch ( 1/32′′) to about one-eighth inch (1 ⁇ 8′′), particularly about one-sixteenth inch ( 1/16′′) in thickness.
- the compression of the rings 44 , 50 allows the elastomer washers 35 to grip without their size being larger.
- the exemplary thicknesses of the washers 35 and the rings 44 , 50 may be altered to accommodate different fluids and/or strip materials. For example, if mineral spirits (with water-like viscosity) was being applied to prepainted stock material having low surface viscosity (low friction), the felt washers 44 , 50 and the rubber washers 35 might each be approximately 1 ⁇ 8′′ thick to regulate the amount of fluid applied and to improve traction.
- FIG. 3 most clearly shows that the height or size of the nip 51 may be adjusted by the roller pressure adjustment knobs 54 , briefly introduced above.
- the roller pressure adjustment knobs 54 are connected to respective spring assemblies 55 that, when tightened by the knobs 54 , urge the rollers 42 , 48 closer together to make a tighter nip 51 .
- the knobs 54 are turned in the opposite direction, as indicated by a double-headed arrow 56 , the pressure between the rollers 42 , 48 is reduced to accommodate, for instance, a thicker sheet of metal 3 , plastic, or other stock material or to apply less fluid 9 .
- the knobs 54 are by way of example only. Other forms of controlling nip pressure or size may be realized by practicing the present embodiment, which equivalents are within the scope of the disclosure.
- the quick release assembly 14 which receives the cassette 12 described above.
- the assembly 14 includes a floor or base 60 that has at least one lateral ledge or projection 62 , a rear wall or machine face 64 , and a front wall or stock entry face 66 .
- the front wall 66 includes a notch or opening 68 to seat and partially shield the fluid return nozzle 58 introduced above in FIGS. 2 and 3 .
- the walls 64 , 66 may have rotation projections or cylinders 70 for operation with a latch or clip as explained below.
- FIG. 4 further shows that the quick release assembly 14 may include latch or clip assemblies 72 disposed in this example at either end of the quick release assembly 14 .
- each assembly 72 may be made of stainless steel or another durable material capable of being formed to provide a spring constant.
- the latch assembly 72 may have side frames or arms 74 rotatably connected to the rotation cylinders 70 . As shown, the latch assembly 72 may be rotated away from the quick release assembly 14 by pressing on a tab 76 , which in turn lifts and releases one or more fingers or catches 78 from the cassette 12 .
- FIG. 4 shows a plurality of projections or roller head receivers 80 that also interact with features of the cassette 12 .
- FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the roller applicator cassette 12 and the quick release assembly 14 .
- the latch assemblies 72 of the quick release assembly 14 are retracted to release the frame 36 .
- the knobs 54 which could be detent mechanisms, ratchets, or other means of controlling nip pressure, project through the cover 22 to control the nip pressure in the roller assembly 34 as introduced above.
- serviceable needle bearings, seals and roller units are shown at 37 .
- FIG. 6 the height adjustment assembly 16 briefly introduced in FIG. 1 is shown with a horizontal mounting surface, base, or ledge 82 in this example.
- the base 82 is used to mount the assembly 16 to or near the stamping machine 1 (see FIG. 1 ).
- a vertical wall or machine face 84 is normal to the base 82 and may include one or more vertical slots, slits or windows 86 . Each slot 86 receives an adjustable or movable vertical mounting assembly 88 .
- the adjustable mounting assembly 88 may include a vertical wall or face 90 and a horizontal floor or projection 94 . As shown, the vertical wall 90 is mated against a portion of the machine face 84 .
- a projection arm 91 depends from a quick release clamp handle 92 through the slot 86 .
- the quick release clamp handle 92 may be loosened and the adjustable mounting assembly 88 raised or lowered as required to adjust the vertical position of the cassette 12 .
- FIG. 7 shows an alternative height adjustment assembly 116 according to another aspect of the disclosure.
- a magnetic mounting assembly 120 is attached to a wall or face 184 of the adjustment assembly 116 .
- the magnets 120 may be screwed or bolted to the assembly 116 in addition to their magnetic pull, which may be 200 pounds of pull or more.
- the vertical wall 184 includes at least four 200 pound pull magnets 120 and may include one or more vertical slots, slits or windows 186 .
- Each slot 186 receives an adjustable or movable vertical mounting assembly 188 .
- the adjustable mounting assembly 188 may include a vertical wall or face 190 and a horizontal floor or projection 194 . As shown, the vertical wall 190 is mated against a portion of the machine face 184 .
- a quick release clamp handle 192 permits the assembly 188 to move up and down in the slot 186 as the handle 192 is rotated and released then tightened in a preferred position.
- a roller lubricator or applicator system designated in general by the numeral 210 , is shown in an exemplary operation arranged next to or connected or attached to a stock processing line 21 .
- the roller lubricator system 210 broadly includes a roller applicator head or cassette 212 , a quick release base, carrier, or assembly 214 , a height adjustment assembly 216 , and a magnetic mounting kit or assembly 220 .
- the cassette 212 has been released from the quick release carrier 214 by virtue of clips 272 being retracted.
- a stock support guide or tray 296 having a chamfered edge 298 may be attached to the assembly 214 by screws, welding or the like.
- the stock support 296 is shown in this example attached to the infeed side of the applicator 212 .
- the stock support 296 could also be attached to the outfeed side or one each to both infeed and outfeed sides of the applicator 212 to help control and feed stock material into and out of the applicator 212 .
- the adjustable mounting assembly 288 may be raised or lowered to adjust the vertical position of the cassette 212 to align it with the processing line 21 .
- FIG. 9 most clearly shows the roller lubricator system 210 in which the roller applicator cassette 212 is seated in the quick release base 214 at a chosen height set by the height adjustment assembly 216 via the slots 286 .
- the exemplary roller lubricator system 210 will be attached to a production line or stamping machine using the magnetic mounting kit 220 described above.
- the cassette 212 is locked in the quick release carrier 214 by virtue of the clips 272 being rotated inward or in a direction of the cassette 212 .
- the fluid return valve 258 is seated in the notch 268 .
- a roller lubricator system for use with a press or stamping machine is designated in general by the numeral 310 .
- the roller lubricator system 310 broadly includes a roller applicator head or cassette 312 , a quick release base or assembly 314 , a height adjustment assembly 316 , a window mounting bracket 318 , and a magnetic mounting kit or assembly 320 .
- the window mounting bracket 318 has a machine or vertical face 319 with magnet assembly attachment or vertical slots 323 therein, and a horizontal face 325 with horizontal slots 327 therein.
- the magnetic mounting assembly 320 includes a plurality of magnets 321 that may be screwed or bolted to a plate 329 in addition to their magnetic pull, which may be 200 pounds of pull or more.
- the magnets 321 and their plate 329 may be oriented in a longitudinal or up-down direction in which one magnet 321 is positioned substantially above the other, as opposed to being substantially side-by-side.
- the plate 329 is adjusted along slot 323 as needed to attach between columns or to accommodate a width of a particular stamping machine.
- the kit 316 may be adjusted side-to-side along slots 327 to laterally align the assembly 310 with the stamping machine.
- a stock support 396 may be attached to the assembly 310 to help guide stock material into the applicator head 312 .
- FIG. 11 shows opposing views of the lubricator system 310 shown in FIG. 10 .
- the roller applicator cassette 312 is shown resting in the quick release base 314 with the height adjustment assembly 316 attached to the window mounting bracket 318 .
- the magnetic mounting assembly 320 will attach the system 310 to the processing line as described above.
- slots 327 , 386 permit a position of the applicator 312 to be adjusted in height and laterally.
- slot 323 permits the plate 329 and therefore, the magnet 321 to be adjusted laterally to accommodate various machine widths.
- a lubricator or applicator system shown in use with a press or stamping machine 41 is designated in general by the numeral 410 .
- the roller lubricator system 410 broadly includes a roller applicator head or cassette 412 , a quick release base or assembly 414 , a height adjustment assembly 416 , and a magnetic mounting kit or assembly 420 .
- the cassette 412 is locked into the base assembly 414 by locking a set of latches 472 into a locked position or state.
- the latches 472 can be quickly unlocked or sprung to an unlatched state to remove, clean or replace the cassette 412 with another without having to unbolt, move or otherwise disturb the applicator system 410 as a whole. Therefore, all vertical and lateral adjustments relative to the machine 41 remain intact when and if it becomes necessary to remove or replace the cassette 412 .
- the cassette 412 includes at least one roller 444 for fluid treatment of stock material such as metal sheets.
- one or more hoses or conduits 407 may be connected to a fluid source containing, for instance, a lubrication fluid that may be fed into the roller applicator head 412 and applied to the metal. Once the metal is lubricated or otherwise treated with the fluid, the metal exits the roller applicator head 412 through stock exit window 426 for stamping or the like by the machine 41 .
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Abstract
Systems and methods are provided for mounting a fluid applicator to or proximate a press, stamping machine or assembly line. The fluid applicators are releasable and replaceable without cleaning or contacting the fluid application surfaces.
Description
- This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/105,831, filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office on Jan. 21, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- Modern manufacturing concepts such as “just in time” (JIT) and “lean manufacturing” have changed the stamping industry. For instance, large inventories of sheet stock are no longer stored on site. Smaller inventories require shorter stamping runs and more frequent setups to accommodate customer orders as they are received.
- It is not uncommon for each production run to have individual lubrication needs such as a specific concentration or a different lubricant from a previous run. However, some lubricants may react with others and cause adverse effects (e.g., shearing or coagulation) so clean-up between short runs becomes problematic. Additionally, residual lubricant (“carry out”) in a system may not be compatible with finishing processes. Contamination with the wrong lubricant can adversely affect cleaning, painting or plating of the stock.
- Although atomized or spray lubricants can be relatively quickly changed to accommodate different runs, due to undesirable health effects caused by inhalation as well the housekeeping problems created by overspray of such lubricants, the industry is moving away from atomized lubricants. Slippery floors and oily work environments also are undesirable side effects of spray lubricants.
- Roller applicators are increasingly used instead of spray applicators. However, roller applicators with wicking contact surfaces cannot be easily or thoroughly cleaned when changing to different lubricants. Moreover, few manufacturers offer roller applicator mounting accessories. Typically, the end user must fabricate brackets or, more often, use whatever is readily available in the work area to position and secure the applicator equipment.
- What is needed in the industry is an applicator system that can be changed quickly, reduces contamination, and does not require cleaning rollers or changeover between lubricants. Further, the desired system should be adjustable to accommodate different heights and lateral positions in various working environments.
- The present disclosure is directed in general to provide a roller applicator with quick change capability having a complement of mounting options. The roller applicator system is modular in design. Beginning with the roller head, in one embodiment, a cassette can be mounted directly or fit into a quick release mounting base. The base can be permanently mounted and the roller head can be snapped out and replaced by another. A user might designate a specific roller head for a specific lubricant and designate other roller heads for other lubricants, thus eliminating contamination or the need for cleaning. Changeover between lubricants would complement the quick die change technologies employed in the various embodiments of the disclosure.
- In one aspect, the device is an applicator whereby lubricant is applied to the top and bottom surfaces of metal strips, typically from coil form, as it enters a stamping press or similar. Opposing rollers having a wicking surface, fibrous or otherwise, contact the named surfaces of the strip and roll on their axles by a motion created by the advancement of the strip being powered by its feeding system(s). The rollers are continuously replenished with lubricant, in this case internally, in graduated amounts to control the thickness of the coating.
- According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a roller assembly is configured for modular mounting and includes quick change features. The roller assembly may have a base affixable to a process line such as stamping equipment. A roller applicator may be rapidly removed and replaced with another roller applicator without cleaning or contacting fluid application surfaces.
- In another embodiment, a fluid applicator system may include a fluid applicator; a quick release base for carrying the fluid applicator, the quick release base being configured to hold and release the fluid applicator; a height adjustment assembly configured for positioning the fluid applicator; and means for mounting the fluid applicator proximate a processing line.
- The fluid applicator in this embodiment may be a roller configured to apply a lubricant to a stock material. The roller may be two or more rollers that form a nip therebetween through which the stock material travels. One of the rollers may include elastomer rings disposed along the roller to help catch and guide the stock material. Also in this embodiment, the quick release base may include a catch having a spring constant. The catch in a first state may hold the fluid applicator at or near the processing line. The catch in a second state may release the fluid applicator for cleaning, replacement or other maintenance.
- The height adjustment assembly may include a slot and may further include a mounting assembly connecting the quick release base to the quick release base. The mounting assembly may be adjustable along the slot. The fluid applicator may be mounted using a bracket or the like to mechanically connect the system to the processing line. Alternatively or additionally, the fluid applicator may be mounted using a magnet for communication with the processing line.
- Additional objects and advantages of the present subject matter are set forth in, or will be apparent to, those of ordinary skill in the art from the description herein. Also, it should be further appreciated that modifications and variations to the specifically illustrated, referenced, and discussed features, processes, and elements hereof may be practiced in various embodiments and uses of the disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter. Variations may include, but are not limited to, substitution of equivalent means, features, or steps for those illustrated, referenced, or discussed, and the functional, operational, or positional reversal of various parts, features, steps, or the like. Those of ordinary skill in the art will better appreciate the features and aspects of the various embodiments, and others, upon review of the remainder of the specification.
- A full and enabling disclosure of the present subject matter, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:
-
FIG. 1 are schematic front and side elevational views of a roller lubricator system in an intended use environment according to an aspect of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a roller applicator cassette as used inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the roller applicator cassette as inFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 4 are perspective, plan and elevational views of a quick release assembly used with the roller applicator cassette as inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the roller applicator cassette and the quick release assembly as inFIGS. 1-4 ; -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a height adjustment assembly used with the roller applicator cassette as inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 7 are perspective and elevational views of another embodiment of a height adjustment assembly that may be used with a roller applicator cassette according to another aspect of the disclosure; -
FIG. 8 are side elevational and exploded, perspective views of a roller lubricator system according to another aspect of the disclosure and; -
FIG. 9 an elevational view of a portion of the roller lubricator system as inFIG. 8 ; -
FIG. 10 a perspective view of a roller lubricator system according to another aspect of the disclosure; -
FIG. 11 are perspective views of various components of the roller lubricator system as inFIG. 10 ; and -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a roller lubricator system according to another aspect of the disclosure. - In general, the present disclosure provides systems and methods for improving operations and functionality of applicator devices during treatment of stock metal strips before the stock enters a stamping press or similar production line. The systems disclosed herein and their equivalents are economical to make and use.
- Detailed reference will now be made to the drawings in which examples embodying the present subject matter are shown. The detailed description uses numerical and letter designations to refer to features of the drawings. The drawings and detailed description provide a full and written description of the present subject matter, and of the manner and process of making and using various exemplary embodiments, so as to enable one skilled in the pertinent art to make and use them, as well as the best mode of carrying out the exemplary embodiments. However, the examples set forth in the drawings and detailed descriptions are provided by way of explanation only and are not meant as limitations of the disclosure. The present subject matter thus includes any modifications and variations of the following examples as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
- Turning now to the figures,
FIG. 1 shows a roller lubricator system, designated in general by the numeral 10, arranged next to or connected or attached to a press or stamping machine 1. The exemplaryroller lubricator system 10 broadly includes a roller applicator head orcassette 12, a quick release base orassembly 14, aheight adjustment assembly 16, awindow mounting bracket 18, and a magnetic mounting kit orassembly 20. As shown, by way of brief introduction, a sheet of material such asstock metal 3 in coil form may be unrolled into theroller lubricator system 10. After theroller applicator head 12 applies a lubrication fluid to a surface of themetal 3, themetal 3 proceeds downstream in a production line supported by a bolster 5 where the lubricatedmetal 3 is stamped, cut or the like. -
FIGS. 2 and 3 show theroller applicator head 12 in greater detail. Here, the exemplaryroller applicator head 12 may include acover 22 having a plurality of apertures, notches and cut-outs to accommodate various features of theroller lubricator system 10. For instance, thecover 22 may include a stock entry window oropening 24 and a stock exit window or opening 26 for respectively receiving and dispatching themetal 3 introduced above inFIG. 1 . As shown inFIG. 3 , one or more hoses or conduits 7 may be connected to a fluid source containing, for instance, alubrication fluid 9 that may be fed into theroller applicator head 12 and applied to themetal 3. Once themetal 3 is lubricated or otherwise treated with thefluid 9, themetal 3 exits theroller applicator head 12 throughstock exit window 26 for stamping or the like. -
FIGS. 2 and 3 further show that roller applicator cassette orhead 12 may include one or more roller adjustment apertures or holes 28 through which roller pressure adjustment thumbscrews orknobs 54 project, the operation of which are described below. Also shown, a hosequick connector notch 30 and an easylift roller notch 32 are provided in thecover 22 to accommodate anexemplary roller assembly 34. A manual roller lift handle 57 is provided to ease loading of theroller assembly 34. - As shown most clearly in
FIG. 3 , theroller assembly 34 may include aframe 36 having opposing connection arms, fingers or hooks 38. In this example, at or near an area where thehooks 38 begin to project from theframe 36, an indentation ortrough 40 is formed to assist in connecting or mating theframe 36 of theroller applicator cassette 12 to thequick release assembly 14 as described in greater detail below. - With continued reference to both
FIGS. 2 and 3 , theroller assembly 34 may include a dual rollers or axles. For instance, a top, upper orfirst roller 42, which may be needle-bearing mounted, may have a removable plurality of felt washers or rings 44, a cloth tube or the like. Thesurface 44 may be a wicking, fibrous or similar surface and is continuously replenished with lubricant, in this case internally, in graduated amounts to control coating thickness. More specifically, aquick connector 46 may be in communication with an interior of thetop roller 42 such that thefluid 9 may pass through the tube 7, which connects thefluid tank 9 to theconnector 46, into theroller 46. Similarly, a bottom, lower orsecond roller 48 may have removable felt washers or rings 50, a cloth tube or the like. Aquick connector 52 may be in communication with an interior of thebottom roller 48 such that thefluid 9 may pass through the tube 7 into theroller 48 via theconnector 52. Thus, thefluid 9 is injected into, soaked up by, or permeates the felt rings 44, 50, which in turn contact themetal 3 as it passes into a gap or nip 51 formed between therollers material 3 is treated or coated, any excess fluid is returned to thetank 9 by an oil return valve ornozzle 58. -
FIG. 2 particularly shows that the felt rings 44, 50 may includetraction washers 35. Thewashers 35 may be the same diameter as the felt rings 44, 50. In this example, the feltring 50 is about one-eighth inch (⅛″) to about one-half inch (½″), particularly about one-quarter inch (¼″) in thickness. Thewashers 35 disposed about a surface of thering 50 may be an elastomer (e.g., rubber, urethane, polyurethane and polyurea elastomer) and may be approximately one-thirty-second inch ( 1/32″) to about one-eighth inch (⅛″), particularly about one-sixteenth inch ( 1/16″) in thickness. The compression of therings elastomer washers 35 to grip without their size being larger. The exemplary thicknesses of thewashers 35 and therings washers rubber washers 35 might each be approximately ⅛″ thick to regulate the amount of fluid applied and to improve traction. -
FIG. 3 most clearly shows that the height or size of thenip 51 may be adjusted by the roller pressure adjustment knobs 54, briefly introduced above. Here, the roller pressure adjustment knobs 54 are connected torespective spring assemblies 55 that, when tightened by theknobs 54, urge therollers tighter nip 51. Of course, when theknobs 54 are turned in the opposite direction, as indicated by a double-headedarrow 56, the pressure between therollers metal 3, plastic, or other stock material or to applyless fluid 9. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that theknobs 54 are by way of example only. Other forms of controlling nip pressure or size may be realized by practicing the present embodiment, which equivalents are within the scope of the disclosure. - Shown most clearly shown in
FIG. 4 is thequick release assembly 14, which receives thecassette 12 described above. In this example, theassembly 14 includes a floor orbase 60 that has at least one lateral ledge orprojection 62, a rear wall ormachine face 64, and a front wall orstock entry face 66. As shown, thefront wall 66 includes a notch or opening 68 to seat and partially shield thefluid return nozzle 58 introduced above inFIGS. 2 and 3 . Also, thewalls cylinders 70 for operation with a latch or clip as explained below. -
FIG. 4 further shows that thequick release assembly 14 may include latch orclip assemblies 72 disposed in this example at either end of thequick release assembly 14. Here, eachassembly 72 may be made of stainless steel or another durable material capable of being formed to provide a spring constant. Thelatch assembly 72 may have side frames orarms 74 rotatably connected to therotation cylinders 70. As shown, thelatch assembly 72 may be rotated away from thequick release assembly 14 by pressing on atab 76, which in turn lifts and releases one or more fingers or catches 78 from thecassette 12. Lastly,FIG. 4 shows a plurality of projections orroller head receivers 80 that also interact with features of thecassette 12. These components are described in greater detail below by way of an exemplary operation. -
FIG. 5 is an exploded view of theroller applicator cassette 12 and thequick release assembly 14. As shown, thelatch assemblies 72 of thequick release assembly 14 are retracted to release theframe 36. Theknobs 54, which could be detent mechanisms, ratchets, or other means of controlling nip pressure, project through thecover 22 to control the nip pressure in theroller assembly 34 as introduced above. Also shown, serviceable needle bearings, seals and roller units are shown at 37. - Turning to
FIG. 6 , theheight adjustment assembly 16 briefly introduced inFIG. 1 is shown with a horizontal mounting surface, base, orledge 82 in this example. Thebase 82 is used to mount theassembly 16 to or near the stamping machine 1 (seeFIG. 1 ). A vertical wall ormachine face 84 is normal to thebase 82 and may include one or more vertical slots, slits orwindows 86. Eachslot 86 receives an adjustable or movable vertical mountingassembly 88. The adjustable mountingassembly 88 may include a vertical wall or face 90 and a horizontal floor orprojection 94. As shown, the vertical wall 90 is mated against a portion of themachine face 84. Aprojection arm 91 depends from a quick release clamp handle 92 through theslot 86. As will be explained in more detail below, if thecassette 12 needs to be lowered or raised relative to the stamping machine 1, the quick release clamp handle 92 may be loosened and the adjustable mountingassembly 88 raised or lowered as required to adjust the vertical position of thecassette 12. -
FIG. 7 shows an alternativeheight adjustment assembly 116 according to another aspect of the disclosure. Here, a magnetic mountingassembly 120 is attached to a wall or face 184 of theadjustment assembly 116. Themagnets 120 may be screwed or bolted to theassembly 116 in addition to their magnetic pull, which may be 200 pounds of pull or more. In this example, thevertical wall 184 includes at least four 200 pound pullmagnets 120 and may include one or more vertical slots, slits orwindows 186. Eachslot 186 receives an adjustable or movable vertical mountingassembly 188. Theadjustable mounting assembly 188 may include a vertical wall orface 190 and a horizontal floor orprojection 194. As shown, thevertical wall 190 is mated against a portion of themachine face 184. A quick release clamp handle 192 permits theassembly 188 to move up and down in theslot 186 as thehandle 192 is rotated and released then tightened in a preferred position. - With reference now to
FIG. 8 , a roller lubricator or applicator system, designated in general by the numeral 210, is shown in an exemplary operation arranged next to or connected or attached to astock processing line 21. Theroller lubricator system 210 broadly includes a roller applicator head orcassette 212, a quick release base, carrier, orassembly 214, a height adjustment assembly 216, and a magnetic mounting kit orassembly 220. In this exploded view, thecassette 212 has been released from thequick release carrier 214 by virtue ofclips 272 being retracted. Also shown, a stock support guide ortray 296 having a chamferededge 298 may be attached to theassembly 214 by screws, welding or the like. Thestock support 296 is shown in this example attached to the infeed side of theapplicator 212. Thestock support 296 could also be attached to the outfeed side or one each to both infeed and outfeed sides of theapplicator 212 to help control and feed stock material into and out of theapplicator 212. As shown, by manipulating a quick release clamp handle 292 the adjustable mountingassembly 288 may be raised or lowered to adjust the vertical position of thecassette 212 to align it with theprocessing line 21. -
FIG. 9 most clearly shows theroller lubricator system 210 in which theroller applicator cassette 212 is seated in thequick release base 214 at a chosen height set by the height adjustment assembly 216 via theslots 286. As shown, the exemplaryroller lubricator system 210 will be attached to a production line or stamping machine using themagnetic mounting kit 220 described above. In this view, thecassette 212 is locked in thequick release carrier 214 by virtue of theclips 272 being rotated inward or in a direction of thecassette 212. Also shown, thefluid return valve 258 is seated in thenotch 268. - Turning to
FIG. 10 , a roller lubricator system for use with a press or stamping machine is designated in general by the numeral 310. Theroller lubricator system 310 broadly includes a roller applicator head orcassette 312, a quick release base orassembly 314, aheight adjustment assembly 316, awindow mounting bracket 318, and a magnetic mounting kit orassembly 320. Here, thewindow mounting bracket 318 has a machine orvertical face 319 with magnet assembly attachment orvertical slots 323 therein, and ahorizontal face 325 withhorizontal slots 327 therein. The magnetic mountingassembly 320 includes a plurality ofmagnets 321 that may be screwed or bolted to aplate 329 in addition to their magnetic pull, which may be 200 pounds of pull or more. - In the example of
FIG. 10 , themagnets 321 and theirplate 329 may be oriented in a longitudinal or up-down direction in which onemagnet 321 is positioned substantially above the other, as opposed to being substantially side-by-side. Here, theplate 329 is adjusted alongslot 323 as needed to attach between columns or to accommodate a width of a particular stamping machine. Likewise, thekit 316 may be adjusted side-to-side alongslots 327 to laterally align theassembly 310 with the stamping machine. Also shown, astock support 396 may be attached to theassembly 310 to help guide stock material into theapplicator head 312. -
FIG. 11 shows opposing views of thelubricator system 310 shown inFIG. 10 . Theroller applicator cassette 312 is shown resting in thequick release base 314 with theheight adjustment assembly 316 attached to thewindow mounting bracket 318. The magnetic mountingassembly 320 will attach thesystem 310 to the processing line as described above. Again,slots applicator 312 to be adjusted in height and laterally. Similarly, slot 323 permits theplate 329 and therefore, themagnet 321 to be adjusted laterally to accommodate various machine widths. - With reference to
FIG. 12 , a lubricator or applicator system shown in use with a press or stampingmachine 41 is designated in general by the numeral 410. Theroller lubricator system 410 broadly includes a roller applicator head orcassette 412, a quick release base orassembly 414, aheight adjustment assembly 416, and a magnetic mounting kit or assembly 420. Thecassette 412 is locked into thebase assembly 414 by locking a set oflatches 472 into a locked position or state. Should a subsequent material run be required using a different fluid, thelatches 472 can be quickly unlocked or sprung to an unlatched state to remove, clean or replace thecassette 412 with another without having to unbolt, move or otherwise disturb theapplicator system 410 as a whole. Therefore, all vertical and lateral adjustments relative to themachine 41 remain intact when and if it becomes necessary to remove or replace thecassette 412. - Also shown through a
stock window 426, thecassette 412 includes at least oneroller 444 for fluid treatment of stock material such as metal sheets. Here, one or more hoses orconduits 407 may be connected to a fluid source containing, for instance, a lubrication fluid that may be fed into theroller applicator head 412 and applied to the metal. Once the metal is lubricated or otherwise treated with the fluid, the metal exits theroller applicator head 412 throughstock exit window 426 for stamping or the like by themachine 41. - While the present subject matter has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing may readily produce alterations to, variations of, and equivalents to such embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is by way of example rather than by way of limitation, and the subject disclosure does not preclude inclusion of such modifications, variations and/or additions to the present subject matter as would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.
Claims (18)
1. A roller applicator being configured for modular mounting and including quick change features, the roller applicator comprising:
a base affixable to stamping equipment; and
a roller assembly configured for connection with the base in fluid communication with a fluid supply, the roller assembly including a handle for connecting the roller assembly to the base and opposing rings configured for passage of stock material therebetween for treatment with a fluid from the fluid supply;
wherein, upon treatment of the stock material with the fluid, the handle is activated to release the roller assembly from the base.
2. The roller applicator as in claim 1 , wherein the base is affixed proximate a stamping line for treating the stock material.
3. The roller applicator as in claim 1 , wherein the opposing rings form a nip therebetween through which the stock material travels.
4. The roller applicator as in claim 1 , wherein the opposing rings are made from felt and at least one of rings has a plurality of elastomer rings disposed thereon.
5. A fluid applicator system, comprising:
a fluid applicator;
a quick release base for carrying the fluid applicator, the quick release base being configured to hold and release the fluid applicator;
a height adjustment assembly configured for positioning the fluid applicator; and
means for mounting the fluid applicator proximate a processing line.
6. The fluid applicator system as in claim 5 , wherein the fluid applicator is a roller being configured to apply a lubricant to a stock material.
7. The fluid applicator system as in claim 5 , wherein the roller is a plurality of rollers forming a nip therebetween through which a stock material travels.
8. The fluid applicator system as in claim 5 , wherein the quick release base includes a catch having a spring constant, the catch in a first state holding the fluid applicator proximate the processing line, the catch in a second state releasing the fluid applicator.
9. The fluid applicator system as in claim 5 , wherein the height adjustment assembly includes a slot therein and further comprising a mounting assembly connecting the quick release base to stamping equipment in the processing line, the mounting assembly being adjustable along the slot.
10. The fluid applicator system as in claim 5 , wherein the means for mounting the fluid applicator proximate the processing line is a bracket for connection to the processing line.
11. The fluid applicator system as in claim 5 , wherein the means for mounting the fluid applicator proximate the processing line is a magnet for connection to the processing line.
12. A fluid applicator system, comprising:
a fluid applicator;
a quick release base for carrying the fluid applicator, the quick release base being configured to hold and release the fluid applicator;
a height adjustment assembly configured for positioning the fluid applicator; and
means for mounting the fluid applicator proximate a processing line.
13. The fluid applicator system as in claim 12 , wherein the fluid applicator is a roller configured to apply a lubricant to a stock material.
14. The fluid applicator system as in claim 13 , wherein the roller is at least two rollers forming a nip therebetween through which the stock material travels.
15. The fluid applicator system as in claim 13 , wherein the roller has a plurality of elastomer rings disposed along the roller to guide the stock material.
16. The fluid applicator system as in claim 13 , wherein the quick release base includes a catch defining a spring constant, the catch in a first state being configured to hold the fluid applicator proximate the processing line, the catch in a second state being configured to release the fluid applicator from the processing line.
17. The fluid applicator system as in claim 13 , wherein the height adjustment assembly includes a slot defined therein and further includes a mounting assembly connecting the quick release base to the quick release base, the mounting assembly being adjustable along the slot.
18. The fluid applicator system as in claim 13 , wherein the fluid applicator is mounted using one of a bracket or a magnet for connection proximate the processing line.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US14/980,841 US20160207090A1 (en) | 2015-01-21 | 2015-12-28 | Lubricator with quick release modular mounting |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US201562105831P | 2015-01-21 | 2015-01-21 | |
US14/980,841 US20160207090A1 (en) | 2015-01-21 | 2015-12-28 | Lubricator with quick release modular mounting |
Publications (1)
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US20160207090A1 true US20160207090A1 (en) | 2016-07-21 |
Family
ID=56407110
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US14/980,841 Abandoned US20160207090A1 (en) | 2015-01-21 | 2015-12-28 | Lubricator with quick release modular mounting |
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Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US20160208943A1 (en) * | 2015-01-21 | 2016-07-21 | Duane Aiken | Gravity fluid delivery system with non-intrusive controller |
US9816495B2 (en) | 2015-01-21 | 2017-11-14 | Duane Aiken | Pressurized fluid delivery system |
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US2314051A (en) * | 1939-02-28 | 1943-03-16 | Boston Machine Works Co | Coating machine |
US2992928A (en) * | 1956-06-28 | 1961-07-18 | Int Minerals & Chem Corp | Method of spraying and dispensing liquid |
US5167348A (en) * | 1989-12-29 | 1992-12-01 | Okami Alvin S | Tube squeezer |
US5178302A (en) * | 1992-01-02 | 1993-01-12 | Cheng Kweng Ming | Tooth paste squeezing device with a spring biased roller assembly |
US5395447A (en) * | 1993-11-03 | 1995-03-07 | Wu; Ching C. | Adjustable double-roller oil feeder |
US6382128B1 (en) * | 1998-06-22 | 2002-05-07 | Hunter Douglas Inc. | Apparatus for manufacturing an adjustable covering for architectural openings |
US6821345B2 (en) * | 1999-11-12 | 2004-11-23 | Lsp Industries, Inc. | Roller coater apparatus |
US7935390B2 (en) * | 2006-02-02 | 2011-05-03 | Spraying Systems Co. | Electrostatic lubricant dispensing system |
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US2314051A (en) * | 1939-02-28 | 1943-03-16 | Boston Machine Works Co | Coating machine |
US2992928A (en) * | 1956-06-28 | 1961-07-18 | Int Minerals & Chem Corp | Method of spraying and dispensing liquid |
US5167348A (en) * | 1989-12-29 | 1992-12-01 | Okami Alvin S | Tube squeezer |
US5178302A (en) * | 1992-01-02 | 1993-01-12 | Cheng Kweng Ming | Tooth paste squeezing device with a spring biased roller assembly |
US5395447A (en) * | 1993-11-03 | 1995-03-07 | Wu; Ching C. | Adjustable double-roller oil feeder |
US6382128B1 (en) * | 1998-06-22 | 2002-05-07 | Hunter Douglas Inc. | Apparatus for manufacturing an adjustable covering for architectural openings |
US6821345B2 (en) * | 1999-11-12 | 2004-11-23 | Lsp Industries, Inc. | Roller coater apparatus |
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US20160208943A1 (en) * | 2015-01-21 | 2016-07-21 | Duane Aiken | Gravity fluid delivery system with non-intrusive controller |
US9816495B2 (en) | 2015-01-21 | 2017-11-14 | Duane Aiken | Pressurized fluid delivery system |
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