Lubrication distribution system for machine with kinematic linkages
AssigneeCaterpillar Inc.
InventorsDragos Marinescu, Brian C. Howson, Matthew J. Fritzke, Matthew T. Hansen
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A machine including a first kinematic joint, wherein the first kinematic joint is lubricated based on a first schedule and a second kinematic joint, wherein the second kinematic joint is lubricated based on a second schedule. The first schedule is different than the second schedule. A lubricant pump is configured to pump a lubricant and a distribution valve is in communication with the lubricant pump. The distribution valve has a first fluid outlet configured to supply the lubricant from the lubricant pump to the first kinematic joint and a second fluid outlet configured to supply the lubricant from the lubricant pump to the second kinematic joint.
Claims22
A machine comprising:
- a first kinematic joint, wherein the first kinematic joint is lubricated based on a first schedule;
- a second kinematic joint, wherein the second kinematic joint is lubricated based on a second schedule, wherein the first schedule is different than the second schedule;
- a lubricant pump configured to pump a lubricant;
- and
- a distribution valve in communication with the lubricant pump, the distribution valve having a first fluid outlet configured to supply the lubricant from the lubricant pump to the first kinematic joint and a second fluid outlet configured to supply the lubricant from the lubricant pump to the second kinematic joint,
- wherein the first fluid outlet and the second fluid outlet are connected to one or more control valves for separately controlling the flow of lubricant to the first kinematic joint and the second kinematic joint, and
- wherein at least one of the first fluid outlet or the second fluid outlet is connected to at least two of the control valves.
A system for supplying lubricant to a machine including a plurality of kinematic joints, the system comprising:
- a lubricant pump configured to pump a lubricant;
- and
- a distribution valve in communication with the lubricant pump, the distribution valve having a first fluid outlet and a second fluid outlet,
- wherein lubricant from the first fluid outlet of the distribution valve is configured to lubricate a first kinematic joint of the machine based on a first schedule;
- wherein lubricant from the second fluid outlet of the distribution valve is configured to lubricate a second kinematic joint of the machine based on a second schedule,
- wherein the first schedule is different than the second schedule,
- wherein at least one of the first fluid outlet and the second fluid outlet are connected to one or more control valves for separately controlling the flow of lubricant to the kinematic joints, and
- wherein at least one of the first fluid outlet or the second fluid outlet is connected to at least two of the control valves.
A machine comprising:
- a first kinematic joint, wherein the first kinematic joint enables a first function of the machine;
- a second kinematic joint, wherein the second kinematic joint enables a second function of the machine, wherein the first function is different than the second function;
- a lubricant pump configured to pump a lubricant;
- and
- a distribution valve in communication with the lubricant pump, the distribution valve having a first fluid outlet configured to supply the lubricant from the lubricant pump to the first kinematic joint and a second fluid outlet configured to supply the lubricant from the lubricant pump to the second kinematic joint,
- wherein the distribution valve is configured to supply the first kinematic joint separately from the second kinematic joint,
- wherein the first fluid outlet and the second fluid outlet are connected to one or more control valves for separately controlling the flow of lubricant to the first kinematic joint and the second kinematic joint, and
- wherein at least one of the first fluid outlet or the second fluid outlet is connected to at least two of the control valves.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.