초록 ▼

A precision, very low flow rate, lubricant metering apparatus and method for metering lubricant to a tool and workpiece while various machining operations are performed by the tool on the workpiece. The apparatus has a pneumatic air logic unit which delivers a stream of air pulses to a pneumatically

A precision, very low flow rate, lubricant metering apparatus and method for metering lubricant to a tool and workpiece while various machining operations are performed by the tool on the workpiece. The apparatus has a pneumatic air logic unit which delivers a stream of air pulses to a pneumatically driven positive displacement, precision lubricant injector pump at a selectively variable rate. In response to each air pulse delivered to it, the injector pump delivers a selectively variable amount of lubricant to a lubricant delivery line by which the lubricant can be conveyed to the tool and workpiece. When the apparatus is used with a machine tool powered by an air driven motor, an air flow sensing valve is provided which automatically delivers compressed air to the air logic unit only when the air driven motor is consuming compressed air. Since in many uses of the apparatus both lubricant and compressed air are needed at the tool and workpiece, special housings are provided which enable the delivery of lubricant from the injector pump to a line located within a compressed air delivery line. Air flow control valves may be provided which regulate the delivery of compressed air to the air logic unit and the compressed air delivery line.

대표청구항 ▼

A precision, very low flow rate lubricant metering apparatus for lubricating a tool and workpiece during machining operations, comprising means for substantially continuously, during operation, delivering lubricant to an output, for delivery to a tool and workpiece during machining operations, at a

A precision, very low flow rate lubricant metering apparatus for lubricating a tool and workpiece during machining operations, comprising means for substantially continuously, during operation, delivering lubricant to an output, for delivery to a tool and workpiece during machining operations, at a very low flow rate of less than about 10 cubic centimeters per minute, wherein the lubricant is of the type which permits said machining operations to take place at said very low flow rate without substantially reducing the cutting action between the tool and workpiece, and without substantially reducing the life of the tool; thereby eliminating the need for special cooling techniques such as the use of liquid fluorocarbon coolants and the use of high lubricant flow rates for cooling purposes.