Automatic electromechanical lubricator

By John Lewis, Technical Editor -- Design News, August 19, 2002


Once the unit is set and switched on, a green LED flashes indicating it is operational. As lubricant is discharged, a red LED lights up. A flashing red light indicates there is a problem delivering lubricant, and flashign red and green lights indicate the unit is out of grease.

Bearing failures and lubrication issues seem to go together. Getting the right amount of lubricant, in the right place, at the right time requires diligence with manual lubrication, which can be risky when trying to reach relatively inaccessible bearings while equipment is operating. Centralized lubrication systems are typically cost-effective only where numerous lubrication points are grouped relatively close together and use the same lubricant.

This single-point, automatic lubricator consists of a reusable, battery- powered motor unit with circuit board, on/off switch, dc motor, and gear set.

A replaceable lubrication canister, available in 60, 120, or 250 cc volumes, includes a threaded spindle and piston. DIPswitches allow users to select choice of volume, and 1, 3, 6, or 12-month dispensing intervals.

During operation, the motor rotates the spindle through a gear set and spindle adapter. As the spindle rotates, the piston moves, building to 75-psi pressure to dispense lubricant. When the lubricant is gone, the user turns the power off, and installs a replacement canister that screws into the housing cap. New batteries, shipped with each replacement canister, are installed and the unit is turned back on. Applications include bearings, chains, open-type gears, gearboxes, cables, or wire ropes.Frank Mowka, FAG Bearings Corp., 200 Park Ave., Danbury, CT 06813-1933; Tel: (203) 830-8128; Fax: (203) 830-8162; E-mail: MOWKA_F@US.FAG.COM.

For more information visit www.fag.de or enter 510.

Submit your ideas and rough drawings for this section to John Lewis, Designer's Corner, Design News, 275 Washington St., Newton, MA 02458

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