1. Field of the Invention
This invention concerns a device for the continuous supply of liquid mediums having varying viscosities, in particular of lubricants.
2. Description of the Related Art
A grease box is known with a closed expandable body and a space filled with lubricant whereby the sealed expandable body contains a device which can be triggered at any monment and consists of a galvanic element for producing gas which builds up pressure in the expandable body where it expands by a certain amount every day and, in doing so, dispenses lubricant via a lubricant channel from a lubricant reservoir to a place in need of lubrication (DE-PS 1256001). It is possible that in the known grease box--if the expandable body is not gas-proof--part of the compresed gas will escape and find its way into the grease container. It is known that this can be avoided by installing a separation device between the expandable body and the lubrication space, which separation device slides along the cylindrical inside wall of the grease box and seals it (DE-PS 2139771).
A common element in these known embodiments is that the sealed expandable body contains an electrolytic liquid in which a corrosive element is inserted by means of a screw to trigger the development of gas. Apart from the fact that the electrolytic liquid requires a large space and involves the danger of leakage and therefore damage to the environment, once the formation of gas has started in these known embodiments, it cannot be stopped or interrupted. It is not possible to replace the electrolyte and/or lubrication containers without destroying the grease box. Similarly, it is not possible to simply add more lubricant to the container.
The purpose of this invention is to simplify the basic design of the known devices, to enlarge the space for the medium to be dispensed in prportion to the gas-generating unit, to make the operation easier, to simplify the regulation of the amount and time involved in the generation of gas, and to allow for easy retrofitting while, at the same time, avoiding the danger of electrolyte leakage.
The use of a compact cell reduces considerably the space requirements for the gas-generating part and eliminates the danger of electrolyte leakage. The insertable component allows not only for the possibility of replacement when the cell is exhausted for the addition of the medium to be dispensed, e.g., the lubricant, but the component also functions, in conjunction with corresponding elements of its counterpart, as a "switch" for starting and stopping the generation of gas without, as a rule, requiring a special switch.
For this purpose the cell is mounted as a moving part in the component and is inserted into the electric circuit by means of, for example, a projection on the container lid against which the cell comes to rest when the component is screwed into place. Consequently, it does not require the introduction of plugs or similar to close the electric circuit.
The secondary claims describe additional measures for the effective execution and further elaboration of the device according to the invention.
For example, the purpose of the measure according to the present invention is to prevent the unintended shifting of the cell in the component. This may involve a spring, or a (spring-loaded) projection with comparable action.
The measure according to the present invention for example, creates in a simple manner a device which triggers the generation of gas when the component is inserted. This may also be achieved--possibly as an additional measure--by means of a switch for the closing of the electric circuit.
To prevent the compressed gas from escaping during a temporary stoppage or interruption of the gas generation, a check valve is provided which also serves to protect the device during transportion until the moment of installation, i.e., in its condition for delivery. Because the gas yield of the compact cell is limited it is possible, according to the present invention to keep part of the water needed for the gas generation outside the cell in a separate space. Accordingly hereinafter, this space can be filled with a water-absorbent mass. Due to the difference in vapor pressure between the cell and the mass--which has preferably an atmospheric pressure which is low but similar to that of the electrolyte--water from the cell can be supplied as needed from the cell to the mass or, in reverse, from the mass to the cell. In addition, the mass offers the advantage of filling a hollow space, thereby reducing the amount of atmospheric oxygen commonly present in hollow spaces. Consequently the cell--which normally when started up uses first the atmospheric oxygen before generating gas--will switch much sooner to its specific purpose, i.e., the generation of gas. To prevent electric transition resistance, additional material may be added to the mass.
The same purpose of increasing the gas yield is also served by the measure described hereinafter, according to which the device is equipped with two or more cells which are insulated from each other upon delivery but are comnnected electrically with one another when the component is inserted into the container lid. For this purpose a switch may be mounted between the cells and/or the switch itself may be designed, according to the present invention, as a flexible spring element separating and insulating the cells electrically before insertion, while allowing them to be electrically connected after insertion. Obviously, the cells may also be switched on or connected to the electric circuit in sequence, i.e., the second cell is activated only when the first one is used up.
Additional especially designed embodiments of the device according to the invention, or individual components are described hereinafter. Of course, the devices, measures and method of connection described therein can be substituted by equivalent devices, measures or methods of connection.
Besides the aforementioned characteristics/advantages of the solution according to the invention, the following is worth mentioning:
The invention is not limited to its use as a grease box, it is also capable of dispensing viscous mediums of another nature. PA1 According to the requirements, cells of various types and capacity may be used. There is also the possibility, as mentioned, of using several cells in one component, which cells may operate simultaneously or in sequence. PA1 As long as the component has not been screwed into place, no gas will be formed. To avoid unexpected triggering during storage or transportation, the bore holding the cell can be closed off with a small cover or similar. PA1 Before delivery, the bore in the container lid may be closed off with a fastening closure which is removed when the unit is put into operation. PA1 To increase and/or accelerate the generation of gas, an additional external power source may be provided.