GB2528198A

GB2528198A - Improvements in or relating to chain lubricating apparatus and method

Info

Publication number: GB2528198A
Application number: GB1517563.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Chippendale
Original assignee: BKC Products Ltd
Current assignee: BKC Products Ltd
Priority date: 2015-10-05
Filing date: 2015-10-05
Publication date: 2016-01-13
Anticipated expiration: 2035-10-05
Also published as: GB2528198B; GB201517563D0; WO2017060671A1

Abstract

A chain lubricating apparatus 200 comprising a sprocket 201 arranged to rotate about a hub 240 which is arranged to receive a lubricant, LUB, and a gas, GAS, input. The mixture of the gas and the lubricant is formed in the hub 240 and the mixture is output from a hub outlet 243, at mixing site 900. The sprocket comprises a plurality of teeth arranged to engage with the chain, and a sprocket channel having a sprocket inlet 113 at one end and a sprocket outlet 111 at an opposite end thereof. The chain lubricating apparatus is arranged so that, in use, the mixture is delivered through the sprocket outlet 111 to a specific part of the chain when the sprocket 201 is in a particular angular configuration with respect to the hub 240 whereby the sprocket inlet 113 at least partially aligns with the hub outlet 243. The travel path of the lubricant and gas mixture contains as few bends as possible to ensure the best delivery of the lubricant mixture.

Description

Improvements in or relating to chain lubricating apparatus and method

FIELD

[01] The present invention relates to a chain lubricating apparatus and method.

BACKGROUND

[02] Chains are used throughout industry and in many mechanical devices. An inherent problem with chains arises due to the fact that chains contain moving parts and there is friction between chain sections. To reduce the damage caused by friction and to prolong the life of the chain, lubricant can be added to the chain.

[03] Established chain lubricating techniques involve running the chain through a lubricant bath or brushing lubricant onto the chain. This leads to further problems; the application can be messy, there can be contamination of the lubricant source, expensive lubricant may be used to excess and wasted, and these techniques do not target particular sections of the chain that need lubrication so the lubrication process is inefficient.

[04] An alternative chain lubricating technique involves running a sprocket on a chain arranged to have outlet holes for applying the lubricant to particular sections of the chain from a mechanism internal to the sprocket. Such a technique relies on an air at a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure being mixed with the lubricant to generate a mixture thereof, for example atomized lubricant particulates suspended in the air, and then transporting the mixture through a supply pipe to the sprocket, then releasing or squirting the mixture from the outlet holes of the sprocket to lubricate the chain. The atomized state of the lubricant in the mixture enables better, and more uniform, application of the lubricant on a chain connector -chain link interface. However, lubricant particulates of the mixture can tend to group together before they are released or squirted from the outlet hole, which may lead to wasteful and messy application of the lubricant due to lubricant residues being left, in the supply pipe as well as, around the outlet hole and sporadic application of the lubricant on the chain.

[05] Embodiments of the present invention aim to address problems associated with chain lubrication, whether mentioned herein or not.

SUMMARY

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a chain lubricating apparatus comprising a sprocket arranged to rotate about a hub, wherein: the hub is arranged to receive a lubricant and a gas input, whereby a mixture of the gas and the lubricant is formed in the hub and the mixture is output from a hub outlet; the sprocket comprises a plurality of teeth arranged to engage with the chain, and a sprocket channel having a sprocket inlet at one end and a sprocket outlet at an opposite end thereof; and the chain lubricating apparatus is arranged so that, in use, the mixture is delivered through the sprocket outlet to a specific part of the chain when the sprocket is in a particular angular configuration with respect to tho hub whoroby tho sprockot inlot at loast partially aligns with the hub outlct.

[06] Suitably, the hub comprises a connecting portion configured to connect the hub to a lubricant sourco and a gas sourco. Suitably, the connccting portion comprises a first inlet for receiving a conduit connected to at least one of the lubricant source and the gas source.

Suitably, the conduit comprises a lubricant channel connected to the lubricant source and a gas channel connoctod to tho gas sourco. Suitably, ono of tho lubricant channol or tho gas channol is positionod insido the othor. Suitably, tho lubricant channel and tho gas channol arc floxiblo tubos or hoses.

[07] Suitably, the conduit is connected to the lubricant source; and the connecting portion furthor comprisos a socond inlot for receiving a gas channol connoctod to tho gas sourco.

[08] Suitably, a distance from a site of the introduction of the gas to the lubricant to the centre of tho hub outlot is loss than 50cm.

[09] Suitably, a delivery distance from a site of the introduction of the gas to the lubricant to the sprocket outlet is less than the largest diameter of the sprocket.

[10] Suitably, a dolivory volumo, a volume of a channol from the sito of tho introduction of tho gas to the lubricant to tho sprocket outlet when tho sprocket inlet is aligned with tho hub outlot is less than 50 cm times total aperture area of the sprocket outlet.

[11] Suitably, the lubricant input is received at a predefined lubricant pressure and the gas input is received at a predefined gas pressure.

[12] In a second aspoct, tho prosont invontion provides a chain lubricating mothod comprising the steps of: receiving a lubricant and a gas input at a hub, whereby a mixture of the gas and the lubricant is formed in the hub and output from a hub outlet; rotating, about the hub, a sprocket comprising a sprocket channel having a sprocket inlet at one end and a sprocket outlet at an opposite end thereof; engaging a plurality of teeth of the sprocket with the chain; and dolivoring tho mixturo through tho sprockot outlot to a spocific part of tho chain whon the sprocket is in a particular angular configuration with respect to the hub, whereby the sprocket inlet at least partially aligns with the hub outlet.

[13] Suitably, the method further comprises the step of connecting a lubricant source and a gas source to a connecting portion of the hub. Suitably, the connecting the lubricant source and the pressurised gas source comprises the steps of: connecting a lubricant channel to the lubricant source; connecting a gas channel to the gas source; placing a substantial portion of ono of tho lubricant channol and tho gas channol insido thc othor to form a conduit; and connecting the conduit to a first inlet of the connecting portion.

[14] Suitably, the lubricant channol and tho gas channcl arc floxiblo tubos or hosos; and the placing comprisos attaching a structural support to the lubricant channol and the gas channol.

[15] Suitably, tho connocting tho lubricant sourco and the prossurisod gas sourco comprises tho stops of: connocting a lubricant channel to tho lubricant source; connocting a gas channel to tho gas source; connecting tho lubricant channel to a first inlet of tho connoction portion; and connocting tho gas channel to a second inlet of tho connocting portion.

[16] Suitably, tho rocoiving tho lubricant and tho gas input comprises rocoiving tho lubricant input at a predofined lubricant prossure and tho gas input at a predefined gas prossure.

[17] According to tho prosont invontion thoro is providod an apparatus and method as sot forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent

claims, and the description which follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[18] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: [19] Figures 1A and lB show a chain lubricating apparatus according to a conventional technology; [20] Figures 2A-2C show a sprocket and a hub of a chain lubricating apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention; [21] Figure 3A shows a perspective view of a chain lubricating apparatus comprising a sprocket and a hub according to an embodiment of the invention; [22] Figure SB shows a front view of the chain lubricating apparatus of Figure 3A; [23] Figure 3C shows a cross-sectional view of section A-A of the chain lubricating apparatus of Figure SB; [24] Figure 4 shows a chain lubricating apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention; [25] Figure 5 shows a chain lubricating apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention; [26] Figure 6 shows a chain lubricating apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention; [27] Figure 7 shows a chain lubricating apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention; [28] Figure 8 shows a chain lubricating apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention; [29] Figure 9 shows a chain lubricating apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention; [30] Figures iDA and lOB show a chain lubricating apparatus and a conduit according to an embodiment of the invention; [31] Figure hA shows a flow chart of a chain lubricating method according to an embodiment of the invention; and [32] Figure II B shows a partial flow chart of a further step for the chain lubricating method of Figure II A according to an embodimont of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[33] Referring to Figures 1A and 1B, there arc shown a chain lubricating apparatus 100 according to a conventional technology.

[34] The chain lubricating apparatus 100 comprises a sprocket 110 and a hub 140, where-about the sprocket 110 rotates. The sprocket i 10 also comprises teeth which engage a chain 16. As the sprocket 110 engages the chain 16, the hub 140 acts as a shaft about which the sprocket 110 rotates.

[35] A pump provides a lubricant LUB at a predefined pressure. Also, a gas GAS is provided at a predefined pressure. The pressurised LUB, which tends to be in liquid form, and GAS are then mixed at a mixing site 900 to form a mixture, for example atomized LUB particulates suspended in GAS. The mixing site 900 is located inside a tee connector or a tee pipe 990, which is connected a lubricant hose 920 and a gas hose 930.

[36] The gas hose 930 also comprises a switch SW, which can be a solenoid based valve, for controlling supply of the GAS into the mixing site 900 of the tee connector 990. The supply of the LUB into the mixing site 900 or the tee connector 990 is controlled by the pump. A user controls the supply timing of GAS and/or LUB using a programmable controller which sets an "on" period and "off" period of the GAS and/or LUB supply, i.e. by closing and opening SW and/or turning on and off the pump.

[37] An outlet of the tee connector 990 is then connected to an inlet of the hub 140 via a supply hose 910. The inlet of the hub 140 provides an opening to an unobstructed path from the inlet to a sprocket outlet Ill of the sprocket 110 when the sprocket 110 is in a particular angular configuration with respect to a central axis of the hub 140, for example as shown in Figures 2A and 2B, whereby the pressurised mixture is delivered through the sprocket outlet 111 onto the chain 16.

[38] However, before the delivery of the pressurised mixture to the chain 16, the mixture travels a distance D from the mixing site 900 to the hub 140, i.e. the full length of the supply hose 910. Also, the supply hose 910 tends to have a plurality of bends so the travel path of the pressurised mixture is not as unobstructed as possible. During this travel through the supply hose 910, lubricant particulates of the mixture tend to group together, as well as potentially losing some of the pressure. This leads to colecting of lubricant residue, from the remaining

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mixture, in the supply hose 910 and/or around the sprocket outlet 111, and lubricant wastage as well as potential damage to the surrounding environment. This problem is further exacerbated when the supply hose 910 has bends. Also, the randomness of having these bends in the supply hose 910 means the control and/or management of this grouping of the lubricant particulates is very difficult since the extent of the grouping tends to be unpredictable and inconsistent.

[39] The grouping of the lubricant particulates of the mixture before they are released and/or squirted from the sprocket outlet 111 leads to wasteful and messy application of the lubricant, as well as sporadic application of the lubricant on the chain 16, due to cumulative collection of the lubricant residues in the supply hose 910 and/or around the sprocket outlet hole.

[40] Further, during an off" period, i.e. while no further pressurised GAS is supplied from the gas hose 930 to the mixing site 900, more lubricant may still be introduced into the supply hose 910 and/or the mixture from the previous on" period may still remain in the supply hose 910 so that when the subsequent on" period is entered, i.e. when further pressurised GAS is supplied from the gas hose 930 to the mixing site 900, ess uniformly mixed lubricant inside the supply hose 910 is merely transported, as opposed to being atomized by GAS then delivered, to the sprocket outlet 111, so that the less uniformly mixed lubricant is dispersed sporadically and/or excessively from the sprocket outlet 111 onto the chain 16.

[41] To remove the remaining lubricant, the user might then use SW, whilst keeping the pump off, to blow GAS into the supply hose 910 so that the lubricant residue inside the supply hose 910 can be cleared. However, this way of clearing the lubricant residue is cumbersome and does not work very well even when a greater than usual pressure is used to blow GAS into the supply hose 910.

[42] According to an embodiment of the invention, this problem of the mixture being delivered sporadically, excessively, undesirably, and/or uncontrollably is solved by reducing the distance D. In order to explain the invention in more detail, how a sprocket 110 and a hub 140 acting as a shaft operates to deliver the mixture to the chain 16 is shown in Figures 2A-2C in relation to an embodiment of the invention.

[43] Referring to Figures 2A-2C, there are shown a sprocket 201 and a hub 240 of a chain lubricating apparatus 200 according to an embodiment of the invention as the chain lubrication apparatus 200 passes from a first delivery of the mixture in Figure 2A, to a non-delivery in Figure 2B, then onto a second delivery in Figure 2C as the sprocket 201 rotates about the hub 240. The sprocket 201 shown in Figures 1A and lB also works in the same way as the sprocket 201 of the embodiment shown in Figures 2A-2C.

[44] The sprocket 201 comprises a sprocket channel 112 having a sprocket inlet 113 at one end and a sprocket outlet 111 at an opposite end thereof. As the chain 16 engages the teeth, such as a tooth 201 A, of the sprocket 201, the sprocket 201 rotates about an axis defined by the shaft.

[45] According to this embodiment of the invention, this shaft is a shaft portion of the hub 240 and the sprocket 201 rotates about the hub 240, i.e. about the shaft portion of the hub 240. The hub 240 also comprises a hub outlet 243.

[46] As the sprocket 201 rotates about the hub 240, the sprocket inlet 113 and the hub outlet 243 are at least partially aligned when the sprocket 201 is in a particular angular configuration with respect to the axis along which the hub 240 lies, i.e. with respect to the hub 240, as shown in Figures 2A and 2G. When the sprocket inlet 113 and the hub outlet 243 are at least partially aligned, the mixture of LUB and GAS is delivered to the chain 16 through the sprocket outlet 111 via the hub outlet 243, the sprocket inlet 113, and then the sprocket channel i 12.

[47] When the sprocket inlet 113 and the hub outlet 243 are not aligned, as shown in Figure 2B, a surface of the sprocket 201 blocks the hub outlet 243 so the mixture of LUB and GAS cannot be delivered to the chain through the sprocket outlet 111 via the sprocket inlet 113 and the sprocket channel 112.

[48] As shown in Figure IB, a seal 119 is provided so that LUB, GAS and/or the mixture of LUB and GAS cannot escape through an engagement surface, i.e. interface, between the hub 240, and the sprocket 201. This reduces and/or prevents the wastage and/or unintentional pressure variations of the LUB, GAS and/or the mixture of LUB and GAS inside the hub 240.

[49] Referring to Figure 3A, there is shown a perspective view of a chain lubricating apparatus comprising a sprocket 201 and a hub 240 according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3B shows a front view of the chain lubricating apparatus 200 of Figure 3A, and Figure 3C shows a cross-sectional view of a section A-A of the chain lubricating apparatus 200 of Figure 3B. The sprocket 201 rotates about the hub 240.

[50] As discussed herein in relation to Figures 1A and 1B, the distance D the mixture of LUB and GAS has to travel, and an irregular shape of the supply hose 910 can result in lubricant wastage or residue build-up and/or uncontrolled delivery of the mixture through the sprocket outlet 111. So reducing the distance D, which effectively reduces the volume of the mixture delivery path so that less amount, in volume or mass, of the mixture can be present in the mixture delivery path during the off" period, i.e. less mixture to have its lubricant particulates grouping together, whilst also making sure the shape of the supply hose 910, i.e. the travel path of the mixture of LUB and GAS after mixing thereof with another, contains as few bends and/or less curved bends as possible. This enables more efficient and controlled delivery of the mixture. The closest location for the mixing site 900 from the sprocket outlet Ill would be somewhere inside the sprocket 201 itself. However, since the sprocket 201 rotates about the hub 240, it is difficult, and also ineffective, to attach a conduit for supplying LUB and/or GAS directly to a moving or rotating part such as the sprocket 201.

[51] Thoroforo, it is advantagcous to attach tho conduit for supplying LUB and/or GAS to tho hub 240 or at least to a non-rotating portion of the hub 240. Thoroforo, tho hub 240 comprisos a connecting portion 245 which connects the hub 240 to a lubricant source and a gas source via ono or moro conduits.

[52] According to an embodiment, the connecting portion 245 comprises a lubricant inlet for receiving a lubricant channel 980 connected to a lubricant source and a gas inlet for receiving a gas channcl 985 connoctod to a gas sourco. Tho lubricant sourco and tho gas sourco provido LUB and GAS through tho lubricant channol 9B0 and tho gas channcl 985 rospoctivoly.

Doponding on tho implomontation, tho lubricant sourco and tho gas sourco provido LUB and GAS at respective predefined pressures so that a mixture with appropriate properties can be formod at thc mixing sito 900 as woll as tho prossurisod mixturo of LUB and GAS can be dolivorod proporly through tho sprocket outlot 111 to tho spocifically aimod part of tho chain 16 whon tho sprocket 201 is in a particular angular configuration with rospcct to tho hub 240 so that the sprocket inlet 113 aligns with the hub outlet 243. The seal 119 reduces and/or prevents any loss of pressure and/or escaping of the pressurised LUB, GAS and/or mixture.

[53] Tqically, GAS is providod at around 5.5 to 10.5 Ncm2 and LUB is provided at tho samo prossuro. According to an altornativo ombodimont, GAS is providod at around 5.5 to 10.5 Ncm 2 and LUB is providod at around 7.0 to 12 Ncm2. Howovor, it is undorstood that tho rospoctivo prodofincd prossuros of GAS and LUB, whon providod from tho lubricant sourco and tho gas source rcspoctivoly, will dopond on a numbor of implomontation details such as tho typo of GAS and/or LUB used, the type and/or property of the mixture required, and/or the construction of the components of the connecting portion 245 and/or the chain lubricating apparatus 200, i.e. how much pressure the component can withstand without failing.

[54] Profcrably, the lubricant inlot is arranged so that tho lubricant channol 980 lics in a substantially vortical plane so that the delivery of the lubricant, which has a greater dcnsity than gas in general, from the lubricant source is aided by gravity.

[55] It is undorstood that according to another embodiment, the hub 240 itsolf compriscs at least one of a gas source and/or a lubricant source, and if the hub 240 comprises both the gas and the lubricant source, then the hub 240 does not comprise the connecting portion 245.

[56] According to an embodiment, a distance from the mixing site 900, i.e. a site of the introduction of the gas to the lubricant, to the centre of the hub outlet 243 is less than 50 cm.

This ensures the amount, for example defined by volume or mass, of the mixture, of which its lubricant particulates might group togothor to load to tho disadvantagos discussod abovo, present in the mixture delivery path during both on" or off' period is restricted so that the lubricant delivery and the subsequent application of the lubricant in the form of the mixture can be managed and/or controlled.

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[57] According to another embodiment, a delivery volume, i.e. a volume inside a channel or a conduit from the mixing site 900 to the sprockot outlet 111 when the sprocket inlet 113 is aligned with the hub outlet 243, is less than 50 cm times an aperture area of the sprocket outlet ill. Again, this ensures the amount of mixture, of which its lubricant particulates might group together to lead to the disadvantages discussed above, present in the mixture delivery path during both on" or off" period is restricted so that the lubricant delivery and the subsequent application of the lubricant in the form of the mixture can be managed and/or controlled.

[58] According to another embodiment, a delivery distance from the mixing site 900, i.e. a site of the introduction of the gas to the lubricant, to the centre of the sprocket outlet 111 is less than the largest overall diameter of the sprocket 201. This ensures the amount of mixture, of which its lubricant particulates might group together to lead to the disadvantages discussed above, present in the mixture delivery path during both "on" or "off" period is restricted in a manner that is proportional to the size of the sprocket 201, and hence the size of the chain 16 involved, so that the lubricant delivery and the subsequent application of the lubricant in the form of the mixture can be managed and/or controlled in a scalable manner.

[59] It is understood that according to yet another embodiment, the delivery distance from the mixing site 900, i.e. a site of the introduction of the gas to the gas to the lubricant, to the centre of the sprocket outlet 111, and/or a dimension of a cross-section of the delivery path is defined by a parameter. The parameter varies in proportion with any one or more of the "on" and/or "off" periods, a dimension of the sprocket 201, a dimension of the sprocket outlet 111, a dimension of the chainl 6, a dimension of the teeth of the sprocket 201 that engages with the chain 16, a dimension of the chain 16, a dimension of the lubricant channel 980, a dimension of the gas channel 985, and a pressure value of LUB and/or GAS so that the amount of the mixture, of which its lubricant particulates might group together, can be restricted in a manner that is proportional wth the parameter.

[60] It is understood that depending on the type of LUB and/or GAS used, the pressures at which LUB and GAS are delivered from the lubricant and gas source respectively, and the pressures at which LUB and GAS are present and/or delivered in the lubricant channel 980 and the gas channel 985 respectively, can be varied to obtain the mixture with desired properties, for example a predetermined average size of the lubricant particulates in the mixture.

[61] It is also understood that the connecting portion 245 of the hub 240 can be shaped and/or configured in a number of different ways to achieve better mixing of LUB and GAS at the mixing site 900, and provide better control and/or management of the lubricant, i.e. the mixture, delivery from the sprocket outlet 111. Some examples of such connecting portions 245 are shown in the embodiments of Figures 4-9 described below.

[62] Referring to Figure 4, there is shown a chain lubricating apparatus 410 according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the connecting portion 245 comprises a lubricant inlet for receiving a lubricant channel 980 connectod to a lubricant source and a gas inlet for rocoiving a gas channel 985 connected to a gas source. When compared with the embodiment of a chain lubricating apparatus 200 described in relation to Figures 3A-3C, in this embodiment the lubricant inlet and the gas inlet are swapped so that the lubricant channel 980 can lie in a substantially horizontal plane whilst the gas channel 985 can lie in a substantially vertical plane so that GAS delivery is aided by gravity. Depending on the type of LUB and GAS, and/or the pressure at which LUB and GAS are present in the lubricant channel 980 and the gas channel 985 respectively, use of gravity for the delivery of GAS as shown in this embodiment of Figure 4 can be more advantageous for mixing the lubricant and the gas at the mixing site 900 and delivering of the mixture through the sprocket outlet 111 than the embodiment shown in Figures 3A-3C.

[63] Referring to Figure 5, there is shown a chain lubricating apparatus 420 according to another embodiment of the invention, wherein the connecting portion 245 comprises a gas inlet for receiving a gas channel 985 connected to a gas source, which is positioned on, in use, a lower surface of the connecting portion 245, not on a upper surface of the connecting portion 245 as shown in the chain lubricating apparatus 410 of Figure 4. This embodiment provides for easy connecting of the gas channel 985 to the connecting portion 245 from a conveniently positioned gas source on the floor.

[64] Referring to Figures 6 & 7, there are shown a chain lubricating apparatus 430 according to an embodiment of the invention in Figure 6, and a chain lubricating apparatus 440 according to another embodiment of the invention in Figure 7, wherein the positions of a lubricant inlet and a gas inlet are varied as shown in the Figures to enable easy connecting of the gas channel 985 and/or the lubricant channel 980, as well as for accommodating different positions of the lubricant and/or gas source. By providing a smooth lubricant path 981 from the lubricant channel 980 to the mixing site 900, and a smooth gas path 986 from the gas channel 985 to the mixing site 900, these embodiments enables better and more efficient flow of LUB and GAS, which also helps to maintain the pressures thereof as well as enabling more efficient mixing and/or suspension of the lubricant particulates in GAS.

[65] In addition, the lubricant path 981 and the gas path 986 of the chain lubricating apparatus 440 allows LUB and GAS to meet and mix at the mixing site 900 with reduced momentum loss since their directions of travel are substantially aligned by the time LUB and GAS reach the mixing site 900.

[66] Referring to Figure 8, there is shown a chain lubricating apparatus 450 according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the connecting portion 245 comprises a shaped chamber for housing the mixing site 900 so that the shape of the chamber encourages more efficient mixing of LUB and GAS, and/or suspending of the lubricant particulates in GAS. Although not shown, the chamber can also comprise other structural features such as meshes or protrusions inside the chamber to encourage more desirable interaction between LUB and GAS for producing the desired mixture, i.e. atomized lubricant particulates suspended in the gas, at the mixing site 900.

[67] Referring to Figure 9, there is shown a chain lubricating apparatus 460 according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the connecting portion 245 comprises a tapering gas path 986 toward the mixing site 900 so that as GAS travels therein, it increases its speed of travel.

This increase in GAS speed can lead to decreased pressure of GAS but depending on LUB used and the associated pressure or speed thereof, increased speed of GAS can be more beneficial for producing the desired mixture, i.e. atomized lubricant particulates suspended in the gas, at the mixing site 900 and the tapering profile of the gas path 986 encourages this.

[68] The chain lubricating apparatus 200, 410, 420, 430, 440, 450, 460 shown in Figures 3A-9 comprises a hub 240 of unitary construction which also comprises a connecting portion 245 and a shaft portion as parts thereof. However, it is understood that the connecting portion 245 of any of the chain lubricating apparatuses 200, 410, 420, 430, 440, 450, 460 shown in Figures 2A-9 can be detachably mounted onto a remainng portion of the hub 240, for example the shaft portion, so that different types of the lubricant channel 980 and the gas channel 985 can be connected to the remaining portion, as well as enabling an adjustable mixing site 900 size, position and/or shape to accommodate the use of different types of LUB and/or GAS, and pressures thereof.

[69] Figures bA and lOB show a chain lubricating apparatus 470 and a conduit 800 according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the connecting portion 245 comprises a single inlet for receiving a single coaxial conduit 800 which comprises both the lubricant channel 980 and the gas channel 985 as shown in Figures bA & lOB. According to this embodiment, one of the lubricant channel 980 or the gas channel 985 is positioned inside the other. The conduit 800 shown in Figures bA & lOB has the lubricant channel 980 positioned inside the gas channel 985, which allows LUB from the lubricant channel 980 to be mixed with surrounding GAS exerted from the gas channel 985 at the mixing site 900.

[70] It is understood that according to another embodiment, the gas channel 985 may be positioned inside the lubricant channel 980 of the conduit 800 so that GAS exerted from the gas channel 985 interacts with, or blows onto, surrounding LUB from the lubricant channel 980 at the mixing site 900.

[71] According to an embodiment, the conduit 800 comprises a fastener for fastening, i.e. attaching, the conduit 800 onto the single inlet of the connecting portion 245. The fastener can operate using a number of different fastening or coupling methods or means, for example by a mechanical coupling, a mechanical clipping via an additional clipping member and/or a chemical bonding. Depending on the type of the fastener, a seal such as an 0-ring, can be provided at the interface between the conduit 800 and the connecting portion 245.

[72] According to an embodiment, the conduit 800 also comprises a conduit connector 850 arranged to couple an end of the lubricant channel 980 with an end of the gas channel 985 to provide a structural support for shaping a lubricant opening 981 for allowing LUB to pass through it and a gas opening 986 for allowing GAS to pass through it. The conduit connector 850 is coupled onto the ends of the lubricant channel 980 and the gas channel 985 using a number of different coupling methods or means, for example by a mechanical coupling, a mechanical clipping via an additional clipping member and/or a chemical bonding.

[73] According to an embodiment, the conduit connector 850 comprises the fastener for fastening, i.e. attaching, the conduit 800 onto the single inlet of the connecting portion 245. The fastener can operate using a number of different fastening or coupling methods or means, for example by a mechanical coupling, a mechanical clipping via an additional clipping member and/or a chemical bonding. Depending on the type of the fastener, a seal such as an 0-ring, can be provided at the interface between the conduit connector 850 and the connecting portion 245.

[74] According to an embodiment, the conduit, the lubricant channel 980 and the gas channel 985 are flexible tubes or hoses for carrying LUB and/or GAS. However, it is understood that any type of a conduit and/or a channel for carrying LUB and GAS might be used instead. The embodiments show in Figures bA and lOB show a coaxial arrangement of the lubricant channel 980 and the gas channel 985 since it provides for a good interaction when LUB and GAS mix. However, it is understood that as long as a lubricant opening 981 and a gas opening 986 for allowing the passages for LUB and GAS are present, any other arrangements may be used.

[75] According to an embodiment, the conduit 800 comprises more than one lubricant channels 980 and a gas channel 985, more than one gas channels 985 and a lubricant channel 980, or more than one lubricant channels 980 and more than one gas channels 985 with appropriate lubricant opening 981 and gas opening 986 arrangements to encourage interaction between LUB and GAS, for example a mesh like arrangement.

[76] According to an embodiment, the larger outer one of the lubricant channel 980 and the gas channel 985 has a bore diameter of 7 or 5 mm whereas the smaller inside one has a bore diameter of 4 or 2 mm.

[77] It is understood that the conduit 800 described herein can also be used with the conventional chain lubricating apparatus 100 shown in Figures 1 A and 1 B to covert the conventional chain lubricating apparatus IOU into an embodiment of the present invention. That is the conduit 800 enables the chain lubricating apparatus 100 to have a mixing site 900 inside the hub 140 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[78] Referring to Figure hA, there is shown a chain lubricating method according to an embodiment of the invention, which comprises steps of: receiving a lubricant and a gas input at a hub, whereby a mixture of the gas and the lubricant is formed in the hub and output from a hub outlet 2100; rotating, about the hub, a sprocket comprising a sprocket channel having a sprocket inlet at one end and a sprocket outlet at an opposite end thereof 2200; engaging a plurality of teeth of the sprocket with the chain 2300; and delivering the mixture through the sprocket outlet to a specific part of the chain when the sprocket is in a particular angular configuration with respect to the hub, whereby the sprocket inlet at least partially aligns with the hub outlet 2400.

[79] Referring to Figure 11 B, there is shown a further step for the chain lubricating method of Figure hA according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the method further comprises a step of connecting a lubricant source and a gas source to a connecting portion of the hub 2500.

[80] According to an embodiment, the step of connecting the lubricant source and the pressurised gas source 2500 comprises the steps of: connecting a lubricant channel to the lubricant source; connecting a gas channel to the gas source; placing a substantial portion of one of the lubricant channel and the gas channel inside the other to form a conduit; and connecting the conduit to a first inlet of the connecting portion.

[81] According to an embodiment, when the lubricant channel and the gas channel are flexible tubes or hoses, the method step of placing comprises attaching a structural support to the lubricant channel and the gas channel.

[82] According to an embodiment, the step of connecting the lubricant source and the pressurised gas source 2500 comprises the steps of: connecting a lubricant channel to the lubricant source; connecting a gas channel to the gas source; connecting the lubricant channel to a first inlet of the connection portion; and connecting the gas channel to a second inlet of the connecting portion.

[83] According to an embodiment, the step of receiving the lubricant and the gas input 2100 comprises receiving the lubricant input at a predefined lubricant pressure and the gas input at a predefined gas pressure.

[84] It is understood that the mixture of the lubricant and the gas can comprise any type of atomized lubrcant particulates. For example the mixture may be a spray, an aerosol, a vapourised particulates, or a colloidal system of the lubricant particulates dispersed and/or suspended in a medium, i.e. the gas.

[85] It is also understood that according to an embodiment, any one or more of the lubricant hose 920, the gas hose 930, the supply hose 910, the conduit, the lubricant channel 980, and/or the gas channel 985, is not a flexible tube or hose but a rigid tube, for example a tube made from a copper component.

[86] It is understood that according to an embodiment, a number of different configurations of the connocting portion 245 can be used to supply LUB and GAS to tho mixing site 900. For example, the connecting portion 245 can comprise more than one inlet positioned on opposite facing surfaces of the connecting portion to receive the lubricant channel 980 and/or the gas channel 985. Further, each of the inlet can also receive the coaxial conduit 800 so that each of the inlet receives both GAS and LUB.

[87] It will be appreciated that modifications may be made to the example embodiment described herein without detracting from the present invention. The sprocket and hub may rotate freely or the hub may be a drive shaft and drive the sprocket. Alternatively the hub and sprocket may be held in place and the disc may rotate to provide relative rotation between the disc and the sprocket. The lubricant may be supplied under pressure and/or under the force of gravity and/or under the force of a centrifugal force.

[88] Although a few preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departng from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

[89] Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[90] All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

[91] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[92] The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A chain lubricating apparatus comprising a sprocket arranged to rotate about a hub, whoroin: tho hub is arranged to rocoivo a lubricant and a gas input, whcroby a mixturo of tho gas and tho lubricant is formed in tho hub and tho mixture is output from a hub outlet; the sprocket comprises a plurality of teeth arranged to engage with the chain, and a sprocket channel having a sprocket inlet at one end and a sprocket outlet at an opposite end theroof; and the chain lubricating apparatus is arranged so that, in use, the mixture is delivered through tho sprockot outlot to a spocific part of tho chain whon the sprockct is in a particular angular configuration with rospoct to tho hub wheroby tho sprockot inlot at loast partially aligns with tho hub outlot.
2. Tho chain lubricating apparatus of claim 1, whcrcin tho hub comprisos a connccting portion configured to connect the hub to a lubricant source and a gas source.
3. Tho chain lubricating apparatus of claim 2, whoroin tho connocting portion comprisos a first inlet for rocciving a conduit connected to at loast ono of tho lubricant source and tho gas source.
4. The chain lubricating apparatus of claim 3, wherein the conduit comprises a lubricant channel connected to the lubricant source and a gas channel connected to the gas source.
5. Tho chain lubricating apparatus of claim 4, whoroin onc of tho lubricant channol or tho gas channel is positioned inside the other.
6. Tho chain lubricating apparatus of claim 5, whorcin tho lubricant channel and tho gas channel arc floxiblo tubes or hosos.
7. The chain lubricating apparatus of clam 3, wherein: the conduit is connected to the lubricant source; and tho connocting portion furthor comprisos a socond inlet for rocciving a gas channol connected to the gas source.
8. The chain lubricating apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein a distance from a site of the introduction of the gas to the lubricant to the centre of the hub outlet is less than 50cm.
9. The chain lubricating apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a delivery distance from a site of the introduction of the gas to the lubricant to the sprocket outlet is less than the largest diameter of the sprocket.
10. The chain lubricating apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein a delivery volume, a volume of a channel from the site of the introduction of the gas to the lubricant to the sprocket outlet when the sprocket inlet is aligned with the hub outlet is less than 50 cm times total aperture area of the sprocket outlet.
11. The chain lubricating apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the lubricant input is received at a predefined lubricant pressure and the gas input is received at a predefined gas pressure.
12. A chain lubricating method comprising the steps of: receiving a lubricant and a gas input at a hub, whereby a mixture of the gas and the lubricant is formed in the hub and output from a hub outlet; rotating, about the hub, a sprocket comprising a sprocket channel having a sprocket inlet at one end and a sprocket outlet at an opposite end thereof; engaging a plurality of teeth of the sprocket with the chain; and delivering the mixture through the sprocket outlet to a specific part of the chain when the sprocket is in a particular angular configuration with respect to the hub, whereby the sprocket inlet at least partially aligns with the hub outlet.
13. The chain lubricating method of claim 12 further comprising the step of connecting a lubricant source and a gas source to a connecting portion of the hub.
14. The chain lubricating method of claim 13, wherein the connecting the lubricant source and the pressurised gas source comprises the steps of: connecting a lubricant channel to the lubricant source; connecting a gas channel to the gas source; placing a substantial portion of one of the lubricant channel and the gas channel inside the other to form a conduit; and connecting the conduit to a first inlet of the connecting portion.
15. The chain lubricating method of claim 14, wherein: the lubricant channel and the gas channel are flexible tubes or hoses; and the placing comprises attaching a structural support to the lubricant channel and the gas channel.
16. The chain lubricating method of claim 13, wherein the connecting the lubricant source and the pressurised gas source comprises the steps of: connecting a lubricant channel to the lubricant source; connecting a gas channel to the gas source; connecting the lubricant channel to a first inlet of the connection portion; and connecting the gas channel to a second inlet of the connecting portion.
17. The chain lubricating method of any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the receiving the lubricant and the gas input comprises receiving the lubricant input at a predefined lubricant pressure and the gas input at a predefined gas pressure.
18. An apparatus or a method as herein described having particular reference to the accompanying drawings.Amendments to the claims have been filed as followsCLAIMS1. A chain lubricating apparatus comprising a sprocket arranged to rotate about a hub, wherein: the hub is arranged to receive a lubricant and a gas input, whereby a mixture of the gas and the lubricant is formed in the hub and the mixture is output from a hub outlet; the sprocket comprises a plurality of teeth arranged to engage with the chain, and a sprocket channel having a sprocket inlet at one end and a sprocket outlet at an opposite end thereof; and the chain lubricating apparatus is arranged so that, in use, the mixture is delivered through the sprocket outlet to a specific part of the chain when the sprocket is in a particular angular configuration with respect to the hub whereby the sprocket inlet at least partially aligns with the hub outlet. IC) 2. The chain lubricating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the hub comprises a connecting portion configured to connect the hub to a lubricant source and a gas source. r0 3. The chain lubricating apparatus of claim 2, wherein the connecting portion comprises a first inlet for receiving a conduit connected to at least one of the lubricant source and the gas source.4. The chain lubricating apparatus of claim 3, wherein the conduit comprises a lubricant channel connected to the lubricant source and a gas channel connected to the gas source.5. The chain lubricating apparatus of claim 4, wherein one of the lubricant channel or the gas channel is positioned inside the other.6. The chain lubricating apparatus of claim 5, wherein the lubricant channel and the gas channel are flexible tubes or hoses.7. The chain lubricating apparatus of clam 3, wherein: the conduit is connected to the lubricant source; and the connecting portion further comprises a second inlet for receiving a gas channel connected to the gas source.8. The chain lubricating apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein a distance from a site of the introduction of the gas to the lubricant for forming the mixture to the centre of the hub outlet is less than 50 cm.9. The chain lubricating apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a delivery distance from a site of the introduction of the gas to the lubricant for forming the mixture to the sprocket outlet is less than the largest diameter of the sprocket.10. The chain lubricating apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein a delivery volume, a volume of a channel from the site of the introduction of the gas to the lubricant for forming the mixture to the sprocket outlet when the sprocket inlet is aligned with the hub outlet is less than 50cm times total aperture area of the sprocket outlet.11. The chain lubricating apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the lubricant input is received at a predefined lubricant pressure and the gas input is received at a predefined gas pressure. ro 12. A chain lubricating method comprising the steps of: receiving a lubricant and a gas input at a hub, whereby a mixture of the gas and the lubricant is formed in the hub and output from a hub outlet; rotating, about the hub, a sprocket comprising a sprocket channel having a sprocket inlet at one end and a sprocket outlet at an opposite end thereof; engaging a plurality of teeth of the sprocket with the chain; and delivering the mixture through the sprocket outlet to a specific part of the chain when the sprocket is in a particular angular configuration with respect to the hub, whereby the sprocket inlet at least partially aligns with the hub outlet.13. The chain lubricating method of claim 12 further comprising the step of connecting a lubricant source and a gas source to a connecting portion of the hub.14. The chain lubricating method of claim 13, wherein the connecting the lubricant source and the pressurised gas source comprises the steps of: connecting a lubricant channel to the lubricant source; connecting a gas channel to the gas source; placing a substantial portion of one of the lubricant channel and the gas channel inside the other to form a conduit; and connecting the conduit to a first inlet of the connecting portion.15. The chain lubricating method of claim 14, wherein: the lubricant channel and the gas channel are flexible tubes or hoses; and the placing comprises attaching a structural support to the lubricant channel and the gas channel.16. The chain lubricating method of claim 13, wherein the connecting the lubricant source and the pressurised gas source comprises the steps of: connecting a lubricant channel to the lubricant source; connecting a gas channel to the gas source; connecting the lubricant channel to a first inlet of the connection portion; and connecting the gas channel to a second inlet of the connecting portion.11') 17. The chain lubricating method of any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the receiving the lubricant and the gas input comprises receiving the lubricant input at a predefined lubricant C\J pressure and the gas input at a predefined gas pressure. r18. An apparatus or a method as herein described having particular reference to Figures 2A o to 11 B of the accompanying drawings.