Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention generally relates to field of a feeder assembly. More particularly, the invention relates to a feeder assembly that includes an oscillating pillar.
BACKGROUND
[0002] During the production process of a feeder material for a bearing, different types of a vibrating feeder assembly may be usually required. In the traditional vibrating feeder assembly, the vibrating techniques may be used for feeding the feeder material. The vibration of a vibration plate and gravity of the feeder material make the feeder material slowly slide down to the sorting device of the vibrating feeder assembly. However, the vibration plate may have uneven feeding conditions causing some of the feeder material to be unloaded or overloaded, resulting in low production efficiency and eventually also leads to frequent maintenance. For increased production capacity of the feeder material, the vibration of the vibration plate needs to be increased which causes the power of the vibration motor to be higher and leads to increase in energy consumption. In addition, since the vibrating plate generates vibration when working, causes increase in noise and wear of the vibrating feeder material by rubbing against each other, hence reducing life time of the vibrating feeder assembly.
[0003] Accordingly, there remains a need for a feeder assembly for feeding the feeder material, which obviates the aforesaid drawbacks.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION / SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide an oscillating pillar (4). The oscillating pillar (4) includes an inlet side (2), an outlet side (6) and a pillar tapering tunnel (8) at the inlet side (2). A feeder (10) includes a feeder tapering tunnel (12) and are associated with the pillar tapering tunnel (8). The feeder tapering tunnel (12) is associated with a plurality of baffles (14) to enable a sequential flow of a feeder material.
[0005] Another object of the present invention is to provide a feeder assembly (38a). The feeder assembly (38a) includes a hopper (20), a slider crank mechanism and an oscillatory pillar (4). The oscillatory pillar (4) includes an inlet side (2), an outlet side (6) and a pillar tapering tunnel (8) at the inlet side (2). A feeder (10) includes a feeder tapering tunnel (12) associated with the pillar tapering tunnel (8). The feeder tapering tunnel (12) is associated with a plurality of baffles (14) to enable a sequential flow of a feeder material.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0006] The embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which the reference letters indicate corresponding part in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an oscillating pillar, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0008] FIG. 2a illustrates a front view of an oscillating pillar, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0009] FIG. 2b illustrates a cut section view of an oscillating pillar, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 3a illustrates a top view and cut section views of a feeder, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 3b illustrates a front view and cut section views of a feeder, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 3c illustrates a bottom view and cut section views of a feeder, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 4a illustrates a perspective view of an oscillating pillar arrangement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 4b illustrates a perspective view line drawing of an oscillating pillar arrangement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a feeder assembly, in accordance to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 6a illustrates a side view of a feeder assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 6b illustrates a front view of a feeder assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 6c illustrates a top view of a feeder assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] While various embodiments of the invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions may occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed.
[0020] In the specification and the claims which follow, reference will be made to a number of terms which shall be defined to have the following meanings:
[0021] The singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. “Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where the event occurs and instances where it does not. “Substantially” means a range of values that is known in the art to refer to a range of values that are close to, but not necessarily equal to a certain value.
[0022] Other than in the examples or where otherwise indicated, all numbers or expressions referring to quantities of ingredients, reaction conditions, and the like, used in the specification and claims are to be understood as modified in all instances by the term “about.” In some aspects of the current disclosure, the terms “about” or “approximately” are defined as being close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting embodiment the terms are defined to be within 10%, alternatively within 5%, alternatively within 1%, or alternatively within 0.5%.
[0023] As used herein, the term “substantially” and its variations are defined as being largely but not necessarily wholly what is specified as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting aspect substantially refers to ranges within 10%, within 5%, within 1%, or within 0.5%.
[0024] Various numerical ranges are disclosed herein. Because these ranges are continuous, they include every value between the minimum and maximum values. The endpoints of all ranges reciting the same characteristic or component are independently combinable and inclusive of the recited endpoint. Unless expressly indicated otherwise, the various numerical ranges specified in this application are approximations. The endpoints of all ranges directed to the same component or property are inclusive of the endpoint and independently combinable. The term “from more than 0 to an amount” means that the named component is present in some amount more than 0, and up to and including the higher named amount.
[0025] As used herein, “combinations thereof” is inclusive of one or more of the recited elements, optionally together with a like element not recited, e.g., inclusive of a combination of one or more of the named components, optionally with one or more other components not specifically named that have essentially the same function. As used herein, the term “combination” is inclusive of blends, mixtures, alloys, reaction products, and the like.
[0026] An object of the present invention is to provide an oscillating pillar (4). The oscillating pillar (4) includes an inlet side (2), an outlet side (6) and a pillar tapering tunnel (8) at the inlet side (2). A feeder (10) includes a feeder tapering tunnel (12) associated with the pillar tapering tunnel (8). The feeder tapering tunnel (12) is associated with a plurality of baffles (14) to enable a sequential flow of a feeder material.
[0027] Another object of the present invention is to provide a feeder assembly (38a). The feeder assembly (38a) includes a hopper (20), a slider crank mechanism and an oscillatory pillar (4). The oscillatory pillar (4) includes an inlet side (2), an outlet side (6) and a pillar tapering tunnel (8) at the inlet side (2). A feeder (10) includes a feeder tapering tunnel (12) and is associated with the pillar tapering tunnel (8). The feeder tapering tunnel (12) is associated with a plurality of baffles (14) to enable a sequential flow of a feeder material.

[0028] The feeder assembly (38a) in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings.
[0029] As shown in Figure 1, the perspective view of the oscillating pillar (39) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the example embodiment of Figure 1, the oscillating pillar (4) includes the inlet side (2) and the outlet side (6).
[0030] In Figure 2a depicts, the front view of the oscillating pillar (40) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2b depicts, the cut section view of an oscillating pillar (41) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the example embodiment of Figure 2b, the oscillating pillar (4) includes the pillar tapering tunnel (8) at the inlet side (2). Generally, the pillar tapering tunnel (8) may be gap with the tapering for a feeder material to flow.
[0031] In Figure 3a depicts, the top view (43) and the cut section view (44) of the feeder (10), in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3b depicts, the front view (45) and the cut section view (46) of the feeder (10), in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3c depicts, the bottom view (47) and the cut section view (48) of the feeder (10) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the example embodiment of Figure 3b the feeder (10) includes an upper portion (16) and a lower portion (18). Further, the feeder (10) includes the feeder tapering tunnel (12). In the example embodiment shown in Figure 3b, the feeder tapering tunnel (12) is a pathway for the feeder material to flow. In one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of baffles (14) are associated with the feeder tapering tunnel (12). In another embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of baffles (14) design can be based on the dimension of the feeder material. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of baffles (14) enable a sequential flow of the feeder material. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of baffles (14) may be of uniform length. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of baffles (14) are arranged to form a funnel shaped pathway/passage in the feeder tapering tunnel (12). In another embodiment of the present invention, the funnel shaped pathway/passage may be formed with the plurality of baffles (14) of different lengths. In yet another embodiment of the present invention may be shown in Figure 3a, the plurality of baffles (14) are uniformly distributed 90 degrees apart from the top view (43) of the feeder (10).
[0032] Further, in Figure 3a, 3b, 3c shows the different views (42) of the feeder (10) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the example embodiment of figure 3a, 3b, 3c, the feeder (10) may be detachable from the pillar tapering tunnel (8). In one embodiment of the present invention, the detachable feeder (10) dimension may be based on the feeder material dimension. In other embodiment of the present invention, the feeder (10) may be a single unit along with the pillar tapering tunnel (8) includes an inlet side and an outlet side. In another embodiment of the present invention, the single unit feeder (10) inlet side may be designed with different dimension based on the feeder material dimension.
[0033] As shown in Figure 4a, a perspective view of an oscillating pillar arrangement (36) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the example embodiment of Figure 4, the oscillating pillar arrangement (36) includes one or more oscillating pillars (4) or (5). In other embodiment of the present invention, the oscillating pillar arrangement (36) includes two oscillating pillars (4) and (5).
[0034] As shown in Figure 4b, a perspective view line drawing of an oscillating pillar arrangement (36), in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the example embodiment of Figure 4a, 4b the two oscillating pillars (4) and (5) may be oscillated by a slider crank mechanism. Generally, the slider-crank mechanism may be an arrangement of a mechanical parts designed to convert rotary motion to straight-line motion. In one embodiment of the present invention, the oscillating pillars (4) and (5) includes a four bar inversion cycle with the slider crank mechanism. In another embodiment of the present invention, the four bar inversion cycle includes a drive shaft (22), an eccentric cam (24), a moving bar (26) and a pair holder (28).
[0035] Furthermore, in Figure 4a, 4b shows an example embodiment of the present invention. The drive shaft (22) rotates along the axis with the power from a motor (not shown in Figure). According to the embodiment depicted Figure 4a, 4b the motor is attached to the drive shaft (22), the drive shaft (22) rotates the eccentric cam (24) having a pivot pair with the moving bar (26). The moving bar (26) in turn rotates the pair holder (28) in an axial manner to the rest of the assembly (not shown in Fig 4). In addition, the pair holder (28) in turns oscillates around the pillars (4) and (5) in axial direction and moving along with the pair holder (28). In one embodiment of the present invention, the pillars (4) and (5) shows the oscillatory motion (30).
[0036] Furthermore, in Figure 4a, 4b shows the perspective view of an oscillating pillar arrangement (36) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the example embodiment of Figure 4a, 4b the oscillating pillars (4) and (5) may be oscillated by a slider crank mechanism with a pulse width modulation (PWM) attached motor. Generally, the PWM attached motor used to vary frequency of the rotation of motor. In one embodiment of the present invention, the oscillating pillars (4) and (5) may be oscillated at different speed with the PWM attached motor.
[0037] As shown in Figure 5, a perspective view of the feeder assembly (38a) in accordance with embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the example embodiment of Figure 5, the feeder assembly (38a) includes the oscillating pillars (4) and (5) are associated with a hopper (20). In one embodiment of the present invention, the hopper (20) may be employed for storing the feeder material. In another embodiment of the present invention, the hopper (20) may include a partition to store dissimilar feeder materials. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the feeder material may be at least one selected from a roller, a ball, a metal feeder.
[0038] Further, in Figure 5 shows the perspective view of the feeder assembly (38a) in accordance with embodiment of the present invention. The feeder assembly (38a) may include a display of a feeding direction (32) for the feeder material. In one embodiment of the present invention, the feeding direction (32) for the feeder material is from the hopper (20) to the oscillating pillars (4) and (5) during oscillation. In another embodiment of the present invention, the feeder material may be feed through the oscillating pillar outlet side (6).
[0039] As shown in Figure 6a, the side view of the feeder assembly (38b) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 6b, the front view of the feeder assembly (38c) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the example embodiment of Figure 6a, 6b the feeder assembly (38b) and (38c) includes the oscillating pillars (4) and (5) are associated with the hopper (20). In one embodiment of the present invention, the oscillating pillar (4) and (5) are associated with the feeder (10). As shown in the given embodiment, the feeder assembly (38b) and (38c) may be single unit that may include an outlet side (6). As shown in Figure 6c, the top view of the feeder assembly (38d) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the example embodiment of Figure 6c, the feeder assembly (38d) includes the feeder (10) and feeder tapering tunnel (12) which may be associated with the plurality of baffles (14). In one embodiment of the present invention, the four bar inversion cycle includes the drive shaft (22). In another embodiment of the present invention, the drive shaft (22) rotates along the axis with the power from the motor.
[0040] Advantages: The technical advantages brought in by the present invention are as follows:
1. Multi row feeder may be employed for the feeder material to enable feeding of two or more rows simultaneously.
2. Reduced tool changeover to compensate any feeder material dimension, giving advantage to the design for manufacturing and assembly.
3. No additional cost may be required to install and commission the feeder assembly each time.
4. Less space may be required for storage of the tool for the fully assembled feeder.
[0041] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the various embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. These and other changes in the various embodiment of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.

, C , Claims:We Claim:
1. An oscillating pillar (4) comprising:
an inlet side (2), an outlet side (6) and a pillar tapering tunnel (8) at the inlet side (2);
a feeder (10) comprising a feeder tapering tunnel (12) associated with the pillar tapering tunnel (8); and
wherein the feeder tapering tunnel (12) is associated with a plurality of baffles (14) to enable a sequential flow of a feeder material.
2. The oscillating pillar (4) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of baffles (14) are of uniform length.
3. The oscillating pillar (4) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of baffles (14) are arranged to form a funnel shaped pathway/passage in the feeder tapering tunnel (12).
4. The oscillating pillar (4) as claimed in claim 1, is associated with a hopper (20).
5. The oscillating pillar (4) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the feeder (10) is detachable from the pillar tapering tunnel (8).
6. The oscillating pillar (4) as claimed in claim 1, comprising one or more oscillating pillar (4).
7. The oscillating pillar (4) as claimed in claim 1, comprising two oscillating pillars.
8. The oscillating pillar (4) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the oscillating pillar (4) is associated with a motor by a slider crank mechanism.
9. The oscillating pillar (4) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the feeder material is at least one selected from a roller, a ball, a metal feeder.
10. A feeder assembly (38a), comprising:
a hopper (20);
a slider crank mechanism;
an oscillatory pillar (4), wherein the oscillatory pillar (4) comprising:
an inlet side (2), an outlet side (6) and a pillar tapering tunnel (8) at the inlet side (2);
a feeder (10) comprising a feeder tapering tunnel (12) associated with the pillar tapering tunnel (8); and
wherein the feeder tapering tunnel (12) is associated with a plurality of baffles (14) associated to enable a sequential flow of a feeder material.