DE102008061358A1 - Rotor for e.g. linear moving device, has lubricant passage formed by oil absorbing body when lubricant path is formed in form of free lubricant passages, and partition wall provided between oil absorbing body and free lubricant passages - Google Patents

Abstract

The rotor has a lubricant distribution system connecting lubricant connections with roller bodies. The lubricant distribution system has a lubricant passage (62) and a central passage (63) lead to the roller bodies. The lubricant passage is formed by an oil absorbing body (90) when a lubricant path is completely formed in a form of free lubricant passages. A partition wall is provided between the oil absorbing body and the free lubricant passages. The roller bodies support the rotor on a bar extending in a longitudinal direction (11).

Description

The The invention relates to a rotor according to the The preamble of claim 1 and a linear motion device with such a runner. Linear motion devices are for example as ball or roller rail guides, Ball or roller screws, ball bushings and ball splines known.

From the EP 971 140 B1 a linear motion device in the form of a ball rail guide is known. According to the 1 of the EP 971 140 B1 For example, the linear motion device is in a longitudinal direction 12 extending rod 10 in the form of a guide rail made of hardened bearing steel. On the pole is a runner 14 mounted longitudinally movable in the form of a substantially U-shaped guide carriage. For this purpose, on the guide rail a total of four extending in the longitudinal direction Stangenwälzflächen 30 provided, in each case opposite rotor rolling surfaces are provided on the guide carriage. Between the rod and the associated rotor rolling surfaces in each case a number of spherical rolling elements is added load transfer. The rotor rolling surfaces are on a main body 14 made of steel, which is hardened in the area of the rolling surfaces. At the two longitudinal ends of the main body is ever a deflection assembly 18 made of plastic, in which an arcuate deflection channel is provided for each row of rolling elements, which connects the rotor rolling surface with an associated, extending in the longitudinal direction return bore in the main body, so that the rolling elements can rotate endlessly.

In the 4 and 6 of the EP 971 150 B1 the Schmierverteilsystem the linear motion device is shown in more detail, which is provided in the deflection assembly. There are a total of four lubrication connections on each deflection assembly 84-1 . 84-2 . 84-3 and 84-4 arranged. These are via the lubrication distribution system with several lubricant outlets 122 ; 114 connected, which are provided in the vicinity of the rows of rolling elements, wherein each row of rolling bodies are associated with two lubricant outlets, namely a first 122 for grease and a second 114 for lubricating oil. This is to ensure that the linear motion device can be lubricated either with grease or lubricating oil, with optimum lubricating conditions are given for each lubricant. For lubricating grease, the lubrication system provides a first lubrication path for lubricant outlet 122 , which is executed completely as a lubricating passage, ie in the form of a closed channel, which has a free cross-section along its entire length, which does not fall below a certain minimum size, so that the grease can flow through unhindered. The second lubrication path to the lubricant outlet 114 however, is partially absorbed by an oil absorbing body 110 formed in the form of an open-cell foam. The second lubricant outlet is from a contact surface 114 formed on the oil absorbing body, on which the rolling elements can rub along, whereby lubricating oil is transferred to this. The oil absorbing body sucks the lubricating oil supplied through the lubricating ports, uniformly distributing in the oil absorbing body regardless of the installation position of the linear moving device. This ensures that the oil lubrication works independently of the installation position. Without the oil-absorbing body, the lubricant outlet which is located further down in terms of gravity would be supplied with significantly more lubricating oil than the lubricant located above, as a result of which a lack of lubrication of a row of rolling bodies may occur.

The two lubrication paths for grease and lubricating oil are required because the oil absorbing body for grease, that is a mixture of a viscous carrier medium, for example, soap, and lubricating oil is an impenetrable barrier. So the grease can not leak to the second lubricant 114 reach.

The lubrication passages of the lubrication system are used in the EP 971 140 B1 limited by a total of three parts, namely the main body 16 , in particular its planar longitudinal end face, the intermediate plate 34 and the end cap 32 , wherein the respective parting planes are arranged transversely to the longitudinal direction. The lubrication passages themselves are either from gutters (eg. 2 ; 108 or 4 ; 106 ) formed on the surface of a part, which are covered by the respective adjacent part, or by longitudinally directed holes (eg. 4 ; 102-2 . 102-2 ; 102-4 ).

According to 6 of the EP 971 150 B1 In one of these lubrication passages, the oil absorbing body is 110 taken so that it does not completely obstruct the corresponding lubrication passage, so that in the remaining free passage area 116 Grease can flow. This has the disadvantage that the grease comes into direct contact with the oil absorbing body, whereby the lubricating oil is part of the grease, which is absorbed by the oil absorbing body, so that the grease loses its lubricating effect. This problem occurs especially in brand new linear motion devices that are already provided with a grease filling during manufacture, being stored for a long time until use. One tried to solve this problem by the fact that the oil-absorbing body is saturated with lubricating oil from the outset so far that it can no longer absorb any further lubricating oil; This has proven to be very expensive.

The The object of the invention is to overcome this disadvantage. According to the independent claim becomes suggested that between the oil absorbing body and at least one partition provided at the first lubrication passage is that prevents oil components from getting in the first Lubricating passage of absorbable grease from the oil absorbent body to be absorbed. A contact between the grease and the oil absorbing body should therefore be excluded from the outset, so that the above Problem can not occur anymore.

In The dependent claims are advantageous developments and Improvements of the invention indicated.

The oil-absorbing body may be provided on its outer surface at least in sections with a liquid-impermeable coating as a partition, wherein the oil-absorbing body is at least partially received within the first lubrication passage, so that the first lubrication passage is not completely blocked. The liquid-impermeable coating can not be penetrated by the lubricating oil component of the grease and, accordingly, can not be absorbed by the oil absorbing body. The liquid-impermeable coating is applied to the oil absorbing body by being completely immersed in a coating liquid, whereby the liquid layer adhering to the oil absorbing body is subsequently dried to form said coating. The areas of the oil absorbing body which must remain free to perform their function, for example the lubricant in and out, are subsequently removed from said coating, for example by re-cutting the oil absorbing body in these areas. This embodiment has the particular advantage that it without further adjustments in the linear motion of the EP 971 140 B1 can be used to achieve the success of the invention.

Of the second lubrication path may have a second lubrication passage, absorbed in the oil-absorbing body is, wherein the first and the second lubrication passage in the range of the oil absorbing body through the partition wall are separated. In the second lubrication passage, in which the oil absorbing body is absorbed, so should at all no more grease flow, leaving a contact between Grease and oil absorbing body excluded is. The oil absorbing body preferably increases the entire cross section of the second lubrication passage, so that he needs very little space. The second lubrication passage is thus in the range of the oil absorbing body no free lubrication passage that goes through for grease is.

Of the first and the second lubrication passage can sections be designed as a common lubrication passage. As a common Area can in particular the area of the second lubrication passage serve, in the oil absorbing body does not extend, as this easily from grease and from lubricating oil can be flowed through. With this embodiment can the number of lubrication passages in a diverter assembly be reduced, which reduces their space requirements.

At the End of the common lubrication passage, a switching means may be provided be that the common lubrication passage either with the separated extending portions of the first or the second lubrication passage combines. With the switching means should be prevented from the common Lubrication of incoming lubricating oil over the free first lubrication passage to the rolling elements arrives. Since the first free lubrication passage a much lower Has flow resistance as the oil absorbing body, would without the switching means all lubricating oil escape through the first lubrication passage, with no lubricating oil absorbed more by the oil absorbing body can be. The position-independent lubricating oil supply All rows of rolling elements would be accordingly not given anymore. When lubricating oil is supplied by the Switching the second lubrication passage blocks so that no Lubricating oil can flow through. For grease supply can also be excluded with the switching means that even the smallest amounts of grease in contact with the oil can reach the absorbent body.

The common lubrication passage may be connected to two or more lubrication ports, the common lubrication passage leading to a single central passage, the switching means being disposed adjacent to the central passage. From the EP 971 150 B1 It is known to provide a plurality of lubrication ports on a linear motion device, so that depending on the mounting position of the linear motion device of the most accessible lubrication connection can be selected. So that only one switching means is required, the second lubrication passages assigned to the different lubrication connections become a central passage passed, through which the supplied lubricant must always flow, regardless of which lubrication connection it is fed from. With a single switching means, which is arranged adjacent to this central passage, it is now possible to choose between the operating modes of lubricating grease and lubricating oil, regardless of which lubrication connection is used.

The Switching means may be formed by a separate switch body be, which can be brought into different switching positions, wherein the switch body two separate passages has, depending on the switching position only part of are first or only part of the second lubrication passage. So far here is of separate passages the speech is hereby on the one hand meant that the corresponding passages from each other are separated when the switch body as a single part considered. Of course, the passages mentioned must but also still be separated from each other when the switch body is in one of the two switching positions. In these cases may over the lubrication passages adjacent to the switch body the deflection assembly no connection between the separate passes of the Switch body consist, since he only his switching function can fulfill. With the aforementioned switch body a particularly simple switching means can be created, the works with only a single moving component.

Of the Switch body can by means of a rotary motion in the different Switch positions can be brought. By the rotating switching movement is except that required for the switch body Space no further movement space needed, so the Switching means is particularly space-saving. Furthermore is the corresponding pivot bearing particularly simple and essentially oil-tight to produce.

The Invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings explained in more detail. It shows:

1 a cross section of a linear motion device according to the invention;

2 a perspective view of the deflection assembly of the linear motion device according to 1 ;

3 an exploded view of the deflection assembly according to 2 ; and

4 a perspective view of the switch body of the linear motion device according to 1 ,

1 shows a cross section of a linear motion device according to the invention 10 in the form of a roller rail guide. The linear motion device 10 includes a pole 12 in the form of a guide rail, extending in a longitudinal direction 11 extends, which is aligned perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. The pole 12 made of hardened bearing steel is designed as a profile body having a substantially constant cross-sectional shape and has a total of four planar Barrolling 13 , which are also in the longitudinal direction 11 extend. At the rod 12 is a runner 30 mounted longitudinally movable, wherein the sectional plane of the 1 through the main body 31 of the runner 30 runs. On the overall U-shaped main body 31 From bearing steel are four flat, hardened rotor rolling surfaces 32 provided, the associated Stangenwälzflächen 13 parallel to each other. Between the associated rod and rotor rolling surfaces 13 ; 32 is ever a series of cylindrical rolling elements 14 built from hardened bearing steel, by their rolling movement, the longitudinal movement of the rotor 30 is possible.

In the main body 31 There are also four return bores 33 provided, in each of which a return pipe 34 arranged in associated centering extensions ( 2 ; 61 ) on the intermediate plate ( 2 ; 60 ) intervenes. In the return pipes 34 become the leading in the support area rolling elements 14 returned, so that they can circulate endlessly. In the two longitudinal end faces of the main body 31 arranged deflecting assemblies ( 2 ; 17 ) For this purpose bent deflection channels are provided, each having a rotor rolling surface 32 with an associated return pipe 34 connect. The four rows of rolling elements 14 are each arranged rotated by 90 ° to each other, so that the roller rail guide with respect to all transverse directions has the same load capacity. Attention is still on the Wälzkörperhaltestege 43 the end cap, with which the rolling elements 14 be guided laterally. In addition, the rolling elements 14 from the Wälzkörperhaltestegen 43 against falling out of the runner 30 secured if this is not on the pole 12 located.

2 shows the deflection assembly 17 with the two in the longitudinal direction 11 extending Wälzkörperhaltestegen 43 placed in the main body ( 1 ; 31 ) intervene. The deflection assembly 17 includes an end cap 40 , which consists of polyamide, and a separate intermediate plate 60 , which is made of a rubber-like material, wherein both parts together define the curved deflection channels. At the intermediate plate 60 are centering extensions 61 provided, in which the curved deflection channels open. The centering processes 11 grab into the return hole ( 1 ; 33 ) of the main body 31 a, wherein the return pipe 1 ; 34 ) in turn in the centering process 61 intervenes.

In the intermediate plate 60 is the second lubrication passage 62 in the form of a recess 64 provided, which extends like a labyrinth over large parts of the intermediate plate 60 extends. The recess 64 is from the central passageway 63 supplied with lubricating oil, the central passage 63 the intermediate plate 60 longitudinal 11 completely interspersed. In the recess 64 is the oil absorbing body 90 added. This is cut out of a flat sheet of open-cell foam by means of water jet cutting. The oil absorbing body 90 includes a wick section 91 , the U-shaped in the storage section 64a the recess 64 is arranged. The volume of the free space formed there 65 corresponds essentially to the volume of the entire oil-soaked body 90 , The open space 65 is filled in the production of the linear motion device with lubricating oil, which is gradually absorbed by the oil-absorbing body 90 is sucked until it is completely saturated with oil. Thus, the linear motion device becomes 10 already optimally lubricated during the first use, without a separate oiling of the oil-storing body 90 necessary is.

The storage section 64a the recess 64 is over a single, narrow distribution section 64b with the two delivery sections 64c the recess 64 connected, the latter to the two U-legs of the runner 30 to lead. At the local end of the oil-storing body 90 are a total of four lubricating oil 92 provided on which the rotating rolling elements strip along, thereby lubricating oil from the oil absorbing body 90 is transferred to this. The recess 64 is from the adjacent main body (no. 31 ; 1 ) closed, so that closed channels for the lubricating oil result.

3 shows the deflection assembly 17 in an exploded view, leaving the inner shape of the end cap 40 is visible. The lubricating oil or grease is via one of the lubrication connections 41 or 42 supplied, wherein the in 3 concealed lubrication connection 42 mirror-symmetrical to the lubrication connection 41 is trained. From the mentioned lubrication connections 41 ; 42 the lubricant passes through a common lubrication passage 44 ; 45 to the switch body 80 , The switch body 80 is located in 3 in a rotational position, which is intended for oil lubrication, ie there is only one connection from the common lubrication passage 44 ; 45 to the second lubrication passage 62 through the central passage 63 in the intermediate plate 60 , The connection to the first lubrication passage 46 is, however, by the switch body 80 interrupted. When the switch body 80 is located in the rotational position grease lubrication, grease from the lubrication ports 41 ; 42 over the common lubrication passage 44 ; 45 and the first lubrication passage 46 promoted to the returning rolling elements, wherein the connection to the second lubrication passage 62 is interrupted by the fact that the central lubrication passage 63 from the switch body 80 is completely covered.

The lubrication passages 44 ; 45 ; 46 are each as open to the intermediate plate recesses in the end cap 40 formed, which from the flat intermediate plate 60 be covered with lubricant so that a closed passage is formed. The partition according to the invention 16 between the oil absorbing body 90 and the first lubrication passage 46 is accordingly from the intermediate plate 60 educated.

4 shows the switch body 80 from the in 3 hidden side. The first lubrication passage can be seen 81 of the switch body 80 , This has a total of four branches 81a ; 81b ; 81c ; 81d all to a common central section 81e leading to the central passage (No. 63 ; 3 ), but with no connection between the central section 81e and the central passageway exists. The branches 81a ; 81b are with the common lubrication passage (No. 44 ; 45 in 3 ) connected when the switch body 80 is in the rotational position grease lubrication. The branches 81c ; 81d are in the above rotational position with the first lubrication passage (no. 46 ; 3 ), so that the grease can flow from the common lubrication passage to the first lubrication passage. As already mentioned, it consists of the central section 81e to the central passage (No. 63 ; 3 ) no connection, so that the grease not to the central passage and therefore not into the second lubrication passage (no. 62 ; 3 ) can flow.

The first lubrication passage 81 of the switch body 80 is removed from the end cap (No. 40 ; 3 ), so that the former forms a closed channel. In the rotary position oil lubrication is the first lubrication passage 81 of the switch body 80 not connected to any of the lubrication passages in the end cap.

Attention is further to the through hole 83 , which in the rotary position oil lubrication in extension of the central lubrication passage (No. 63 ; 3 ) is arranged. The former is a connection between the second lubrication passage 82 in the switch body 80 and a front side provided on the end cap lubricant connection made when the switch body is in the rotational position oil lubrication. In this rotational position is the second lubrication passage 82 in the Switch body with the common lubrication passage (No. 44 ; 45 in 3 ) in the end cap, at the same time the central lubrication passage (no. 63 ; 3 ) is opposite. The lubricating oil can thus via the common lubrication passage on the second lubrication passage 82 in the switch body 80 to the central passage (No. 63 ; 3 ) in the intermediate plate and from there into the second lubrication passage (No. 62 ; 3 ) flow. In the rotary position grease lubrication of the switch body 80 is the second lubrication passage 82 the same with none of the lubrication passages in the end cap connected. Consequently, it is excluded that grease in contact with the oil absorbing body (No. 90 ; 3 ) can get.

The pivot bearing of the switch body 80 is from the bearing bore 84 formed, in which a journal (No. 47 ; 3 ) engages, which is integrally formed with the end cap.

10

Linear motion device

11

longitudinal direction

12

pole

13

Stangenwälzfläche

14

rolling elements

16

partition wall

17

deflection assembly

30

runner

31

main body

32

Läuferwälzfläche

33

Return bore

34

Return pipe

40

endcap

41

lubrication connector

42

lubrication connector

43

Wälzkörperhaltesteg

44

common Lubrication passage

45

common Lubrication passage

46

from second lubrication passage separately extending portion of the first Lubrication passage

47

pivot

60

intermediate plate

61

centering

62

from first lubrication passage separately extending portion of the second Lubrication passage

63

centrally Lubrication passage

64

recess

64a

storage section the recess

64b

distribution section the recess

64c

dispensing portion the recess

65

free space

80

switching body

81

first Lubricating passage of the switch body

81a

junction the first lubrication passage of the switch body

81b

junction the first lubrication passage of the switch body

81c

junction the first lubrication passage of the switch body

81d

junction the first lubrication passage of the switch body

81e

centrally Section of the first lubrication passage of the switch body

82

second Lubricating passage of the switch body

83

Through Hole

84

bearing bore

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - EP 971140 B1 [0002, 0002, 0005, 0009]
• - EP 971150 B1 [0003, 0006, 0013]

Claims (9)

Runner ( 30 ) for a linear motion device ( 10 ) with at least one row of rolling elements ( 14 ) about which the runner ( 30 ) in a longitudinal direction ( 11 ) extending rod ( 12 ) is longitudinally movable supported, the runner ( 30 ) comprises a lubricant distribution system having at least one lubrication connection ( 41 ; 42 ) for supplying lubricant with the at least one row of rolling elements ( 14 ), wherein the lubrication distribution system has a first lubrication path ( 46 ; 44 ; 45 ) leading to a series of rolling elements ( 14 ), and a second lubrication path ( 62 ; 44 ; 45 ; 63 ), which belongs to the same series of rolling elements ( 14 ), wherein the second lubrication path ( 62 ; 44 ; 45 ; 63 ) at least in sections of an oil absorbing body ( 90 ), while the first lubrication path is completely in the form of a first free lubrication passage ( 46 ; 44 ; 45 ), characterized in that between the oil absorbing body ( 90 ) and the first lubrication passage ( 46 ; 44 ; 45 ) at least one partition wall ( 16 ) is provided which prevents oil components of a recordable in the first lubrication grease from the oil-absorbing body ( 90 ) are absorbed. Runner according to claim 1, characterized in that the oil absorbing body ( 90 ) is provided on its outer surface at least in sections with a liquid-impermeable coating as a partition, wherein the oil-absorbing body ( 90 ) is received at least in sections within the first lubrication passage, so that the first lubrication passage is not completely blocked. Rotor according to claim 1, characterized in that the second lubrication path has a second lubrication passage ( 62 ) in which the oil absorbing body ( 90 ), wherein the first and second lubrication passages ( 46 ; 62 ; 44 ; 45 ; 63 ) in the region of the oil-absorbing body ( 90 ) through the partition wall ( 16 ) are separated. Rotor according to claim 3, characterized in that the first and the second lubrication passage ( 46 ; 62 ; 44 ; 45 ; 63 ) in sections as a common lubrication passage ( 44 ; 45 ) are formed. Rotor according to claim 4, characterized in that at the end of the common lubrication passage ( 44 ; 45 ) a switching means ( 80 ) is provided, the common lubrication passage ( 44 ; 45 ) optionally with the sections ( 46 ; 62 ) of the first or second lubrication passageway connects. Rotor according to claim 5, characterized in that the common lubrication passage ( 44 ; 45 ) with two or more lubrication connections ( 41 ; 42 ), wherein the common lubrication passage ( 44 ; 45 ) to a single central passage ( 63 ), wherein the switching means ( 80 ) adjacent to the central passageway ( 63 ) is arranged. Rotor according to claim 6, characterized in that the switching means of a separate switch body ( 80 ) is formed, which can be brought into different switching positions, wherein the switch body ( 80 ) two separate passages ( 81 ; 82 ), which depends on the switching position only part of the first ( 46 ; 44 ; 45 ) or only part of the second lubrication passage ( 62 ; 44 ; 45 ; 63 ) are. Rotor according to claim 7, characterized in that the switch body ( 80 ) Can be brought by means of a rotational movement in the different switching positions. Linear motion device ( 10 ) in a longitudinal direction ( 11 ) extending rod ( 12 ), on which a runner ( 30 ) according to one of the preceding claims in the longitudinal direction ( 11 ) is movably supported.