DE102019215231A1 - Lubricant metering arrangement - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a lubricant metering arrangement (1) for metering an amount of lubricant, the lubricant metering arrangement (1) having a tubular metering insert (2) which is designed to meter a defined amount of lubricant, the metering insert (2) having a Inlet (6, 6 '), which can be fluidly coupled to a source of lubricant, and an outlet (12, 12'); and a housing (4) into which the dosing insert (2) can be inserted, a housing outlet (16, 16 ', 16 ") being formed in the housing (4) in the radial direction of the dosing insert (2), the Housing outlet (16, 16 ', 16' ') interacts with the outlet (12, 12') of the metering insert (2) in order to dispense the defined amount of lubricant.

Description

The present invention relates to a lubricant metering arrangement for metering a quantity of lubricant according to the preamble of patent claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a linear guide with a lubricant supply element and a lubricant metering arrangement.

Lubricant metering devices or lubricant distributors are known from the prior art and are often used as part of central lubrication devices with which a lubricant is delivered from a central lubricant source to at least one lubricant consumer. The lubricant metering device usually has a lubricant inlet which is connected to a lubricant source, in particular a lubricant pump, the lubricant source sequentially or continuously conveying pressurized lubricant to the lubricant metering device. Furthermore, the lubricant metering device usually has a control piston which is designed to guide lubricant from the lubricant inlet into a metering chamber of a metering piston, from where the amount of lubricant present in the metering chamber is delivered to the lubricant outlet and then to the lubricant consumer. For this purpose, a lubricant outlet that can be connected to a consumer is provided on the lubricant metering device axially as an extension of the piston.

The disadvantage of the lubricant metering devices known from the prior art, however, is that the lubricant outlet is provided axially on the lubricant metering device, whereby an installation position of such a lubricant metering device is specified. The known lubricant metering devices can therefore only be installed at certain points and require a lot of space, especially axially. They are therefore usually provided at a distance from the respective consumers. Such a remote arrangement of the lubricant metering device is, however, impractical precisely in the case of linear guides which have a movable guide carriage to be lubricated.

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a lubricant metering arrangement which can be used at any point on the consumer, in particular on a linear guide, and which can preferably be easily integrated.

This object is achieved by a lubricant metering arrangement for metering a quantity of lubricant according to patent claim 1, as well as a linear guide according to patent claim 7.

In the following, a lubricant metering arrangement is proposed which has a tubular metering insert which is set up to meter a defined amount of lubricant, the metering insert comprising an inlet that can be fluidically coupled to a lubricant source and an outlet. Furthermore, the lubricant metering arrangement comprises a housing into which the metering insert can be inserted. The metering insert itself can in particular comprise a metering piston, a defined piston stroke of the metering piston metering a defined amount of lubricant. The housing can also be formed from a suitable material such as metal or plastic.

In order to increase the variability in the arrangement and installation of the lubricant metering arrangement, a housing outlet is formed in the housing in the radial direction of the metering insert, the housing outlet cooperating with the outlet of the metering insert to dispense the defined amount of lubricant.

Because the housing outlet is formed radially on the housing, the position of the housing outlet can be designed as desired, so that consumers can also be equipped with a lubricant metering arrangement, which until now could only be supplied with lubricant with the aid of a remotely located lubricant source. In particular, the provision of the housing outlet in the radial direction allows the axial space requirement of the lubricant metering arrangement to be reduced.

As a further aspect of the invention shows, by reducing the axial installation space requirement, the lubricant metering arrangement can be used on a linear guide with a lubricant feed element, whereby it can advantageously also be installed directly on the linear guide and / or a guide carriage and / or the lubricant feed element. To this extent, the lubricant metering arrangement can be a lubricant metering arrangement for a linear guide.

In this case, an exemplary embodiment is particularly advantageous in which the housing of the lubricant metering arrangement is designed directly as a guide carriage or lubricant supply element or part of a guide carriage or part of a lubricant supply element. As a result, not only the axial but also the radial installation space requirement can be reduced, which further facilitates integration in the guide carriage or in the lubricant supply element.

For this purpose, for example, in the guide carriage or lubricant supply element Bore and / or recess can be provided into which the metering insert can be inserted. Advantageously, all of the mounting position-specific and / or lubricant supply-specific bores can thereby be made in the housing, which simplifies manufacture. For example, the housing outlet can merge directly into a lubricant supply channel which is formed in a lubricant supply element for a linear guide.

As a result, it can advantageously be achieved that the lubricant is delivered directly to one or more running grooves of the guide carriage of the linear guide. In the case of lubricant metering devices with an axial outlet, this would only be achieved over a large axial length of the guide carriage in order to create sufficient space for the corresponding bores. Furthermore, it would only be possible via a complicated, as not straight, drilling.

The housing and / or the dosing insert can preferably be designed in such a way that an annular space remains between the dosing insert and the housing in a radial direction of the dosing insert, which is designed as a dispensing chamber, the housing outlet being fluidically connected to the dispensing chamber, ie the annular space . The annular space has the advantage that in order to fluidically connect the housing outlet to the outlet, the housing outlet only has to open into the annular space. Consequently, the housing outlet can be arranged at any position along an axial and / or radial location of the annular space.

The housing outlet can be provided circumferentially around the dosing insert at any position and does not have to be oriented appropriately to a housing outlet. This means that the housing outlet can be provided in the housing to match the respective lubrication situation, and then the metering insert can be inserted into the housing without having to pay attention to the correct position and / or angular alignment of the metering element.

The formation of the housing outlet on the housing also makes it possible for the dosing insert to be designed to be rotationally symmetrical so that, for example in the event of a defect, the dosing insert can be exchanged as desired. That is to say, the dosing insert can be manufactured in large numbers in each case structurally, and can easily be inserted into the housing, with all the elements critical in terms of position and alignment being provided on the housing.

In addition, the dosing insert can be inserted into the housing independently of a rotation about its longitudinal axis. It goes without saying that several housing outlets can also be provided for a single dosing insert.

The configuration with an annular space is particularly advantageous for use in the lubricant supply element of the linear guide, since the metering insert can then be inserted into the bore without any particular orientation and lubricant can be supplied to any channel. For the formation of the annular space, the bore in the housing can advantageously be designed as a stepped bore. Stepped bores are easy to manufacture and at the same time allow the axial position of the dosing insert to be determined.

Alternatively or in addition, an axial expansion of the annular space or the annular space itself is restricted by a first and a second delimitation element, the first and the second delimitation element being formed on the housing and / or on the metering insert. This can prevent undesired loss of lubricant from the dispensing chamber. For example, the first and second delimitation elements can be a projection, in particular in a stepped bore, which is formed on the housing and / or the metering insert. Furthermore, the first and second delimitation elements can be suitable for fluidically sealing the dispensing chamber.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, at least one of the delimitation elements is a sealing element. The sealing element can for example be an O-ring which is arranged around the dosing insert. The sealing element can preferably be provided in a groove and / or receptacle in the metering insert and / or the housing. Such a groove or receptacle can also serve to secure the position of the sealing element when the dosing insert is inserted into the housing.

According to a further preferred embodiment, a plurality of metering inserts are arranged in the housing. In this case, one or more housing outlets can advantageously be formed in the housing for each metering insert, which outlets cooperate or cooperate with a respective outlet for dispensing a respective quantity of lubricant. This has the advantage that when used in a guide carriage, for example, the lubricant metering arrangement can independently supply the running grooves of the guide carriage with an individually adjustable amount of lubricant. It is thus preferred that a metering element is provided for each running groove of the guide carriage. Each of the multiple metering inserts can be designed to deliver a different amount of lubricant.

It is also advantageous that the respective housing outlets of the lubricant supply arrangement are connected to one or more lubricant supply channels for one or more running grooves of the guide carriage of the linear guide. Alternatively, several housing outlets can be assigned to a single dosing insert. As a result, a metering element can deliver lubricant to several lubricant feed channels. The multiple dosing inserts themselves can, depending on the available installation space, be arranged next to one another and / or one above the other and / or offset from one another.

The plurality of metering inserts can preferably be coupled fluidically to a common lubricant source, in particular a main lubricant line. This has the advantage that only one connection for a lubricant supply has to be provided on the lubricant metering arrangement, whereby the lubricant metering arrangement can be made more compact.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the inlet of the metering insert is arranged in the radial direction and / or in the axial direction of the metering insert. On the one hand, this increases the flexibility with regard to the installation position of the metering insert and, on the other hand, enables the lubricant metering arrangement to be made more compact.

Furthermore, a fastening element can be provided which is designed to prevent the dosing insert from moving radially and / or axially in the housing. As a result, undesired movement of the metering insert can be prevented, which enables the lubricant metering arrangement to be used on an, in particular dynamically movable, guide carriage of a linear guide. The fastening element can for example be an elastically deformable clamping ring which is received in a groove. The fastening element can also be a screw and the like. As an alternative or in addition, sealing elements can also ensure axial fastening via a frictional connection.

An axial length of the metering insert is preferably less than 50 mm, more preferably less than 40 mm. Such a dimension enables the lubricant metering arrangement to be easily attached to or integrated in the guide carriage or lubricant supply element for a linear guide.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the dosing insert can be coupled to a control device which is set up to control and monitor the dosing insert. For example, the control device can be connected to corresponding sensors which are designed to monitor an amount of lubricant supplied to the dosing insert and / or a quantity of lubricant released by the dosing insert. This allows the dosing insert to be controlled and adjusted in a targeted manner. In particular, the control and / or monitoring can take place via control lines and / or via wireless signal transmission. Wireless signal transmission has the additional advantage that there is no need to lay a control line in and on a guide carriage, which further reduces the space required.

Further advantages and advantageous embodiments are specified in the description, the drawings and the claims. In particular, the combinations of features specified in the description and in the drawings are purely exemplary, so that the features can also be present individually or in a different combination.

In the following, the invention is to be described in more detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings. The exemplary embodiments and the combinations shown in the exemplary embodiments are purely exemplary and are not intended to define the scope of protection of the invention. This is defined solely by the pending claims.

• 1: eine Schnittansicht durch eine Schmiermittel-Zumessanordnung gemäß einer Ausführungsform.
• 2: einen Teil eines Schmiermittelzuführelements einer Linearführung mit einer Schmiermittel-Zumessanordnung gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform.

Show it:

• 1 : a sectional view through a lubricant metering arrangement according to an embodiment.
• 2 : a part of a lubricant supply element of a linear guide with a lubricant metering arrangement according to a further embodiment.

Identical or functionally equivalent elements are identified below with the same reference symbols.

1 shows a sectional view through a lubricant metering arrangement 1 which is set up, for example, for metering a quantity of lubricant for a linear guide (not shown). The lubricant metering arrangement 1 includes a dosing insert 2 and a case 4th , which can be formed from a suitable material such as metal or plastic. The dosing insert is here 2 into a bore or recess in the housing 4th used. As shown, the bore can, for example, be a stepped bore into which the metering insert 2 can be inserted.

The dosing insert 2 has a tubular shape and is designed to meter a defined amount of lubricant. Furthermore, the Dosing insert 2 an axial length L. of less than 50 mm. The metering insert also includes an inlet 6th that has a sealing element 8th , such as a cuff valve, can be fluidically coupled to a lubricant source (not shown). The inlet 6th of the dosing insert 2 can, as in 1 shown in an axial direction 7th of the dosing insert 2 be arranged. Alternatively, an inlet 6 ' (shown in dashed lines) also in the radial direction 9 of the dosing insert or be inclined.

The dosing insert 2 furthermore has a metering piston 10 on, with a defined piston stroke of the metering piston 10 the defined amount of lubricant and at least one outlet 12 , 12 ' of the dosing insert 2 feeds. The outlet 12 , 12 ' is fluidic with an annulus 14th connected to the housing 4th forms a dispensing chamber for the metering element when the metering insert 2 in the housing 4th is used. From the annulus 14th the metered lubricant can then be fed into the housing 4th housing outlet formed 16 in the radial direction of the dosing insert 2 be handed in. As shown, the annular space makes it possible to arrange the outlet radially at any point, which reduces the installation space required for the lubricant metering arrangement 1 significantly reduced. As a result, dimensions for the total length of the lubricant supply element are available L. of less than 50 mm possible.

In that the dispensing chamber is in the form of an annular space 14th is formed, the lubricant can be in the entire annulus 14th spread out and the one in the housing 4th provided radial housing outlet 16 can be fluidically connected to the outlet in a simple manner 12 , 12 ' of the dosing insert 2 get connected. This also makes it possible to use the housing outlet 16 in the case 4th to be provided in other places. For example, a housing outlet 16 ' or. 16 " (shown in dashed lines) around the metering insert 2 around in any position. Forming the housing outlet 16 on the housing 4th it also allows the dispensing insert 2 , for example in the event of a defect, can be easily replaced. There is no need to align the dispensing insert 2 exists with regard to a rotation about its longitudinal axis, assembly aids can be dispensed with, for example, so that the metering insert can be installed 2 is simplified. Of course, it is not only possible to have a single housing outlet 16 for the dosing insert 2 to be provided, but it is also possible to have several housing outlets 16 , 16 ' , 16 " for the dosing insert 2 to be provided in parallel, so that a dosing insert 2 for example, can supply several lubricant supply channels.

Around the fluid space of the annulus 14th in its axial extent L _A to restrict and prevent a loss of lubricants, a first and a second limiting element in the form of sealing rings is in the illustrated embodiment 18th , 20th intended. The sealing rings 18th , 20th are on the dosing insert 2 formed, but can additionally or alternatively also on the housing 4th be provided. Of course, the first and second delimitation elements can also be formed by projections or the like in the housing 4th or the dosing insert 2 are designed to be realized. To make it easier to insert the dosing insert 2 to enable the sealing elements 18th , 20th be fixed in a groove and / or by other means, such as an adhesive, so that the sealing elements 18th , 20th Do not move when inserting. Will the dosing insert 2 For example, when used in a stepped bore, a sealing element can also be prevented from becoming 18th , 20th shifts when inserting.

To move the dispensing insert 2 to prevent, for example when the lubricant metering arrangement is attached to a carriage of a linear guide, is a fastening element 22nd provided that the dosing insert 2 in the case 4th axially prevents movement. Additionally or alternatively, a fastening element can also be used 22nd be provided that the dosing insert 2 in the case 4th prevents radial movement. The fastener 22nd can for example be a clamping ring, a screw or the like. The sealing elements can also advantageously 18th , 20th Ensure axial and radial fastening via a friction fit.

2 shows part of a lubricant supply element 24 a linear guide (not shown) with a lubricant metering arrangement according to a further embodiment. The body forms the lubricant supply element 24 the case 4th , in the four dosing inserts in the embodiment shown 2a , 2 B , 2c , 2d are used and integrated. Alternatively, the dosing inserts 2a , 2 B , 2c , 2d also used in a separate housing and on the lubricant supply element 24 be attached. To the dosing inserts 2a , 2 B , 2c , 2d Securing in the lubricant supply element is essential for every dosing insert 2a , 2 B , 2c , 2d a fastener 22nd provided in the form of a clamping ring. Additionally or alternatively, the dosing inserts 2a , 2 B , 2c , 2d also about the sealing elements 18th , 20th secured.

Furthermore, in the lubricant supply element 24 for each of the several dosing inserts 2a , 2 B , 2c , 2d each one or more housing outlets (not shown) formed, which or those with a respective outlet of the metering inserts 2a , 2 B , 2c , 2d over the annulus 14th cooperate to deliver a respective amount of lubricant. The respective housing outlets can be provided with one or more lubricant feed channels (not shown) for one or more running grooves 26th , 28 , 30th , 32 of the lubricant supply element 24 be connected or designed as channels.

As continued in 2 shown, the multiple dosing inserts 2a , 2 B , 2c , 2d be arranged side by side and / or slightly offset. Alternatively or in addition, the multiple dosing inserts can be arranged one above the other or in one plane. The disposition of the dosing inserts can be based on the available space and / or the location and position of the housing outlets 16 , 16 ' , 16 " and / or the lubricant supply channels can be selected.

Around the respective inlets of the dosing inserts 2a , 2 B , 2c , 2d To supply it with lubricant are the several dosing inserts 2a , 2 B , 2c , 2d fluidly coupled to a common source of lubricant, such as a lubricant reservoir. Alternatively, a common main lubricant line can also be used 34 be provided. Control and / or monitoring lines can also be used 36 be provided that the respective dosing inserts 2a , 2 B , 2c , 2d with a control device 38 connect, which is designed to provide signals for controlling and / or monitoring the respective dispensing inserts 2a , 2 B , 2c , 2d transferred to. Alternatively or additionally, the signal transmission can also take place wirelessly, which further reduces the installation space requirement.

In summary, a lubricant metering arrangement 1 provided, which has a high variability in terms of their installation options. This variability is achieved in that a radial housing outlet and housing inlet are provided for the lubricant, which takes up little space. It is particularly advantageous between the housing 4th and the dosing insert 2 an annulus 14th formed with that in the housing 4th housing outlet formed 16 , 16 ' , 16 " cooperates. This allows the variability to be increased more as the outlet 12 , 12 ' of the dosing insert 2 and the housing outlet 16 , 16 ' , 16 " no longer have to be aligned. This can also facilitate assembly and maintenance.

As described, the lubricant metering arrangement can be used particularly advantageously in a linear guide, since the advantages according to the invention are particularly relevant there. However, the advantages of the invention are also advantageous in other applications, so that the lubricant metering arrangement is suitable, for example, for direct installation in a lubrication point, such as a bearing housing. The lubricant metering arrangement is also suitable for direct installation in housings for electric motors, as well as for use in automation, handling and conveyor technology. In the latter application in particular, a small installation space and low weight are of great importance. Further applications are in the area of machine tools, for example with drive spindles, in injection molding machines, for example in the area of toggle clamping of tools and generally in all dynamic applications, for example tool tables, handling systems, automation systems. The applications mentioned are only to be understood as examples; numerous other possible uses can be found.

List of reference symbols

1

Lubricant metering arrangement

2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d

Dosing insert

4th

casing

6, 6 '

inlet

7th

axial direction

8th

Sealing element

9

radial direction

10

Dosing piston

12, 12 '

Outlet

14th

Annulus (delivery chamber)

16, 16 ', 16' '

Housing outlet

18, 20

Sealing element

22nd

Fastener

24

Lubricant supply element

26, 28, 30, 32

Running groove

34

Main lubricant line

36

Control lines

38

Control device

L _A

axial expansion of the annulus

L.

Total length of the dosing insert

Claims (10)

Lubricant metering arrangement (1) for metering a quantity of lubricant, the lubricant metering arrangement (1) having: a tubular metering insert (2) which is set up to meter a defined amount of lubricant, the metering insert (2) having an inlet (6, 6 ') which can be fluidically coupled to a lubricant source, and an outlet (12, 12') ) includes; and a housing (4) into which the metering insert (2) can be inserted, characterized in that a housing outlet (16, 16 ', 16 ") is formed in the housing (4) in the radial direction of the metering insert (2), wherein the housing outlet (16, 16 ', 16 ") interacts with the outlet (12, 12') of the metering insert (2) in order to dispense the defined quantity of lubricant. Lubricant metering arrangement (1) according to Claim 1 , the housing (4) and / or the dosing insert (2) being designed such that an annular space (14) is formed between the dosing insert (2) and the housing (4) in a radial direction of the dosing insert (2) forms a dispensing chamber for the lubricant metering arrangement, the housing outlet (16, 16 ', 16 ") being fluidically connected to the annular space (14). Lubricant metering arrangement (1) according to Claim 2 , wherein an axial extent (L _A ) of the annular space is limited by at least a first and a second delimitation element (18, 20), the at least one first and second delimitation element (18, 20) on the housing (4) and / or on the dosing insert (2) is formed. Lubricant metering arrangement (1) according to Claim 3 , wherein at least one of the delimitation elements (18, 20) is a sealing element. Lubricant metering arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of metering inserts (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) are arranged in the housing (4). Lubricant metering arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a fastening element (22) is provided which is designed to prevent the metering insert (2) from moving radially and / or axially in the housing (4). Linear guide with a lubricant supply element (24) and a lubricant metering arrangement (1) according to one of the Claims 1 to 6th . Linear guide according to Claim 7 , wherein the housing of the lubricant metering arrangement is formed via the lubricant supply element (24). Linear guide according to Claim 8 , wherein a recess, in particular a stepped bore, is provided in the lubricant feed element (24) into which the metering insert (2) can be inserted, and the recess is designed so that between the metering insert (2) and the lubricant feed element (24) in In a radial direction of the metering insert (2), an annular space (14) is formed which forms a discharge chamber for the lubricant metering arrangement (1). Linear guide according to Claim 9 , one or more lubricant supply channels being provided in the lubricant supply element (24), which guide lubricant to a lubrication point of the lubricant supply element (24), the lubricant supply channels being fluidically connected to the annular space (14).

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