Linear guide device, carriage, end cap and lubrication method

Abstract

The invention relates to an end cap (1) for a carriage (10) of a linear guide device (100), to a carriage (10), to a linear guide device (100), to a method for obtaining an end cap (1) and to a method for lubricating a carriage (10). The end cap (1) comprises a closed lubrication port (2) which is openable by operatively connecting a lubrication fitting (20) to the lubrication port (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an end cap for a bracket of a linear guide device, a bracket, a linear guide device, a method for obtaining the end cap, and a method for lubricating the bracket. Background Technology

[0002] Linear guiding devices, including guide rails and carriages movable along the guide rails, are known for enabling translation of components, such as machine parts, relative to each other. To improve service life and provide smooth operation, the user can lubricate the linear bearings in the carriage. For this purpose, the carriage typically includes at least one lubrication port to which the user can connect a lubrication fitting. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One object of the present invention is to improve the lubrication process, and in particular to simplify the lubrication process.

[0004] This objective is achieved by the end cap of the bracket for the linear guide device, the bracket, the linear guide device, the method for obtaining the end cap, and the method for lubricating the bracket, according to the independent claims.

[0005] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are subject to the dependent claims and the following description.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the invention, the end cap of the bracket for the linear guide device includes a closed lubrication port that can be opened by operatively connecting a lubrication fitting to the lubrication port.

[0007] One aspect of the invention is based on the idea of ​​providing a closed lubrication port on the bracket of a linear guide device, which is configured to be opened upon first use of the lubrication port. Preferably, the closed lubrication port can be opened tool-free simply by operatively connecting a lubrication fitting to the lubrication port. In other words, to open the lubrication port, it is advantageous to simply connect the lubrication fitting to the lubrication port. In this way, the port can be opened incidentally. Compared to conventional lubrication ports that can only be opened, for example, by drilling or cutting, it is advantageous that no special tools are required to open the lubrication port of the proposed end cap. This reduces the number of steps required for the user to perform when lubricating the bracket for the first time, thereby reducing workload. Therefore, time and cost can be saved.

[0008] For example, the lubrication port may be configured to open toward the lubrication channel of the end cap when the lubrication fitting is connected. In other words, the lubrication port is preferably configured to form a passage to the lubrication channel when the lubrication fitting is connected.

[0009] Preferred embodiments of the invention and other aspects thereof are described below. Each of these, unless expressly excluded, may be combined with each other as needed, and in conjunction with other aspects of the invention described below.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the lubrication port includes a mechanism configured to form a passage for lubricant to the end cap when the lubrication fitting is operatively connected to the lubrication port. Advantageously, this mechanism can be activated by connecting a lubrication fitting to the lubrication port. This mechanism allows the lubrication port to be opened in a particularly reliable manner.

[0011] The mechanism can be activated only once, i.e., when the lubrication fitting is first connected to the lubrication port. Preferably, by activating the mechanism, at least a portion of the material layer between the lubrication port and the lubrication channel is moved, thereby forming a passage.

[0012] In another preferred embodiment, the lubrication port includes a blind hole and can be opened by inserting a lubrication fitting into the blind hole and applying force to the bottom of the blind hole. Advantageously, the mechanism is activated by applying force. It is also advantageous to insert the lubrication fitting into the blind hole to apply the force required to activate the mechanism. The mechanism is preferably arranged at the bottom of the blind hole. In this way, the lubrication port maintains a compact form. Furthermore, the mechanism is well protected from accidental activation.

[0013] In yet another preferred embodiment, the lubrication port includes threads and can be opened by screwing a lubrication fitting into the lubrication port. This allows force to be applied incidentally to the bottom of the blind hole. In particular, this allows a force greater than the insertion force used to screw the lubrication fitting into the lubrication port to be applied. Therefore, the mechanism can be activated in a particularly reliable manner.

[0014] In yet another preferred embodiment, the lubrication port can be pierced by operatively attaching a lubrication fitting to the lubrication port. For example, the lubrication port can be configured such that the opening portion of the lubrication port is pierced when the lubrication fitting is attached to establish a passage to the lubrication channel. Advantageously, the port is configured such that the layer of material separating the lubrication port from the lubrication channel is pierced when the lubrication fitting is attached. For this purpose, the lubrication port is preferably configured to be pierced at the bottom of the blind hole. With a pierceable lubrication port, the effort required to open the lubrication port can be further reduced.

[0015] In yet another preferred embodiment, the lubrication port includes a protrusion configured to at least partially abut against the lubrication fitting, particularly its end, when the lubrication fitting is operatively connected to the lubrication port. Preferably, the protrusion is disposed at the bottom of the blind hole. The protrusion may be configured to pierce the layer of material separating the lubrication port from the lubrication channel when the lubrication fitting, particularly its end, abuts against the protrusion and / or a force is applied to the protrusion. This protrusion allows for a particularly defined opening of the lubrication port.

[0016] In yet another preferred embodiment, the protrusion forms a ramp with a contact portion at its upper end for contacting the lubrication fitting when it is operatively connected to the lubrication port. The upper end of the ramp preferably faces the lubrication fitting when it is connected to the lubrication port. Advantageously, this upper end is configured to withstand the force applied by the lubrication fitting when connected to the lubrication port. Due to the slope of the ramp, only the upper end contacts the lubrication fitting, allowing for particularly high pressure to be applied to the protrusion. Furthermore, the lubrication port can be pierced in an opening well defined by the upper end of the ramp.

[0017] In yet another preferred embodiment, the lubrication port includes a predetermined break point. Advantageously, the break point is defined by at least a portion of the protruding profile, particularly a ramp. The break point is preferably formed by material weakening, i.e., thinning the material layer separating the lubrication port from the lubrication channel. This allows for the establishment of a well-controlled pathway to the lubrication channel.

[0018] In yet another preferred embodiment, the lubrication port includes an opening portion configured to hinge when the lubrication fitting is operatively attached to the lubrication port. In other words, the opening portion can be configured to be pushed in when the lubrication fitting is attached to the lubrication port. For example, the opening portion can hinge toward the lubrication channel, particularly at least partially, when the lubrication fitting applies pressure to the protrusion. By configuring the opening portion for hinged engagement, material debris can be prevented from being generated when the lubrication port is opened.

[0019] According to a second aspect of the invention, the bracket for the linear guide device has an end cap according to a first aspect of the invention.

[0020] According to a third aspect of the invention, the linear guide device includes a guide rail and a bracket. The bracket is configured to move linearly along the guide rail and includes at least one end cap according to a first aspect of the invention.

[0021] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a method for obtaining an end cap according to a first aspect of the invention includes injection molding the end cap and forming a lubrication port of the end cap by rotational demolding.

[0022] According to a fifth aspect of the invention, a method for lubricating a bracket for a linear guide device includes opening the closed lubrication port of the bracket, particularly the end cap according to a first aspect of the invention, by operatively connecting a lubrication fitting to a lubrication port.

[0023] The features, characteristics, and advantages of the present invention described above, as well as the ways in which they are implemented, will be explained in more detail in the following illustrative description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Where appropriate, the same or corresponding elements of the invention are referred to by the same reference numerals in different drawings. The examples are provided to explain the invention and do not limit the invention to the features shown therein or even combinations of functional features. Furthermore, any feature disclosed in the above description and in the examples below can be considered alone and can be suitably combined with features of any of the above embodiments and other aspects thereof. In particular, each feature described above and below can be combined alone or together with other described features with end caps according to the first aspect of the invention, brackets according to the second aspect of the invention, linear guide devices according to the third aspect of the invention, methods according to the fourth aspect of the invention, and methods according to the fifth aspect of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The present invention is schematically illustrated in the following figures: Figure 1 An example of a linear guide device is shown; Figure 2 An example of a portion of the end cap of a bracket used for a linear guide device is shown; Figure 3 An example of a mechanism for opening and closing the lubrication port is shown, wherein Figure 3 (A) shows a top view of mechanism 7, while Figure 3 (B) shows a side view; and Figure 4 An example of a closed lubrication port is shown in cross-section. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Figure 1 An example of a linear guide device 100 including a bracket 10 and a guide rail 11 is shown. The bracket 10 is configured to translate along the guide rail 11, i.e., along the longitudinal axis defined by the guide rail 11. For this purpose, the bracket 10 may accommodate a linear bearing comprising rolling elements (not visible) arranged between the guide rail 11 and the bracket 10.

[0026] The bracket 10 includes two end caps 1, respectively disposed at the front and rear ends. The end caps 1 perform various tasks to ensure smooth operation of the linear guide 100. For example, the end caps 1 can be configured to guide the rolling elements (not visible) of the linear bearing within the bracket 10 from the channel formed between the guide rail 11 and the bracket 10 back into a return channel (not visible). Alternatively or additionally, the end caps 1 can be configured to seal the interior of the bracket 10, particularly the linear bearing, from the outside, so that particles such as dirt or dust do not impair the operation of the linear guide 100.

[0027] Preferably, the end cap 1 is also configured for lubricating the bracket 10, particularly the linear bearing. For this purpose, the end cap 1 may include a lubricant container from which lubricant is supplied to the bracket 10, particularly the linear bearing, as needed.

[0028] Alternatively or additionally, the end cap 1 includes a lubrication port 2 and / or additional lubrication ports 3, 4 to allow the user to relubricate the bracket 10, particularly to refill the lubricant container (if present). For example, lubrication ports 2, 3, 4 may be configured to connect to lubrication fittings, respectively.

[0029] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, lubrication port 2 is located on the opposite side of end cap 1, while another lubrication port 3 is located on the top surface of end cap 1. Another lubrication port 4 is located on the front surface of end cap 1. Exemplarily, a lubrication fitting 20 is also shown, operatively connected to lubrication port 4. Figure 1 As can be seen in the text.

[0030] Preferably, these lubrication ports 2, 3, and 4 are initially closed, requiring the user to open them when relubricating the bracket 10 for the first time. This allows for effective pre-lubrication of the bracket 10 during manufacturing. By arranging a large number of lubrication ports 2, 3, and 4 at different locations on the end cap 1, the user can freely select the lubrication ports 2, 3, and 4 that best suit their needs or are most suitable for using the linear guide device 100.

[0031] Advantageously, at least some of the lubrication ports 2 and 3, 4, particularly the lubrication port 2 located on the side of the end cap 1, can be opened by operatively connecting the lubrication fitting 20 to the corresponding lubrication port 2. In other words, preferably, when opening the lubrication port 2, the user does not need to perform any additional steps other than connecting the lubrication fitting 20 to the corresponding lubrication port 2. In particular, drilling, cutting, or similar machining steps may not be necessary to open the lubrication port 2. In this way, relubrication via the lubrication port 2 becomes particularly quick and easy.

[0032] Figure 2 An example of a portion of the end cap 1 of a bracket for a linear guide device is shown. The end cap 1 can serve as a housing for various components, such as a redirection device configured as a redirecting rolling element, a lubricant container, a sealing element, etc. Figure 2 The end cap 1 shown is preferably made of plastic material, particularly injection molded.

[0033] The end cap 1 includes two lubrication ports 2, respectively arranged on two opposite sides 1a and 1b of the end cap 1. The end cap 1 also includes another lubrication port 3 located on the top surface 1c of the end cap 1. Preferably, all lubrication ports 2 and 3 are initially closed and can be opened when the bracket is re-lubricated for the first time using the corresponding lubrication port 2.

[0034] from Figure 2 As can be seen, the additional lubrication port 3 is closed by a cover 3a integral with the portion shown in the end cap 1. To open the lubrication port 3, the cover 3a includes a recess 3b, allowing the user to position the end of the drill bit. When the cover 3a is drilled open, the user can establish a connection to an external lubricant container and a lubricant channel (not visible) located behind the cover 3a. For example, the user can connect a lubrication fitting to the additional lubrication port 3.

[0035] In contrast, the lubrication port 2 is preferably configured as a blind hole 5, wherein the bottom of each blind hole closes the corresponding lubrication port 2. Advantageously, the lubrication port 2 can be opened by operatively connecting a lubrication fitting (not shown) to the corresponding lubrication port 2, in particular by inserting the lubrication fitting into the corresponding blind hole 5.

[0036] exist Figure 2 In the example shown, each blind hole 5 includes a thread 6, allowing the lubricating fitting to be screwed into the corresponding blind hole 5. However, other methods of inserting and / or securing the lubricating fitting into the blind hole 5, such as by press-fitting or sliding and bonding, are also conceivable.

[0037] Preferably, each lubrication port 2 includes a mechanism (not visible) configured to open the corresponding lubrication port 2 when a lubrication fitting is connected, particularly when the lubrication fitting is inserted into the blind hole 5. This mechanism is advantageously located at the bottom of the blind hole 5. The mechanism can be activated by applying force to it, which can be generated, for example, by screwing the lubrication fitting into the blind hole 5.

[0038] Figure 3 An example of mechanism 7 for opening and closing the lubrication port is shown. Figure 3 (A) shows a top view of mechanism 7, while Figure 3 (B) shows a side view.

[0039] exist Figure 3 In the example shown, mechanism 7 includes a protrusion 8. For example, protrusion 8 may be arranged at the bottom of a blind hole forming a lubrication port. Protrusion 8 has the form of a ramp 9, as... Figure 3 As specifically shown in (B), the ramp 9 ascends to a boss 9a, which forms the upper end of the ramp 9. The ramp 9 has a contact portion 9b at this upper end, as shown... Figure 3 As shown by the shaded line in (A).

[0040] When the lubrication fitting is operatively connected to the lubrication port, the end of the lubrication fitting may abut against the protrusion 8. Specifically, the end of the lubrication fitting may contact the contact portion 9b of the ramp 9. The lubrication fitting may apply force to the protrusion 8, particularly the contact portion 9b. The resulting pressure may open the lubrication port, particularly the bottom of the blind hole. For example, by applying force to the protrusion 8, the lubrication fitting may pierce the bottom of the blind hole.

[0041] Since the pressure generated advantageously acts only on or at least primarily on the contact portion 9b, the resulting opening can be slit-like and defined by the profile 8a of the protrusion 8, particularly at least a portion of the ramp 9. Figure 3 (A) uses a dashed line to represent part of the outline 8a.

[0042] When the opening is large enough, under the pressure applied by the lubricating fitting, the protrusion 8 can be at least partially hinged relative to the bottom of the blind hole. In particular, the upper end of the ramp 9, especially the contact portion 9b, can be pushed downward toward the bottom of the blind hole, thereby causing at least a portion of the protrusion 8 to be hinged.

[0043] Figure 4 An example of a closed lubrication port 2 of an end cap 1 for a linear guide device is shown in cross-section. The lubrication port 2 is configured as a blind hole 5 and includes a mechanism 7 for opening the lubrication port 2 to a lubrication channel 1d of the end cap 1. The mechanism 7 can be activated by operatively connecting a lubrication fitting 20 to the lubrication port 2, particularly by inserting the lubrication fitting 20 into the blind hole 5. For this purpose, the blind hole 5 preferably includes a thread 6 configured to engage with a corresponding thread on the lubrication fitting 20.

[0044] The bottom of the blind hole 5 is preferably formed of a material layer 1e of the end cap 1. The material layer 1e separates the lubrication channel 1d from the lubrication port 2. The mechanism 7 preferably includes a protrusion 8 formed at the bottom of the hole 5, wherein the protrusion 8, and thus the mechanism 7, is integral with the material layer 1e. Advantageously, the protrusion 8 has a ramp shape to provide a contact portion at the top of the ramp (see reference). Figure 3 The contact portion is configured to withstand the force applied when the lubrication fitting 20 is operatively connected to the lubrication port 2, i.e., when the lubrication fitting 20 is inserted into the blind hole 5. Due to the limited size of the contact portion, applying force to the protrusion 8 may result in high pressure on the material layer 1e. This makes it possible to pierce the material layer 1e, thereby establishing a lubricant passage between the lubrication port 2, particularly the blind hole 5, and the lubrication channel 1d.

[0045] To facilitate puncture, the lubrication port 2 may include a predetermined break point B. The break point B is preferably formed by thinning the material layer 1e. Advantageously, the break point B is located along at least a portion of the contour of the protrusion 8, particularly in the region along the contact portion (see reference). Figure 3 Arrangement.

[0046] After the lubrication port 2 is pierced by inserting the lubrication fitting 20 into the blind hole 5 and applying force to the contact surface at the top of the slope, the protrusion 8 or at least a portion thereof can be hinged toward the lubrication channel 1d. Thus, an opening can be formed through which lubricant can flow from the lubrication port 2 into the lubrication channel 1d.

[0047] By showing the lubrication fitting 20 and the lubrication port 2, Figure 4 A method for using a lubrication bracket is also illustrated. As described above, the lubrication port 2 can be opened by operatively connecting the lubrication fitting 20 to the lubrication port 2, and in particular by screwing the lubrication fitting 20 into the blind hole 5 via the thread 6. Once a passage to the lubrication channel 1d is established, lubricant can be supplied through the lubrication fitting 20.

[0048] Lubrication port 2, especially the ramp (see reference) Figure 3 The lubrication port 2 can be obtained during the injection molding of the end cap 1. Preferably, the lubrication port 2 is formed during rotary demolding. In particular, the pin with a recess at the end corresponding to the protrusion 8 is pulled out of the blind hole 5. In order to form the thread 6, the pin is rotated when it is pulled out of the blind hole 5. The protrusion 8 has a ramp shape to facilitate this operation.

[0049] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1. End cap 1a Side view 1b Side view 1c Top surface 1d Lubricant Channel 1e Material layer 2 Lubrication port 3, 4 Other lubrication ports 3a Lid 3b Recess 5 blind holes 6 threads 7 institutions 8. Protrusion 8a Outline 9. Slope 9a Boss 9b Contact Part 10 brackets 11 guide rails 20 Lubrication accessories 100 Linear Guide Device B. Fracturing point

Claims

1. An end cap (1) for a bracket (10) of a linear guide device (100), the end cap (1) comprising a closed lubrication port (2), the lubrication port (2) being operablely connected to the lubrication port (2), wherein, The lubrication port (2) includes a blind hole (5) and a protrusion (8) disposed at the bottom of the blind hole (5), wherein the protrusion (8) is configured to at least partially abut against the lubrication fitting (20) when the lubrication fitting (20) is operatively connected to the lubrication port (2), thereby enabling the lubrication port (2) to be opened by substantially fully inserting the lubrication fitting (20) into the blind hole (5) and applying force to the protrusion (8), wherein the lubrication port (2) includes a mechanism (7) including the protrusion (8), the mechanism (7) being configured to form a lubricant passage leading to the lubrication channel (1d) of the end cap (1) when the lubrication fitting (20) is operatively connected to the lubrication port (2).

2. The end cap (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The lubrication port (2) includes threads (6) and can be opened by screwing the lubrication fitting (20) into the lubrication port (2).

3. The end cap (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The lubrication port (2) can be punctured by operably connecting the lubrication fitting (20) to the lubrication port (2).

4. The end cap (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The protrusion (8) forms a ramp (9) with a contact portion (9b) at its upper end for contacting the lubrication fitting (20) when the lubrication fitting (20) is operatively connected to the lubrication port (2).

5. The end cap (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The lubrication port (2) includes a predetermined break point (B).

6. The end cap (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The lubrication port (2) includes an opening portion configured to hinge when the lubrication fitting (20) is operatively connected to the lubrication port (2).

7. A bracket (10) for a linear guide device (100) having an end cap (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

8. A linear guide device (100) comprising a bracket (10) and a guide rail (11), wherein, The bracket (10) is configured to move linearly along the guide rail (11) and includes at least one end cap (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

9. A method for obtaining an end cap (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The end cap (1) is injection molded, and the lubrication port (2) of the end cap (1) is formed by rotational demolding.

10. A method for lubricating a bracket (10) of a linear guide device (100), wherein, The closed lubrication port (2) of the end cap (1) of the bracket (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 is opened by operatively connecting the lubrication fitting (20) to the lubrication port (2).

Images