Method of lubricating a gear arrangement

Abstract

A lubricating mechanism (10) of a wave gear device (1) is provided with a powder storage bag (30) disposed in an inner space (9) of an external tooth gear (3) and storing a solid lubricant powder (20). At the time of driving of the wave gear device (1), a diaphragm (3c) of the external tooth gear (3) is repeatedly flexed. Vibration or deformation is repeatedly applied to the powder storage bag (30), so that the solid lubricant powder (20) is released from a powder release hole (33) formed in the powder storage bag (30) to the inner space (9). A lubrication is performed on a lubrication target site with the solid lubricant powder released to the inner space (9). Disadvantages caused by one-time supply of a large amount of the solid lubricant powder to the lubrication target site can be eliminated, and a required amount of the solid lubricant powder can be continuously supplied to the lubrication target site.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to gear devices such as wave gear devices and planetary gear devices. More specifically, it relates to a lubrication method for a gear device that uses solid lubricant powder to lubricate the meshing parts of gears, the bearing parts of gears, and other parts awaiting lubrication, as well as a gear device having a lubrication mechanism that lubricates the parts awaiting lubrication by the lubrication method. Background Technology

[0002] As a lubrication method for gear devices such as wave gear devices and planetary gear devices, powder lubrication using powders of solid lubricants such as molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), tungsten disulfide (WS2), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), graphite, carbon nanotubes, and fullerenes is known. It has been verified that powder lubrication significantly extends the lubrication life compared to lubrication methods that simply apply solid lubricants to the surface of the parts to be lubricated. The applicant of this application has proposed a lubrication method for wave gear devices using solid lubricant powders in Patent Documents 1 and 2.

[0003] Furthermore, Patent Document 3 discloses a gear device (a sealed device for mechanical components in space) using powdered solid lubricants such as molybdenum disulfide. Regarding the gear device described here, powdered solid lubricant is sealed within a sealed housing that houses mechanical components such as gears. In a weightless environment, the powdered solid lubricant suspends within the housing and enters the meshing parts of the gears, where lubrication is required, providing stable lubrication over a long period. Additionally, within the housing, a component is installed on a rotating shaft to agitate the powdered solid lubricant, stirring it and supplying it to the lubrication points.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2016 / 084235

[0007] Patent Document 2: International Publication No. 2016 / 113847

[0008] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-205899 Summary of the Invention

[0009] Conventional lubrication methods using solid lubricant powder present the following challenges. Solid lubricant powder is sealed within the housing of a gear mechanism. When the gear mechanism is driven, vibrations and the rotation of gears and other rotating components agitate the accumulated solid lubricant powder at the bottom of the housing, causing it to disperse and be distributed to the parts requiring lubrication. If a large amount of solid lubricant powder enters the lubrication points of rotating components such as gears and bearings at once, rotational resistance increases, and in the worst case, rotational lock-up may occur. Particularly in the case of using solid lubricant powder for the lubrication of gear mechanisms used in space applications, large vibrations and impacts generated during rocket launches may cause a large amount of solid lubricant powder to move at once, thereby clogging bearings, gear meshing parts, etc., and hindering the proper operation of the gear mechanism.

[0010] To eliminate the aforementioned drawbacks, it is necessary to be able to supply solid lubricant powder to the parts to be lubricated in small amounts each time. However, this has not been considered in the past, and no lubrication method for this purpose has been proposed.

[0011] In view of this, the object of the present invention is to provide a lubrication method for a gear device capable of continuously supplying a predetermined amount of solid lubricant powder to the parts of the gear device to be lubricated. Furthermore, the object of the present invention is to provide a gear device equipped with a lubrication mechanism that utilizes this new lubrication method to supply solid lubricant powder to the parts to be lubricated.

[0012] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the lubrication method of the gear device of the present invention is characterized in that...

[0013] Solid lubricant powder is stored in a powder storage bag with a powder release hole.

[0014] Place the powder collection bag inside the device where the part to be lubricated is located.

[0015] By utilizing the vibration or force acting on the powder storage bag or solid lubricant powder driven by the gear mechanism, the solid lubricant powder stored in the powder storage bag is released into the internal space of the device through the powder release hole.

[0016] Inside the device, solid lubricant powder is used to lubricate the part to be lubricated.

[0017] Furthermore, the gear device with a lubrication mechanism of the present invention is characterized by comprising:

[0018] A powder storage bag is disposed inside the device where the part to be lubricated is located;

[0019] Powder release hole, which is formed in the powder storage bag; and

[0020] Solid lubricant powder, which is stored in a powder storage bag.

[0021] Solid lubricant powder is a powder of a size that can be released into the internal space of the device through a powder release hole.

[0022] In this invention, a powder storage bag containing solid lubricant powder is disposed within the internal space of the device, instead of sealing the solid lubricant powder inside the internal space of the device where the part to be lubricated is located. The solid lubricant powder is stirred and dispersed inside the powder storage bag by vibrations generated by the driving of the gear mechanism, and a portion of the solid lubricant powder is released into the internal space of the device through a powder release hole. The solid lubricant powder released into the internal space of the device is then used to lubricate the part to be lubricated.

[0023] Based on hypothetical vibrations and impacts, the size of the powder release orifice, the packing density, and the particle size of the solid lubricant powder are appropriately preset. This allows a predetermined amount of solid lubricant powder to be continuously released into the internal space of the device while the gear mechanism is in operation, thereby ensuring a continuous supply of the required amount of solid lubricant powder to the lubrication points. Consequently, it prevents large amounts of solid lubricant powder from being fed into bearings, gear meshing parts, etc., all at once. Furthermore, it ensures a continuous supply of the required amount of solid lubricant powder to the lubrication points.

[0024] The powder storage bag can be vibrated or deformed by a drive component located inside the device, so that a specified amount of solid lubricant powder can be continuously supplied into the device through the powder release hole.

[0025] Powder collection bags are made from sheet or membrane materials with porous, mesh, or lattice structures, such as nonwoven fabrics or filter materials. This allows numerous micropores or meshes extending through the sheet or membrane material to function as powder release pores. For vacuum applications, sheet or membrane materials made of PTFE, PEEK, polyimide, or polyimide amide are preferred for forming the powder collection bags.

[0026] When installing the powder storage bag in a designated position within the device's internal space, it is preferable to use a bag-fixing component with a specified rigidity, made of perforated metal or the like. Specifically, it is preferable to use a bag-fixing component with a powder flow hole in the portion opposite the powder release hole, in a manner that does not obstruct the release of solid lubricant powder from the powder release hole into the device's internal space.

[0027] In order to efficiently guide the solid lubricant powder released from the powder release hole of the powder storage bag into the internal space of the device to the part to be lubricated, it is preferable to arrange a powder guiding component in the internal space of the device, and use the powder guiding component to guide the solid lubricant powder released into the internal space of the device to the part to be lubricated.

[0028] As solid lubricants, materials such as MoS2, WS2, PTFE, graphite, carbon nanotubes, fullerenes, or boron nitride can be used.

[0029] Furthermore, the particle size of the solid lubricant powder is, for example, 10 nm to 100 μm based on the median particle size. In this case, it is preferable to pre-set the size of the powder release pore to be such that particles with a particle size 5 to 300 times the median particle size can pass through.

[0030] Furthermore, the interior of the powder storage bag is divided into multiple powder storage sections to prevent the solid lubricant powder from being misaligned, and powder release holes are pre-formed in the parts of the bag corresponding to each powder storage section in a manner that allows the solid lubricant powder to be released from the powder storage sections into the internal space of the device.

[0031] It should be noted that felt can be used as a seal to prevent solid lubricant powder from leaking from the internal space of the device for powder lubrication to the outside. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1A This is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the wave gear device according to Embodiment 1.

[0033] Figure 1B This is an explanatory diagram showing a powder storage bag.

[0034] Figure 1C This is an explanatory diagram showing the release of solid lubricant powder from the powder collection bag due to the deflection of the external gear.

[0035] Figure 1D This is an illustrative diagram showing another example of a powder storage bag.

[0036] Figure 2 This is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example 1 of the wave gear device with the position of the powder storage bag changed.

[0037] Figure 3A This is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a modified example 2 of a wave gear device equipped with a powder stirring guide component.

[0038] Figure 3B This is an explanatory diagram showing the powder stirring guide component of modified Example 2.

[0039] Figure 4AThis is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a modified example 3 with powder stirring guides configured with different shapes.

[0040] Figure 4B This is an explanatory diagram showing the powder stirring guide component of modified Example 3.

[0041] Figure 5 This is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the wave gear device according to Embodiment 2.

[0042] Figure 6 This is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a modified example of a wave gear device with a changed position of the powder storage bag. Detailed Implementation

[0043] Hereinafter, embodiments of the gear device to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are examples of applying the present invention to a wave gear device; however, the present invention can also be applied to planetary gear devices and other gear devices.

[0044] [Implementation Method 1]

[0045] Figure 1A This is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing the cup-shaped wave gear device according to Embodiment 1. The wave gear device 1 includes a rigid internal gear 2 in the shape of a ring, a flexible external gear 3, and a wave generator 4 with an elliptical profile. The external gear 3 is coaxially disposed inside the internal gear 2. The wave gear device 1 is arranged in a horizontal position with its central axis 1a pointing horizontally. For example, the internal gear 2 is fixed to the device housing 5, which is a fixed side component, the wave generator 4 is connected and fixed to an input shaft 6 such as a motor rotating shaft, and the external gear 3 is coaxially connected and fixed to an output shaft 7a.

[0046] The external gear 3 is cup-shaped, and external teeth 3b are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical main body 3a, which is flexible in the radial direction. A diaphragm 3c extending radially inward is formed from the opposite end of the cylindrical main body 3a. A rigid annular boss 3d is formed on the inner peripheral edge of the diaphragm 3c. The boss 3d is sandwiched between the annular pressing member 7b and the output shaft 7a. In this state, the three components are coaxially fastened and fixed by multiple fastening bolts 7c. The wave generator 4 includes: a rigid plug 4a; and a wave generator bearing 4b fitted onto the outer peripheral surface of the elliptical profile of the plug 4a. The wave generator 4 is fitted onto the inner side of the portion of the cylindrical main body 3a of the external gear 3 where the external teeth 3b are formed.

[0047] The internal space 9 of the cylindrical main body 3a of the external gear 3 is part of the internal space of the device surrounded by the wave generator 4 mounted on the open end side and the cover 8 mounted on the boss 3d side. A lubrication mechanism 10 is embedded in the internal space 9 to lubricate the various parts of the wave gear device 1 that need to be lubricated using solid lubricant powder.

[0048] There are three main lubrication points in the wave gear device 1. These are the internal contact portion 11 of the wave generator 4 (the contact portion of the components of the wave generator bearing 4b), the contact portion 12 between the wave generator 4 and the external gear 3 (the contact portion between the outer circumferential surface of the outer ring of the wave generator bearing 4b and the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical main body 3a of the external gear 3), and the tooth surfaces 13 of the internal gear 2 and the external gear 3. These parts are lubricated with solid lubricant powder.

[0049] The lubrication mechanism 10 includes: a powder storage bag 30 for storing solid lubricant powder 20; and a bag fixing plate 40. The solid lubricant powder 20 is powder of solid lubricants such as MoS2, WS2, PTFE, graphite, carbon nanotubes, fullerenes, and boron nitride. For example, it is MoS2 powder. The solid lubricant powder 20 is formulated to have a particle size, for example, a median particle size of 10 nm to 100 μm. The particle size is a value determined using, for example, photon diffusion or laser diffraction / randomization methods.

[0050] Figure 1B This is an explanatory diagram showing the powder storage bag 30 with a portion cut off. Referring to this diagram, the powder storage bag 30 is a ring-shaped bag made of a flexible sheet material such as non-woven fabric with a mesh or mesh structure, and its size corresponds to the annular inner end face 3f on the side of the internal space 9 of the diaphragm 3c. In this example, the interior of the powder storage bag 30 is divided at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction by heat-sealing members 31, forming multiple storage sections 32. Each storage section 32 contains a predetermined amount of solid lubricant powder 20, ensuring that the solid lubricant powder 20 does not become misaligned within the flexible powder storage bag 30.

[0051] Regarding the powder storage bag 30 made of sheet material with a mesh or lattice structure, a large number of meshes (micropores) connecting the inside and outside of the bag are formed into a grid pattern. The size of these meshes (micropores) is approximately 5 to 300 times the particle size of the solid lubricant powder 20 contained therein. When vibration or force is applied to the powder storage bag 30, these meshes (micropores) function as powder release holes 33 that release the contained solid lubricant powder 20 to the outside. In this example, because the powder storage bag 30 is made of sheet material with a mesh or lattice structure, powder release holes 33 are formed throughout the bag. It is also possible to form powder release holes 33 only in a portion of the powder storage bag 30.

[0052] A flexible powder storage bag 30 is disposed between the inner end face 3f of the diaphragm 3c and the bag fixing plate 40 fixed to the boss 3d. That is, the powder storage bag 30 is positioned along the inner end face 3f and is attached to the inner end face 3f using an adhesive or the like. In this state, the powder storage bag 30 remains between the inner end face 3f and the bag fixing plate 40. The bag fixing plate 40 is configured such that its inner peripheral edge portion 41 is fixed to the boss 3d, and it extends parallel to the inner end face 3f at certain intervals. The bag fixing plate 40 holds the powder storage bag 30 in a pressed-down position against the inner end face 3f.

[0053] The bag retaining plate 40 is formed of a rigid sheet metal with a mesh structure, such as perforated metal, and a large number of meshes 42 (micro-holes) running through the bag retaining plate 40 form a grid pattern. The size of the meshes 42 is the same as or larger than the powder release holes 33. At the part of the powder storage bag 30 pressed by the bag retaining plate 40, solid lubricant powder 20 released from the powder release holes 33 passes through the meshes 42 and is released into the internal space 9.

[0054] Under the driving state of the wave gear device 1 equipped with the lubrication mechanism 10, the wave generator 4 rotates, such as... Figure 1C As shown, the cup-shaped external gear 3 repeatedly flexes in the radial direction. The portion of the diaphragm 3c of the external gear 3, to which the powder collection bag 30 is mounted, also repeatedly flexes in the front-back direction, starting from the root of the boss 3d. Vibration or deformation is repeatedly applied to the powder collection bag 30 mounted on the diaphragm 3c. Accordingly, the solid lubricant powder 20 collected in each collection part 32 of the powder collection bag 30 is stirred inside the bag and released from the powder release hole 33 into the internal space 9.

[0055] Solid lubricant powder 20 released into the internal space 9 is supplied to the internal contact portion 11 (wave generator bearing 4b) and contact portion 12 (contact portion between wave generator 4 and external gear 3) facing the internal space 9, and lubricates these portions. Furthermore, a portion of the solid lubricant powder 20 supplied to the wave generator bearing 4b passes through and moves through the track portion of the wave generator bearing 4b. Additionally, a portion of the solid lubricant powder 20 supplied between the wave generator 4 and the external gear 3 passes through and moves between them. For example, a powder guide portion 50, integrally formed with the wave generator 4 and rotating at high speed, is disposed on the side of the wave generator bearing 4b. The solid lubricant powder 20 is guided outward by the high-speed rotating powder guide portion 50 and supplied to the tooth surfaces 13 of the external and internal gears, which serve as lubrication portions, to lubricate these areas.

[0056] In this example, solid lubricant powder 20 is stored in a powder storage bag 30 installed on the diaphragm 3c, instead of being sealed in the internal space 9. When the powder storage bag 30 is vibrated and deformed by the drive of the wave gear device 1, the stored solid lubricant powder 20 is released from the powder release hole 33 into the internal space 9. A portion of the solid lubricant powder 20 released into the internal space 9 reaches the internal contact portions 11 and 12, which are the parts to be lubricated, and lubricates these parts. The particle size of the solid lubricant powder 20 and the size of the powder release hole 33 of the powder storage bag 30 are appropriately set. Accordingly, with the drive of the wave gear device 1, a predetermined amount of solid lubricant powder 20 is continuously released from the powder release hole 33 into the internal space 9. Thus, an appropriate amount of solid lubricant powder 20 is continuously supplied to the parts to be lubricated. This reliably prevents the disadvantages such as increased sliding resistance of the wave generator bearing 4b caused by a large amount of solid lubricant powder being supplied to the parts to be lubricated at once.

[0057] It should be noted that in this example, the powder storage bag 30 is divided into multiple sections, forming multiple storage parts 32. Alternatively, multiple powder storage bags can be used instead of the powder storage bag 30. Figure 1D This is an explanatory diagram showing four powder storage bags 30(1) to 30(4) arranged concentrically. The powder storage bags 30(1) to 30(4) described above can be used instead of the powder storage bag 30. Of course, the number and arrangement of the powder storage bags are not limited to... Figure 1D Examples are provided. Additionally, powder storage bags can be the same size and shape; however, different shapes and sizes can be used depending on the placement location. Furthermore, multiple powder storage bags with multiple internal compartments can also be configured.

[0058] (Modified Example 1)

[0059] In the example above, the powder storage bag 30 is positioned along the inner end face 3f of the diaphragm 3c of the external gear 3. The powder storage bag 30 may also be positioned in other locations within the internal space 9 of the external gear 3.

[0060] Figure 2This is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a modified example 1 of the wave gear device 1. In the lubrication mechanism 10A of modified example 1, the powder storage bag 30A containing solid lubricant powder 20 is cylindrical and arranged along the inner circumferential surface portion 3g of the cylindrical main body portion 3a of the external gear 3. The bag fixing plate 40A for fixing the powder storage bag 30A to the external gear 3 has a mounting annular plate portion fixed to the boss 3d of the external gear 3, and a cylindrical plate portion extending continuously relative to the outer circumferential edge of the mounting annular plate portion. The cylindrical plate portion is the portion that presses the powder storage bag 30A against the inner circumferential surface portion 3g of the cylindrical main body portion 3a. The bag fixing plate 40A has the flexibility to flex in the radial direction following the flexing of the cylindrical main body portion 3a of the external gear 3, and is formed of a sheet material with a mesh structure such as perforated metal. The powder storage bag 30A is made of sheet material with a porous, mesh, or woven structure, such as soft non-woven fabric.

[0061] Regarding the lubrication mechanism 10A of this structure, similarly, as the undulating gear device 1 drives, the cylindrical main body 3a of the external gear 3 repeatedly flexes in the radial direction. Simultaneously, the various parts of the powder storage bag 30A, held between the cylindrical main body 3a and the bag fixing plate 40A, repeatedly shift in the radial direction. This action stirs and disperses the solid lubricant powder 20 stored in the powder storage bag 30A, releasing it into the internal space 9 through the powder release hole and the connecting hole of the bag fixing plate 40A. The solid lubricant powder 20 released into the internal space 9 is used to lubricate the parts to be lubricated.

[0062] (Modified Example 2)

[0063] Figure 3A This is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a modified example 2 of the wave gear device 1. Figure 3B This is an explanatory diagram showing its powder stirring guide component. The lubrication mechanism 10B of Example 2 is modified as follows: Figure 1A A powder stirring guide member 60 is added to the lubrication mechanism 10 shown. The powder stirring guide member 60 is coaxially fixed to the end face of the internal space 9 of the plug 4a of the wave generator 4. The powder stirring guide member 60 has a mounting circular plate portion 61 fixed to the end face of the plug 4a, and a conical portion 62 that narrows from the outer periphery of the mounting circular plate portion 61 toward the boss 3d of the external gear 3. In addition, powder flow holes 63 are formed at equal angular intervals along the circumferential direction at the outer periphery of the mounting circular plate portion 61.

[0064] When the wave gear device 1 is driven, the wave generator 4 rotates at high speed, and the powder stirring guide component 60 installed on the wave generator 4 also rotates at high speed. The high-speed rotating powder stirring guide component 60 stirs the solid lubricant powder 20 released from the powder storage bag 30 into the internal space 9, and guides it along the conical portion 62 towards the area to be lubricated. Additionally, it passes through the powder flow hole 63 and is guided to the area to be lubricated. This allows for efficient supply of the solid lubricant powder 20 released into the internal space 9 to the area to be lubricated.

[0065] (Modified Example 3)

[0066] It should be noted that various shapes of guide components can be used as the powder mixing guide component 60. For example, Figure 4A This is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a modified example 3 of the wave gear device 1. Figure 4B These are explanatory diagrams showing the powder stirring guide component. As shown in these figures, the powder stirring guide component 60A is an annular plate mounted on the plug 4a of the wave generator 4, and grooves 61A are formed at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction along the outer periphery of the powder stirring guide component 60A. When using the powder stirring guide component 60A of this shape, the solid lubricant powder 20 can be efficiently guided to the part to be lubricated.

[0067] [Implementation Method 2]

[0068] Figure 5 This is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing the wave gear device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The wave gear device 100 of Embodiment 2 includes: a rigid internal gear 102; a flexible external gear 103, which is top-hat shaped; and a wave generator 104 disposed inside the external gear 103. It also includes: a hollow input shaft 105; end plates 106 and 107 on both sides; and a bearing 108 supporting the internal gear 102 and the external gear 103 in a rotatable state. The plug 104a of the wave generator 104 is integrally formed on the outer peripheral surface of the hollow input shaft 105. An internal space 109, which is part of the internal space of the device, is formed between the hollow input shaft 105, the external gear 103, the wave generator 104, and one end plate 106.

[0069] A lubrication mechanism 110 is embedded in the internal space 109. The lubrication mechanism 110 includes: an annular powder storage bag 130 disposed along the annular end face 103f of the diaphragm 103c of the external gear 103; and a bag fixing plate 140 for holding the powder storage bag 130 in a state along the annular end face 103f. The powder storage bag 130 is constructed in the same manner as the powder storage bag 30 of Embodiment 1, and the bag fixing plate 140 is constructed in the same manner as the bag fixing plate 40 of Embodiment 1.

[0070] Regarding the lubrication mechanism 110 of this structure, similar to the case of Embodiment 1, as the wave gear device 100 is driven, the solid lubricant powder 120 stored in the powder storage bag 130 is released from the mesh (powder release hole) of the powder storage bag 130 into the internal space 109, and supplied to the internal contact portion 111 (the contact portion of the component of the wave generator bearing) of the wave generator 104, which is the part to be lubricated in the wave gear device 100, the contact portion 112 (the contact portion between the outer peripheral surface of the outer ring of the wave generator bearing and the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical main body portion 103a of the external gear 103), etc., which are lubricated by the solid lubricant powder 120.

[0071] (A modified version of Implementation Method 2)

[0072] Similarly, regarding the top hat-shaped wave gear device 100, the powder storage bag 130 can be disposed in other parts within the internal space 109. For example, Figure 6 In the lubrication mechanism 110A shown, a powder collection bag 130A is arranged along the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical main body 103a of the external gear 103. The powder collection bag 130A is held by a bag fixing plate 140A from its inner radial direction, maintaining its arrangement along the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical main body 103a. As the undulating gear device 100 is driven, the cylindrical main body 103a of the external gear 103 repeatedly flexes in the radial direction, and simultaneously, the portions of the powder collection bag 130A held between the cylindrical main body 103a and the bag fixing plate 140A repeatedly shift in the radial direction. This action agitates and disperses the solid lubricant powder 120 collected in the powder collection bag 130A, releasing it into the internal space 109 through the powder release hole (mesh) formed in the powder collection bag 130A and the powder communication hole (mesh) in the bag fixing plate 140A. A portion of the solid lubricant powder 120 released into the internal space 109 is supplied to the internal contact portions 111 and 112, which are the parts to be lubricated, to lubricate these parts.

[0073] [Other Implementation Methods]

[0074] In the examples above, the powder storage bag is vibrated or flexed using an externally geared device that repeatedly flexes. Alternatively, a drive component that vibrates or deforms the powder storage bag can be installed inside the device. For example, in the case of a wave gear device, components such as rollers that press down on the powder storage bag while rotating can be pre-installed in a high-speed rotating wave generator.

Claims

1. A lubrication method for a gear device, characterized in that, Solid lubricant powder is stored in a powder storage bag with a powder release hole. The powder storage bag is placed inside the device where the part to be lubricated is located. By utilizing the vibration or force acting on the powder storage bag or the solid lubricant powder driven by the gear mechanism, the solid lubricant powder stored in the powder storage bag is released into the internal space of the device through the powder release hole. The solid lubricant powder, released into the internal space of the device and reaching the part to be lubricated, is used to lubricate the part. The interior of the powder storage bag is divided into multiple storage compartments to prevent the solid lubricant powder from being misaligned. The powder release holes are formed at locations corresponding to the storage sections in a manner that releases the solid lubricant powder from the storage section into the internal space of the device.

2. A lubrication method for a gear device, characterized in that, Solid lubricant powder is stored in a powder storage bag with a powder release hole. The powder storage bag is placed inside the device where the part to be lubricated is located. By utilizing the vibration or force acting on the powder storage bag or the solid lubricant powder driven by the gear mechanism, the solid lubricant powder stored in the powder storage bag is released into the internal space of the device through the powder release hole. The solid lubricant powder, released into the internal space of the device and reaching the part to be lubricated, is used to lubricate the part. The gear device is a wave gear device comprising a rigid internal gear, a flexible external gear, and a wave generator. The wave generator is positioned inside the external gear, causing the external gear to flex radially and mesh with the internal gear, thus moving the meshing position of the external gear relative to the internal gear in a circumferential direction. The internal space of the device is the inner space of the external gear on which the wave generator is installed, or a space connected to the inner space. The powder storage bag is positioned along the portion of the external gear that is repeatedly flexed by the wave generator, and vibration or deformation is applied to that portion.

3. The lubrication method for the gear device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The internal space of the device contains components that vibrate or rotate in response to the drive of the gear mechanism. The powder storage bag is repeatedly vibrated or deformed using the aforementioned component. Promotes the release of the solid lubricant powder from the powder release orifice.

4. The lubrication method for the gear device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The powder storage bag is made of sheet or film material with a porous, mesh, or lattice structure, whereby the mesh extending through the sheet or film material is used as the powder release hole.

5. The lubrication method for the gear device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The powder storage bag is formed using a sheet or film material made of PTFE, PEEK, polyimide, or polyimide amide.

6. The lubrication method for the gear device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A bag fixing component is installed on the gear device, which has an inner surface facing the internal space of the device. The powder storage bag is held between the inner surface and the bag fixing component.

7. The lubrication method for the gear device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A powder stirring guide component is arranged inside the device. The powder stirring and guiding component is used to stir the solid lubricant powder released into the internal space of the device and guide it toward the part to be lubricated.

8. The lubrication method for the gear device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The solid lubricant powder is a powder of MoS2, WS2, PTFE, graphite, carbon nanotubes, fullerene, or boron nitride.

9. The lubrication method for the gear device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The solid lubricant powder has a particle size of 10 nm to 100 μm, based on the median particle size. The size of the powder release pore is such that particles with a diameter of 5 to 300 times the median particle size can pass through.

10. A gear mechanism, characterized in that, have: A powder storage bag is disposed inside the device where the part to be lubricated is located; Powder release hole, which is formed in the powder storage bag; and Solid lubricant powder, which is stored in the powder storage bag. The solid lubricant powder is a powder of a size that can be released into the internal space of the device through the powder release hole. The powder storage bag is internally divided into multiple storage compartments. The storage section is provided with powder release holes in such a way that the solid lubricant powder is released from the storage section into the internal space of the device.

11. A gear mechanism, characterized in that, have: A powder storage bag is disposed inside the device where the part to be lubricated is located; Powder release hole, which is formed in the powder storage bag; and Solid lubricant powder, which is stored in the powder storage bag. The solid lubricant powder is a powder of a size that can be released into the internal space of the device through the powder release hole. The gear mechanism also includes: Rigid internal gears; Flexible external gears; and A wave generator is disposed inside the external gear, causing the external gear to flex radially to mesh with the internal gear, and causing the meshing position of the external gear relative to the internal gear to move circumferentially. The internal space of the device is the inner space of the external gear on which the wave generator is installed, or a space connected to the inner space. The powder storage bag is positioned along the portion of the external gear that is repeatedly flexed by the wave generator, and vibration or deformation is applied to that portion.

12. The gear device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The powder storage bag is mounted on a component that vibrates, flexes, or rotates as driven by the gear mechanism.

13. The gear device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The gear mechanism includes a drive component that vibrates or deforms the powder storage bag as the gear mechanism is driven.

14. The gear mechanism according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The powder storage bag is made of sheet or film material with a porous, mesh, or lattice structure. The mesh extending through the sheet or film material functions as the powder release pores.

15. The gear device according to claim 14, characterized in that, The powder storage bag is made of PTFE, PEEK, polyimide, or polyimide amide.

16. The gear device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The gear mechanism includes a bag-fixing component, which is mounted on a component of the gear mechanism having an inner surface facing the internal space of the mechanism. The powder storage bag is held between the inner surface and the bag fixing component.

17. The gear mechanism according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, A powder stirring guide component is arranged inside the device. The solid lubricant powder released into the internal space of the device is stirred by the powder stirring and guided to the part to be lubricated.

18. The gear device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The solid lubricant powder is a powder of MoS2, WS2, PTFE, graphite, carbon nanotubes, fullerene, or boron nitride.

19. The gear device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The solid lubricant powder has a particle size of 10 nm to 100 μm, based on the median particle size. The size of the powder release pore is such that particles with a diameter of 5 to 300 times the median particle size can pass through.

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