Open type graphite copper sleeve linear bearing

Abstract

The application relates to an open-type graphite copper sleeve linear bearing, belonging to the technical field of graphite linear bearings, which comprises a metal base, a composite flow channel and a filtering piece. The metal base is provided with an opening on the side wall, a plurality of filling grooves are uniformly arranged on the metal base, solid lubricants are filled in the filling grooves, a connecting shaft is arranged in the metal base, the composite flow channel comprises a feeding channel, a recovery flow channel and a discharging flow channel, the feeding channel, the recovery flow channel and the discharging flow channel are arranged on the opening of the metal base, the recovery flow channel and the discharging flow channel are communicated with the feeding channel, and the filtering piece is detachably arranged at the joint of the feeding channel and the recovery flow channel. The composite flow channel and the filtering piece are arranged at the opening, the graphite abrasive particle size is classified and treated, fine particles are returned to the friction interface through the recovery flow channel to continue lubrication, and coarse particles are discharged through the discharging flow channel. The lubrication resource is recycled, the secondary wear of coarse abrasive particles is eliminated, and the service life of the bearing is remarkably prolonged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of graphite linear bearing technology, and in particular to an open-type graphite copper sleeve linear bearing. Background Technology

[0002] Open-type graphite copper sleeve linear bearings are self-lubricating sliding bearings with copper alloy as the metal matrix and solid lubricants such as graphite as the lubricating material. They are widely used in linear motion applications of various industrial machinery. Their working principle is as follows: during the relative sliding process between the shaft and the bearing, the solid lubricant such as graphite embedded in the inner wall of the copper sleeve gradually transfers to the friction surface, forming a stable solid lubricating film, thereby achieving self-lubrication.

[0003] During long-term use, solid lubricants such as graphite continuously generate wear particles due to friction. These wear particles consume the effective amount of lubricant, and some accumulate at the friction interface or the opening of the copper bushing, potentially becoming abrasive grains that exacerbate wear on the bearing and shaft. Existing open-type graphite copper bushing linear bearings typically only focus on lubricant embedding and lubrication, such as by uniformly distributing graphite holes on the inner wall of the copper bushing and filling them with graphite to ensure self-lubricating performance. However, these solutions do not effectively treat and recycle the wear particles generated during the operation of the graphite lubricant.

[0004] Specifically, the existing technology has the following shortcomings: First, the small-sized fine particles in graphite grinding debris still have a certain lubricating value, but existing bearings lack a mechanism to separate them from the coarse particles and reintroduce them into the friction interface, resulting in the waste of this lubricating resource; Second, if large-sized grinding debris particles remain at the friction interface, they will act as abrasive particles to accelerate the wear of the bearing and shaft, shortening the bearing's service life; Third, the accumulation of grinding debris may also block the copper bushing opening or affect the normal operation of the bearing.

[0005] This application is made in view of the above. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To overcome the technical defects of the existing technology, the present invention provides an open-type graphite copper bushing linear bearing, which has the technical effects of graded recycling of graphite wear debris, elimination of secondary wear, and extension of service life.

[0007] The technical solution adopted in this invention is as follows: it includes a metal substrate, a composite flow channel and a filter element. The sidewall of the metal substrate has an opening, and multiple filling grooves are uniformly opened on the metal substrate. The filling grooves are filled with solid lubricant, and the connecting shaft passes through the metal substrate. A composite flow channel includes a feed channel, a recovery channel, and a discharge channel. The feed channel, recovery channel, and discharge channel are all located on the opening of the metal substrate. The recovery channel and discharge channel are connected to the feed channel, and the recovery channel and discharge channel are axially aligned. A filter element, which is detachably installed at the connection between the feed channel and the recovery channel, is used to filter solid lubricant powder entering the recovery channel; The powder generated by the solid lubricant during operation enters through the feed channel, and after being filtered by the filter element, the fine particles are returned to the space between the metal matrix and the connecting shaft through the recycling channel, while the large particles are discharged to the outside through the discharge channel.

[0008] Preferably, the recovery channel includes a recovery channel, a guide channel, and a return channel connected in sequence. The recovery channel is connected to the feed channel. The filter element is set at the connection between the recovery channel and the feed channel. The fine graphite particles filtered by the filter element first enter the recovery channel, change their flow direction through the guide channel, and then enter the return channel. Finally, they return to the friction interface through the return channel.

[0009] Preferably, one end of the return channel extends from the outer wall of the metal substrate to its inner wall. When viewed from the input end of the connecting shaft toward its output end, as the connecting shaft rotates clockwise, the return channel can reintroduce the fine particles of solid lubricant between the metal substrate and the connecting shaft. The clockwise rotation of the connecting shaft drives the surrounding airflow to move tangentially. The airflow at the outlet of the return channel generates a local negative pressure due to the rotation of the shaft, which draws the fine graphite particles in the channel into the friction interface.

[0010] Preferably, the guide channel is a semi-annular channel, and one end of the return channel extends to the opening edge of the metal substrate. When viewed from the input end of the connecting shaft toward its output end, when the connecting shaft rotates counterclockwise, the return channel can reintroduce the fine particles of solid lubricant between the metal substrate and the connecting shaft. When the connecting shaft rotates counterclockwise, an airflow in the opposite direction to clockwise is formed at the opening edge. The semi-annular guide channel guides the fine particles to the return channel, and the airflow disturbance generated by the shaft rotation sends the particles back to the friction interface.

[0011] Preferably, the filter element includes a filter screen, a support, and a connector rod. The filter screen is mounted on the support and has a pore size of 10μm-15μm. The connector rod is mounted at one end of the support and has a snap-fit ​​ring on its outer wall. The connector rod is installed in a mounting groove on the metal substrate via the snap-fit ​​ring, and the snap-fit ​​ring is interference-fitted with the mounting groove. After the dust-laden airflow enters the feed channel, it is filtered by the filter screen. Fine particles pass through smoothly, while coarse particles are intercepted. When the filter screen becomes clogged or damaged after prolonged use, the operator can simply pull out the connector rod from the mounting groove to remove the entire filter element. After replacing it with a new one, the installation is completed by simply inserting the new element.

[0012] Preferably, one end of the feeding channel is provided with a conical opening to increase the recovery range of solid lubricant powder. The larger diameter end of the conical opening faces the friction interface, making it easier for the graphite powder generated by friction to fall into the feeding channel.

[0013] Preferably, the sidewall thickness of the metal substrate is 1 / 8 to 1 / 6 of its cross-sectional diameter, and the arc corresponding to the opening size of the metal substrate is no greater than 55°. This wall thickness range ensures that the metal substrate has sufficient structural strength to support the arrangement of the filter element and the composite flow channel, while not occupying too much radial space.

[0014] Preferably, the discharge channel is a discharge channel set on the opening of the metal substrate. A guide bridge spanning the recovery channel is provided below the discharge channel to prevent large particles of solid lubricant from entering the recovery channel. After being intercepted by the filter screen, the coarse particles slide down the surface of the filter screen. The guide bridge spans above the recovery channel and guides the coarse particles to the discharge channel, effectively preventing coarse particles from accidentally entering the recovery channel around the edge of the filter screen.

[0015] Preferably, the angle between the axis of the discharge channel and the axis of the feed channel is 10-30 degrees, so that large solid lubricant powder particles enter the discharge channel at this angle, and this angle range allows the coarse particles to slide smoothly down the discharge channel under the action of gravity.

[0016] Preferably, the solid lubricant is graphite, which has a layered crystal structure and weak interlayer bonding. During friction, it easily slides along the interlayer under shear force and transfers to the friction surface to form a lubricating film.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this invention are: This invention achieves particle size classification of graphite lubricant debris by setting a composite flow channel at the opening of the metal substrate and a detachable filter element at the connection between the feed channel and the recovery channel. Fine particles return to the metal substrate and the connecting shaft through the recovery channel to continue to play a lubricating role, while large particles are discharged to the outside through the discharge channel. By recycling and reusing fine lubricating particles and timely discharging harmful coarse particles, this invention avoids the waste of lubricating resources and eliminates secondary wear of the friction pair by coarse abrasive particles, thereby significantly extending the overall service life of the bearing. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a top view of Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 3 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of a section at point A in the middle; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of Embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a top view of Embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 6 for Figure 4 Enlarged view of a section at point B in the middle; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the filter element in this invention.

[0019] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Metal substrate; 2. Solid lubricant; 3. Composite flow channel; 31. Feed channel; 32. Recovery channel; 33. Guide channel; 34. Return channel; 35. Discharge channel; 36. Conical opening; 4. Filter element; 41. Filter screen; 42. Support; 43. Connecting rod; 44. Snap-fit ​​ring; 5. Flow guide bridge. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings: Example 1

[0021] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 7 As shown, this embodiment provides an open-type graphite copper sleeve linear bearing, including a metal substrate 1, a composite flow channel 3 and a filter element 4. The side wall of the metal substrate 1 has an opening, and multiple filling grooves are uniformly opened on the metal substrate 1. The filling grooves are filled with solid lubricant 2, and the connecting shaft passes through the metal substrate 1. The composite flow channel 3 includes a feed channel 31, a recovery flow channel and a discharge flow channel. The feed channel 31, the recovery flow channel and the discharge flow channel are all located on the opening of the metal substrate 1. The recovery flow channel and the discharge flow channel are connected to the feed channel 31, and the recovery flow channel and the discharge flow channel are axially aligned. Filter element 4 is detachably installed at the connection between the feed channel 31 and the recovery channel, and is used to filter the solid lubricant 2 powder entering the recovery channel. The powder generated by the solid lubricant 2 during operation enters through the feed channel 31, and after being filtered by the filter element 4, the fine particles are returned to the metal matrix 1 and the connecting shaft through the recycling channel, while the large particles are discharged to the outside through the discharge channel.

[0022] In actual use, the connecting shaft rotates within the metal substrate 1. The solid lubricant 2 generates powder due to friction. This powder, under the influence of airflow and gravity generated by the rotating shaft, enters the feed channel 31 and is sieved by the filter element 4. Fine particles pass through the filter element 4 and enter the recovery channel, while coarse particles are intercepted and enter the discharge channel. This achieves online classification of grinding debris, extends downtime for cleaning, reduces the frequency of manual intervention, and ensures the reliability of continuous bearing operation.

[0023] In one embodiment, the recycling channel includes a recycling channel 32, a guide channel 33, and a return channel 34 connected in sequence. The recycling channel 32 is connected to the feed channel 31, and the filter element 4 is disposed at the connection between the recycling channel 32 and the feed channel 31.

[0024] In use, the fine graphite particles filtered by the filter element 4 first enter the recovery channel 32, and after the flow direction is changed by the guide channel 33, they enter the return channel 34. Finally, they return to the friction interface through the return channel 34. The design of the guide channel 33 enables the fine particles to obtain an appropriate velocity and direction during the flow process, ensuring that they reach the return channel 34 smoothly without deposition and blockage, thus improving the recovery efficiency.

[0025] In one embodiment, one end of the reflux channel 34 extends from the outer wall of the metal substrate 1 to its inner wall. When viewed from the input end of the connecting shaft toward its output end, the reflux channel 34 can reintroduce the fine particles of the solid lubricant 2 between the metal substrate 1 and the connecting shaft when the connecting shaft rotates clockwise.

[0026] When in use, the connecting shaft rotates clockwise, causing the surrounding airflow to move tangentially. The airflow at the outlet of the return channel 34 generates local negative pressure due to the rotation of the shaft, which draws the fine graphite particles in the channel into the friction interface. This process does not require external power and is entirely driven by the rotation of the shaft itself, realizing energy-saving self-priming lubrication. Moreover, the higher the speed, the greater the negative pressure, and the replenishment capacity automatically increases according to the working conditions.

[0027] In one embodiment, the filter element 4 includes a filter screen 41, a support 42, and a connector rod 43. The filter screen 41 is disposed on the support 42, and the pore size of the filter screen 41 is 10μm-15μm. The connector rod 43 is disposed at one end of the support 42, and a snap-fit ​​ring 44 is provided on the outer wall of the connector rod 43. The connector rod 43 is installed in the mounting groove opened on the metal substrate 1 through the snap-fit ​​ring 44, and the snap-fit ​​ring 44 is interference-fitted with the mounting groove.

[0028] When in use, the dust-laden airflow enters the feed channel 31 and is filtered by the filter screen 41. Fine particles pass through smoothly, while coarse particles are intercepted. When the filter screen 41 becomes clogged or damaged after long-term use, the operator only needs to pull out the plug rod 43 from the installation slot to remove the entire filter element 4. After replacing it with a new part, simply insert it to complete the installation. It is easy to install and remove and has low maintenance costs.

[0029] In one embodiment, a tapered opening 36 is provided at one end of the feed channel 31 to increase the recovery range of the solid lubricant 2 powder.

[0030] When in use, the large-diameter end of the conical opening 36 faces the friction interface, making it easier for the graphite powder generated by friction to fall into the feed channel 31. This avoids the phenomenon that the powder will accumulate at the edge of the opening due to the small opening and cannot enter the recycling system, which significantly improves the chip capture rate and ensures sufficient feeding of the recycling system.

[0031] In one embodiment, the sidewall thickness of the metal substrate 1 is 1 / 8 to 1 / 6 of its cross-sectional diameter, and the arc corresponding to the opening size of the metal substrate 1 is no greater than 55°.

[0032] During use, this wall thickness range ensures that the metal substrate 1 has sufficient structural strength to support the arrangement of the filter element 4 and the composite flow channel 3, while not occupying too much radial space. The opening curvature is no more than 55° so that the two sides of the opening maintain sufficient elasticity. This means that the dimensional errors during installation and operation can be absorbed through the deformation of the opening, and the structure will not become unstable or the lubricant will leak due to the opening being too large, thus ensuring the stability and sealing of the bearing operation.

[0033] In one embodiment, the discharge channel is specifically a discharge channel 35 provided on the opening of the metal substrate 1, and a guide bridge 5 spanning the recycling channel is provided below the discharge channel 35 to prevent large particles of solid lubricant 2 from entering the recycling channel.

[0034] During use, coarse particles are intercepted by the filter screen 41 and slide down the surface of the filter screen 41. The guide bridge 5 spans across the recovery channel and guides the coarse particles to the discharge channel 35, effectively preventing coarse particles from accidentally entering the recovery channel around the edge of the filter screen 41. The guide bridge 5 plays a separating role, ensuring that coarse and fine particles go their own way at the diversion point, thus improving the purity of the classification.

[0035] In one embodiment, the angle between the axis of the discharge channel 35 and the axis of the feed channel 31 is 10-30 degrees, so that the large-particle solid lubricant 2 powder enters the discharge channel 35 at this angle.

[0036] When in use, this angle range allows large particles to slide smoothly down the discharge channel 35 under the action of gravity. If the angle is too small, the discharge resistance will be large and it will be easy to block. If the angle is too large, the particles will easily bounce back to the feed channel 31.

[0037] In one embodiment, the solid lubricant 2 is graphite.

[0038] During use, graphite has a layered crystalline structure with weak interlayer bonding. Under shear force, it easily slides along the interlayer and transfers to the friction surface to form a lubricating film. Fine particles of graphite powder with a particle size of less than 10 μm have a large specific surface area, making it easier to spread evenly on the friction surface and form a continuous lubricating film. Larger particles, however, are too large to spread effectively and instead become abrasive particles. The graded recycling design of this invention optimizes this characteristic of graphite to maximize its self-lubricating potential.

[0039] Example 2

[0040] like Figures 4-6 As shown In this embodiment: the guide channel 33 is a semi-annular channel, and one end of the return channel 34 extends to the opening edge of the metal substrate 1. When viewed from the input end of the connecting shaft toward its output end, when the connecting shaft rotates counterclockwise, the return channel 34 can reintroduce the fine particles of the solid lubricant 2 between the metal substrate 1 and the connecting shaft. In use, when the connecting shaft rotates counterclockwise, an airflow in the opposite direction to clockwise is formed at the opening edge. The semi-annular guide channel 33 guides the fine particles to the return channel 34, and the airflow disturbance generated by the shaft rotation sends the particles back to the friction interface.

[0041] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features and advantages of this invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that this invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are only illustrative of the principles of this invention. Various changes and modifications can be made to this invention without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. All such changes and modifications fall within the scope of this invention as claimed. The scope of protection of this invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An open-type graphite copper sleeve linear bearing, characterized in that, include: A metal substrate (1) has an opening on its sidewall and a plurality of filling grooves are uniformly opened on the metal substrate (1). The filling grooves are filled with solid lubricant (2) and the connecting shaft passes through the metal substrate (1). The composite flow channel (3) includes a feed channel (31), a recovery flow channel and a discharge flow channel. The feed channel (31), the recovery flow channel and the discharge flow channel are all located on the opening of the metal substrate (1). The recovery flow channel and the discharge flow channel are connected to the feed channel (31), and the recovery flow channel and the discharge flow channel are axially aligned. The filter element (4) is detachably installed at the connection between the feed channel (31) and the recovery channel for filtering the solid lubricant (2) powder entering the recovery channel; The powder generated by the solid lubricant (2) during operation enters through the feed channel (31), and after being filtered by the filter element (4), the fine particles return to the metal matrix (1) and the connecting shaft through the recycling channel, while the large particles are discharged to the outside through the discharge channel.

2. The open-type graphite copper sleeve linear bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The recycling channel includes a recycling channel (32), a guide channel (33) and a return channel (34) connected in sequence. The recycling channel (32) is connected to the feed channel (31), and the filter element (4) is set at the connection between the recycling channel (32) and the feed channel (31).

3. The open-type graphite copper sleeve linear bearing according to claim 2, characterized in that: One end of the return channel (34) extends from the outer wall of the metal substrate (1) to its inner wall. When viewed from the input end of the connecting shaft toward its output end, the return channel (34) can reintroduce the fine particles of solid lubricant (2) between the metal substrate (1) and the connecting shaft when the connecting shaft rotates clockwise.

4. The open-type graphite copper sleeve linear bearing according to claim 2, characterized in that: The guide channel (33) is a semi-circular channel. One end of the return channel (34) extends to the opening edge of the metal substrate (1). When viewed from the input end of the connecting shaft toward its output end, the return channel (34) can reintroduce the fine particles of solid lubricant (2) between the metal substrate (1) and the connecting shaft when the connecting shaft rotates counterclockwise.

5. The open-type graphite copper sleeve linear bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The filter element (4) includes a filter screen (41), a bracket (42) and a plug rod (43). The filter screen (41) is disposed on the bracket (42) and the pore size of the filter screen (41) is 10μm-15μm. The plug rod (43) is disposed at one end of the bracket (42) and the outer wall of the plug rod (43) is provided with a snap ring (44). The plug rod (43) is installed in the mounting groove opened on the metal substrate (1) through the snap ring (44) and the snap ring (44) is interference-fitted with the mounting groove.

6. The open-type graphite copper sleeve linear bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that: One end of the feed channel (31) is provided with a conical opening (36) to increase the recovery range of solid lubricant (2) powder.

7. The open-type graphite copper sleeve linear bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sidewall thickness of the metal substrate (1) is 1 / 8 to 1 / 6 of its cross-sectional diameter, and the arc corresponding to the opening size of the metal substrate (1) is no greater than 55°.

8. The open-type graphite copper sleeve linear bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The discharge channel is specifically a discharge channel (35) set on the opening of the metal substrate (1). A guide bridge (5) spanning the recycling channel is set below the discharge channel (35) to prevent large particles of solid lubricant (2) from entering the recycling channel.

9. The open-type graphite copper sleeve linear bearing according to claim 8, characterized in that: The angle between the axis of the discharge channel (35) and the axis of the feed channel (31) is 10-30 degrees, so that the large-particle solid lubricant (2) powder enters the discharge channel (35) at this angle.

10. The open-type graphite copper sleeve linear bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The solid lubricant (2) is graphite.

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