Linear guide, carriage, end cap and lubrication system

Abstract

End cap (1) for a carriage (10) of a linear guide (100), wherein the end cap (1) comprises a closed lubrication port (2) which can be opened by connecting a grease nipple (20) to the lubrication port (2), characterized in that the lubrication port (2) has a blind hole (5) and a projection (8) arranged at the bottom of the blind hole (5), wherein the projection (8) is designed to at least partially abut the grease nipple (20) when the grease nipple (20) is connected to the lubrication port (2), so that the lubrication port (2) can be opened by inserting the grease nipple (20) into the blind hole (5) and exerting a force on the projection (8).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an end cap for the carriage of a linear guide, a carriage, a linear guide, a method for manufacturing an end cap and a method for lubricating a carriage.

[0002] Linear guides are known for translational movements of components, such as machine parts, relative to each other. These guides comprise a guide rail and a carriage that moves along the guide rail. To increase service life and ensure smooth operation, the linear bearings in the carriage can be lubricated by the user. For this purpose, the carriage typically has at least one lubrication port to which the user can connect a grease nipple.

[0003] DE 10 2007 035 628 A1 relates to a lubrication adapter comprising a lubricant supply channel with an opening. The opening is bordered by a rim formed with a cutting arrangement. Due to the cutting arrangement, a material layer of a component in the area of ​​a lubricant supply opening can be broken up in the installed state of the lubrication adapter.

[0004] From DE 196 47 173 A1 it is known to screw a lubricant connection part with a threaded shaft into a lubricant connection bore.

[0005] DE 10 2009 016 459 A1 relates to a lubrication device for a linear guide with a housing cover. The housing cover has at least one diaphragm valve formed by a locally reduced wall thickness adjacent to a lubricant reservoir space behind it.

[0006] One object of the invention is to improve the lubrication process, in particular to simplify the lubrication process.

[0007] This objective is achieved by an end cap for a carriage of a linear guide, a carriage, a linear guide, a method for manufacturing an end cap and a method for lubricating a carriage according to the independent patent claims.

[0008] Preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent patent claims and the following description.

[0009] In a first aspect of the invention, an end cap for a carriage of a linear guide comprises a closed lubrication port which can be opened by connecting a grease nipple to the lubrication port.

[0010] One aspect of the invention is based on the idea of ​​providing a closed lubrication port on a linear guide carriage, designed to open upon initial use. Preferably, the closed lubrication port can be opened without tools simply by connecting a grease nipple to it. In other words, opening the lubrication port advantageously requires only connecting the grease nipple to the port. This allows the port to be opened "incidentally." Unlike conventional lubrication ports, which can only be opened, for example, by drilling or cutting, a special tool for opening the lubrication port of the proposed end cap is advantageously unnecessary. This requires fewer steps from the user when lubricating the carriage for the first time, thus reducing their effort.This can save time and money.

[0011] For example, the lubrication port can be designed such that it opens into a lubrication channel in the end cap when the grease nipple is connected. In other words, the lubrication port is preferably designed to create a passage into the lubrication channel when the nipple is connected.

[0012] Preferred embodiments of the invention and their further developments are described below. These embodiments can be combined with each other and with the aspects of the invention described below, unless expressly excluded.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the lubrication port comprises a mechanism designed to create a passage for lubricant into the lubrication channel of the end cap when the grease nipple is connected to the lubrication port. Advantageously, the mechanism can be actuated by connecting the nipple to the port. The mechanism allows the lubrication port to be opened in a particularly reliable manner.

[0014] The mechanism can only be actuated once, i.e., when the nipple is first connected to the fitting. Preferably, actuating the mechanism moves at least a portion of a material layer between the lubrication fitting and the lubrication channel in such a way as to create the passage.

[0015] According to the invention, the lubrication connection has a blind hole and can be opened by inserting the grease nipple into the blind hole and applying a force to the bottom of the blind hole. Advantageously, applying the force actuates the mechanism. Furthermore, the insertion of the grease nipple into the blind hole advantageously exerts the force required to actuate the mechanism. The mechanism is preferably arranged at the bottom of the blind hole. This allows for a compact design of the lubrication connection. In addition, the mechanism can be well protected against unintentional actuation.

[0016] In another preferred embodiment, the lubrication port has a thread and can be opened by screwing the grease nipple into the lubrication port. This allows force to be exerted on the bottom of the blind hole "incidentally." In particular, this allows a greater force to be exerted than the insertion force required to screw the nipple into the port. Accordingly, the mechanism can be actuated in a particularly reliable manner.

[0017] In a further preferred embodiment, the lubrication port can be punctured by connecting the grease nipple to the lubrication port. For example, the lubrication port can be designed such that an opening section of the lubrication port is punctured to create passage into the lubrication channel when the nipple is connected. Advantageously, the port is designed such that a material layer separating the lubrication port from the channel is punctured when the nipple is connected. For this purpose, the port is preferably designed to be punctured at the bottom of the blind hole. With the aid of a puncture-compatible lubrication port, the effort required to open the port can be further reduced.

[0018] According to the invention, the lubrication connection has a projection designed to at least partially abut the grease nipple, in particular its tip, when the grease nipple is connected to the lubrication connection. The projection is located at the bottom of the blind hole. The projection can be designed to penetrate the material layer separating the connection from the lubrication channel when the grease nipple, in particular its tip, abuts the projection and / or exerts a force upon it. The projection allows for a precisely defined opening of the lubrication connection.

[0019] In a further preferred embodiment, the projection forms a ramp with a contact section at its upper end for contacting the grease nipple when the grease nipple is connected to the lubrication port. Preferably, the upper end of the ramp faces the grease nipple when it is connected to the port. Advantageously, the upper end is designed to absorb a force exerted by the grease nipple when it is connected to the port. Due to the inclination of the ramp, a particularly high pressure can be exerted on the projection, since only the upper end contacts the grease nipple. Furthermore, the lubrication port can be punctured within an opening section clearly defined by the upper end of the ramp.

[0020] In a further preferred embodiment, the lubrication connection has a predetermined breaking point. Advantageously, the breaking point is defined by at least one section of the circumferential line of the projection, in particular the ramp. The breaking point is preferably formed by material weakening, i.e., by thinning the material layer that separates the lubrication connection from the lubrication channel. This allows for the creation of a well-defined passage into the lubrication channel in a well-controlled manner.

[0021] In a further preferred embodiment, the lubrication port has an opening section designed to pivot when the grease nipple is connected to the lubrication port. In other words, the opening section can be designed to be pushed in when the nipple is connected to the port. For example, the opening section can pivot into, and in particular at least partially into, the lubrication channel when the nipple exerts pressure on the projection. By designing the opening section to be pivotable, the generation of material chips when opening the port can be prevented.

[0022] In a second aspect of the invention, a carriage for a linear guide has an end cap according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0023] In a third aspect of the invention, a linear guide comprises a guide rail and a carriage. The carriage is designed for straight-line movement along the guide rail and has at least one end cap according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0024] In a fourth aspect of the invention, a method for manufacturing an end cap according to the first aspect of the invention comprises injection molding of the end cap and forming a lubrication connection of the end cap by rotary demolding.

[0025] In a fifth aspect of the invention, a method for lubricating a carriage of a linear guide comprises opening a closed lubrication port of an end cap according to the first aspect of the invention by connecting a grease nipple to the lubrication port.

[0026] The properties, features, and advantages of the invention described above, as well as the manner in which they are achieved, are explained in more detail in the following description of examples, in conjunction with the figures. Where appropriate, the same reference numerals are used in different figures for the same or corresponding parts of the invention. The examples serve to illustrate the invention and do not limit it to the combinations of features indicated therein, including functional features. Furthermore, each of the features disclosed in the above description and in the following examples can be considered in isolation and suitably combined with the features of any of the above embodiments and their further aspects.In particular, each of the features described above and below can be combined individually or in combination with other described features with the end cap according to the first aspect of the invention, the carriage according to the second aspect of the invention, the linear guide according to the third aspect of the invention, the method according to the fourth aspect of the invention and the method according to the fifth aspect of the invention.

[0027] They show schematically Fig. 1. An example of a linear guide, Fig. 2 an example of part of an end cap for a linear guide carriage, Fig. 3 an example of a mechanism for opening a closed lubrication port, and Fig. 4 An example of a closed lubrication connection in a cross-sectional view.

[0028] Fig. Figure 1 shows an example of a linear guide 100 comprising a carriage 10 and a guide rail 11. The carriage 10 is designed for translational movement along the guide rail 11, i.e., along a longitudinal axis defined by the guide rail 11. For this purpose, the carriage 10 can have linear bearings comprising rolling elements (not shown) arranged between the guide rail 11 and the carriage 10.

[0029] The carriage 10 has two end caps 1, located at a front and a rear end, respectively. The end caps 1 can perform various functions to ensure the smooth operation of the linear guide 100. For example, the end caps 1 can be designed to guide the rolling elements of the linear guide (not shown) from channels formed between the guide rail 11 and the carriage 10 into return channels (not shown) within the carriage 10. Alternatively or additionally, the end caps 1 can be designed to seal the interior of the carriage 10, particularly the linear bearing, from the exterior, so that particles such as dirt or dust do not impair the operation of the linear guide 100.

[0030] Preferably, the end caps 1 are also designed to lubricate the carriage 10, in particular the linear bearing. For this purpose, they can include lubricant reservoirs from which lubricant is supplied to the carriage, in particular the linear bearing, as required.

[0031] Alternatively or additionally, the end caps 1 include lubrication ports 2 and / or further lubrication ports 3, 4 to allow a user to lubricate the carriage 10, in particular to fill the lubricant reservoirs (if present). For example, lubrication ports 2, 3, 4 may each be designed for connection to a grease nipple.

[0032] In the Fig. In the example shown, the lubrication connections are arranged on opposite side surfaces of the end caps 1, while the other lubrication connections 3 are arranged on a top surface of the end caps 1. The other lubrication connections 4 are arranged on the front surfaces of the end caps 1. A grease nipple 20 is also shown as an example, wherein the grease nipple 20 is located on the surfaces shown in Fig. The lubrication port 4 shown in 1 is connected.

[0033] It is preferred that these lubrication ports 2, 3, 4 are initially closed, so that the user must open them to lubricate the carriage 10 for the first time. This allows for effective pre-lubrication of the carriage 10 during manufacturing. Due to the large number of lubrication ports 2, 3, 4 arranged at various locations on the end caps 1, the user is free to select the lubrication ports 2, 3, 4 that are most suitable for them or for the use of the linear guide 100.

[0034] Advantageously, at least some of the lubrication ports 2 and the other lubrication ports 3, 4, in particular the lubrication ports 2 arranged on the side surfaces of the end caps 1, can be opened by connecting the grease nipple 20 to the respective port 2. In other words, it is preferred that no further steps are required by the user to open the lubrication ports 2 other than connecting the grease nipple 20 to the respective port 2. In particular, drilling, cutting, or a similar machining step is not required to open the lubrication ports 2. In this way, lubrication via the lubrication ports 2 becomes particularly quick and easy.

[0035] Fig. Figure 2 shows an example of part of an end cap 1 for the carriage of a linear guide. The end cap 1 can serve as a housing for various components, for example, for recirculation devices for rolling elements, lubricant reservoirs, sealing components, and / or similar items. The part of the end cap 1 that is in Fig. 2 shown is preferably made of a plastic, in particular by injection molding.

[0036] The end cap 1 comprises two lubrication ports 2, arranged on each of the two opposite sides 1a, 1b of the end cap 1. The end cap 1 also has a further lubrication port 3 on a top surface 1c of the end cap 1. Preferably, all lubrication ports 2, 3 are initially closed and can be opened for relubrication of the carriage upon first use of the corresponding lubrication port 2.

[0037] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, the additional lubrication port 3 is closed by means of a cover 3a, which is integrally connected to the illustrated part of the end cap 1. To open the port 3, the cover 3a has a recess 3b that allows the user to insert the tip of a drill bit. Once the cover 3a is drilled out, the user can connect it to an external lubricant reservoir and a lubricant channel (not shown) located behind the cover 3a. For example, the user can connect a grease nipple to the additional lubrication port 3.

[0038] In contrast, the lubrication ports 2 are preferably designed as blind holes 5, with the bottom of each hole sealing the corresponding port 2. Advantageously, the ports 2 can be opened by connecting a grease nipple (not shown) to the respective port 2, in particular by inserting the grease nipple into the corresponding blind hole 5.

[0039] In the Fig. In the example shown, each blind hole 5 has a thread 6, thus allowing a grease nipple to be screwed into the corresponding hole 5. Other means for inserting and / or securing the grease nipple in / in the blind hole 5, such as press fit or sliding and gluing, are also conceivable.

[0040] Preferably, each lubrication port 2 comprises a mechanism (not shown) designed to open the corresponding port 2 when a grease nipple is connected, and in particular when the nipple is inserted into the blind hole 5. The mechanism is advantageously arranged at the bottom of the blind hole 5. The mechanism can be actuated by applying a force to it, for example by screwing the nipple into the blind hole 5.

[0041] Fig. Figure 3 shows an example of a mechanism 7 for opening a closed lubrication port. Fig. Figure 3A shows a top view of mechanism 7, while Fig. 3B shows a side view.

[0042] In the Fig. In the example shown, the mechanism 7 has a projection 8. The projection 8 is located at the bottom of a blind hole that forms the lubrication connection. The projection 8 has the shape of a ramp 9, as is particularly evident in Fig. Figure 3B shows that ramp 9 rises to a step 9a of ramp 9, with step 9a forming the upper end of ramp 9. Ramp 9 has a contact section 9b at its upper end, as shown by the hatching in Fig. 3A is specified.

[0043] When a grease nipple is connected to the lubrication port, the tip of the nipple can contact the projection 8. In particular, the tip of the nipple can touch the contact section 9b of the ramp 9. The nipple exerts a force on the projection 8, especially on the contact section 9b. The resulting pressure can open the lubrication port, especially the bottom of the blind hole. For example, by exerting the force on the projection 8, the grease nipple can puncture the bottom of the blind hole.

[0044] Since the resulting pressure advantageously acts only or at least predominantly on the contact section 9b, the created opening can be slit-like and defined by at least a part of the circumferential line 8a of the projection 8, in particular the ramp 9. A part of the circumferential line 8a is in Fig. 3A is indicated by a dashed line.

[0045] If the opening is large enough, the projection 8 can be pivoted, at least partially, under the pressure exerted by the grease nipple relative to the bottom of the blind hole. In particular, the upper end of the ramp 9, especially the contact section 9b, can be pressed down towards the bottom of the blind hole, resulting in a pivoting of at least part of the projection 8.

[0046] Fig. Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an example of a closed lubrication port 2 of an end cap 1 for a carriage of a linear guide. The lubrication port 2 is designed as a blind hole 5 and has a mechanism 7 for opening the lubrication port 2 into a lubrication channel 1d of the end cap 1. The mechanism 7 can be actuated by connecting a grease nipple 20 to the port 2, in particular by inserting the nipple 20 into the blind hole 5. For this purpose, the hole 5 preferably has a thread 6 designed to engage with a corresponding thread on the nipple 20.

[0047] The bottom of the blind hole 5 is preferably formed by a material layer 1e of the end cap 1. The material layer 1e separates the lubrication channel 1d from the lubrication connection 2. The mechanism 7 preferably comprises a projection 8 formed on the bottom of the hole 5, wherein the projection 8 – and thus the mechanism 7 – is formed integrally with the material layer 1e. Advantageously, the projection 8 has the form of a ramp to provide a contact section at the top of the ramp (see Figure 1). Fig. 3) The contact section is designed to absorb a force exerted when the grease nipple 20 is connected to the lubrication port 2, i.e., when the nipple 20 is inserted into the lubrication port 5. Due to the limited size of the contact section, exerting a force on the projection 8 can result in high pressure on the material layer 1e. This allows the material layer 1e to be punctured in such a way that a lubricant passage is created between the port 2, in particular the hole 5, and the lubrication channel 1d.

[0048] To facilitate puncturing, the lubrication connection 2 can have a predetermined predetermined breaking point B. The breaking point B is preferably formed by a thinning of the material layer 1e. Advantageously, the breaking point B is arranged over at least a portion of the circumferential line of the projection 8, in particular in a region along the contact section (see Figure 1). Fig. 3).

[0049] When the lubrication port 2 is punctured by inserting the grease nipple 20 into the blind hole 5 and applying a force to the contact surface at the upper end of the ramp, the projection 8, or at least a part of it, can be pivoted towards the lubrication channel 1d. This creates an opening through which lubricant can flow from lubrication port 2 into the channel 1d.

[0050] By showing the grease nipple 20 and the lubrication port 2, it indicates Fig. 4 also represents a method for lubricating the carriage. As described above, the lubrication port 2 can be opened by connecting the nipple 20 to the connection 2, in particular by screwing the nipple 20 into the blind hole 5 using the thread 6. As soon as the passage to the lubrication channel 1d is established, a lubricant can be supplied through the grease nipple 20.

[0051] The lubrication connection 2, in particular the ramp (see Fig. 3) can be formed during the injection molding of the end cap 1. Preferably, the lubrication connection 2 is formed during rotary demolding. In particular, a pin with a recess corresponding to the projection 8 is pulled out of the blind hole 5 at its tip. To create the thread 6, the pin is rotated as it is pulled out of the blind hole 5. This is facilitated by the fact that the projection 8 has a ramp in the mold. Reference symbol list 1 End cap 1a Side surface 1b Side surface 1c Top 1d lubrication channel 1st layer of material 2 lubrication connection 3, 4 additional lubrication connection 3a Lid 3b Advanced 5 blind hole 6 threads 7 Mechanism 8 lead 8a Circumference line 9 Ramp 9a level 9b Contact section 10 cars 11 Guide rail 20 grease nipples 100 linear guides B Breaking point

Claims

[1] End cap (1) for a carriage (10) of a linear guide (100), wherein the end cap (1) comprises a closed lubrication port (2) which can be opened by connecting a grease nipple (20) to the lubrication port (2), characterized by , that the lubrication port (2) has a blind hole (5) and a projection (8) arranged at the bottom of the blind hole (5), wherein the projection (8) is designed to at least partially abut the grease nipple (20) when the grease nipple (20) is connected to the lubrication port (2), so that the lubrication port (2) can be opened by inserting the grease nipple (20) into the blind hole (5) and applying a force to the projection (8). [2] End cap (1) according to claim 1, in which the lubrication port (2) comprises a mechanism (7) designed to create a lubricant passage into the lubrication channel (1d) of the end cap (1) when the grease nipple (20) is connected to the lubrication port (2). [3] End cap (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the lubrication connection (2) has a thread (6) and can be opened by screwing the grease nipple (20) into the lubrication connection (2). [4] End cap (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the lubrication port (2) can be punctured by connecting the grease nipple (20) to the lubrication port (2). [5] End cap (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the projection (8) forms a ramp (9) with a contact section (9b) at an upper end for contacting the grease nipple (20) when connecting the grease nipple (20) to the lubrication port (2). [6] End cap (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lubrication connection (2) has a predetermined predetermined breaking point (B). [7] End cap (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the lubrication port (2) has an opening section designed to pivot when connecting the grease nipple (20) to the lubrication port (2). [8] Carriage (10) for a linear guide (100) comprising an end cap (1) according to one of the preceding claims. [9] linear guide (100) comprising a carriage (10) and a guide rail (11), wherein the carriage (10) is designed for straight-line movement along the guide rail (11) and has at least one end cap (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7. [10] Method for producing an end cap (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the end cap (1) is produced by injection molding and a lubrication connection (2) of the end cap (1) is formed by rotary demolding. [11] Method for lubricating a carriage (10) of a linear guide (100) in which a closed lubrication port (2) of an end cap (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7 of the carriage (10) is opened by connecting a grease nipple (20) to the lubrication port (2).

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