LINEAR GUIDE WITH LUBRICATION STRUCTURE

Abstract

Linear guide (10, 12, 14, 16) with lubrication structure, which includes: a rail (20); a sliding block (30) which is arranged to slide on the rail (20), wherein the sliding block (30) has two foot elements (32) which are arranged opposite each other on a base surface of the same, wherein the foot elements (32) are arranged on two opposite sides of the rail (20); a recirculating element (40, 80) which is arranged to slide on the rail (20) and is connected to the sliding block (30), so that the recirculating element (40, 80), the rail (20) and Each of the foot parts (32) of the sliding block (30) forms a corresponding circulation channel (52); two sets of balls (50), each set of balls (50) being arranged in one of the circulation channels (52); and two lubrication plates (60, 70) which are each arranged adjacent to one of the circulation channels (52) and each are in contact with one of the sets of balls (50), wherein the two lubrication plates (60, 70) are arranged surrounding each other in the two circulation channels such that each ball of each of the two sets of balls (50) is always in contact with one of the two lubrication plates (60, 70).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to linear guide technology and in particular to a linear guide with a built-in lubrication structure. 2. State of the art

[0002] In miniature linear slides, the reservoir is typically mounted externally at one end of the sliding block. However, this type of external design increases the overall length of the sliding block and impairs its thrust. Furthermore, under short-stroke operating conditions, the lubricating oil may not provide sufficient lubrication, potentially leading to product failure.

[0003] The technique disclosed in US 8,783,951 B2 involves placing two porous lubricating tubes between the sliding block and the recirculating element. As the balls pass, the tubes are compressed by the balls to release the lubricating oil. However, a step difference exists between the porous lubricating tubes and the return path, which impairs the smooth running of the balls. Furthermore, the aforementioned porous lubricating tubes are located on the unloaded side. Under short-stroke operating conditions, the balls on the loaded side may not receive sufficient lubrication, easily leading to premature product failure.

[0004] The technique disclosed in US 6,290,394 B1 involves providing a lubrication plate on the end cover, which increases the overall length of the sliding block and, in turn, affects the sliding block's thrust. Furthermore, under short-thrust operating conditions, the lubricating oil cannot be fully applied to the raceway, making adequate lubrication of the load surface difficult and potentially leading to premature product failure.

[0005] The technology disclosed in CN 1 04 024 669 A consists of placing a U-shaped lubrication plate on the belly of the sliding block, with both ends of the U-shaped lubrication plate in contact with the balls, thus lubricating them. However, there is a step difference between the aforementioned U-shaped lubrication plate and the return path, and the design of the U-shaped lubrication plate is also relatively thin, which easily leads to damage when loaded by the balls. To increase structural strength, the lubricant content must be further reduced, which leads to a shortening of the service life. DE102007012746 A1 discloses, among other things, a slider for a linear guide device comprising several rows of rolling elements.The slider has a lubricant reservoir equipped with a lubricating pad that is inserted into the reservoir and brought into contact with the adjacent rolling elements through openings in the reservoir that extend to the raceways. However, this design has the disadvantage that it cannot improve smooth running, as the contact with the lubricating pad causes running instability. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention was completed under the given circumstances. The main object of the present invention is to provide a linear guide with a lubrication structure that offers sufficient lubrication under short-travel operating conditions and maintains the smooth running of the balls.

[0007] To solve the aforementioned main problem, the linear guide with lubrication structure of the present invention comprises a rail, a sliding block, a recirculating element, two sets of balls, and two lubrication plates. The sliding block can be arranged to slide on the rail. The underside of the sliding block has two feet arranged relative to each other, located on two opposite sides of the rail. The recirculating element is arranged to slide on the rail and is connected to the sliding block. The recirculating element comprises two opposing receiving chambers. The receiving chambers of the recirculating element each receive the feet of the sliding block, so that the rail, each foot of the sliding block, and the recirculating element each form a recirculating channel. Each set of balls is inserted into a corresponding recirculating channel. The two lubrication plates are located next to the two recirculating channels and contact the two sets of balls to lubricate the balls.The two lubrication plates are arranged in such a way that each ball of each of the two sets of balls is always in contact with one of the two lubrication plates.

[0008] From the foregoing, it is evident that the linear guide with lubricating structure of the present invention conceals the lubricating plates within the sliding block. This allows the existing length of the sliding block to be maintained, thus ensuring unimpeded thrust and making it well-suited for short-travel operating conditions. Furthermore, the lubricating plates remain in contact with the balls during operation. This eliminates any step difference in the ball track, thereby maintaining consistent ball smoothness.

[0009] Preferably, the lubricating plates can selectively come into contact with the upper or lower edges of the balls, and the lubricating plates can also come into contact with both the upper and lower edges of the balls.

[0010] Preferably, each lubrication plate includes an arranging pin, and the rotating element has an arranging opening. Each lubrication plate is inserted into a corresponding arranging hole of the rotating element using the arranging pin to facilitate the assembly and positioning of each lubrication plate. Preferably, each lubrication plate includes a retaining groove. Each lubrication plate is placed onto a corresponding foot element of the sliding block using the retaining groove to complete the assembly.

[0011] Preferably, each lubrication plate includes a covering area adjacent to the mounting groove. Each lubrication plate covers a portion of the balls with its covering area, thus enabling each lubrication plate to exert a more reliable lubricating effect on the balls.

[0012] Preferably, each lubrication plate comes into contact with a plane at the bottom edge of the balls in order to exert a lubricating effect on the balls.

[0013] Preferably, the rail comprises two parallel first rolling grooves. Each foot section of the sliding block comprises two parallel second rolling grooves and two opposing first return grooves. Each first return groove is connected to one end of each second rolling groove. The recirculating element comprises a third rolling groove and two opposing second return grooves around each receiving chamber. The second return grooves are each connected to the two ends of the third rolling groove. A second rolling groove of each foot section of the sliding block corresponds to a first rolling groove of the rail, the second rolling groove of each foot section of the sliding block corresponds to a third rolling groove of the recirculating element, and the first return grooves of the foot sections of the sliding block correspond to the second return grooves of the recirculating element, so that a first rolling groove, the second rolling grooves, a third rolling groove, the first return grooves, and the second return grooves together each form a recirculating channel.Preferably, the rail has two parallel first rolling grooves. Each foot section of the sliding block has two parallel second rolling grooves. The recirculating element comprises a third rolling groove, two opposing second return grooves, and two opposing first return halves arranged around each receiving chamber. The second return grooves are each connected to two ends of the third rolling groove. Each first return half is adjacent to a second return groove. Each lubrication plate consists of a retaining groove and two opposing second return half sections. Each second return half is adjacent to one end of the retaining groove. A second rolling groove of each foot section of the sliding block corresponds to a first rolling groove of the rail.The other second rolling groove of each foot section of the sliding block corresponds to a third rolling groove of the circulating element, and the first return halves of the circulating element are connected to the second return halves of the lubrication plates to form the first return grooves. The first return grooves correspond to the second return grooves of the circulating element, so that a first rolling groove, the second rolling grooves, a third rolling groove, the first return grooves, and the second return grooves together each form a circulating channel.

[0014] Preferably, each lubrication plate is made of a porous material, so that each lubrication plate has a good oil storage capacity.

[0015] The detailed construction, features, assembly, and use of the linear guide with lubrication structure according to the invention are described in detail in the following description of the embodiment. However, those skilled in the art will understand that these detailed descriptions and specific embodiments listed in the embodiment of the present invention serve only to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the application for the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a top view of the linear guide with lubrication structure of the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 2 is an exploded view of the linear guide with lubrication structure of the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is a section view along line 3-3 from Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a section view along line 4-4 from Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a section view along line 5-5 from Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 6 is a top view of the lubrication plate of the linear guide with the lubrication structure of the first embodiment of the present invention, after it has been turned over. Fig. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the linear guide with lubrication structure of the second embodiment of the present invention, mainly showing that the lubrication plates are in contact with the upper edges of the balls. Fig. 8 is similar to Fig. 7, and mainly shows the lubrication plates in contact with the lower edges of the balls. Fig. 9 is similar to Fig. Figure 7, but mainly shows that the lubrication plates are in contact with the upper and lower edges of the balls. Fig. Figure 10 is a top view of the linear guide with lubrication structure of the third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 11 is an exploded view of the linear guide with lubrication structure of the third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 12 is a sectional view along line 12-12 from Fig. 10. Fig. 13 is a sectional view along line 13-13 from Fig. 12. Fig. 14 is a section view along line 14-14 from Fig. 10. Fig. Figure 15 is a top view of the linear guide with lubrication structure of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 16 is an exploded view of the linear guide with lubrication structure of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 17 is a sectional view along line 17-17 from Fig. 15. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] It should first be clarified that throughout this entire description, including the embodiments described below and the claims within the scope of the application, the directional terms refer to the directions in the drawings. Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used in the embodiments and drawings presented below to refer to the same or similar elements or their structural features.

[0017] With reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 comprises the linear guide 10 with lubrication structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a rail 20, a sliding block 30, a recirculating element 40, two sets of balls 50 and two lubrication plates 60.

[0018] The two opposite sides of the rail 20 each have a first rolling groove 22 that extends over their length.

[0019] The underside of the sliding block 30 is provided with two opposing foot sections 32, and each of the foot sections 32 has two parallel second rolling grooves 34 and two opposing first return grooves 36. Each first return groove 36 connects one end of each of the two second rolling grooves 34. As in Fig. 3 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the sliding block 30 is crossed over the rail 20, so that the two foot parts 32 are located on opposite sides of the rail 20 and a second rolling groove 34 of each of the two foot parts 32 corresponds to the two first rolling grooves 22 of the rail 20.

[0020] The rotating element 40 comprises two receiving chambers 41 arranged relative to each other on its upper surface, as well as a third rolling groove 42 and two second return grooves 43 arranged relative to each other around each receiving chamber 41. The third rolling groove 42 is located in a recess 44 adjacent to the receiving chamber 41. The two second return grooves 43 connect to the two ends of the third rolling groove 42. The rotating element 40 also comprises four arrangement holes 45 located on its upper surface (see Fig. 2) The arrangement holes 45 are each adjacent to the second return grooves 43. As in the Fig. As shown in Figures 3-5, the circulation element 40 is located above the rail 20, and the opposing front and back sides of the circulation element 40 are each attached to the sliding block 30 with two screws 47, so that the circulation element 40 and the sliding block 30 can slide together along the rail 20.

[0021] Furthermore, the two receiving chambers 41 of the rotating element 40 receive the two foot sections 32 of the sliding block 30, wherein, on the one hand, the two third rolling grooves 42 of the rotating element 40 correspond to the respective second rolling groove 34 of the two foot sections 32 of the sliding block 30, and, on the other hand, the second return grooves 43 of the rotating element 40 correspond to the first return grooves 36 of the two foot sections 32 of the sliding block 30. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the first rolling grooves 22, the second rolling grooves 34, the third rolling grooves 42, the first return grooves 36, and the second return grooves 43 each form two orbital channels 52. Each orbital channel 52 is designed for the movement of one set of balls 50.

[0022] The lubrication plates 60 consist of porous materials such as polymers, polyolefins, paraffin, or high-density fiber bodies. In this embodiment, each lubrication plate 60 has a retaining groove 62 that penetrates the upper and lower surfaces, and the two ends of the lower surface j Each lubrication plate 60 has an arrangement pin 64. As in the Fig. As shown in Figures 3-5, the lubrication plates 60 are arranged side by side on the circulating channel 52, contact the upper edges of the two sets of balls 50, and are each mounted on the foot sections 32 of the sliding block 30 with retaining grooves 62. Furthermore, the mounting pins 64 are inserted into the mounting holes 45 of the circulating element 40 to complete the assembly of the lubrication plates 60, so that the lubrication plates 60 exert a lubricating effect on the balls 50. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the underside of each lubrication plate 60 also has an arc-shaped cover area 66 adjacent to the mounting groove 62. Each lubrication plate 60 covers a portion of each of the balls 50 with the cover section 66, so that each lubrication plate 60 can more reliably provide lubrication to the balls 50.

[0023] Reference is made to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 for the linear guide 12 with lubrication structure according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The difference of the recirculating element 80 is that the lubrication plates 60 can come into contact with the upper or lower edges of the balls 50 as required. Specifically, in this embodiment, the recirculating element 80 omits the protrusion 44, thereby increasing the width of the receiving chamber 41. In this way, the lubrication plates 60 can not only bear against the upper edges of the balls 50 (as in Fig. 7 shown), but are also arranged in the receiving chambers 41 and rest against the lower edges of the spheres 50 (as in Fig. 8 shown). It is even possible to provide one lubrication plate 60 each on the opposite upper and lower edges of the balls 50, so that the lubrication plates 60 come into contact with the upper and lower edges of the balls 50 simultaneously (as shown in Fig. 9 shown).

[0024] Reference is made to Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 for the linear guide 14 with lubrication structure according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The main difference is that the two first return grooves 36, which were originally arranged in each foot section 32 of the sliding block 30, are arranged in this embodiment between the recirculating element 40 and the two lubrication plates 60. In this way, the effect of convenient machining of the sliding block 30 can be achieved. In addition, the rail 20 comprises two first rolling grooves 22 that run parallel to each other. Each foot section 32 of the sliding block 30 has two second rolling grooves 34 that are parallel to each other. The upper surface of the recirculating element 40 is provided with a third rolling groove 42, two opposing second return grooves 43, and two opposing first return halves 46 around each receiving chamber 41. These second return grooves 43 connect to the two ends of the third rolling groove 42.The first return halves 46 are adjacent to the second return grooves 43. The underside of each lubrication plate 60 is provided with two opposing second return halves 68. The second return halves 68 are adjacent to the two ends of the mounting groove 62. As shown in the... Fig. As shown in Figures 12-14, the second rolling grooves 34 of the foot parts 32 of the sliding block 30 correspond to the first rolling grooves 22 of the rail 20 and the third rolling grooves 42 of the recirculating element 40, and the first return halves 46 of the recirculating element 40 are connected to the second return halves 68 of the lubrication plate 60 to form the first return grooves 36. The first return grooves 36 correspond to the second return grooves 43 of the recirculating element 40. Thus, the first rolling grooves 22, the second rolling grooves 34, the third rolling grooves 42, the first return grooves 36, and the second return grooves 43 together form two recirculating channels 52, and each recirculating channel 52 is designed for a corresponding set of balls 50 to run on.Furthermore, in this embodiment the lubrication plates 60 are also arranged adjacent to the circulation channels 52, come into contact with the upper edges of the two sets of balls 50, and the mounting grooves 62 are each placed on the foot parts 32 of the sliding block 30 in order to provide a lubrication effect to the balls 50.

[0025] They referred to Fig. 15 and Fig. 16 for the linear guide 16 with lubricating structure according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The main difference lies in the design and installation arrangement of the lubrication plates 70. Specifically, in this embodiment, the lubrication plates 70 do not have mounting grooves 62, so that they are not arranged on the base parts 32 of the sliding block 30, but, as in Fig.As shown in Figure 17, the lubrication plates 70 are arranged directly in the receiving chambers 41 of the rotating element 40, so that their upper surfaces contact the underside of the foot parts 32 of the sliding block 30 and their upper surfaces contact the lower edges of the balls 50. This can also have a lubricating effect on the balls 50.

[0026] In summary, the linear guide 10, 12, 14, 16, with the lubrication structure of the present invention, conceals the lubrication plates 60, 70 within the sliding block 30. This not only preserves the existing length of the sliding block 30 but also ensures that its travel is not impaired, making it well-suited for use under short-travel operating conditions. Furthermore, the lubrication plates 60, 70 remain in contact with the upper or lower edges of the balls 50 during operation. This prevents the lubrication plates 60, 70 from creating a step difference in the ball 50's travel path, thus maintaining stable and uniform ball 50 movement, thereby achieving the purpose of the present invention.

Claims

[1] Linear guide (10, 12, 14, 16) with lubrication structure, which includes: a rail (20); a sliding block (30) which is arranged to slide on the rail (20), wherein the sliding block (30) has two foot elements (32) which are arranged opposite each other on a base surface of the same, wherein the foot elements (32) are arranged on two opposite sides of the rail (20); a recirculating element (40, 80) which is arranged to slide on the rail (20) and is connected to the sliding block (30), so that the recirculating element (40, 80), the rail (20) and Each of the foot parts (32) of the sliding block (30) forms a corresponding circulation channel (52); two sets of balls (50), each set of balls (50) being arranged in one of the circulation channels (52); and two lubrication plates (60, 70) which are each arranged adjacent to one of the circulation channels (52) and each are in contact with one of the sets of balls (50), wherein the two lubrication plates (60, 70) are arranged surrounding each other in the two circulation channels such that each ball of each of the two sets of balls (50) is always in contact with one of the two lubrication plates (60, 70). [2] Linear guide (10, 12, 14, 16) with lubrication structure according to claim 1, wherein the lubrication plates (60, 70) selectively come into contact with the upper or lower edges of the balls (50). [3] Linear guide (10, 12, 14, 16) with lubrication structure according to claim 2, wherein the rotating element (40, 80) has an arrangement hole (45); each lubrication plate (60, 70) has an arrangement pin (64) which is inserted into a corresponding arrangement hole (45) of the rotating element (40, 80). [4] Linear guide (10, 12, 14, 16) with lubrication structure according to claim 1, wherein the lubrication plates (60, 70) come into contact with the upper and lower edges of the balls (50). [5] Linear guide (10, 12, 14, 16) with lubrication structure according to claim 1, wherein each of the lubrication plates (60, 70) has a mounting groove (62) and each of the lubrication plates (60, 70) is mounted with the mounting groove (62) on a respective foot element (32) of the sliding block (30). [6] Linear guide (10, 12, 14, 16) with lubrication structure according to claim 5, wherein each lubrication plate (60, 70) further comprises a cover area (66) adjacent to the mounting groove (62), and each lubrication plate (60, 70) covers a part of the respective ball set (50) with the cover area (66). [7] Linear guide (10, 12, 14, 16) with lubrication structure according to claim 4, wherein the rotating element (40, 80) further comprises two opposing receiving chambers (41); the lubrication plates (60, 70) are each inserted into the receiving chambers (41) of the rotating element (40, 80) to come into contact with the lower edges of the respective balls (50). [8] Linear guide (10, 12, 14, 16) with lubrication structure according to claim 1, wherein the rail (20) has two parallel first rolling grooves (22); each foot element (32) of the sliding block (30) has two parallel second rolling grooves (34) and two opposing first return grooves (36), wherein each first return groove (36) is connected to one end of each of the second rolling grooves (34); the recirculating element (40, 80) has a third rolling groove (42) and two opposing second return grooves (43) around each receiving chamber (41), wherein the second return grooves (43) are connected to two ends of the third rolling groove (42);one of the second rolling grooves (34) of each foot section (32) of the sliding block (30) corresponds to a corresponding first rolling groove (22) of the rail (20), the other second rolling groove (34) of each foot section (32) of the sliding block (30) corresponds to a corresponding third rolling groove (42) of the circulation element (40, 80), and the first return grooves (36) of the foot sections (32) of the sliding block (30) correspond to the second return grooves (43) of the circulation element (40, 80), so that one of the first rolling grooves (22), the second rolling grooves (34), one of the third rolling grooves (42), the first return grooves (36) and the second return grooves (43) together form a respective circulation channel (52). [9] Linear guide (10, 12, 14, 16) with lubrication structure according to claim 1, wherein the rail (20) has two parallel first rolling grooves (22); each foot element (32) of the sliding block (30) has two parallel second rolling grooves (34); the recirculating element (40, 80) has a third rolling groove (42), two opposing second return grooves (43) and two opposing first return halves (46) arranged around each receiving chamber (41), wherein the second return grooves (43) are each connected to two ends of the third rolling groove (42), wherein each first return half (46) adjoins a respective second return groove (43); Each lubrication plate (60, 70) has a retaining groove (62) and two opposing second return halves (68), each second return half (68) being adjacent to an end of the retaining groove (62);one of the second rolling grooves (34) of each foot part (32) of the sliding block (30) corresponds to a respective first rolling groove (22) of the rail (20), the other second rolling groove (34) of each foot part (32) of the sliding block (30) corresponds to a respective third rolling groove (42) of the recirculating element (40, 80), and the first return halves (46) of the recirculating element (40, 80) are connected to the second return halves (68) of the lubrication plates (60, 70) to form the first return grooves (36); and the first return grooves (36) coincide with the second return grooves (43) of the circulation element (40, 80), so that one of the first rolling grooves (22), the second rolling grooves (34), one of the third rolling grooves (42), the first return grooves (36) and the second return grooves (43) together form a respective circulation channel (52). [10] Linear guide (10, 12, 14, 16) with lubrication structure according to claim 1, wherein each of the lubrication plates (60, 70) is made of a porous material.

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