SEALING STRUCTURE, TURNTABLE DEVICE AND MACHINE TOOL

Abstract

A sealing structure according to the present disclosure comprises: a labyrinth seal arranged in a gap between a housing and a rotating element extending into an interior of the housing; an oil seal arranged within a space sealed by the labyrinth seal and sealing the interior; a V-ring arranged between the labyrinth seal and the oil seal; and a first air supply area having an air supply opening arranged between the V-ring and the oil seal, and directing air from the air supply opening to the V-ring.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a sealing structure, a rotary table device and a machine tool. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] JP 2011-033171 A discloses a sealing structure (sealing device) for sealing between a shaft element (roller shaft) and a housing (roller). SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] There is a need for an improved sealing structure.

[0004] A first aspect of the present disclosure is characterized by a sealing structure for sealing an interior of a housing to which a rotating element (rotating element) is rotatably attached, the sealing structure comprising: a labyrinth seal arranged in a gap between the rotating element and the housing, the gap being in communication with the interior; an oil seal arranged in a space sealed by the labyrinth seal in the gap, the oil seal being configured to seal the interior; a V-ring comprising an annular main body and a lip projecting from the annular main body, the V-ring being located in the gap between the labyrinth seal and the oil seal;and a first air supply area with an air supply opening located between the V-ring and the oil seal, wherein the first air supply area is configured to direct air from the air supply opening to the V-ring.

[0005] A second aspect of the present disclosure is characterized by a rotary table device comprising the sealing structure, the rotary element and the housing, wherein the rotary element comprises a table.

[0006] A third aspect of the present disclosure is characterized by a machine tool comprising the rotary table device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing part of a machine tool according to one embodiment; Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective view of a rotary table device; Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the rotary table device; Fig. Figure 4 is a top view showing part of the rotary table device; Fig. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing part of the rotary table device; Fig. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing part of a rotary table device according to a first modification; Fig. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing part of a rotary table device; and Fig. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing part of a rotary table device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The sealing device described in JP 2011-033171 A includes an oil seal, a labyrinth seal and the like.

[0008] There is a risk that the sealing device described above may not adequately protect the space to be sealed, depending on the orientation of the shaft element. For example, the shaft element may be installed along the up-down direction. In this case, foreign material such as liquid can accumulate between the oil seal and the shaft element. This foreign material can then enter the space sealed by the oil seal.

[0009] Air is supplied to the labyrinth seal for venting. If, for any reason, no air is supplied to the labyrinth seal, foreign objects or similar items can pass through it.

[0010] Taking into account the situation described above, one embodiment is described below. [Version]

[0011] Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing part of a machine tool 200 according to one embodiment. The in Fig. The X and Y directions shown are each parallel to a horizontal plane. The X and Y directions are orthogonal to each other. The Z direction is perpendicular to the horizontal plane. That is, the Z direction is the up-down direction.

[0012] The machine tool 200, for example, is a machining center that performs machining on an object to be machined (i.e., a workpiece) (not shown). The machine tool 200 comprises a base (bed) 202, a saddle 204, a slide table 206, a column 208, a spindle head 210, and a rotary table device 10. The rotary table device 10 is a 2-axis rotary table device configured to rotate a table 24 (described later) about two intersecting rotary axes (L1, L2).

[0013] Base 202 has a guide section 202a. Guide section 202a extends along the Y-direction. Saddle 204 is attached to guide section 202a.

[0014] Saddle 204 is guided by guide section 202a and is therefore movable along the Y-direction. Saddle 204 has a guide section 204a. Guide section 204a extends along the X-direction.

[0015] The carriage table 206 has a carriage 206a. The carriage 206a is attached to the guide section 204a. The carriage 206a (carriage table 206) is guided by the guide section 204a and is thus movable along the X-direction. When the saddle 204 moves along the Y-direction, the carriage table 206 moves together with the saddle 204.

[0016] The column 208 extends from the base 202 along the Z-direction. The column 208 has a guide section 208a. The guide section 208a is parallel to the Z-direction. The spindle head 210 is attached to the guide section 208a.

[0017] The spindle head 210 is guided by the guide section 208a and is therefore movable along the Z-direction. A tool (not shown) is attached to the spindle head 210.

[0018] The rotary table device 10 is installed on the carriage 206. When the carriage 206 moves along the X-direction or the Y-direction, the rotary table device 10 moves together with the carriage 206 along the X-direction or the Y-direction.

[0019] Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the rotary table device 10. Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the rotary table device 10. Fig. Figure 4 is a top view showing part of the rotary table device 10. Fig. 2 shows.

[0020] The rotary table device 10 comprises a first table unit 102, which is a rotary axis device, a second table unit 104, which is a tilting axis device, and a support device 106. The first table unit 102 is arranged between the second table unit 104 and the support device 106.

[0021] The first table unit 102 comprises a rotary element 12 and a housing 16.

[0022] The rotating element 12 comprises a shaft element 18 and a cover 20. The shaft element 18 comprises a shaft 22 which is inserted into an opening 30 described later (see also Fig. 5).

[0023] The cover 20 is an element that covers the opening 30. The cover 20 is attached to the distal end section of the shaft element 18 in the axial direction DA of the shaft element 18. That is, the cover 20 is attached to the distal end section of the shaft element 18 in the extension direction of the axis of rotation (first axis of rotation) L1 of the shaft element 18.

[0024] The rotary element 12 has a table (rotary table) 24. The table 24 supports the workpiece described above. In the present embodiment, at least a portion of a surface 18a of the shaft element 18, which is oriented in the axial direction DA, forms the table 24, but the present invention is not limited to this. The tool attached to the spindle head 210 described above is located above the table 24. The machine tool 200 can machine a workpiece held by the table 24 with the tool.

[0025] The rotating element 12 is rotatably mounted on the housing 16. The direction of rotation DR1 of the rotating element 12 relative to the housing 16 is in Fig. 2 shown. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the rotating element 12 is rotatable about the axis of rotation L1.

[0026] The second table unit 104 is a device that tilts (rotates, pivots) the first table unit 102 about the tilting axis (second axis of rotation) L2. The second table unit 104 comprises a rotary element 108, a housing 110, and a drive source (such as a motor) (not shown). The rotary element 108 is rotatably mounted on the housing 110. Although detailed illustrations and the like are omitted in the present embodiment, the configuration of the rotary element 12 of the first table unit 102 can be used for the configuration of the rotary element 108. The configuration of the housing 16 of the first table unit 102 can be used for the configuration of the housing 110.

[0027] The rotary element 108 is connected via a coupling element 26 ( Fig. 4) connected to the housing 16 of the first table unit 102. The drive source provided in the second table unit 104 (not shown) can rotate the rotary element 12 about the tilting axis L2. The direction of rotation DR2 of the rotary element 12, which rotates about the tilting axis L2, is shown in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 shown.

[0028] The support device 106 supports the first table unit 102 in conjunction with the second table unit 104 in a tiltable (rotatable) manner.

[0029] The direction of extension of the tilting axis L2 intersects the direction of extension of the rotational axis L1. Therefore, the orientation of the rotational axis L1 (of the rotating element 12) changes according to the inclination of the housing 16 about the tilting axis L2. For example, the in Fig. The rotation axis L1 shown in section 2 is parallel to the Z-direction. In contrast, the one shown in Fig. 3. The axis of rotation L1 shown is parallel to the X-direction.

[0030] The housing 16 has an interior 28. The interior 28 is equipped with a module, a drive source, and the like (not shown). The drive source is, for example, a motor. The drive source is connected to the shaft element 18 to rotate the rotary element 12.

[0031] Fig. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing part of the rotary table device 10. Part of the cross-section is shown along line VV. Fig. 4 is in Fig. 5 shown.

[0032] The housing 16 further comprises the opening 30. The shaft element 18 is rotatably mounted on the opening 30. The housing 16 may include a bearing (not shown) which rotatably supports the shaft element 18 inserted into the opening 30.

[0033] The opening 30 is connected to the interior space 28 described above. Therefore, if a suitable sealing structure is not provided in the opening 30, there is a possibility that foreign objects could enter the interior space 28 through the opening 30. More precisely, there is a risk that foreign objects could enter the interior space 28 through a gap between the rotating element 12 and the housing 16 (see also Fig. 5) The foreign bodies include, for example, liquids such as cutting fluids used for processing the workpiece stored on table 24, but are not limited to these.

[0034] If foreign bodies penetrate the interior 28, there is a risk that they will damage a module, actuator, or similar component (not shown) located within the interior 28. To prevent the ingress of foreign bodies into the interior 28, the rotary table device 10 therefore includes a sealing structure 32 as described below.

[0035] The sealing structure 32 comprises a labyrinth seal 34, an oil seal 36, a V-ring 38, a position adjustment element 40, a first air supply area 42, and a projecting area 54. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the labyrinth seal 34, the oil seal 36, the V-ring 38, the position adjustment element 40, the first air supply area 42 (part of the first air supply area 42) and the protruding area 54 are provided in a gap between the rotating element 12 and the housing 16.

[0036] The labyrinth seal 34 is an annular sealing structure. That is to say, although in Fig. Figure 5 shows a cross-section of the labyrinth seal 34. The labyrinth seal 34 has an annular shape when viewed in the axial direction of the shaft element 18. The radial direction of the labyrinth seal 34 coincides with the radial direction DD of the shaft element 18. The labyrinth seal 34 surrounds the shaft element 18 when viewed in the axial direction of the shaft 22.

[0037] The labyrinth seal 34 is formed between the housing 16 and the rotating element 12. More precisely, the labyrinth seal 34 is formed between the housing 16 and the cover 20 of the rotating element 12. The labyrinth seal 34 has, for example, a labyrinthine flow path, an expansion chamber (which is a relatively wide space compared to the flow path), and the like. Accordingly, the labyrinth seal 34 prevents foreign material from passing through it while simultaneously maintaining a contact-free state between the housing 16 and the cover 20.

[0038] The labyrinth seal 34 comprises a projection / recess shape that forms the labyrinthine flow path described above, the expansion chamber (relatively wide space), and the like, but the specific shape of the projection / recess shape is not particularly restricted. For illustration, see in Fig. Figure 5 shows a labyrinth seal 34 with a first annular projection 34a, a second annular projection 34b and an annular depression 34c. The first annular projection 34a, the second annular projection 34b and the annular depression 34c extend along the circumferential direction of the labyrinth seal 34.

[0039] The oil seal 36 is an annular sealing element. That is to say, although in Fig. Figure 5 shows a cross-section of the oil seal 36, which has an annular shape in the axial direction of the shaft element 18. The labyrinth seal 34 surrounds the shaft element 18 in the axial direction of the shaft 22. The radial direction of the oil seal 36 coincides with the radial direction DD of the shaft element 18.

[0040] The oil seal 36 is located inside the labyrinth seal 34 in the radial direction DD of the shaft element 18. That is, the oil seal 36 is located within a space sealed by the labyrinth seal 34 in the gap between the rotating element 12 and the housing 16.

[0041] The oil seal 36 comprises a ring body 44 and a lip 46. The ring body 44 is attached to the housing 16 such that it surrounds the shaft element 18. The lip 46 projects from the ring body 44 and is in contact (close contact) with the circumferential wall 18b of the shaft element 18. Thus, the oil seal 36 seals the interior 28. The material of the lip 46 is, for example, a resin such as rubber.

[0042] In the following description, a space (gap space) between the oil seal 36 and the V-ring 38 in the gap between the rotating element 12 and the housing 16 is also referred to as the first gap space 80. The lip 46 projects in such a way that it is inclined towards the first gap space 80 and the interior 28 (see also Fig. 5) is inclined, but can also project towards the interior 28. The oil seal 36 can have several lips 46 projecting in different directions. For example, the oil seal 36 can have one lip 46 projecting towards the first gap 80, and another lip 46 projecting towards the interior 28.

[0043] The V-ring 38 is an annular sealing element that differs from the oil seal 36. That is to say, although in Fig. Figure 5 shows a cross-section of the V-ring 38. The V-ring 38 has an annular shape when viewed in the axial direction of the shaft element 18. The radial direction of the V-ring 38 coincides with the radial direction DD.

[0044] The V-ring 38 is located between the labyrinth seal 34 and the oil seal 36 in the radial direction DD of the shaft element 18. That is, the V-ring 38 is surrounded by the labyrinth seal 34 when viewed in the axial direction of the shaft element 18. Furthermore, the V-ring 38 surrounds the shaft element 18 when viewed in the axial direction of the shaft element 18.

[0045] The V-ring 38 comprises a ring body 48 and a lip 50. The ring body 48 is an annular element that surrounds the oil seal 36 in the axial direction of the shaft 22. The ring body 48 is attached to the housing 16, not to the rotating element 12.

[0046] The lip 50 projects from the ring body 48 towards the rotating element 12. More precisely, the lip 50 projects from the ring body 48 towards the cover 20. The lip 50 can touch the cover 20 (make close contact) (see also Fig. 6) The material of lip 50, for example, includes a resin such as rubber.

[0047] In the following description, a space (gap space) between the labyrinth seal 34 and the V-ring 38 in the gap between the rotating element 12 and the housing 16 is also referred to as the second gap space 82. The lip 50 of the V-ring 38 projects in such a way that it is inclined towards the second gap space 82 of the first gap space 80 and the second gap space 82 described above ( Fig. 5) In other words, the lip 50 of the V-ring 38 projects outwards in the radial direction (DD) of the V-ring 38.

[0048] The V-ring 38 has a recess 52 facing the second gap space 82. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the recess 52 is a V-shaped section formed by the ring main body 48 and the lip 50.

[0049] The first air supply area 42 comprises a first air supply path 56. The first air supply path 56 is formed, for example, by a pipe section provided in the housing 16. An air supply opening 56a, which is an opening of the first air supply path 56, is connected to the first gap space 80. The first air supply area 42 can blow air A1 out of the air supply opening 56a. The air A1 is supplied to the first air supply path 56 from an air supply source (not shown). The air supply source includes, for example, a blower, a compressor, and the like. The air supply source can be located in the rotary table device 10 (the first air supply area 42) or outside the rotary table device 10.

[0050] The air A1 blown out of the air supply opening 56a flows between the lip 50 and the cover 20 and is directed to the labyrinth seal 34. Thus, the air A1 is used as air for the air purge in the labyrinth seal 34.

[0051] When the air A1 flows between the lip 50 and the cover 20, a gap 58 forms between the lip 50 and the cover 20 ( Fig. 5) In this case, the lip 50 and the cover 20 do not always have to be separated from each other over the entire circumference of the V-ring 38. That is, when the gap 58 is formed, part of the lip 50 can remain in contact with the cover 20 in the circumference of the V-ring 38.

[0052] The position adjustment element 40 is an element for adjusting the position of the ring main body 48 in one direction (first direction) from the ring main body 48 to the lip 50. In the present embodiment, the first direction coincides with the axial direction DA of the shaft 22.

[0053] The position adjustment element 40 comprises, for example, a spacer element (plate element) 60, which is arranged between the ring main body 48 and the housing 16. In this case, the housing 16 can have a groove section 62 to which the spacer element 60 can be attached. A plurality of spacers 60 with different dimensions in the first direction can be selectively attached to the groove section 62. At least a portion of the V-ring 38 can be accommodated in the groove section 62.

[0054] The contact pressure between the lip 50 and the cover 20 changes according to the position of the ring body 48 in the first direction. More precisely, the contact pressure between the lip 50 and the cover 20 decreases when the distance between the ring body 48 and the cover 20 increases in the first direction. Conversely, the contact pressure between the lip 50 and the cover 20 increases when the distance between the ring body 48 and the cover 20 decreases in the first direction.

[0055] The foreground section 54 protrudes from the labyrinth seal 34 in the direction of the recess 52.

[0056] The sealing structure 32 further comprises a second air supply area 64, an outlet pipe 68 and an operating area 70 (see again Fig. 4).

[0057] The second air supply area 64 has a second air supply path 66 that directs air to the interior 28 of the housing 16. The second air supply area 64 directs air to the interior 28 to make the air pressure in the interior 28 higher than the air pressure in the first gap 80.

[0058] The second air supply path 66 is formed, for example, by a pipe section provided in the interior 28. Air is supplied to the second air supply path 66 from an air supply source (not shown). The air supply source includes a blower, a compressor, and the like. The air supply source can be located in the rotary table device 10 (the second air supply area 64) or outside the rotary table device 10. The air supply source that supplies air to the second air supply path 66 and the air supply source that supplies air A1 to the first air supply path 56 can be the same device or different devices.

[0059] The outlet pipe 68 is connected to an outlet opening 72 provided in the interior 28. The operating section 70 includes, but is not limited to, a throttle screw, a valve, and the like, which are connected to the outlet pipe 68. The user can operate the operating section 70. The amount of air expelled from the interior 28 through the outlet pipe 68 is adjusted according to the actuation of the operating section 70.

[0060] The embodiment was as described above. The sealing structure 32 has the following advantageous effects.

[0061] The sealing structure 32 comprises the labyrinth seal 34 for sealing the second gap 82 and the V-ring 38 for sealing the first gap 80. Therefore, the sealing structure 32 prevents foreign matter from reaching the oil seal 36. Since foreign matter is prevented from reaching the oil seal 36, it prevents foreign matter from accumulating between the oil seal 36 and the shaft element 18. This prevents foreign matter from entering the interior 28.

[0062] The first air supply area 42 can direct the air A1 for air purging via the gap 58 between the cover 20 and the V-ring 38 to the labyrinth seal 34. The flow of air A1 through the labyrinth seal 34 satisfactorily prevents the ingress of foreign material into the gap.

[0063] The first air supply area 42 directs the air A1 to the V-ring 38, thereby forming the gap 58 between the lip 50 and the cover 20. This reduces the friction between the lip 50 and the cover 20. Consequently, wear and heat generation of the V-ring 38 due to friction with the cover 20 can be prevented.

[0064] Furthermore, the air A1 flows from the first gap 80 through the gap 58 towards the second gap 82. The air A1 flowing in this way prevents foreign matter from entering the first gap 80 through the gap 58. That is, the first air supply area 42 directs the air A1 from the air supply opening 56a, located in the first gap 80, to the V-ring 38, thus preventing wear and heat generation of the V-ring 38 and simultaneously preventing the ingress of foreign material into the first gap 80.

[0065] Fig. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing part of the rotary table device 10. Fig. Figure 7 shows part of a cross-section of the rotary table device 10 in a case where the air A1 is not blown out of the air supply opening 56a.

[0066] For some reason, the supply of air A1 through the first air supply area 42 may be restricted. In this case, the air A1 for the air purge is not supplied to the labyrinth seal 34, but the lip 50 of the V-ring 38 is brought into close contact with the rotating element 12 (cover 20), as shown in Fig. Figure 7 shows that, accordingly, the V-ring 38 can prevent the ingress of foreign material into the first gap 80 even if the air A1 for air purging is not directed to the labyrinth seal 34. The situation in which the supply of air A1 through the first air supply area 42 is restricted includes, for example, a situation in which the power supply to the air supply source (air blower, compressor, or the like) is restricted due to a power outage or similar event, but is not limited to this.

[0067] Fig. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing part of the rotary table device 10. Fig. Figure 8 shows a part of the rotary table device 10 in which it is in Fig. 3 shown condition.

[0068] In Fig. In 8, the radial direction DD coincides with the Z-direction. More precisely, it coincides with the direction shown in Fig. The direction indicated by arrow F1 shown in Figure 8 corresponds to the direction of gravity (downward direction). In this case, even if the foreign material passes through the labyrinth seal 34, it falls due to the effect of gravity (arrow F1 pointing downwards). Fig. 8) into the recess 52 of the V-ring 38. If the lip 50 forms part of the recess 52, the foreign material can also fall into the recess 52 along the surface of the lip 50 (arrow F2 in Fig. 8). This prevents foreign material from entering the space between the V-ring 38 and the oil seal 36.

[0069] Furthermore, as described above, the V-shaped section formed by the ring main body 48 and the lip 50 can be used as a recess 52. The recess 52 is a section that is naturally present in many common V-rings. Therefore, the V-ring 38 does not need to be a component specifically manufactured for the recess 52; a conventional component can be used. This reduces the costs for procuring components and the like.

[0070] As described above, the sealing structure 32 includes the projection 54, which extends from the labyrinth seal 34 towards the recess 52. The projection 54 can limit the movement area (fall area) of the foreign body that has passed through the labyrinth seal 34. Accordingly, the projecting section 54 can guide the foreign body that has passed through the labyrinth seal 34 more reliably towards the recess 52. The projecting section 54 can also prevent the foreign body that has passed through the labyrinth seal 34 from reaching the gap 58.

[0071] The V-ring 38 is attached to the housing 16 and not to the rotating element 12. In this case, the V-ring 38 does not rotate even when the rotating element 12 rotates. Therefore, even if the rotational speed of the rotating element 12 increases, the V-ring 38 is prevented from detaching from the housing 16 due to centrifugal force.

[0072] The position adjustment element 40 serves to adjust the position of the ring body 48 of the V-ring 38 in the first direction. By adjusting the position of the ring body 48 in the first direction, the contact pressure between the lip 50 of the V-ring 38 and the cover 20 of the rotary element 12 is set. The first direction is the direction from the ring body 48 to the lip 50. Since the contact pressure between the lip 50 and the cover 20 can be adjusted, the gap 58 can be reliably created by the air A1 without, for example, having to adjust the blower pressure of the air A1.

[0073] The position adjustment element 40 includes, for example, a spacer 60. The contact pressure can be easily adjusted by changing the dimensions of the spacer 60 as required.

[0074] The oil seal 36 is in contact with the circumferential wall 18b of the shaft element 18, thereby sealing the gap. The V-ring 38 surrounds the oil seal 36 in the axial direction of the shaft element 18. Furthermore, the labyrinth seal 34 surrounds the V-ring 38 in the axial direction of the shaft element 18. This prevents foreign matter from reaching the shaft element 18 along its radial direction.

[0075] The second air supply area 64 ensures that the air pressure in the interior 28 is higher than the air pressure in the first gap 80. This more reliably prevents foreign objects from entering the interior 28 through the first gap 80.

[0076] Furthermore, the amount of air released from the interior 28 is adjusted according to the actuation of the operating range 70. Therefore, the user can easily adjust the air pressure of the interior 28.

[0077] The embodiment can be modified as follows. In the following modifications, the description that overlaps with the embodiment is omitted. In the drawings used to illustrate the following modifications, the same components as in the embodiment are identified with the same reference numerals. (Modification 1)

[0078] Fig. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing part of the rotary table device 10 according to a first modification.

[0079] The position adjustment element 40 can include an external threaded section (male screw section) 74, for example, an adjusting screw. The external threaded section 74 is screwed into an internal threaded section (female screw section, screw hole) 76 formed in the housing 16.

[0080] The internal thread section 76 extends along the first direction from the ring main body 48 of the V-ring 38 to its lip 50. Therefore, the external thread section 74 can move relative to the internal thread section 76 (housing 16) along the first direction.

[0081] The main ring body 48 of the V-ring 38 is located between the internal thread section 76 (external thread section 74) and the lip 50 of the V-ring 38. Therefore, the position of the main ring body 48 changes in the first direction according to the movement of the external thread section 74 in the first direction.

[0082] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, a plate element 60 can be arranged between the external thread section 74 and the V-ring 38. The plate element 60 abuts the underside of the V-ring 38 (ring main body 48).

[0083] A clamping element 78, for example a nut, can also be provided in the housing 16. The fastening element 78 tightens the external threaded section 74 to prevent the position of the external threaded section 74 from changing unintentionally in the first direction.

[0084] According to the present modification, the contact pressure between the lip 50 and the cover 20 can be easily adjusted by turning the external threaded section 74. (Modification 2)

[0085] At least some of the exhaust air released from the interior 28 can be directed to the first gap 80. In this case, the exhaust opening 72 of the interior 28 can be connected to the first air supply path 56. This allows the exhaust air (air) to be directed from the exhaust opening 72 to the first air supply path 56. By using the gas released from the interior 28 as air A1, which is directed to the V-ring 38, the overall air consumption in the rotary table device 10 can be reduced. The outlet opening 72 and the first air supply path 56 are connected, for example, via the outlet line 68 described above, but can also be connected directly.

[0086] The amount of exhaust air directed from the interior 28 into the space between the V-ring 38 and the oil seal 36 can be adjusted using the actuating section 70 described above. (Modification 3)

[0087] The shaft element 18 can further comprise a housing (not shown) that receives the shaft 22. In this case, the cover 20 can be attached to the housing. (Modification 4)

[0088] The wave element 18 and the cover 20 can be formed in one piece. (Modification 5)

[0089] The recess 52 of the V-ring 38 can be a cutout formed in the main body 48 of the V-ring 38. (Modification 6)

[0090] The oil seal 36, the V-ring 38, and the labyrinth seal 34 can be arranged along the axial direction DA of the shaft element 18. In this case, the labyrinth seal 34 is formed between the housing 16 and the shaft element 18.

[0091] The V-ring 38 is arranged in a space sealed by the labyrinth seal 34 in the gap between the housing 16 and the shaft element 18. As in the embodiment, the V-ring 38 is arranged such that the recess 52 of the V-ring 38 faces the space (second gap space 82) between the labyrinth seal 34 and the V-ring 38.

[0092] The main ring body 48 of the V-ring 38 is attached to the housing 16. The lip 50 of the V-ring 38 projects from the main ring body 48 towards the shaft element 18 and is in contact (close contact) with the shaft element 18.

[0093] The oil seal 36 is arranged in a space sealed by the V-ring 38 in the gap between the housing 16 and the shaft element 18. The main ring body 44 of the oil seal 36 is attached to the housing 16. The lip 46 of the oil seal 36 projects from the main ring body 44 towards the shaft element 18 and is in contact (close contact) with the shaft element 18.

[0094] As in the embodiment, the first air supply area 42 sends the air A1 to the space (the first gap space 80) between the V-ring 38 and the oil seal 36. The air A1 flows between the lip 50 of the V-ring 38 and the shaft element 18 and is supplied to the labyrinth seal 34. (Modification 7)

[0095] The sealing structure 32 can be provided in the second table unit 104. In this case, the sealing structure 32 is provided, for example, in a gap between the rotating element 108 of the second table unit 104 and its housing 110. (Modification 8)

[0096] The embodiment described above assumes that the rotary table device 10 is a two-axis rotary table device, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the rotary table device 10 can be a single-axis rotary table device. In this case, the second table unit 104 and the support device 106 can be omitted accordingly. (Combination of several modifications)

[0097] The several modifications described above can be combined appropriately in an area where no technical inconsistencies occur.

[0098] The following additional remarks are disclosed with regard to the above embodiment. (Supplementary Note 1)

[0099] The sealing structure (32) according to the present disclosure seals the interior (28) of the housing (16) to which the rotating element (12) is rotatably attached.The sealing structure comprises: the labyrinth seal (34) located in the gap between the rotating element and the housing, the gap being connected to the interior; the oil seal (36) located in the space sealed by the labyrinth seal in the gap, the oil seal being configured to seal the interior; the V-ring (38) comprising the annular main body (48) having an annular shape and the lip (50) projecting from the annular main body, the V-ring being located in the gap between the labyrinth seal and the oil seal; and the first air supply area (42) with the air supply opening (56a) located between the V-ring and the oil seal, the first air supply area being configured to direct air (A1) from the air supply opening to the V-ring. (Supplementary Note 2)

[0100] In the sealing structure according to supplementary note 1, the V-ring can include the recess (52) which faces the gap space (82) between the V-ring and the labyrinth seal. (Supplementary Note 3)

[0101] In the sealing structure according to supplementary note 2, the lip can form part of the recess. (Supplementary Note 4)

[0102] The sealing structure according to supplementary note 2 or 3 may further include the preceding section (54) which projects from the labyrinth seal in the direction of the recess. (Supplementary Note 5)

[0103] In the sealing structure according to one of the supplementary notes 1 to 4, the ring main body can be attached to the housing, and the lip can protrude in the direction of the rotating element. (Supplementary Note 6)

[0104] The sealing structure according to supplementary note 5 may further include the position adjustment element (40) which is configured to adjust the position of the ring main body in the first direction from the ring main body towards the lip. (Supplementary Note 7)

[0105] In the sealing structure according to supplementary note 6, the position adjustment element can comprise the spacer (60) which is arranged between the ring main body and the housing. (Supplementary Note 8)

[0106] In the sealing structure according to Supplementary Note 6 or 7, the housing may include the internally threaded section (76) extending in the first direction, the position adjustment element may include the externally threaded section (74) configured to be screwed into the internally threaded section, and the ring main body may be arranged between the externally threaded section and the lip. (Supplementary Note 9)

[0107] In the sealing structure according to one of the supplementary notes 1 to 8, the rotating element can comprise the shaft element (18) rotatably attached to the housing, the oil seal can be in contact with the circumferential wall of the shaft element to seal the gap, the V-ring can surround the oil seal in the axial direction of the shaft element, and the labyrinth seal can surround the V-ring in the axial direction. (Supplementary Note 10)

[0108] The sealing structure according to one of the supplementary notes 1 to 9 may further include a second air supply area (64) configured to direct air into the interior in order to make the air pressure in the interior higher than the air pressure in the gap space (80) between the V-ring and the oil seal. (Supplementary Note 11)

[0109] The rotary table device (10) according to the present disclosure comprises the sealing structure according to any of the supplementary notes 1 to 10, the rotary element and the housing, and the rotary element comprises the table (24). (Supplementary Note 12)

[0110] The rotary table device according to supplementary note 11 may further comprise the outlet opening (72) connected to the interior and the actuating section (70) configured to adjust the amount of air expelled from the interior through the outlet opening. (Supplementary Note 13)

[0111] In the rotary table device according to supplementary note 12, the outlet opening and the air supply opening can be connected to each other, and at least some of the air expelled from the interior can be fed into the gap between the V-ring and the oil seal. (Supplementary Note 14)

[0112] In the rotary table device according to one of the supplementary notes 11 to 13, the rotary table device can be a two-axis rotary table device. (Supplementary Note 15)

[0113] The machine tool (200) according to the present disclosure comprises the rotary table device according to one of the supplementary notes 11 to 14.

[0114] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail, it is not necessarily limited to each of the embodiments and modifications. These embodiments may be subject to various additions, substitutions, modifications, partial deletions, and the like, provided they do not deviate from the essence and core of the present disclosure or from the spirit of the disclosure as it arises from the content of the claims and their equivalents. Furthermore, these embodiments may also be implemented in combination with one another. For example, in the embodiments described above, the sequence of individual operations and the order of individual processes are presented merely as examples, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to these examples.The same applies if numerical values ​​or mathematical expressions are used in the description of the aforementioned embodiments. REFERENCE MARK LIST 10 Rotary table device 12 rotating elements 16 cases 18 wave elements 24 Table 28 Interior 32 Sealing structure 34 Labyrinth seal 36 Oil seal 38 V-Ring 40 Position adjustment element 42 first air supply area 48 Ring main body 50 Lippe 52 recess 54 preceding section 56 first air supply path 56a Air intake opening 60 spacers 64 second air supply area 70 Operating area 72 Outlet opening 74 external threads 76 internal threads 80 gap space (first gap space) 82 gap space (second gap space) 200 machine tools A1 Air QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2011-033171 A [0002, 0007]

Claims

[1] Sealing structure for sealing an interior of a housing to which a rotating element is rotatably attached, the sealing structure comprising: a labyrinth seal located in a gap between the rotating element and the housing, the gap being connected to the interior; an oil seal located in the gap within a space sealed by the labyrinth seal, the oil seal being configured to seal the interior; a V-ring comprising an annular main body and a lip projecting from the annular main body, the V-ring being located in the gap between the labyrinth seal and the oil seal; and a first air supply area with an air supply opening located between the V-ring and the oil seal, wherein the first air supply area is configured to direct air from the air supply opening to the V-ring. [2] Sealing structure according to claim 1, wherein the V-ring has a recess which faces a gap between the V-ring and the labyrinth seal. [3] Sealing structure according to claim 2, wherein the lip forms part of the recess. [4] Sealing structure according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising a projecting section extending from the labyrinth seal in the direction of the recess. [5] Sealing structure according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the ring main body is attached to the housing and the lip projects towards the rotating element. [6] Sealing structure according to claim 5, further comprising a position adjustment element configured to set a position of the ring main body in a first direction from the ring main body towards the lip. [7] Sealing structure according to claim 6, wherein the position adjustment element comprises a spacer element arranged between the ring main body and the housing. [8] Sealing structure according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the housing includes an internal thread section extending in the first direction, The position adjustment element includes an external threaded section configured to screw into the internal threaded section, and The main body of the ring is positioned between the external thread section and the lip. [9] Sealing structure according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the rotating element comprises a shaft element rotatably attached to the housing, the oil seal is in contact with a circumferential wall of the shaft element in order to seal the gap, The V-ring, viewed in the axial direction of the shaft element, surrounds the oil seal and The labyrinth seal surrounds the V-ring when viewed in the axial direction. [10] Sealing structure according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a second air supply area configured to direct air into the interior to generate an air pressure in the interior that is higher than an air pressure in a gap between the V-ring and the oil seal. [11] Rotary table device comprising: the sealing structure according to one of claims 1 to 10; the rotating element; and the case, the rotating element includes a table. [12] Rotary table device according to claim 11, further comprising: an outlet opening connected to the interior; and an actuating section configured to adjust the amount of exhaust air that is expelled from the interior through the outlet opening. [13] Rotary table device according to claim 12, wherein the outlet opening and the air supply opening are connected to each other and at least a part of the exhaust air expelled from the interior is fed into a gap space between the V-ring and the oil seal. [14] Rotary table device according to one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the rotary table device is a two-axis rotary table device. [15] Machine tool comprising the rotary table device according to any one of claims 11 to 14.

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