Lubrication unit for joint module, and method of lubricating joint module using such lubrication unit

Abstract

To provide a lubrication unit for joint module that is economical and does not take up much space, and a method for lubricating the joint module using such a lubrication unit.SOLUTION: A joint module 1 comprises a drive part 20 which has a nut 22, a tappet 30 is movable in linear motion with the nut, and a lubrication unit 50 is arranged on a housing 40, and comprises a lubricant 56 in lubrication unit channels 531, 532, 534, and 535. The nut comprises nut channels 222, 223 and a lubrication point 224, and can be moved to a lubrication position SP, the nut and the nut channels are in direct mechanical contact with each other at the lubrication position, the lubrication unit channels and the nut channels communicate with each other, and the lubricant enters the nut channels from the lubrication unit channels and moves to the lubrication point therefrom.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a lubrication unit for a joining module according to the preamble of the independent claim and to a method for lubricating a joining module using such a lubrication unit. [Background technology]

[0002] Joining modules are used in industrial manufacturing for a wide range of assembly and joining processes such as stamping, punching, riveting, clinching, etc. Joining modules are used to move the tools required for the assembly and joining process into the workpiece and to apply the forces required for the assembly and joining process. Joining modules are available as electromechanical, pneumatic, or hydraulic modules.

[0003] The joining module comprises a drive, a screw drive, a tappet, and a housing. The drive is operatively connected to the screw drive, and the rotary motion of the drive is converted into linear motion by the screw drive. The tappet is attached to the screw drive and moves linearly. The tappet carries the tool or workpiece. The required force is applied via the tappet. The screw drive and tappet are disposed within the housing.

[0004] For high-precision industrial production, the aforementioned joining module exhibits a stroke length of several hundred mm, a high travel speed of 400 mm / s, a high stroke rate of more than 10 strokes / min, and a high repeatability of 0.01 mm. 6 Designed for long service life with over 1000 strokes.

[0005] To ensure the functionality of the joining module, the aforementioned movable screw drive must be lubricated with a lubricant such as oil or grease, for which purpose a lubricant is applied to the lubrication points of the screw drive by a lubrication unit.

[0006] Document WO 01 / 033133 A1 shows such a lubrication unit. The lubricant to be applied is encapsulated in a chamber. Pressure is applied to the capsule via a compression spring arranged on the chamber, forcing the lubricant from the capsule into the chamber. The chamber is connected to multiple outlets via axial bores. The lubricant flows into the axial bore. Check valves prevent the lubricant from flowing back from the axial bore into the chamber. A piston is moved within the axial bore. Depending on the direction of movement of the piston, the lubricant is sucked into the axial bore and pumped through the outlets. A further check valve at the outlet prevents the lubricant from flowing back from the outlet into the axial bore. The lubricant is applied to the lubrication point via the outlets.

[0007] The lubrication unit known from document WO 01 / 033133 A1 is expensive to manufacture and takes up a considerable amount of space due to the large number of check valves required. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] WO01 / 033133A1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The object of the present invention is to create an economical and space-saving lubrication unit for splicing modules and a method for lubricating splicing modules using such a lubrication unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] These objects are solved by the features of the independent claims.

[0011] The present invention relates to a lubrication unit for a joining module, the joining module comprising a screw drive, a tappet and a housing, the screw drive comprising a nut, the tappet being capable of being moved in a linear motion by the nut, the lubrication unit being arranged on the housing and presenting lubricant in at least one lubrication unit channel, the nut comprising at least one nut channel and at least one lubrication point, the nut being capable of being moved to a lubrication position, in which the nut and the lubrication unit are in direct mechanical contact with each other, the lubrication unit channel and the nut channel being in communication with each other, and the lubricant entering the nut channel from the lubrication unit channel and from there to the lubrication point.

[0012] The present invention also relates to a method for lubricating a joining module by means of a lubrication unit, the joining module comprising a screw drive, a tappet and a housing, the screw drive comprising a nut, the tappet being capable of being moved in a linear motion by the nut, the lubrication unit being arranged on the housing and comprising a lubricant in at least one lubrication unit channel, the nut comprising at least one nut channel and at least one lubrication point, the nut being moved to a lubrication position, in which the nut and the lubrication unit are in direct mechanical contact with each other, the lubrication unit channel and the nut channel being in communication with each other, and the lubricant entering the nut channel from the lubrication unit channel and moving from there to the lubrication point.

[0013] Compared with the lubrication unit of document WO 01 / 033133 A1, the lubrication unit according to the present invention does not require a check valve to lubricate the joining module, and is therefore more economical and space-saving. Only when the nut is moved into the lubrication position, and the nut and the lubrication unit are in direct mechanical contact with each other, do the lubrication unit channel and the nut channel begin to communicate with each other, and the lubricant reaches the lubrication point. This means that unless or as soon as the nut is no longer moved into the lubrication position, there is no communication between the lubrication unit channel and the nut channel, and the lubricant cannot flow back from the nut channel into the lubrication unit channel.

[0014] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are protected in the dependent claims.

[0015] In the following, the invention will be explained in more detail using exemplary embodiments with reference to the figures. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 shows a cross section of a portion of a joining module 1 with a lubrication unit 50. FIG. [Figure 2] 2 shows a cross section of a portion of the lubrication unit 50 according to FIG. 1 in the closed state. [Figure 3] 2 shows a cross section of a portion of the lubrication unit 50 according to FIG. 1 in the open state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] In the figures, identical reference numbers refer to identical objects.

[0018] 1 shows a portion of one embodiment of a joint module 1. Said joint module 1 is shown in cross section in a plane XY, which spans a longitudinal axis X and a transverse axis Y. The longitudinal axis X and the transverse axis Y are perpendicular to each other.

[0019] The joining module 1 described above comprises a drive unit 10, a screw drive 20, a tappet 30 and a housing 40.

[0020] The drive unit 10 serves to move the tappet 30 and apply a force via the tappet 30. The force is used in the context of industrial production to carry out assembly and joining processes such as stamping, punching, riveting, clinching, etc. For this purpose, the drive unit 10 comprises a motor, a brake, and a control unit. The drive unit 10 may be an electric drive unit, a pneumatic drive unit, or a hydraulic drive unit. The joining module 1 with the electric drive unit 10 is characterized by high energy efficiency.

[0021] The drive unit 10 is operatively connected to a screw drive 20. The screw drive 20 has the function of converting the rotational motion of the drive unit 10 into linear motion. For this purpose, the screw drive 20 comprises a spindle 21 and a nut 22. The spindle 21 and the nut 22 are made of a mechanically durable material such as steel, stainless steel, cast iron, etc. The spindle 21 and the nut 22 have matching threads. The nut 22 is located on the spindle 21. The spindle 21 is connected to the drive unit 10 in a torque-proof manner. The spindle 21 is connected to the drive unit 10 by suitable means such as threads, a press fit, etc. The rotational motion of the drive unit 10 causes linear motion of the nut 22. The linear motion occurs along a longitudinal axis X. The stroke length of the linear motion can be several hundred mm. A movement speed of 400 mm / s can be achieved. The linear motion can have a high stroke rate of over 10 strokes / min and a high repeatability of 0.01 mm.

[0022] The tappet 30 serves the purpose of carrying a tool or workpiece required for the assembly and joining process. The tool or workpiece is not shown in the figures. The tool or workpiece is connected to the tappet 30. The tool or workpiece is connected to the tappet 30 using suitable means such as screws, fasteners, etc. The tappet 30 is made of a mechanically durable material such as steel, stainless steel, cast iron, etc. The tappet 30 is attached to the screw drive 20. The tappet 30 is located on the side of the nut 22 facing away from the spindle 21. The tappet 30 is connected to the nut 22. The tappet 30 is connected to the nut 22 by suitable means such as screws, a press fit, adhesives, etc. The tappet 30 is moved in a linear motion along the longitudinal axis X by the nut 22. Due to the linear motion, the tool or workpiece carried by the tappet 30 can be moved over a defined stroke length, and the tappet 30 applies the force required for the assembly and joining process.

[0023] The housing 40 serves to protect the screw drive 20 and the tappet 30 from harmful environmental influences, such as contamination (dust, moisture, etc.). Such impurities may impair the functionality of the connection module 1. The housing 40 comprises a housing body made of a mechanically durable material, such as aluminum, steel, stainless steel, etc. Advantageously, the housing body is an extruded profile made of aluminum, an aluminum alloy, etc. The housing 40 is hollow cylindrical and comprises a cavity. The screw drive 20 and the tappet 30 are disposed within the cavity. The housing 40 radially surrounds the screw drive 20 and the tappet 30. With respect to the longitudinal axis X, the housing 40 comprises a first housing end 41 including a first opening and a second housing end 42 including a second opening. The first housing end 41 faces the drive unit 10, which protrudes into the housing 40 through the first opening. The second housing end 42 faces away from the drive unit 10, and the tappet 30 protrudes out of the housing 40 through the second opening. The first and second openings are sealed against the ingress of impurities by suitable means, such as a sealing ring.

[0024] The joining module 1 includes a lubrication unit 50. The lubrication unit 50 is an independent assembly. The lubrication unit 50 has the function of lubricating the movable screw drive 20 with a lubricant 56 such as oil or grease. The lubrication ensures the functionality of the joining module 1. This is because the joining module 1 is a durable and important item and can be used for 10 6 The lubrication is carried out at regular intervals over the service life of the spindle 21. During lubrication, a lubricant 56 is applied to at least one lubrication point between the spindle 21 and the nut 22.

[0025] The lubrication unit 50 is arranged at the first housing end 41 of the aforementioned splicing module 1. Figures 2 and 3 show details of an exemplary embodiment of a portion of the lubrication unit 50 according to Figure 1. In Figures 2 and 3, the lubrication unit 50 is shown in cross section AA, which extends along the longitudinal axis X.

[0026] The lubrication unit 50 includes a sleeve 51, an adapter 52, a conduit element 53, and a spring element 54. The sleeve 51, the adapter 52, the conduit element 53, and the spring element 54 are made of mechanically durable materials such as aluminum, steel, stainless steel, etc.

[0027] The sleeve 51 has a hollow cylindrical shape and includes an interior 511. With respect to a longitudinal axis X, the sleeve 51 includes a first sleeve end 512 and a second sleeve end 513. The first sleeve end 512 faces the first housing end 41. The second sleeve end 513 faces the nut 22. The first sleeve end 512 includes an opening, and the second sleeve end 513 includes an opening. The interior 511 is accessible from the outside of the sleeve 51 through the openings in the sleeve ends 512, 513.

[0028] The aforementioned adapter 52 is attached to the first sleeve end 512. The adapter 52 is secured to the first sleeve end 512 by any suitable means, such as a material connection, a positive connection, a friction connection, and combinations thereof. In the exemplary embodiment of Figures 2 and 3, the adapter 52 is attached to the first sleeve end 512 by a threaded connection.

[0029] The lubrication unit 50 may be connected to the first housing end 41 via an adapter 52. The adapter 52 may be connected to the first housing end 41 by any suitable means, such as a material connection, a positive connection, a frictional connection, or combinations thereof. In the exemplary embodiment of Figures 2 and 3, the adapter 52 is connected to the first housing end 41 via a threaded connection.

[0030] The aforementioned adapter 52 exhibits a hollow cylindrical form and comprises a lubrication unit channel 521 including a first opening and a second opening. The lubrication unit channel 521 in the adapter 52 is also referred to as the adapter channel 521. When connected to the first housing end 41, the first opening of the adapter channel 521 faces away from the first sleeve end 512. When connected to the first housing end 41, the first opening of the adapter channel 521 forms the outer boundary of the lubrication unit 50 facing the first housing end 41 along the longitudinal axis X.

[0031] The first housing end 41 includes a housing channel 43. The aforementioned lubricant 56 is disposed within the housing channel 43.

[0032] The connection of the adapter 52 to the first housing end 41 is such that when connected to the first housing end 41, the aforementioned housing channel 43 communicates with the adapter channel 521, and the lubricant 56 enters from the housing channel 43 into the adapter channel 521.

[0033] The connection of adapter 52 to first housing end 41 is lubricant-tight. In the sense of the present invention, a connection or direct mechanical contact between a first component and a second component is lubricant-tight if lubricant 56 does not reach the outside of the two components through the connection or direct mechanical contact.

[0034] The duct element 53 and the spring element 54 are disposed within the interior 511 described above.

[0035] The aforementioned conduit element 53 exhibits a cylindrical form and has a first end facing the adapter 52 and a second end facing the nut 22. The aforementioned conduit element 53 extends along the longitudinal axis X. The first end of the conduit element 53 is arranged in the interior 511 and the second end of the conduit element 53 is arranged outside the interior 511. The conduit element 53 extends out from the interior 511 through an opening in the second sleeve end 513. In the region of the opening in the second sleeve end 513, a radially outer side surface of the conduit element 53 is separated from a radially inner side surface of the second sleeve end 513 with respect to the longitudinal axis X by a gap.

[0036] The lubrication unit 50 includes a sealing element 55. The sealing element 55 is disposed at the second sleeve end 513 and functions to seal the gap between the radially outer side surface of the conduit element 53 and the opening of the second sleeve element 513 so that the lubricant does not leak. The sealing element 55 is annular and made of an elastic sealing material such as a fluoroelastomer, a perfluoroelastomer, or an acrylonitrile butadiene rubber.

[0037] The second sleeve end 513 comprises an annular groove, which completely surrounds the opening of the second sleeve element 513 in a radial manner. The groove is designed so that it accommodates the sealing element 55 in several areas, and one area of ​​the sealing element 55 projects radially into the gap and is in direct mechanical contact with the conduit element 53. The sealing element 55 seals the gap against the leakage of lubricant by means of a sealing pressure. The sealing pressure can be in the form of an axial sealing pressure along the longitudinal axis X, or a radial sealing pressure along the transverse axis Y, or a combination of an axial sealing pressure along the longitudinal axis X and a radial sealing pressure along the transverse axis Y.

[0038] The aforementioned conduit element 53 comprises at least one lubricant channel 531, 532, 534, 535. The conduit element 53 preferably comprises several lubricant channels 531, 532, 534, 535. The aforementioned lubricant channels 531, 532, 534, 535 are also referred to as a first longitudinal channel 531, a second longitudinal channel 535, a first radial channel 532 and a second radial channel 534. The conduit element 53 preferably comprises at least one first radial channel 532 and at least one second radial channel 534.

[0039] The aforementioned conduit element 53 comprises a first longitudinal channel 531 and a first radial channel 532 in the region of its first end. The first longitudinal channel 531 extends along the longitudinal axis X inside the conduit element 53 and has an opening. The opening of the first longitudinal channel 531 faces the adapter element 52. The first longitudinal channel 531 communicates with the adapter channel 521. With respect to the longitudinal axis X, the first radial channel 532 extends from the first longitudinal channel 531 to a radially outer side surface of the conduit element 53 in the interior 511. The aforementioned conduit element 53 is designed so that the lubricant 56 enters the first longitudinal channel 531 from the adapter channel 521 and from there through the first radial channel 532 into the interior 511.

[0040] The aforementioned conduit element 53 comprises a second radial channel 534 and a second longitudinal channel 535 in the region of its second end. In the state of the lubrication unit 50 according to Fig. 3, the first radial channel 532 and the second radial channel 534 communicate with each other in the interior 511. With respect to the longitudinal axis X, the second radial channel 534 extends from the radially outer side surface of the conduit element 53 to the second longitudinal channel 535. The aforementioned second longitudinal channel 535 extends along the longitudinal axis X inside the conduit element 53 and comprises an opening. The opening of the second longitudinal channel 535 faces the nut 22.

[0041] The aforementioned conduit element 53 is designed so that, in response to communication between the first radial channel 532 and the second radial channel 534, the lubricant 56 in the interior 511 flows from the first radial channel 532 into the second radial channel 534 and from there into the second longitudinal channel 535.

[0042] Said conduit element 53 comprises a sealing surface 533. The sealing surface 533 faces the second sleeve end 513. Said sealing surface 533 is arranged on a radially outer side surface of the conduit element 53 within the interior 511. The sealing surface 533 is designed as a conical extension.

[0043] The spring element 54 is helically shaped and is arranged radially outside the first end of the conduit element 53 with respect to the longitudinal axis X. The spring element 54 exhibits a spring force FK. The spring element 54 is designed to mechanically pretension the conduit element 53 along the longitudinal axis X against the sleeve 51 via the sealing surface 533 with the spring force FK. The sealing surface 533 and the second sleeve end 513 are then in direct mechanical contact with each other. In response to the direct mechanical contact with the second sleeve end 513 and under the influence of the spring force FK in the interior 511, the sealing surface 533 is designed to block the communication between the first radial channel 532 and the second radial channel 534 in a lubricant-tight manner. The blocking of communication between the first radial channel 532 and the second radial channel 534 can be seen in the state of the lubrication unit 50 according to FIG. 2, in which case the lubricant 56 does not enter the second radial channel 534 from the first radial channel 532.

[0044] Said pipe element 53 comprises a stopper 536. Said stopper 536 is arranged at a second end of said pipe element 53 facing the nut 22. In the exemplary embodiment of Figures 2 and 3, said stopper 536 is a separate component and is fixed radially to the outside of the pipe element 53 with respect to the longitudinal axis X. Said stopper 536 is attached to the pipe element 53 by press fitting. Those skilled in the art, knowing the present invention, can also realize fixing of the stopper to the pipe element by screwing, bonding, etc. Those skilled in the art can also manufacture the pipe element and the stopper in one piece.

[0045] The stopper 536 is hollow cylindrical. The second longitudinal channel 535 extends through the stopper 536 along the longitudinal axis X. The stopper 536 comprises a stopper sealing surface 537. With respect to the longitudinal axis X, the stopper sealing surface 537 faces the nut 22. When connected to the first housing end 41, the stopper sealing surface 537 forms the outer boundary of the lubrication unit 50 facing the nut 22 along the longitudinal axis X. A transverse axis Y extends at the stopper sealing surface 537. With respect to the longitudinal axis X, the stopper sealing surface 537 completely radially surrounds the opening of the second longitudinal channel 535.

[0046] The nut 22 can be moved to various positions by linear movement along the longitudinal axis X. In the operating position BP of the nut 22 according to FIG. 2, the nut 22 is located at a distance Δ≠0 (not equal to 0) from the lubrication unit 50 relative to the longitudinal axis X. The joining module 1 is operated at the operating position BP. During operation of the joining module 1, the nut 22 takes on many different operating positions with a distance Δ≠0 relative to the lubrication unit 50. In the operating position BP, the nut 22 and the lubrication unit 50 do not have any direct mechanical contact with each other due to the distance Δ≠0. In contrast, in the lubrication position SP of the nut 22 according to FIG. 3, the nut 22 is located at a distance Δ=0 (equal to 0) from the lubrication unit 50 relative to the longitudinal axis X. In the lubrication position SP, no operation of the joining module 1 takes place. In the lubrication position SP of the nut 22, lubrication of the screw drive 20 occurs. In the lubrication position SP, the nut 22 and the lubrication unit 50 are in direct mechanical contact with each other with a distance Δ=0.

[0047] The nut 22 comprises a nut longitudinal channel 222 extending along the longitudinal axis X. The nut longitudinal channel 222 comprises an opening. The opening of the nut longitudinal channel 222 faces the lubrication unit 50. The nut 22 comprises a nut sealing surface 221. The nut sealing surface 221 faces the lubrication unit 50. With respect to the longitudinal axis X, the nut sealing surface 221 completely surrounds the opening of the nut longitudinal channel 222 in the radial direction.

[0048] The aforementioned second longitudinal channel 535 and the nut longitudinal channel 222 are designed to communicate with each other upon direct mechanical contact between the nut 22 and the lubrication unit 50 in the lubrication position SP according to FIG. 3, and the lubricant 56 passes from the second longitudinal channel 535 through the opening of the second longitudinal channel 535 into the opening of the nut longitudinal channel 222 and into the nut longitudinal channel 222.

[0049] Direct mechanical contact between the nut 22 and the lubrication unit 50 is effected via the stopper sealing surface 537 and the nut sealing surface 221. The stopper sealing surface 537 and the nut sealing surface 221 are designed to seal the communication between the second longitudinal channel 535 and the nut longitudinal channel 222 in a lubricant-tight manner in response to said direct mechanical contact between the nut 22 and the lubrication unit 50. This sealing of the second longitudinal channel 535 in communication with the nut longitudinal channel 222 can be seen in the state of the lubrication unit 50 according to Fig. 3, where the lubricant 56 does not reach the outside from the second longitudinal channel 535 in communication with the nut longitudinal channel 222.

[0050] The nut 22 includes a nut lateral channel 223 extending along the lateral axis Y. The nut longitudinal channel 222 and the lateral nut channel 223 communicate with each other. The nut lateral channel 223 leads to at least one lubrication point 224. The lubricant 56 disposed within the nut longitudinal channel 222 flows from the nut longitudinal channel 222 into the nut lateral channel 223 and from there into the lubrication point 224.

[0051] The aforementioned nut longitudinal channel 222 and nut transverse channel 223 are also referred to as at least one nut channel 222, 223.

[0052] 3 , said nut 22 exerts a counterforce GK on the conduit element 53 along the longitudinal axis X. The counterforce GK of the nut 22 acts against the spring force FK of the spring element 54. The counterforce GK, which is greater than the spring force FK, displaces said conduit element 53 along the longitudinal axis X towards the first housing end 41, releasing the sealing surface 533 from the sleeve 51. The counterforce GK, which is greater than the spring force FK, therefore prevents the blocking of communication between the first radial channel 532 and the second radial channel 534 in the interior 511.

[0053] 2, said nut 22 and the lubrication unit 50 are not in direct mechanical contact with each other, and the nut 22 does not exert any counterforce GK on the conduit element 53. Unless said nut 22 is moved to the lubrication position SP, the counterforce GK cannot act on the conduit element 53. Without the counterforce GK, only the spring force FK of said spring element 54 acts on the conduit element 53, mechanically tightening the sealing surface 533 against the sleeve 51 along the longitudinal axis X and blocking communication between the first radial channel 532 and the second radial channel 534 in the interior 511. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 1 Junction Module 10 Drive unit 20 Screw drive unit 21 Spindle 22 Nut 221 Nut sealing surface 222 Nut Longitudinal Channel 223 Nut Lateral Channel 224 Lubrication Point 30 tappet 40 Housing 41 first housing end 42 second housing end 43 Housing Channel 50 Lubrication Unit 51 Sleeve 511 Internal 512 first sleeve end 513 Second sleeve end 52 adapter 521 Adapter Channel 53 Pipe element 531 first longitudinal channel 532 first radial channel 533 Sealing surface 534 Second Radial Channel 535 Second Longitudinal Channel 536 Stopper 537 Stopper sealing surface 54 Spring elements 55 Sealing element 56 Lubricants AA cross section BP operating position Δ distance FK spring force GK facing force SP lubrication position X Longitudinal Axis XY plane Y horizontal axis

Claims

1. A lubrication unit (50) for a joining module (1), the joining module (1) comprising a screw drive (20), a tappet (30), and a housing (40), the screw drive (20) comprising a nut (22), the tappet (30) being capable of being moved in a linear motion by the nut (22), the lubrication unit (50) being arranged on the housing (40) and comprising a lubricant (56) in at least one lubrication unit channel (521, 531, 532, 534, 535), the nut (22) comprising at least one nut channel (222, 223) and at least one lubrication point ( 224), characterized in that the nut (22) can be moved to a lubrication position (SP), in which the nut (22) and the lubrication unit (50) are in direct mechanical contact with each other, the lubrication unit channels (521, 531, 532, 534, 535) and the nut channels (222, 223) are in communication with each other, and lubricant (56) enters the nut channels (222, 223) from the lubrication unit channels (521, 531, 532, 534, 535) and from there to the lubrication point (224).

2. 2. The lubrication unit (50) according to claim 1, characterized in that the lubrication unit (50) comprises a sleeve (51), a conduit element (53), and a spring element (54), the sleeve (51) having an interior (511) in which a first end of the conduit element (53) and the spring element (54) are arranged, the first end of the conduit element (53) having at least one sealing surface (533), and the spring element (54) is designed to mechanically pretension the sealing surface (533) with a spring force (FK) against the sleeve (51) in the interior (511) to block communication in the lubrication unit channels (521, 531, 532, 534, 535) in a lubricant-tight manner, unless the nut (22) is moved to the lubrication position (SP).

3. 4. The lubrication unit (50) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the nut (22) moved to the lubrication position (SP) applies an opposing force (GK) to the second end of the pipe element (53), the opposing force (GK) acting against the spring force (FK), and that an opposing force (GK) greater than the spring force (FK) overrides the blocking of the communication in the lubrication unit channel (521, 531, 532, 534, 535).

4. 4. The lubrication unit (50) according to claim 3, characterized in that the nut (22) moved to the lubrication position (SP) displaces the pipe element (53) along the longitudinal axis (X) and releases the mechanical pretension of the sealing surface (533) against the sleeve (51).

5. 5. The lubrication unit (50) according to claim 1, characterized in that the lubrication unit (50) comprises a stopper (536), the lubrication unit channels (521, 531, 532, 534, 535) extend through the stopper (536), the stopper (536) comprises a stopper sealing surface (537) facing the nut (22), the nut (22) comprises a nut sealing surface (221) facing the lubrication unit (50), and the stopper sealing surface (537) and the nut sealing surface (221) are designed to seal the communication of the lubrication unit channels (521, 531, 532, 534, 535) with the nut channels (222, 223) in a lubricant-tight manner upon direct mechanical contact between the nut (22) and the lubrication unit (50).

6. 6. The lubrication unit (50) according to claim 1, wherein the housing (40) has a first housing end (41) including a housing channel (43) in which a lubricant (56) is arranged; the lubrication unit (50) comprises a sleeve (51) and an adapter (52), the sleeve (51) has a first sleeve end (512) facing the first housing end (41), the adapter (52) is fixed to the first sleeve end (512), and the lubrication unit (50) can be connected to the first housing end (41) via the adapter (52).

7. 7. The lubrication unit (50) of claim 6, characterized in that the adapter (52) comprises a lubrication unit channel (521), and when connected to the first housing end (41), the housing channel (43) communicates with the adapter channel (521), and lubricant (56) enters the lubrication unit channel (521) of the adapter (52) from the housing channel (43).

8. 8. The lubrication unit (50) according to claim 7, characterized in that the lubrication unit (50) comprises a conduit element (53), the conduit element (53) having a first end facing the adapter (52), the sleeve (51) having an interior (511), the conduit element (53) being arranged with its first end within the interior (511), the conduit element (53) comprising at least one lubrication unit channel (531, 532) in the region of its first end, and the lubrication unit channel (531, 532) of the conduit element (53) communicating with the lubrication unit channel (521) of the adapter (52), such that lubricant (56) enters the lubrication unit channel (531, 532) of the conduit element (53) from the lubrication unit channel (521) of the adapter (52).

9. the conduit element (53) has a second end facing the nut (22); the conduit element (53) is arranged with its second end outside the interior (511); the conduit element (53) has at least one lubrication unit channel (534, 535) in the region of its second end; and the lubrication unit channels (531, 532) of the first end of the conduit element (53), 9. The lubricating unit (50) of claim 8, characterized in that, in response to communication with the lubricating unit channels (534, 535) in the region of the second end of the pipe element (53), lubricant (56) enters the lubricating unit channels (534, 535) in the region of the second end of the pipe element (53) from the lubricating unit channels (531, 532) in the region of the first end of the pipe element (53).

10. 10. The lubrication unit (50) of claim 9, characterized in that the lubrication unit channels (531, 532) extend into the interior (511) in the region of the first end of the pipe element (53), the lubrication unit channels (534, 535) extend into the interior (511) in the region of the second end of the pipe element (53), and the communication of the lubrication unit channels (531, 532) in the region of the first end of the pipe element (53) in the interior (511) with the lubrication unit channels (534, 535) in the region of the second end of the pipe element (53) can be blocked.

11. The sleeve (51) has an interior (511) and a second sleeve end (513) facing the nut (22), the second sleeve end (513) has an opening, the lubrication unit (50) has a conduit element (53), the conduit element (53) has a first end and is disposed with the first end within the interior (511), and the conduit element (53) extends out of the interior (511) through the opening of the second sleeve end (513).

11. The lubrication unit (50) according to claim 6, characterized in that in the region of the opening of the second sleeve end (513), the radially outer side of the pipe element (53) is separated from the radially inner side of the second sleeve end (513) by a gap, and the lubrication unit (50) comprises a sealing element (55) that is arranged in the second sleeve end (513) and seals the gap in a manner that prevents lubricant from leaking.

12. A method for lubricating a joining module (1) by a lubrication unit (50), the joining module (1) comprising a screw drive (20), a tappet (30), and a housing (40), the screw drive (20) comprising a nut (22), the tappet (30) being capable of being moved in a linear motion by the nut (22), the lubrication unit (50) being arranged in the housing (40) and comprising a lubricant (56) in at least one lubrication unit channel (521, 531, 532, 534, 535), the nut (22) comprising at least one nut channel (222, 223), and at least one lubrication point (224), characterized in that the nut (22) is moved to a lubrication position (SP), in which the nut (22) and the lubrication unit (50) are in direct mechanical contact with each other, the lubrication unit channels (521, 531, 532, 534, 535) and the nut channels (222, 223) are in communication with each other, and lubricant (56) enters the nut channels (222, 223) from the lubrication unit channels (521, 531, 532, 534, 535) and from there to the lubrication point (224).

13. 13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the lubrication unit (50) comprises a sleeve (31), a conduit element (53), and a spring element (54), the sleeve (51) having an interior (511), a first end of the conduit element (53) and the spring element (54) being arranged in the interior (511), the first end of the conduit element (53) having at least one sealing surface (533), and the spring element (54) being designed to mechanically pretension the sealing surface (533) with a spring force (FK) against the sleeve (51) in the interior (511) to block communication in the lubrication unit channels (521, 531, 532, 534, 535) in a lubricant-tight manner, as long as the nut (22) is not moved to the lubrication position (SP).

14. 14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that the nut (22) moved to the lubrication position (SP) exerts a counter force (GK) on the second end of the pipe element (53), the counter force (GK) acting against the spring force (FK), and a counter force (GK) greater than the spring force (FK) overrides the blocking of the communication in the lubrication unit channel (521, 531, 532, 534, 535).

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