Ball return end cover and linear motor using the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a ball return end cover and a linear motor using the same, comprising an end cover body, the end cover body being provided with a ball return passage, the ball return passage having a first direction change port and a second direction change port, the end cover body being provided with an oil passage communicating with the outside, the oil passage communicating with the ball return passage. The ball return passage is formed in the end cover body, and balls enter / exit through the first direction change port and exit / enter through the second direction change port via the ball return passage. Furthermore, by providing an oil passage in the end cover body and communicating with the ball return passage, lubricating oil is directly supplied to the inside of the ball circulation rail on the movable element, exhibiting an excellent lubrication effect on the balls. At the same time, the lubricating oil also exhibits an excellent lubrication effect on the ball return passage, thereby enabling smoother ball return of the ball return end cover. Compared with the prior art, the ball return end cover and linear motor using the same disclosed in this application can lubricate the inside of the ball circulation rail and achieve an improved lubrication effect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of stroke drive devices, and particularly to a ball return end cover and a linear motor using the same.

Background Art

[0002] A linear motor is a transmission device that directly converts electrical energy into mechanical energy of linear motion without passing through an intermediate conversion mechanism. A linear motor can be regarded as a rotary motor cut in the radial direction and unfolded in a planar shape. A linear motor is also called a linear motor, a linear actuator, or a push rod motor, and the most common types are flat plate type, U-channel type, and tube type.

[0003] A ball return end cover is a structure for circulating balls in a ball linear motor. By installing the ball return end cover, the balls can circulate in the ball circulation rail in the mover and perform reciprocating motion.

[0004] When the linear motor operates, it is necessary to lubricate the track on the stator rail or the ball circulation rail on the mover in a timely manner to maintain smooth movement of the mover. In conventional linear motors, it is usually necessary to separately install a lubrication mechanism for lubrication. However, in such a lubrication mechanism, it is difficult to lubricate the inside of the ball circulation rail, resulting in a problem of reduced lubrication effect.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to solve the defect that it is difficult to lubricate the inside of the ball circulation rail in the lubrication mechanism and the lubrication effect is reduced, the present invention proposes a ball return end cover and a linear motor using the same.

[0006] The technical solution employed in the present invention is a ball return end cover comprising an end cover body, the end cover body being provided with a ball return passage, the ball return passage having a first direction change port and a second direction change port, the end cover body being provided with an oil passage communicating with the outside, the oil passage communicating with the ball return passage.

[0007] Preferably, the oil passage is connected to the location of the first directional change port.

[0008] Preferably, the oil passage is a slot provided on the surface of the end cover body and extending to a first direction change port, and the slot is arranged to be sealed with the external structure to form the oil passage.

[0009] Preferably, the first direction change port protrudes outward from the end cover body to form a mounting portion.

[0010] Preferably, the mounting portion is provided with a notch, and the oil passage is in communication with the notch.

[0011] Preferably, at least two ball return passages are provided, and all of the ball return passages are in communication with the oil passage.

[0012] Preferably, the ball return passage is provided with a recessed groove structure that is recessed inward from the ball return passage, and the recessed groove structure is provided along the direction of the ball return path of the ball return passage.

[0013] Preferably, the end cover body comprises an end cover plate and a ball return plate, and the end cover plate and the ball return plate cooperate to form a ball return passage.

[0014] Preferably, either the end cover plate or the ball return plate is provided with a recessed groove structure at the joint between the two, recessed inward from the ball return passage, and the recessed groove structure is provided along the direction of the ball return path of the ball return passage.

[0015] Preferably, the end cover body is equipped with a first oil filler port, an oil box is connected to the end cover body, and the oil box, the first oil filler port, and the oil passage are connected in this order.

[0016] The present invention discloses a linear motor comprising a stator rail and a movable element slidably fitted to the stator rail, the linear motor further comprising the ball return end cover described above, the ball return end cover being connected to the movable element.

[0017] Compared to conventional technology, the present invention has the following beneficial effects.

[0018] This application discloses a ball return end cover comprising an end cover body, the end cover body having a ball return passage, the ball return passage having a first direction change port and a second direction change port, and the end cover body having an oil passage communicating with the outside, the oil passage communicating with the ball return passage. The ball return passage is formed in the end cover body, and balls enter / exit from the first direction change port and exit / enter from the second direction change port via the ball return passage. Furthermore, by providing an oil passage in the end cover body and communicating with the ball return passage, lubricating oil is supplied directly to the inside of the ball circulation rail on the movable element, providing an excellent lubrication effect on the balls. At the same time, the lubricating oil also provides an excellent lubrication effect on the ball return passage, thereby enabling smoother ball return of the ball return end cover.

[0019] This application discloses a linear motor comprising a stator rail and a movable element slidably fitted to the stator rail, the linear motor further comprising the ball return end cover described above, the ball return end cover being connected to the movable element. By incorporating the ball return end cover disclosed in this application, the linear motor can achieve improved lubrication, improved ball return effect, higher precision, miniaturization, and further compactness of structure.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the ball return end cover disclosed in this application and the linear motor using the same can lubricate the inside of the ball circulation rail and achieve an improved lubrication effect.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to examples and drawings. [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the ball return end cover provided by an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the ball return end cover provided by FIG. 1 as viewed from different directions. [Figure 3] It is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the ball return plate of the ball return end cover provided by FIG. 1. [Figure 4] It is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the ball return plate of the ball return end cover provided by FIG. 3 as viewed from different directions. [Figure 5] It is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the end cover plate of the ball return end cover provided by FIG. 1. [Figure 6] It is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the stator of the linear motor provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0022] In order to make the object, technical solution and advantages of the present invention more clear, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below in conjunction with the drawings. The examples of this embodiment are shown in the drawings, and the same or similar reference numerals throughout the drawings represent the same or similar components, or components having the same or similar functions. Hereinafter, the embodiments described with reference to the drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0023] The present invention discloses a ball return end cover. Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, it includes an end cover body 10, in which a ball return passage 20 is provided. The ball return passage 20 has a first direction conversion port 21 and a second direction conversion port 22. An oil passage 30 communicating with the outside is provided on the end cover body 10, and the oil passage 30 communicates with the ball return passage 20.

[0024] A ball return passage 20 is formed in the end cover body 10. Through the ball return passage 20, the ball enters / leaves from the first direction conversion port 21 and leaves / enters from the second direction conversion port 22. Furthermore, by providing the oil passage 30 on the end cover body 10 and communicating it with the ball return passage 20, the lubricating oil is directly supplied into the interior of the ball circulation rail on the rotor 50, exerting an excellent lubricating effect on the ball. At the same time, the lubricating oil also exerts an excellent lubricating effect on the ball return passage 20, thereby enabling the ball return of the ball return end cover to be performed more smoothly.

[0025] Note that the ball return end cover is the component that comes into closest contact with the ball compared to other structural components on the rotor 50. It has a larger contact area with the ball. Also, the rotational movement generated by the ball in the ball return end cover is more abundant than the rotational movements generated at other positions. Therefore, by providing the oil passage 30 in the ball return end cover, a better lubricating effect on the ball can be achieved. Furthermore, since the ball return end cover is in closest contact with the ball, the ball is very likely to become clogged in the ball return end cover. By providing the oil passage 30 in the ball return end cover and communicating it with the ball return passage 20, an excellent lubricating effect is also exerted on the ball return passage 20, thereby enabling the ball return operation of the ball return end cover to be performed more smoothly.

[0026] Furthermore, since the oil passage 30 is provided in the end cover body 10, there is no need to place the oil passage 30 in any other additional lubrication structure, and the end cover body 10 has a lubrication function in addition to the conventional ball circulation function. On the other hand, this application does not require the addition of any other lubrication structure, and by using the ball return end cover disclosed in this application, the size can be reduced and the overall structure can be made more compact.

[0027] Specifically, in this embodiment, the specific location of the oil passage 30 arranged in the ball return passage 20 is not particularly limited. The oil passage 30 may communicate with the middle part of the ball return passage 20, or with either side of the middle part of the ball return passage 20, or with the first direction change port 21 or the second direction change port 22. This enables lubrication of the ball and the ball return passage 20. Furthermore, the lubricating oil held on the ball surface can exert a lubricating effect on that position even when the ball moves to another position.

[0028] Herein, this application does not limit the shape of the end cover body 10, and the shape of the end cover body 10 shown in the drawings of this application is merely one embodiment within this application. In other embodiments, the shape of the end cover body 10 can be a centrally symmetric figure, thereby allowing both sides of the end cover body 10 to be connected to other structures such as the movable element 50. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the shape and size of the first direction change opening 21 and the second direction change opening 22 can be the same and they can be arranged symmetrically with respect to the center of the end cover body 10, thereby allowing the operator to freely select and install either the first direction change opening 21 or the second direction change opening 22 closer to the stator rail, or to freely select the vertical position of the first direction change opening 21 and the second direction change opening 22. At least one ball return passage 20 is provided, and the number of first direction change openings 21 and the number of second direction change openings 22 both correspond to the number of ball return passages 20.

[0029] Furthermore, the oil passage 30 can be provided inside the end cover body 10 and can be formed by sealing it from the external structure in the form of a slot. The oil passage 30 may have a portion located inside the end cover body 10 and the other portion provided in the form of a slot. In some embodiments, the oil passage 30 is connected via a communication port 33 when transitioning from a passage provided inside the end cover body 10 to the form of a slot, thereby allowing the lubricating oil to flow sequentially through the internal passage, the communication port 33, and the slot into the ball return passage 20.

[0030] Specifically, as a communication structure between the oil passage 30 and the outside, either a structure in which piping is connected to the external communication point and lubricating oil is introduced into the oil passage 30 through said piping, or a structure in which an oil box for storing lubricating oil is provided at the external communication point and lubricating oil flows from the oil box 41 into the oil passage 30 can be adopted, thereby achieving a lubricating effect. In other embodiments, an oil-impregnating material for storing lubricating oil may be provided in the oil passage 30, and while the movable element 50 is moving, the lubricating oil on the oil-impregnating material is applied to the ball to achieve lubrication, and after the lubricating oil on the oil-impregnating material is used up, it is necessary to replenish the lubricating oil from the external communication point. Of course, other structures in which lubricating oil is introduced into the oil passage 30 from the outside can also be adopted.

[0031] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 1 to 5, the oil passage 30 is connected to the location of the first direction change port 21.

[0032] Specifically, when the oil passage 30 is in communication with the position of the first direction change port 21, one of the two direction change ports in this embodiment that communicates with the oil passage 30 is designated as the first direction change port 21, and the other as the second direction change port 22. By positioning the oil passage 30 at the first direction change port 21, the ball can obtain more lubrication opportunities as it moves through the ball return passage 20, and can be lubricated from the moment it enters the ball return passage 20, thus exhibiting a superior lubrication effect. Furthermore, since the movable element 50 can reciprocate on the stator rail, there is always an opportunity for the ball to enter from the first direction change port 21 and exit from the second direction change port 22.

[0033] Here, the position of the first direction change port can be a slot provided in the first direction change port 21, a through hole for communicating with the oil passage 30 provided in the side wall of the first direction change port 21, or a lubrication ring provided in the circumferential direction of the first direction change port 21, thereby enabling communication between the oil passage 30 and the first direction change port 21. It should be understood that the position of the first direction change port 21 or the position of the second direction change port 22 refers to a part of the area adjacent to the ball entrance and exit, and not simply to the ball entrance and exit itself.

[0034] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 1 to 5, the first direction change port 21 and the second direction change port 22 are arranged horizontally, with the first direction change port 21 positioned away from the stator rail and the second direction change port 22 positioned close to the stator rail. This allows the balls to slidably contact the stator rail immediately after being lubricated with lubricating oil, thus allowing more lubricating oil to be supplied to the stator rail and the balls to be sufficiently lubricated within the ball return passage 20. From these two aspects, the ball return end cover exhibits a better lubrication effect on the linear motor, the return operation of the ball return end cover can be performed more smoothly, and the operating accuracy of the linear motor is improved.

[0035] In other embodiments, the first direction change port 21 and the second direction change port 22 are arranged horizontally, with the first direction change port 21 positioned close to the stator rail and the second direction change port 22 positioned away from the stator rail. This allows the ball to contact the stator rail immediately after being lubricated at the first direction change port 21, supplying more lubricant to the stator rail, and as a result, the stator rail can be lubricated uniformly in this embodiment.

[0036] Here, when lubricating the balls, each ball is lubricated uniformly, preventing uneven lubrication. As a result, when the balls contact the stator rail, the stator rail also receives a more uniform lubrication effect.

[0037] In some specific embodiments, referring to Figures 1 to 5, the oil passage 30 is a slot provided on the surface of the end cover body 10 and extending to the first direction change port 21, and the slot is sealed with the external structure to form the oil passage 30.

[0038] Specifically, the oil passage 30 is a slot provided on the surface of the end cover and extending to the first direction change port 21. The slot, in combination with the external structure, can form a sealed oil passage 30. The slot design reduces the difficulty of machining the oil passage 30 in the end cover body 10, thereby reducing the number of machining steps. This advantage is particularly pronounced when it is necessary to add branches to the oil passage 30, as machining the branched oil passages becomes even more complex. On the other hand, the slot design improves the convenience for workers when cleaning oil stains. In the case of ball return end covers for linear motors that are not used frequently, lubricating oil can remain in the oil passage 30 for extended periods, potentially causing clogging. The slot design makes cleaning by workers much easier.

[0039] Furthermore, if it is necessary to control the flow rate of lubricating oil due to the open slot structure, the operator can easily install a flow control structure, such as an additional spacer, inside the slot, thereby controlling the amount of lubricating oil discharged by adjusting the cross-sectional area of ​​the oil passage 30.

[0040] Here, since the slot is provided on the surface of the end cover body 10, the structural strength of the end cover body 10 can be maintained at a higher level, and deformation and damage can be further suppressed.

[0041] In some specific embodiments, referring to Figures 1 to 3, the first direction change port 21 protrudes outward from the end cover body 10 to form a mounting portion 40.

[0042] Specifically, the first direction change port 21 protrudes outward from the end cover body 10 to form a mounting portion 40. The installation of the mounting portion 40 facilitates attachment to the movable element 50, simplifying the assembly process and also providing a certain positional limiting function. Furthermore, the installation of the mounting portion 40 improves the sealing performance between the ball return end cover and the movable element 50, preventing leakage of lubricating oil.

[0043] Preferably, the mounting portion 40 is further provided with a first position limiting portion 42, which prevents rotation when attaching the mounting portion 40 to the movable element 50, thereby further improving the mounting accuracy of the ball return end cover.

[0044] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 2, the end cover body 10 is provided with a second position limiting portion 14, which allows for a tighter fit between the ball return end cover and other structures. Preferably, the second position limiting portion 14 consists of two protrusions, which can be integrally molded with the ball return end cover.

[0045] Preferably, the movable element 50 can be provided with a mounting fitting portion 51, and the mounting portion 40 and the mounting fitting portion 51 can be fitted together to improve the sealing effect and enhance the connection and fixing effect of the ball return end cover.

[0046] In other embodiments, the second direction change port 22 can also be provided with a mounting portion 40 that protrudes outward from the end cover body 10.

[0047] In some embodiments, the end cover body 10 is provided with through holes, allowing the worker to secure the end cover body 10 to the movable element 50 using bolts.

[0048] In some more specific embodiments, referring to Figures 1, 3, and 4, the mounting portion 40 is provided with a notch 41, and the oil passage 30 is in communication with the notch 41.

[0049] Furthermore, the mounting portion 40 is provided with a notch 41, and the oil passage 30 is in communication with the notch 41. By providing an opening in the mounting portion 40, it becomes unnecessary to drill holes in other locations of the first direction change port 21. During the process of the ball circulating and returning, a certain impact force is applied to the ball return end cover, and this impact force is particularly pronounced at the position where the direction of the ball changes, i.e., at the bend in the ball return passage 20. Therefore, by providing a hole in the notch 41 of the mounting portion 40 that communicates with the oil passage 30, damage due to the impact force of the ball can be avoided, its structural strength can be increased, and as a result, the service life of the ball return end cover can be extended.

[0050] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 1 to 5, at least two ball return passages 20 are provided, and all of the ball return passages 20 are in communication with the oil passage 30.

[0051] Specifically, compared to the case where a single ball return passage 20 is provided, providing at least two ball return passages 20 can improve the operational stability of the movable element 50. However, the number of ball return passages 20 is limited by manufacturing costs and the size of the movable element 50, so the number of ball return passages 20 must be appropriately designed as needed.

[0052] Here, since all of the ball return passages 20 are in communication with the oil passage 30, each ball return passage 20 can be lubricated by lubricating oil.

[0053] Preferably, referring to Figures 1 and 3, the oil passage 30 includes a main oil passage and at least two branch oil passages, with one end of the main oil passage communicating with the outside and the other end communicating with the multiple branch oil passages. This allows lubricating oil to be injected from the main oil passage. In other embodiments, the branch oil passages may be further connected to other branch oil passages, thereby enabling flow rate control.

[0054] In other embodiments, there may be multiple oil passages 30, each communicating with a multiple ball return passage 20, or the multiple oil passages 30 may communicate with different locations within a single ball return passage 20.

[0055] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 1, 3, and 4, the ball return passage 20 is provided with a recessed groove structure 13 that is recessed inward from the ball return passage 20, and the recessed groove structure 13 is provided along the direction of the ball return path of the ball return passage 20.

[0056] Furthermore, by providing a recessed groove structure 13 that is recessed inward from the ball return passage 20 and arranging it along the direction of the ball return path of the ball return passage 20, it is possible to provide a guiding function for the ball and to distribute to some extent the pressure concentrated on the wall of the ball return passage 20, thereby further improving the ball return effect of the ball return end cover. Preferably, the recessed groove structure 13 is provided at the lower and / or upper part of the ball return passage 20, and by providing the recessed groove structure 13 at the lower and / or upper part of the ball return passage 20, taking into account the weight of the ball, the ball return effect can be further improved.

[0057] One point to consider is that the size of the groove structure 13 relative to the ball return passage 20 should not be too large; otherwise, the ball will sink almost completely into the groove structure 13, and the ball return effect cannot be improved.

[0058] Preferably, referring to Figures 1, 3, and 4, the groove structure 13 is a chamfered structure, which, compared to the groove structure 13, has a smoother contact surface with the ball, higher structural strength, and is less prone to breakage. Specifically, the angle range of the chamfered structure is 10° to 80° (the angle range for general chamfering is 0° to 90°).

[0059] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 1 to 5, the end cover body 10 comprises an end cover plate 11 and a ball return plate 12, and the end cover plate 11 and the ball return plate 12 cooperate to form a ball return passage 20.

[0060] During the operation of the movable element 50, the impact force of the ball is mainly concentrated at the rear end of the end cover body 10. Therefore, the end cover plate 11 is more prone to damage than the ball return plate 12. By separating the end cover body 10 into the end cover plate 11 and the ball return plate 12, the replacement of damaged parts can be easily achieved.

[0061] In some specific embodiments, referring to Figures 1 to 5, either the end cover plate 11 or the ball return plate 12 is provided with a recessed groove structure 13 that is recessed inward from the ball return passage 20 at the joint between the two, and the recessed groove structure 13 is provided along the direction of the ball return path of the ball return passage 20.

[0062] Specifically, when the end cover body 10 is integrally molded, it becomes difficult to install the groove structure 13, whereas when the end cover plate 11 and the ball return plate 12 are constructed as independent parts, the processing and installation of the groove structure 13 can be easily achieved. Furthermore, in order to facilitate the installation of the groove structure 13, the groove structure 13 is provided at the joining position of either the end cover plate 11 or the ball return plate 12, that is, at the edge position of either the end cover plate 11 or the ball return plate 12.

[0063] Preferably, the groove structure 13 is a chamfered structure, which, compared to the groove structure 13, has a smoother contact surface with the ball, higher structural strength, and is less prone to breakage. Specifically, the angle range of the chamfered structure is 10° to 80° (the angle range for general chamfering is 0° to 90°).

[0064] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 1, 2, 5, and 6, the end cover body 10 is equipped with a first oil filler port 31, an oil box is connected to the end cover body 10, and the oil box, the first oil filler port 31, and the oil passage 30 are in communication in this order.

[0065] Furthermore, the end cover body 10 is provided with a first oil inlet 31, and since the first oil inlet 31 can be integrated with an external oil box, the lubrication function can be achieved independently without connecting any additional parts, resulting in a smaller movable element 50 and a more compact overall structure.

[0066] Preferably, referring to Figures 1, 2, 5, and 6, the end cover body 10 also includes a second oil inlet 32, which can be connected to an external pipe and is used to supply lubricating oil. By providing the end cover body 10 with a first oil inlet 31 and a second oil inlet 32, the oil supply method can be selected according to the user's specific requirements, thereby improving the adaptability of the ball return end cover.

[0067] Referring to Figure 6, the present application discloses a linear motor comprising a stator rail and a movable element 50 slidably fitted to the stator rail, the linear motor further comprising the ball return end cover described above, the ball return end cover being connected to the movable element 50.

[0068] By incorporating the ball return end cover disclosed in this application, the linear motor can achieve improved lubrication, improved ball return effect, higher precision, smaller size, and further compact structure.

[0069] Where the terms "Example 1," "This Example," or "In One Example" appear in this specification, these mean that the specific features, structures, materials, or properties described in the example or illustration are included in the present invention or at least one example or illustration of the present invention. In this specification, the exemplary descriptions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same example or illustration, and furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or properties described can be combined in an appropriate manner in any one or more examples or illustrations.

[0070] In this specification, terms such as “connection,” “attachment,” “fixing,” “installation,” and “equipment” are to be interpreted broadly. For example, “connection” may mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection or an integral connection, a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, a direct connection, an indirect connection via an intermediate medium, or internal communication between the two members. Those skilled in the art will be able to understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application depending on the actual situation.

[0071] In this specification, relational terms such as “first” and “second” are used solely to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily imply or suggest that there is an actual relationship or order between such entities or operations. “Includes,” “equips,” or other variations are intended to be non-exclusive; therefore, a process, method, article, or equipment containing a set of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements specific to that process, method, article, or equipment. Unless further limited, an element limited by the statement “includes one…” does not preclude the presence of another identical element in a process, method, article, or equipment containing such element.

[0072] The descriptions of the embodiments described herein are intended to enable those skilled in the art to understand and implement the art, and it is clear that such persons will be able to easily modify these embodiments and apply the general principles described herein to other embodiments without requiring any creative work. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein, and the following types of modifications are all included in the scope of protection: (1) new technical solutions implemented based on the technical solutions of the present invention and in combination with prior art, wherein the technical effects produced by the new technical solutions do not exceed the scope of the technical effects of the present invention; (2) equivalent substitution of some features of the technical solutions of the present invention with prior art, wherein the resulting technical effects are identical to the technical effects of the present invention; (3) extensions based on the technical solutions of the present invention, wherein the substantial content of the extended technical solutions does not exceed the scope of the technical solutions of the present invention; and (4) applications to other related technical fields, directly or indirectly, using equivalent transformations based on the specifications and drawings of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0073] 10 End cover body 11 End cover plate 12 Ball return plate 13 Groove structure 14. Second position restriction section 20 Ball return passage 21 First Direction Change Gate 22 Second Direction Change Gate 30 Oil road 31. First fuel filler cap 32 Second fuel filler port 33 connecting port 40 Mounting part 41 Notches 42 First position restriction section 50 mover 51 Mounting fitting part

Claims

1. A ball return end cover comprising an end cover body, wherein the end cover body is provided with a ball return passage, the ball return passage has a first direction change port and a second direction change port, and the end cover body is provided with an oil passage communicating with the outside, the oil passage communicating with the ball return passage.

2. The ball return end cover according to claim 1, characterized in that the oil passage is in communication with the position of the first direction change port.

3. The ball return end cover according to claim 2, characterized in that the oil passage is a slot provided on the surface of the end cover body and extending to the first direction change port, and the slot is arranged to be sealed with the external structure to form the oil passage.

4. The ball return end cover according to claim 2, characterized in that the first direction change port protrudes outward from the end cover body to form a mounting portion.

5. The ball return end cover according to claim 4, characterized in that the mounting portion is provided with a notch, and the oil passage is in communication with the notch.

6. The ball return end cover according to claim 1, characterized in that at least two ball return passages are provided, and all of the multiple ball return passages are in communication with the oil passage.

7. The ball return end cover according to claim 1, characterized in that the ball return passage is provided with a recessed groove structure that is recessed inward from the ball return passage, and the recessed groove structure is provided along the direction of the ball return path of the ball return passage.

8. The ball return end cover according to claim 1, wherein the end cover body comprises an end cover plate and a ball return plate, and the end cover plate and the ball return plate cooperate to form the ball return passage.

9. The ball return end cover according to claim 8, characterized in that either the end cover plate or the ball return plate is provided with a recessed groove structure recessed inward from the ball return passage at the joint between the two, and the recessed groove structure is provided along the direction of the ball return path of the ball return passage.

10. The ball return end cover according to claim 1, characterized in that the end cover body is provided with a first oil filler port, an oil box is connected to the end cover body, and the oil box, the first oil filler port, and the oil passage are in communication in this order.

11. A linear motor comprising a stator rail and a movable element slidably fitted to the stator rail, wherein the linear motor is further characterized by comprising a ball return end cover according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the ball return end cover being connected to the movable element.

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