Axial Piston Machine Cage Segment Guide Element

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Solution Overview

Problem

In axial piston machines with a swashplate design, the cage segment with rolling elements can shift out of its intended bearing position during rapid pivoting movements due to the rolling function, leading to undesirable displacement and potential impairment of the pivot bearing.

Innovation Solution

A guide device with an elongate guide element is used, which is connected to the cage segment and one of the pivot bearing parts, allowing for longitudinal displacement and rotation, thereby maintaining the cage segment's position and guiding its movement during pivoting. The guide element is designed with a round guide head and a pivot pin, forming a simple and narrow construction that enhances stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the cage segment is allowed to move freely with the rolling elements during swash plate pivoting, then the rolling function is maintained and the structure remains simple, but the cage segment may be displaced beyond its intended bearing position during rapid pivoting movements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverolling functionVSAvoidcage segment position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The guide element acts as an intermediary component between the cage segment and the pivot bearing parts. It provides guiding surfaces that constrain the cage segment's movement while allowing the rolling elements to function. The guide element mediates between the need for free rolling motion and the need for positional stability during rapid pivoting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The guide element changes the movement parameters of the cage segment by providing guided motion along a controlled path. Instead of free movement or complete fixation, the guide element allows controlled displacement within the gap, maintaining the cage segment within its intended bearing position range while preserving rolling functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a guide device with an elongate guide element is introduced to secure the cage segment position, then position stability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecage segment position stabilityVSAvoidguide device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide device is segmented into two main parts: the elongate guide element and the holder. This segmentation allows the guide function to be separated from the mounting function, enabling independent optimization of each component and simplifying the overall structure while maintaining effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holder serves multiple functions: it mounts the guide element, provides a pivot bearing for rotation, and allows longitudinal displacement through the slot. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while achieving the guiding objective.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If the guide element is held rigidly fixed on one of the pivot bearing parts, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the guide element cannot accommodate pivoting movements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveguide element mountingVSAvoidpivoting movement accommodation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between the guide element and the pivot bearing part is made dynamic rather than rigid. The pivot bearing allows the guide element to rotate with the pivoting movement, while the slot allows longitudinal displacement. This dynamic connection maintains manufacturing simplicity while adapting to movement requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This configuration ensures the cage segment remains in its desired position, preventing displacement and maintaining the integrity of the pivot bearing, even during rapid pivoting, thereby enhancing the operational stability and efficiency of the axial piston machine.

Implementation Method 1

The guide element is connected to the cage segment and one of the pivot bearing parts by a pivot bearing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

a cage segment with a plurality of rolling elements is also pivotally mounted about the pivot axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling: Roller

Data Source

PatentEP1910671B1Axial piston machine having an elongated guide element for a cage segment
Publication Date: 2016.10.12 BOSCH REXROTH AG
  • EP1910671B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1910671B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1910671B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an axial piston machine (1) in a swash-plate type of construction, having two swivel bearing parts (13b, 13c), between which a gap (14) is arranged, in which a cage segment (15) having a plurality of rolling bodes (13f) is mounted in a swivelling manner about a common swivel axis (13a), wherein the cage segment (15) is guided by an elongated guide element (19) which extends transversely to the gap (14), projects above the gap (14) and has at one of its ends a round guide head (19c), with which it is mounted in a swivelling manner in a link guide (24) which is arranged on one of the two swivel bearing parts (13b, 13c) or attachments of the same. The guide element (19) is connected in a swivelling manner to the cage segment (15) and to the other swivel bearing part (13c) by a respective pivot bearing (21, 22). In order to improve the guidance of the cage segment (15), the guide element (19) is connected to the cage segment (15) in a displaceable manner in its longitudinal direction by a longitudinal guide (23) in the region of its pivot bearing (22) connected to the cage segment (15) and is connected to the other swivel bearing part (13c) in a rotatable manner and in such a way as to be fixed in its longitudinal direction by the associated pivot bearing (21) in the region of its end area connected to the other swivel bearing part (13c).