Electromechanical Linear Drive Relubrication via Stop Surface Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromechanical linear drives face challenges in efficient and automatic lubrication, requiring additional effort and components that need regular maintenance, as the lubrication connection is not maintained during spindle nut movement.
Innovation Solution
The spindle nut is positioned against a stop surface to automatically connect the lubrication line with the housing-side lubrication path, allowing for either manual or automated relubrication, reducing effort and eliminating the need for additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the spindle nut is movable along the threaded spindle, then the linear drive can generate translational feed movements, but the lubrication connection cannot be maintained continuously during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares the lubrication connection in advance by positioning the spindle nut against the stop surface before relubrication is needed. The lubrication path is pre-established through the buffer disk and grease nipple, so that when the spindle nut reaches the stop position, lubrication can immediately occur without interruption or additional alignment steps.
2Ease of operation
If a lubricating adapter is attached to the housing to enable relubrication, then lubrication can be performed, but additional effort and alignment are required
Solution Approach 1:
The lubrication path is merged into the buffer disk structure itself. The buffer disk contains both the stop surface for the spindle nut and the lubrication path with grease nipple integrated within it. This eliminates the need for separate lubricating adapters or external lubrication systems, reducing both complexity and operational effort.
3Reliability
If a hose is used to connect the housing lubrication path to the spindle nut lubrication line, then lubrication can be provided, but the hose requires regular servicing and replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible hose component is extracted and replaced with a rigid, integrated lubrication path through the buffer disk. The lubrication connection is achieved through fixed bore holes and passages in the buffer disk rather than through flexible hoses, eliminating the maintenance and replacement requirements associated with hose components.
4Ease of operation
If the lubricating nipple and lubricating adapter must be aligned for relubrication, then lubrication can be established, but additional effort and time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the movement of the spindle nut itself to service the lubrication connection. When the spindle nut moves to the stop position, it automatically aligns with the lubrication path in the buffer disk and establishes the grease connection. The system's own operational movement performs the alignment function that would otherwise require external intervention.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an electromechanical linear drive, comprising a housing (11) and at least one spindle nut (18) that is arranged in a housing interior (31) in a longitudinally movable manner, wherein the spindle nut (18) sits on a threaded spindle (17), wherein in a housing area (14) forming an end stop for the motion of the spindle nut (18) a lubricating nipple (22) accessible on the outside of the housing (11) and at least one lubricating path (23, 24) that is connected to the lubricating nipple and that opens in a stop surface (21) for the spindle nut (18) located in the housing interior (31) are arranged, and wherein at least one lubricating line (25) leading to the lubrication points of the spindle nut (18) is arranged in the spindle nut (18) in such a way that the lubricating line (25) is connected to the housing-side lubricating path (23, 24) while the spindle nut (18) lies against the stop surface (21) of the housing (11).