Self lubricating linear motion guided screw assembly
AssigneeBalls Screws and Actuators Co.
InventorsJeffrey G. Johnson, Robert A. Lipsett, Matthew Asher
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A cartridge assembly for use in conjunction with a linear motion guided screw assembly includes (a) a cylindrical housing having an axial bore, at least a portion of the bore being defined by a threaded surface configured to engage a screw shaft; (b) at least one bearing disposed in the axial bore of the housing; (c) at least one retainer ring disposed in the axial bore of the housing; and, (d) a cylindrical lubricant block disposed in the axial bore of the housing, the lubricant block being fabricated from a microporous polymer which is impregnated with a lubricant oil.
Claims20
A cartridge assembly for use in conjunction with a linear motion guided screw assembly, the cartridge assembly comprising:
- a) a cylindrical housing having an axial bore, at least a portion of said bore being defined by a threaded surface configured to engage a screw shaft;
- b) at least one bearing disposed in the axial bore of the housing;
- c) at least one retainer ring disposed in the axial bore of the housing;
- and,
- d) a cylindrical lubricant block disposed in the axial bore of the housing, said lubricant block being fabricated from a microporous polymer which is impregnated with a lubricant oil,
- and shaped as a ring having a smooth inner surface disposed to contact only a major diameter of the guide screw.
A lubricant block fabricated from a microporous polymer which is impregnated with a lubricant oil, wherein the lubricant block comprises
- adjacent first and second portions which are separable from each other, wherein said first and second portions, when joined at an interface, define an axial channel,
- a circumferential channel configured to receive an O-ring or circular spring,
- wherein the lubricant block includes first and second opposite ends, each end including a recess defined by a circumferential ridge and an annular surface.
A linear motion guided screw assembly comprising:
- a) at least a first end support;
- b) a screw shaft having a thread form and defining a longitudinal direction and rotatably mounted at one end to the first end support, a thread form of the screw being arranged so as to support both axial and radial loads,
- c) a guidance means mounted to said end support and oriented parallel to the screw shaft;
- d) a follower assembly physically associated to the screw shaft and, associated therewith, an anti-rotation means in translatable contact with the guidance means and movable in a longitudinal direction along said guidance means;
- and
- e) a cartridge assembly including
- i. a cylindrical housing having an axial bore, at least a portion of said bore being defined by a threaded surface configured to engage a screw shaft;
- ii. at least one bearing disposed in the axial bore of the housing;
- iii. at least one retainer ring disposed in the axial bore of the housing;
- and,
- iv. a cylindrical lubricant block disposed in the axial bore of the housing, said lubricant block being fabricated from a microporous polymer which is impregnated with a lubricant oil,
- and shaped as a ring having a smooth inner surface disposed to contact only a major diameter of the guide screw.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.