DE112014002249B4 - rolling guide device - Google Patents

Abstract

A rolling guide device comprising:a track member (2) having rolling surfaces (20) for rolling elements (1) formed on both side faces of the track member (2) in a longitudinal direction of the track member (2); anda movable member (3) attached to the track member (2) so as to span the track member (2) over a plurality of the rolling elements (1) arranged to revolve endlessly, wherein the movable member (3) can be freely moved in the longitudinal direction of the track member (2), the movable member (3) comprising: a main body member (4) having load rolling surfaces (42) corresponding to the rolling surfaces ( 20) of the track member (2) and form load paths (43) for the plurality of rolling elements (1), and rolling element return paths (44) formed parallel to the load rolling surfaces (42). are;a pair of circulation elements (8) comprising direction-changing paths (60) connecting the load paths (43) and the rolling-element return paths (44), the pair of circulation elements (8) respectively on end faces of the main body member (4) in a moving direction of the main body member (4) respectively corresponding to both of the side faces d it track member (2);a pair of cover members (5) respectively fixed to both of the end faces of the main body member (4) in the moving direction of the main body member (4), the pair of cover Each member (5) has a pair of recessed portions (52, 53) to which the pair of circulation members are attached, and a supply hole (50) for allowing a lubricant to flow through the supply hole (50) from the outside, and lubricant - paths formed in planes parallel to the end faces of the main body member (4) in the moving direction of the main body member (4) by connecting the pair of circulating members (8) and the pair of cover members (5) to each other for allowing the lubricant to be supplied to the endless circulation paths, the lubricant paths each comprising: an introduction path (51) formed in each of the pair of cover members (5) and the supply hole ( 50) and the connecting the pair of recessed portions (52,53);a first connecting path (91) formed in each of the pair of circulation members (8); and a second communication path (96) formed in each of said pair of circulation members (8), a drain groove (92, 93) formed in each of said pair of circulation members (8), one end of said drain groove connected to the first connection path (91) and the second connection path (96) and the other end of the drain groove (92, 93) is open to the endless circulation paths, the pair of circulation elements (8) in the pair of recessed portions (52, 53) of each of the pair of cover members (5) are respectively mounted so as to be oriented in directions different from each other by 180°, the first connection path (91) and the introduction path (51) of each of the pair of cover elements (5) in one of the pair of circulation elements (8) are connected to each other, and the second connection path (96) and the introduction path (51) of each of the pair of cover Elements are connected to each other in another of the paired circulation elements (8), the first connection connection path (91) and the second connection path (96) each comprise a narrowing portion (91a) by which a cross-sectional area of the first connection path (91) and the second connection path (96) becomes smaller than a cross-sectional area of the Introduction path (51) and the discharge groove (92, 93).

Description

technical field

The present invention relates to a rolling guide device for freely reciprocatingly guiding a movable member such as a table for a work table of a machine tool or a linear guide section or a cam guide section of various conveyors.

Technical background

Conventionally, this type of rolling guide device includes a track member on which a rolling surface for rolling elements is formed in a longitudinal direction of the track member, and a movable member installed on the track member via a plurality of the rolling elements rolling on the rolling surface , and which is arranged to move freely back and forth on the web element. An endless circulation path for the rolling elements is formed in the movable member. This infinitely recirculating path allows the moveable element to move along the track element without stroke restriction.

At an in JP 2006-105296 A disclosed rolling guide device, the movable member includes a main body member made of metal, a plurality of circulation path modules attached to the main body member, and a pair of cover members thus attached to the main body member are that they cover round trip path modules. Load rolling surfaces opposing the respective rolling surfaces of the track member are formed on the main body member. The rolling elements are arranged to roll on a load path formed by the rolling surface and the load rolling surface facing each other. Furthermore, each circulation path module attached to the main body member includes a tube portion inserted into a through hole formed in the main body member, and a direction changing portion formed at one end of the tube portion and arranged on an end surface of the main body member in its moving direction.

A return path for the rolling elements is formed in the tube section in parallel with the load path, while an inner direction-changing path connecting the return path and the load path is formed in the direction-changing section. Furthermore, an inner peripheral guide surface of an outer direction changing path intersecting with the inner direction changing path is formed on an outer surface of the direction changing portion. When the cover member is attached to the main body member and covers the circulation path module, the outer direction changing path is formed between the direction changing portion and the cover member.

The endless circulation path for the rolling elements is formed by assembling a pair of circulation path modules having the same shape and attaching the pair of circulation path modules to the main body member so as to face each other. At this time, the tube portions of the respective circulation path modules are inserted into different through holes formed in the main body member, and the front end of each tube portion protrudes through the main body member to be connected to the outer direction change path formed by the direction change section of the opposite circulation path module. That is, the endless circulation path running from the load path through the inside turn path, the return path, the outside turn path and back to the load path is formed by the combination of the paired Circulation path modules formed. Furthermore, the inside direction-change path and the outside direction-change path cross each other at each direction-change section, and thus two endless circulation paths are formed.

Furthermore, in this rolling guide device, the pair of circulating-path modules attached so as to face each other form one group, and the one group of the circulating-path modules is arranged on each side surface of the track member. That is, four circulating-path modules having the same shape form four endless circulating-paths in the entire rolling guide device. In this case, a group of the circulation-path modules arranged on one side surface of the track member and a group of the circulation-path modules arranged on the other side surface are arranged so as to align in directions which differ from each other by 180°.

Furthermore, in this rolling guide device, lubricant paths are formed that allow a lubricant to be supplied to the endless circulation paths. The lubricating paths are formed so as to introduce the lubricating fluid from an oil supply hole formed in the cover member into the direction changing portions formed in the circulating path modules. An oil inlet is formed in each of the direction changing sections in the circulation path modules to be one corresponds to the position where the inner direction-change path and the outer direction-change path cross each other. The lubricant flows into the inner direction change path and the outer direction change path via the oil inlet. Furthermore, in the cover member, introduction paths through which the lubricant can flow are formed in a range from the oil supply port to the oil inlet of each of the circulation path modules. The oil inlet is formed to correspond to the position where the inside direction changing path and the outside direction changing path cross each other. In this way, the introduction paths are three-dimensional in the covering element. When the cover element and the circulation path modules are combined together, the injection paths run along a plane of connection between them. In this case, as the lubricant, lubricating oil containing base oil and additives, structurally viscous grease obtained by adding a thickening agent to base oil, or the like is generally used.

Further relevant prior art is disclosed in the following documents: JP 2006-144 840 A and JP 2006-105 296 A

List of citations

patent documents

patent document 1 JP 2006-105296 A

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

At the in JP 2006-105296 In the rolling guide device disclosed, the introduction paths for the lubricant are three-dimensionally formed in the cover member, and therefore the lubricant reaches the oil inlet of each of the circulating path modules after passing through a plurality of bent parts. In such a rolling guide device, when grease containing a thickening agent is used as the grease, there is a fear that the aged grease will back up at the bent parts in the introduction paths with the lapse of time. Therefore, there is a problem that free flow of the lubricant in the lubricant paths is impeded, and thus sufficient lubrication in the endless circulation paths is impeded.

means of solving the problems

To solve the problem described above, a rolling guide device having the features of claim 1 is specified. Further advantageous configurations are defined in the dependent claims.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problem, and its object is to provide a rolling guide device which can simplify lubricant paths using circulation path modules having the same shape, so as to prevent stagnation of a lubricant in the to prevent lubricant trails.

That is, a rolling guide device to which the present invention is applied includes a track member having rolling surfaces for rolling elements formed on both side faces of the track member in a longitudinal direction of the track member, and a movable member attached to the track member so as to straddle the track member over a plurality of the rolling members arranged to revolve endlessly, the movable member being free to move in the longitudinal direction of the track member. The movable member includes a main body member having load rolling surfaces which face the rolling surfaces of the track member and form load paths for the plurality of rolling elements, and rolling element return paths formed parallel to the load rolling surfaces are a pair of orbital members including direction-changing paths connecting the load paths and the rolling-element return paths, the pair of orbital members being respectively attached to end faces of the main-body member in a moving direction of the main-body member, respectively are arranged corresponding to both of the side surfaces of the track member, a pair of cover members respectively fixed to both of the end faces of the main body member in the direction of movement of the main body member, the pair of cover members each having a pair of recessed portions which the paired circulation elements are attached, and have a feed hole that allows a Schmie rmedium flows through the supply hole from the outside, and lubricant paths formed in planes parallel to the end faces of the main body member in the moving direction of the main body member by connecting the pair of circulation members and the pair of cover members to each other, to allow the lubricant to be supplied to the endless circulation paths.

Further, the lubricant paths each include an introduction path formed in each of the pair of cover members and connecting the feed hole and the pair of recessed portions, a first connection path formed in each of the pair of circulation elements is formed, and a second communication path formed in each of the pair of circulation elements. The pair of circulation members are respectively attached in the pair of recessed portions of each of the pair of cover members so as to be oriented in directions that are 180° different from each other. The first connection path and the introduction path of each of the pair of cover members are connected to each other in one of the pair of circulation members. The second communication path and the lead-in path of each of the pair of cover members are connected to each other in another one of the pair of circulation members.

Effects of the Invention

With the present invention, even if the circulating path modules having the same shape are employed, the lubricating paths can be formed in the planes parallel to the end faces of the main body member in the moving direction of the main body member, and hence the Lubricant ways are simplified.

character list

• 1 14 is a perspective view showing an example of a rolling guide device according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied.
• 2 is a sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG 1 .
• 3 Fig. 14 is a perspective view showing a coupling belt having rollers gathered in a group as rolling elements.
• 4 12 is a perspective view showing a circulation path module of the rolling guide device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
• 5 is a perspective view showing the orbital path module in 4 , viewed from a different angle.
• 6 Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view depicting the orbital path module.
• 7 14 is a perspective view showing a state in which the circulation path module is attached to a leg portion of the main body member.
• 8th 12 is a schematic view showing a process of attaching a pair of circulation path modules to the main body member.
• 9 12 is a schematic view showing a state in which the paired circulation path modules are connected to the main body member.
• 10 Fig. 14 is a perspective view showing a state where the circulating path modules are attached to a cover member.
• 11 Fig. 14 is a front view showing the state where circulating path modules are attached to the cover member.
• 12 Fig. 12 is a schematic view showing an operational state of the second connection path.
• 13 Fig. 12 is a schematic view showing an operational state of the first connection path.
• 14 13 is an enlarged view showing an attachment part between the circulation path modules on one side and the cover member.

embodiment of the invention

Hereinafter, a rolling guide device of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 and 2 12 are views showing an example of a rolling guide device according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied. The rolling guide device includes a track member 2 on which rolling surfaces 20 for rollers 1 serving as rolling members are formed in a longitudinal direction of the track member, and a movable member 3 mounted over a plurality of the rollers 1 on the track member 2 and includes endless circulation paths for the rollers 1. The rollers 1 are arranged to roll along each of the rolling surfaces 20 of the track member 2 while circulating within the corresponding endless circulation path, and thus the movable member 3 is freely moved in the longitudinal direction of the track member 2 can. It should be noted that balls can be used as the rolling elements for the rolling guide device of the present invention.

The track member is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in cross section, and recessed grooves are formed in both side faces thereof. The rolling surfaces 20 for the rollers 1 are formed above and below each recessed groove, and four rolling surfaces 20 are formed throughout the track member 2 . Each rolling surface 20 is at an angle of 45° relative to a bottom surface 21 of track member 2 inclined. The rolling surface 20 located above the recessed groove is inclined downward at an angle of 45°, while the rolling surface 20 located below the recessed groove is inclined upward at an angle of 45°. Furthermore, fastening holes 22 for fastening bolts are formed in the sheet member 2 at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction, and are used when the sheet member 2 is installed on machines or the like. It should be noted that the arrangement of the rolling surfaces 20 on the track member 2, the inclination angle of the rolling surfaces 20 relative to the track member 2, and the number of the rolling surfaces 20 can be appropriately changed depending on the load capacity required for the movable member 3.

Further, the movable member 3 includes a main body member 4 having a guide groove for receiving a part of the sheet member 2, a pair of cover members 5 attached to front and rear ends of the main body member 4 in its moving direction and circulation path modules 6 attached to the main body member 4 and covered with the cover members 5 from the outside. It should be noted that details of the round trip path modules 6 are described below.

The main body member 4 includes a horizontal portion 4a on which a surface 41 for attachment to machines or the like is formed, and a pair of leg portions 4b perpendicular to the horizontal portion 4a. The main body member 4 is arranged on the panel member 2 so as to straddle the panel member 2 . The attachment surface 41 is formed on the horizontal portion 4a, while an upper load rolling surface 42a and a lower load rolling surface 42b, along which the rollers 1 can roll, are formed on an inner side of each leg portion 4b. Each rolling surface 20 of the track member 2 and each of the load rolling surfaces 42a and 42b of the main body member 4 face each other to form a load path 43 along which the rollers 1 can roll, thereby transferring loads between the main body member 4 and track element 2. A return path 44 corresponding to each of the load rolling surfaces 42a and 42b is formed in each leg portion 4b in parallel with the load path 43, and the rollers 1 rolled along the load path 43 and have been relieved , then roll in a direction opposite to the rolling direction on the load path 43 along the return path 44 . A lower through hole 45b corresponding to the upper load rolling surface 42a and an upper through hole 45a corresponding to the lower load rolling surface 42b are formed in each leg portion 4b. Parts of the circulation path modules 6 are inserted into the upper through hole 45a and the lower through hole 45b, respectively, thus forming the return paths 44 in the main body member 4.

Furthermore, the circulating path modules 6 together with the covering elements 5 form direction changing paths 60 connecting the load path 43 and the return path 44 . Paired direction-changing paths 60 connect both ends of each load path 43 described above and both ends of the return path 44 corresponding to the load path 43, thus forming the endless circulation path for the rollers 1 inside the movable member 3. As with broken lines in 2 As shown, the direction-changing paths 60 connect each load path 43 to the return path 44 located obliquely below or above the load path 43 and intersect the direction-changing paths 60 of the two in each leg portion 4b of the main body -Elements 4 trained endless circulation paths each other.

The rollers 1 are, as in 3 shown, are arranged in a row at regular intervals on a flexible coupling band 10 and are inserted together with the coupling band 10 in the endless circulation path. The coupling band 10 is formed by injection molding using a resin, and includes a plurality of spacers 11 each interposed between the reel 1 and the reel 1, and wall portions 12 in which the spacers 11 are coupled in series. It should be noted that the rollers 1 can be inserted into the endless circulation path without being arranged on the coupling belt 10.

4 and 5 12 are perspective views showing the circulation path module 6. FIG. The circulation path module 6 includes a tube path section 7 which is inserted into the through hole 45a or 45b of the main body member 4 and in which the return path 44 is formed, and a direction changing section 8 which forms the change of direction path 60. The tube path portion 7 and the direction changing portion 8 are formed integrally with each other by injection molding using a resin. The entire length of the tube path portion 7 is set slightly larger than the length of the through hole 45a or 45b formed in the main body member 4. FIG. It is to be noted that the tube path portion 7 and the direction changing portion 8 need not be formed integrally with each other but formed separately and then when attached the main body member 4 can be assembled.

In the direction changing portion 8, an inner direction changing path 60-1 curved in a substantially U-shape is formed. The inner direction changing path 60 - 1 is continuous with the return path 44 formed in the tube path section 7 . That is, the direction changing section 8 corresponds to a circulating member of the present invention. Furthermore, as in 4 1, on an outer surface of the direction changing portion 8, an inner peripheral guide surface 60a of an outer direction changing path 60-2 is formed in an arc-like shape. The outer direction-changing path 60-2 is formed so as to guide the rollers 1 in a direction crossing that of the inner direction-changing path 60-1, and the inner peripheral guide surface 60a so intersects the inner direction-changing path 60-1 that it spans the inner turn path 60-1.

Furthermore, as in 5 1, an abutting surface 64 with which a front end surface of the tube path section 7 of another circulation path module is brought into abutting contact is formed on an inner surface of the direction changing section 8 which abuts with the main body member 4 in FIG contact is made. One end of the inner peripheral guide surface 60a opens at the abutting surface 64. Furthermore, positioning projections 65 and 66 are formed on the inner surface of the direction changing portion 8. As shown in FIG. The positioning projections 65 and 66 serve to fix the circulation path module 6 to the main body member 4 .

6 12 is an exploded perspective view for showing the circulation path module 6. FIG. The circulation path module 6 is divided into a first half circulation segment 6a and a second half circulation segment 6b, and a partition plate between them encloses a center line of the return path 44 and the inner direction changing path 60-1. Thus, rolling-element guide grooves 62 serving as the return path 44 and the inner direction-changing path 60-1 are formed in the first half-round segment 6a and the second half-round segment 6b, respectively, and each of the rolling-element guide grooves 62 is continuously formed as a single groove extending from the tube path section 7 to the direction changing section 8. FIG. Furthermore, a guide groove 63 for receiving the band portion 12 of the coupling band 10 is formed in a bottom portion of each of the rolling-element guide grooves 62 . Further, the circulating path module 6 is divided into the first half circulating segment 6a and the second half circulating segment 6b so as to be separated across the center of the inner peripheral guide surface 60a of the outer direction changing path 60-2 shown in FIG arc-like shape of the outer surface of the direction changing portion 8 is formed.

Holes 67 are formed in the first semi-circular segment 6a structured as described above, and protrusions 68 are formed in the second semi-circular segment 6b structured as described above. When the holes 67 and the projections 68 are fitted with each other, the second half-round segment 6b is connected to the first half-round segment 6a without fail. This completes the recirculation path module 6 with the return path 44 and the inner direction change path 60-1.

7 14 is a perspective view showing a state in which the circulation path module 6 is attached to the leg portion 4b of the main body member 4. FIG. 7 Fig. 14 is an illustration of a state where the tube path portion 7 of the circulation path module 6 is inserted into the upper through hole 45a of the leg portion 4b. The length of the tube path portion 7 is set slightly larger than the length of the main body member 4 in its moving direction (in the longitudinal direction of the web member). When the tube path portion 7 is inserted into the through hole 45a until the direction changing portion 8 is brought into contact with the leg portion 4b, a front end of the tube path portion 7 shown in FIG 7 is omitted slightly from an opposite surface of the leg portion 4b. In this state, the inner direction changing path 60-1 of the direction changing portion 8 is connected to the lower load rolling surface 42b formed on the main body member 4, and the inner peripheral guide surface 60a of the outer direction changing path 60-2 formed in the direction changing portion 8 is connected to the upper load rolling surface 42 a of the main body member 4 .

Furthermore, in the state where the circulation path module 6 is attached to the leg portion 4b of the main body member 4, the positioning projections 65 and 66 formed on the circulation path module 6 are in positional relation grooves (not shown) formed in the leg portion 4b of the main body member 4 are fitted. Thus, the circulation path module 6 is positioned and fixed to the main body member 4 . In this case is 7 Fig. 12 is an illustration of an end surface of the leg portion 4b to which the circulation path module is attached, and is on the opposite end surface of the Leg section 4b also another circulation path module 6 attached.

8th and 9 12 are schematic views for simply showing a state in which paired circulation path modules 6-1 and 6-2 are attached to the leg portion 4b via the front and rear ends of the main body member 4 in its moving direction. The tube path sections 7 of the paired circulation path modules 6-1 and 6-2 are, as in 8th 4 are inserted in different directions into the upper through hole 45a and the lower through hole 45b formed in the main body member 4, respectively. In this case, the circulation path module 6-1 inserted into the upper through hole 45a and the circulation path module 6-2 inserted into the lower through hole 45b are members having the same shape , however, the directions in which they are inserted into the leg portion 4b are opposite to each other, and the circulation path module 6-2 is reversed relative to the circulation path module 6-1 in the vertical direction. 9 12 is a schematic view showing a state in which the paired circulation path modules 6-1 and 6-2 have been attached to the leg portion 4b. In the state where the circulation path modules 6-1 and 6-2 have been attached to the leg portion 4b, the front end of the tube path section 7 of each of the circulation path modules 6-1 and 6 stands -2 slightly protrudes from the leg portion 4b via the upper through hole 45a or the lower through hole 45b and abuts against the abutting surface 64 of the direction changing portion 8 positioned so as to face the front end of the tube path portion 7. Thus, the pair of circulation path modules 6-1 and 6-2 are connected via the leg portion 4b. Further, the main body member 4 includes the paired leg portions 4b, and thus four circulation path modules are attached to the main body member 4. As shown in FIG.

10 14 is a perspective view showing a state in which the circulating path modules 6 and the cover member 5 are connected to each other. The cover member 5 is made by injection molding using a resin and includes an attachment portion 5a corresponding to the horizontal portion 4a of the main body member 4 and a pair of leg portions 5b and 5c corresponding to the leg portions 4b of the main body member 4.

Receiving grooves 52 and 53 for receiving the direction changing portions 8 of the circulation path modules 6 are formed in the inner surfaces of the leg portions 5b and 5c, which are brought into abutting contact with the main body member 4, respectively. That is, the accommodation grooves 52 and 53 correspond to depressed portions of the present invention. Further, the accommodation groove 52 formed in the leg portion 5b is oriented in a direction different by 180° from that of the accommodation groove 53 formed on the leg portion 5c. Thus, the pair of circulation path modules 6-1 and 6-2 are attached to the cover member 5 so as to be oriented in directions that are 180° different from each other.

Furthermore, outer peripheral guide surfaces 60b corresponding to the inner peripheral guide surfaces 60a of the circulation path modules 6 are formed on the inner surfaces of the leg portions 5b and 5c, respectively. The outer peripheral guide surfaces 60b are formed so as to cross the receiving grooves 52 and 53 in the respective leg portions 5b and 5c. Note that the outer peripheral guide surface 60b formed on the leg portion 5c is oriented in a direction different by 180° from that of the outer peripheral guide surface 60b formed on the leg portion 5b.

When the pair of circulation path modules 6-1 and 6-2 are attached to such a cover member 5, the inner peripheral guide surfaces 60a formed in the circulation path modules 6 and the outer peripheral guide surface 60b, respectively, lie , face each other to form the outer direction-change path 60-2. At this time, the tube path portion 7 formed in the circulation path module 6-1 is inserted into the upper through hole 45a formed in the leg portion 4b of the main body member 4. As shown in FIG. On the other hand, the front end of the tube path portion 7 of the other circulation path module 6-2 protruding from the lower through hole 45b formed in the leg portion 4b is rotated in the direction of the arrow in FIG 10 fitted with the abutment surface 64 formed in the circulation path module 6-1. Thus, the outer direction change path 60-2 is connected to the return path 44 of the other circulation path module 6-2. On the other hand, in the circulation path module 6 - 2 fitted into the receiving groove 52 , the tube path portion 7 is inserted into the lower through hole 45 b formed in the leg portion 4 b of the main body member 4 . The front end of the tube path section 7 of the other circulation path module 6-1 (not shown) is fitted with the abutment surface 64 of the circulation path module 6-2.

Furthermore, the mobile element 3 is completed by using, as described above, four orbital path modules 6 of the same shape and two cover members 5 having the same shape are joined to the main body member 4. Two endless circulation paths for the rollers 1 are formed in each leg portion 4b of the main body member 4. As shown in FIG. That is, the inner direction changing path 60-1 and the outer direction changing path 60-2 are arranged at both ends of the upper load rolling surface 42a and both ends of the lower load rolling surface 42b of each leg portion 4b, and the inner direction changing path 60-1 and the outer direction changing path 60-2 are connected to each other via the return path 44 formed in the upper through hole 45a or the lower through hole 45b of the main body member 4. FIG.

In the rolling guide device according to the present embodiment assembled as described above, the rollers 1 run on the endless circulation path in order on the load path 43, the inner direction-changing path 60-1, the return path 44 , the outer direction change path 60-2, and the load path 43 µm. Thus, the movable member 3 can be freely moved in the longitudinal direction of the web member 2.

When such a rolling guide device is employed, in order to prevent firm contact between the rollers 1, the rolling surfaces 20 and the load rolling surfaces 42, films of a lubricant must be formed between the rollers 1, the rolling surfaces 20 and the load rolling surfaces 42. Thus, in the movable member 3, lubricating paths are formed that allow the lubricating fluid to be introduced into the endless circulation paths. The lubricant paths each include an introduction path formed in each cover member 5, and a transmission path and a connection path formed in each circulation path module 6 and closed by the cover -Elements 5 and the circulation path modules 6 are connected to each other. The lubricant routes are described below.

First, with reference to 5 and 6 the transmission path and the connection path formed in each of the round trip path modules 6 will be described. In the inner surface of the direction changing portion 8 with which the main body member 4 is brought into abutting contact, as shown in FIG 5 1, a first connection path 91 is formed at an edge of the abutment surface 64. As shown in FIG. The first connection path 91 is formed in the second semi-circular segment 6b (see FIG 6 ). The front end of the tube path section 7 of the other circulation path module 6 is mated with the abutment surface 64 as described above. Therefore, the first connection path 91 is formed in a groove shape.

Further, in the inner surface of the direction changing portion 8 with which the main body member 4 is brought into abutting contact, a first drain groove 92 is formed as the transmission path. The first drain groove 92 is formed in the first half-circumferential segment 6a and has one end open to the parting plane between the first half-circular segment 6a and the second half-circular segment 6b and another end open to the inner peripheral guide surface 60a is open. As described above, when the first half-round segment 6a and the second half-round segment 6b are connected to each other, the formed first drain groove 92 is connected to the first connecting path 91 . Further, in the inner surface of the direction changing portion 8, a second drain groove 93 is formed as the transmission path that is connected to the inner direction changing path 60-1. The second drain groove 93 is formed in the second half-round segment 6b and is perpendicular to the first connection path 91 and the first drain groove 92 when the second half-round segment 6b and the first half-round segment 6a are connected to each other.

Furthermore, as in 6 1, a guide hole 94 is formed through the first half-circumferential segment 6a, and the guide hole 94 is formed in a rear end portion of the tube path portion 7. As shown in FIG. The guide hole 94 is formed to be flush with the first drain groove 92 and not to interfere with the rolling-element guide groove 62 . Furthermore, a guide groove 95 is formed in the second half-round segment 6b, and the guide groove 95 opens to the parting plane between the second half-round segment 6b and the first half-round segment 6a. The guide groove 95 is formed to be flush with the first connection path 91 and the second drain groove 93 and is connected to the first connection path 91 and the second drain groove 93 . Further, the cross-sectional area of the guide groove 95 is set to be the same as the cross-sectional area of the guide hole 94 formed in the first half-circumferential segment 6a.

Further, the guide hole 94 formed in the first half-round segment 6a and the guide groove 95 formed in the second half-round segment 6b are connected to each other by assembling the first half-round segment 6a and the second half-round segment 6b. This will create a tunnel-like second ver binding path 96 in the recirculation path module 6 is closed.

In the following, the introduction path formed in the cover member 5 will be explained with reference to FIG 10 described. A feed hole 50 is as in 10 1 is formed in the attachment portion 5a of the cover member 5, and the feed hole 50 is formed through the cover member 5 in the moving direction of the movable member 3. As shown in FIG. The lubricant flows into the feed hole 50 via a grease nipple or the like attached to the cover member 5 . Furthermore, in an inner surface of the attachment portion 5a which is brought into abutting contact with the main body member 4, two introduction paths 51a and 51b branching from the feed hole 50 are formed. The introduction paths 51 are each formed in the shape of a groove opening toward an end surface of the main body member 4 in its moving direction. Furthermore, the introduction path 51a and the introduction path 51b formed in the attachment portion 5a are connected to the accommodation groove 52 and the accommodation groove 53, respectively.

11 Fig. 14 is a front view showing the state of connection between the cover member 5 and the circulating path modules 6 seen from the main body member 4 side. As described above, the pair of circulation path modules 6-1 and 6-2 are attached to the cover member 5 so as to be oriented in directions 180° different from each other. At this time, the circulation path module 6 - 2 is attached to the receiving groove 52 of the cover member 5 so that the first connection path 91 is connected to the introduction path 51 a of the cover member 5 . Thus, a lubricant path continuously leading from the introduction path 51a of the cover member 5 to the first drain groove 92 and the second drain groove 93 of the circulating path module 6-2 is closed. In the following description, the lubricant path formed by the cover member 5 and the circulating path module 6-2 is referred to as “first path” for convenience. At this time, one end of the second connection path 96 formed in the circulating path module 6 - 2 is closed by the accommodation groove 52 .

Furthermore, the circulation path module 6 - 1 is attached to the receiving groove 53 of the cover member 5 so that the guide hole 94 of the second connection path 96 is connected to the introduction path 51b of the cover member 5 . Thus, a lubricant path continuously leading from the introduction path 51b of the cover member 5 to the first drain groove 92 and the second drain groove 93 of the circulating path module 6-1 is closed. In the following description, the lubricant path formed by the cover member 5 and the circulating path module 6-1 is referred to as “second path” for convenience.

Then, when the lubricant is introduced via the supply hole 50 of the cover member 5, the lubricant flows into the introduction paths 51a and 51b formed in the cover member 5 at the same time. Thereafter, the lubricant on the first path flows via the first communication path 91, then passes through the first drain groove 92 and the second drain groove 93, and flows into the direction-changing paths 60-1 and 60-2, respectively. As described above, the direction-changing paths 60-1 and 60-2 are connected to the load paths 43, respectively, and therefore the lubricant flowing via the first path is discharged into the load paths 43. On the other hand, in the second path, the lubricant flowing through the introduction path 51b of the cover member 5 passes through the second connection path 96, the first drain groove 92 and the second drain groove 93, and is drained into the load paths 43 associated with the direction changes -Because 60-1 and 60-2 are connected.

In the rolling guide device according to this embodiment constructed as described above, the first path and the second path are formed on a plane on which the main body member 4 is brought into abutting contact, that is, a plane parallel to the end face of the Main body element 4 in its direction of movement. Thus, in the rolling guide device of this embodiment, when the paired circulation path modules 6 having the same shape are attached to the cover member 5 so as to be aligned in the directions differing by 180° from each other, the lubricating paths may be formed in the plane parallel to the end surface of the main body member 4 in its moving direction. Thus, the lubricant paths can be simplified. Furthermore, even if grease containing a thickener is used as the grease, stagnation of the grease in the grease paths can be prevented. Thereby, the lubricant can be appropriately discharged into the endless circulation paths, so that smooth movement of the movable member 3 along the track member 2 can be achieved.

Furthermore, in the rolling guide device according to this embodiment, the lubricant on the first path is less likely to flow into the second connection path 96 (hatched part in the circulation path module 6-2 in FIG 11 ). 12 Fig. 12 is a schematic view showing a protrusion-recess structure of the first path in Represents inner surfaces of the circulation path module 6-2 and the cover element 5. The second connection path 96 is, as in 12 shown, formed in the form of a tunnel. Therefore, an opening portion of the second communication path 96 connected to the drain grooves 92 and 93 serves as a nozzle. The nozzle function increases fluid resistance when the lubricant flowing through the first communication path 91 enters the second communication path 96 . As a result, the lubricant flowing via the first connection path 91 flows less easily into the second connection path 96, but flows easily into the discharge grooves 92 and 93 in which the fluid resistance is relatively low.

On the other hand, in the second path, the lubricant flowing over the second connection path 96 is less likely to flow into the first connection path 91 (hatched part in the circulation path module 6-1 in Fig 11 ). A shoulder section 91a is, as in 12 shown formed on the first connection path 91 . The step portion 91a protrudes toward the end face of the main body member 4 in its moving direction, and therefore a groove depth of the first connection path 91 formed in the shape of a groove is smaller than that of the drain grooves 92 and 93 and the introduction path 51a of the cover member 5. That is, with this structure of the step portion 91a, the cross-sectional area of the first connection path 91 is set smaller than the cross-sectional areas of the drain grooves 92 and 93 and the introduction path 51a of the cover member 5. Further the step portion 91a is formed over the entire area of the first connection path 91 .

13 12 is a schematic view showing a protrusion and recess structure of the second path in the inner surfaces of the circulating path module 6-1 and the cover member 5. FIG. The second way works as in 13 shown, due to the configuration of shoulder portion 91a, there is significant fluid resistance to the lubricant flowing in the direction of the arrow in FIG 13 flows through the second connection path 96 when the lubricant enters the first connection path 91 . As a result, the lubricant flowing via the second connection path 96 is less likely to flow into the first connection path, but easily flows into the drain grooves 92 and 93.

That is, with the rolling guide device according to this embodiment constructed as described above, entry of the lubricant into the second connection path 96 not serving as the first path is prevented due to the structure of the step portion 91a which is on the first connection path. Path 91 is formed, and the tunnel-like second connection path 96 can be prevented. On the other hand, in the second path, entry of the lubricant into the first connection path 9 which does not serve as the second path can be prevented due to the above-described structure. Thereby, when the circulating path modules 6 having the same shape are attached to the cover member 5 so as to be oriented in directions that are 180° different from each other, the lubricating paths can be formed. forming the same paths. Furthermore, additional lubricant can be prevented from being discharged into the load paths 43 .

Furthermore, in the rolling guide device according to this embodiment, the second connection path 96 is formed in the tunnel shape. Thus, on the second path, the opening portion of the second connection path 96 connected to the introduction path 51b of the cover member 5 serves as the nozzle that reduces a flow amount of the lubricant flowing through the introduction path 51b. Thereby, there is a fear that a flow amount of the lubricant on the second path and a flow amount of the lubricant on the first path are not equal to each other.

However, in the rolling guide device according to this embodiment, as described above, the paired circulation path modules 6-1 and 6-2 are attached to the cover member 5 so as to be aligned in the directions that are 180° different from each other differentiate. So is as in 14 1, the first connection path 91 (shaded part) not serving as the second path is connected to the lead-in path 51a of the cover member 5 in the circulation path module 6-2 to form the first path will. Further, in the first connection path 91, the step portion 91a is formed, and the cross-sectional area of the first connection path 91 is set smaller than the cross-sectional area of the introduction path 51 of the cover member 5. Thus, the step portion serves in the first path 91 a as a constriction section. Thereby, the flow rate of the lubricant flowing from the introduction path 51a to the first connection path 91 on the first path is regulated. In this case, how are out 12 and 13 As can be seen, the fluid resistance created by the shoulder portion 91a on the first connection path 91 and the flow resistance created by the second connection path 96 are substantially equal to each other. Thus, when the lubricant is introduced via the supply hole 50 of the cover member 5, the flow rate of the lubricant on the first path and the flow rate of the lubricant be aligned with each other in the second way.

It should be noted that the rolling guide device according to the embodiment described above relates to a linear guide device in which the track member 2 is formed in a linear shape, however, the present invention can also be applied to a corner guide device in which the track member 2 is formed in a curved shape.

Furthermore, in the rolling guide device according to the embodiment described above, the outer direction-changing paths and the inner direction-changing paths cross each other to form the two endless circulation paths in each of the leg portions 4 b of the main body member 4 . However, the present invention can also be applied to other types of rolling guide devices. That is, the present invention can also be applied to, for example, a rolling guide device in which a single endless circulation path is formed in each of the leg portions 4b and the direction-changing paths do not cross each other. In this case, in the rolling guide device according to the embodiment described above, the transmission path branches to the first drain groove 92 and the second drain groove 93 do not cross, the transmission path does not necessarily have to branch. Furthermore, in this case, the direction-changing paths can be formed by assembling the cover members and the circulation path modules, and the direction-changing paths can be entirely formed in the circulation path modules.

Furthermore, in the rolling guide device according to the embodiment described above, the shoulder portion 91a is formed in the first connecting path 91 over the entire area of the first connecting path 91, but the step portion 91a does not necessarily have to extend over the entire area of the first connecting path 91 be formed if the step portion 91a acts to prevent the lubricant from entering the first connection path 91 when the second connection path 96 is connected to the introduction path 51 of the cover member 5 and the lubricant path is formed, and it acts as the constriction portion when the first connection path 91 is connected to the introduction path 51 .

Furthermore, in the rolling guide device according to the embodiment described above, the second communication path 96 is formed in the shape of a tunnel, however, the second communication path 96 may be formed in the shape of a groove in the same manner as the first communication path 91 .

Claims (3)

A rolling guide device comprising: a track member (2) having rolling surfaces (20) for rolling elements (1) formed on both side faces of the track member (2) in a longitudinal direction of the track member (2); and a movable member (3) attached to the track member (2) so as to span the track member (2) over a plurality of the rolling members (1) arranged to revolve endlessly, wherein the movable member (3) can be freely moved in the longitudinal direction of the track member (2), the movable member (3) comprising: a main body member (4) having load rolling surfaces (42) contiguous to the rolling surfaces (20) of the track member (2) and form load paths (43) for the plurality of rolling elements (1), and rolling element return paths (44) parallel to the load rolling surfaces (42) are trained; a pair of circulation elements (8) comprising direction-changing paths (60) connecting the load paths (43) and the rolling-element return paths (44), the pair of circulation elements (8) respectively on end faces of the main body member (4) in a moving direction of the main body member (4) are arranged corresponding to both of side faces of the web member (2), respectively; a pair of cover members (5) each fixed to both of the end faces of the main body member (4) in the moving direction of the main body member (4), the pair of cover members (5) each having a pair of recessed portions ( 52, 53) to which the pair of circulating members are attached, and having a feed hole (50) allowing a lubricant to flow through the feed hole (50) from the outside, and lubricant paths formed in planes parallel to the End surfaces of the main body member (4) in the direction of movement of the main body member (4) are formed by connecting the pair of circulating members (8) and the pair of cover members (5) to allow the lubricant to penetrate the endless circulation paths, the lubricant paths each comprising: an introduction path (51) formed in each of the pair of cover members (5), and the supply hole (50) and the pair of recessed ones connecting sections (52,53) together; a first connection path (91) formed in each of the pair of circulation elements (8); and a second connection path (96) formed in each of the pair of circulation elements (8), a drain groove (92, 93) formed in each of the two circulation elements (8), one end of the drain groove is connected to the first connection path (91) and the second connection path (96), and the other end of the drain groove (92, 93) is open to the endless circulation paths, wherein the pair of circulation elements (8 ) in the pair of recessed portions (52, 53) of each of the pair of cover members (5) are respectively mounted so as to be oriented in directions different from each other by 180°, the first connection path (91) and the introduction path (51) of each of the pair of cover elements (5) in one of the pair of circulation elements (8) are connected to each other, and the second connection path (96) and the introduction path (51) of each of the pair cover elements are connected to each other in another of the paired circulation elements (8), the first V connection path (91) and the second connection path (96) each comprise a narrowing portion (91a) by which a cross-sectional area of the first connection path (91) and the second connection path (96) becomes smaller than a cross-sectional area of the Introduction path (51) and the discharge groove (92, 93). roller guide device claim 1 , wherein the rolling surfaces (20) comprise two rolling surfaces (20) formed in each of both side surfaces of the track member (2), the load paths (43) comprise four load paths (43) between the track -Element (2) and the movable element (3) are formed, and the pair of circulation elements (8) correspond to a group of two load paths (43) of the four load paths (43), the pair of circulation Elements (8) each include: a first direction-change path (60-1) connected to one of the two load paths (43); and a second direction-changing path (60-2) connected to another of the two load paths (43) and having an inner peripheral guide surface (60a) formed so as to guide the first direction-changing path (60 -1) crosses. roller guide device claim 2 wherein the movable member (3) further comprises a return path tube (7) integral with each of the pair of circulation elements (8) at an end of the first direction-changing path (60-1) of each of the pair of circulation elements - elements (8), wherein the return path tube (7) comprises one of the rolling element return paths (44), the rolling element return paths (44) by inserting the return path tube (7) into the main body member (4) are respectively formed in the main body member (4), each of the pair of circulation members (8) has a tube abutting surface (64) arranged to be at a front end of the the return path tube (7) inserted into the main body member (4) from an opposite side, the tube abutting surface (64) abutting the inner peripheral guide surface (60a) of the second direction changing path (60-2) is formed adjacent, the first connection path (91) at an edge of the tube abutment surface (64) in the shape of an N ut opening toward one of the end faces of the main body member (4) in the moving direction of the main body member (4), the narrowing portion (91a) includes a step portion for reducing a groove depth of the first communication path (91). , the second connection path (96) is formed in the form of a tunnel at a lower end of the return path tube (7) except for a part corresponding to the first direction-changing path (60-1), and an inlet port and an outlet port of the second communication path (95) each form a nozzle serving as the throat portion.

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