ES2493167T3 - Linear guide assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A linear guide assembly (10) comprising: - two lateral guides (16) parallel to a translation axis (22) of the linear guide assembly (10) and spaced apart from each other in a first transverse direction perpendicular to the translation axis; - a carriage (28) comprising a central part (30) and at least two legs (32) spaced apart in the first transverse direction, each of the two legs (32) corresponding to one of the lateral guides, each comprising of the two legs (32) at least one set (34) of first rollers comprising at least one first roller (34.1, 34.2) rotating about a first axis of rotation (36.1, 36.2) fixed relative to the carriage (28) and perpendicular to the axis of translation (22) in which each of the two legs (32) has at least one rolling wedge (40) comprising at least one set (42) of second rollers comprising at least one second roller (42.1, 42.2) that rotates about a second axis of rotation (44.1, 44.2) fixed in relation to the rolling wedge (40) and perpendicular to the axis of translation (22), the rolling wedge (40) being mobile from each of the two legs (32) with respect to the carriage (28) in a protruding direction perpendicular to the axis of translation (22) between e the retracted and protruding position, the assembly also having removable fastening means (48) to hold the rolling wedge (40) of each of the two legs (32) so that it can be released in relation to the carriage (28) in any intermediate position between the protruding and retracted positions, characterized in that each of the two lateral guides (16) comprises a first guide rod (18) and a second guide rod (20) parallel to the axis of translation (22) of the guide assembly linear (10) and distanced from the first and second rods (18, 20) of the other of the two lateral tracks (16) in the first transverse direction perpendicular to the axis of translation, the first roller, at least one, (34.1, 34.2) rolls on the first guide rod (18) of the corresponding lateral guide (16), the second roller, at least one, (42.1, 42.2) rolls on the second rod (20) of the corresponding lateral guide (16) 25 the protruding direction is the direction towards the second rod (20) of the corresponding lateral guide (16), the rolling wedge (40) of each of the two legs (32) has inclination means (46) to tilt the rolling wedge (40) towards the second rod guide (20) from the corresponding guide (16) in the protruding direction.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Linear guide set.

TECHNICAL SCOPE OF THE INVENTION

 [0001] The present invention relates to a linear guide device for use, eg, in a module 5 driven by a belt, a pair of cables or a spindle.

STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE

[0002] US 3,998,497 is a prior art document that discloses a linear guide device for guiding a car along a linear path defined by first and second horizontal and parallel guide rods. The first and second roller assemblies are fixed to the carriage and connect the carriage to the first guide rod 10 so that it can roll. The third set of rollers attached to the other side of the car connects the car to the second guide rod so that it can roll. The third set of rollers comprises an axis fixed to the carriage and a roller transported by the axis that rolls on the top of the second of the guide rods. Each of the first and second roller assemblies comprises an axle fixed to the carriage that carries the first and second rollers spaced apart along the axis. The first and second rollers cover the upper part of the first guide rod and roll over the upper part of the surface thereof. The apparatus further comprises an axle fixed to the carriage and which carries a roller whose upper part is rotatably coupled to the lower surface of the first guide rod. To avoid unwanted play between the rollers and the guide rods, the carriage must be mounted on the guide rods with some interference which results in excessive and uncontrolled friction and wear between the rollers and the guide rods. twenty

[0003] US 6,648,508 discloses a linear guide comprising a transport carriage with support guide rollers and for rolling along the guide rail, said guide rollers being mounted, each of which rolls on the guide rail, in pairs for rotation in a first support that is arranged on a first transport plate of the transport carriage. The transport carriage comprises an additional transport plate with a second support arranged therein and the guide rollers rotatably mounted on said second support for rolling on another guide rail 25 the two guide rails being parallel to each other and being fixed to the longitudinal sides of a central rail support. This system makes it possible to adjust tolerances in a direction transverse to the direction of translation but not in other directions. In addition, it cannot guarantee an equal load capacity in all directions due to tolerances and adjustment problems during assembly.

[0004] US 2,992,602 discloses a linear guide device comprising: two lateral guides parallel to a translation axis 30 of the linear guide device and spaced apart from each other in a first transverse direction perpendicular to the translation axis; and a carriage comprising a central part and at least two legs spaced apart in the first transverse direction, each of the two legs corresponding to one of the lateral guides, each of the two legs comprising at least one set of rollers that they comprise at least a first roller that rotates on a first axis of rotation fixed relative to the carriage and perpendicular to the axis of translation in which each of the two legs contains at least one rolling shoe comprising at least a set of seconds rollers comprising at least a second roller that rotates on a second axis of rotation fixed relative to the rolling shoe and perpendicular to the axis of translation, each of the two legs being movable with respect to the carriage in an outstanding direction perpendicular to the axis of translation between a retracted position and an outstanding position, the device also having removable fastening means for holding so that the rolling shoe of each of the two legs can be released relative to the carriage in any intermediate position between the retracted position and the outstanding position. The position of the rolling shoe of each of the two legs and the contact pressure between the set of second rollers and the lateral guide can be difficult after the carriage is mounted on the guides.

 [0005] US 5,642,941 discloses a linear guide device comprising: a rail defining a movement path of a mobile assembly and rollers secured to said mobile assembly; the rollers are mounted on a block that can be elastically deformed to apply the rollers to the rail while practically constant contact pressure is exerted on the guide rail; the elastically deformable block comprises at least two rigid parts interconnected by means forming an elastic hinge, comprising at least one wall of reduced thickness that constitutes a deformation zone and which allows the two rigid parts to pivot; 50 and means for adjusting the contact pressure of the rollers on the guide rail; said adjustment means comprise elastic means that apply the force of a spring to said elastically deformable block.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The invention is directed to solving the problems described above.

 [0007] According to the invention, which is defined by the technical characteristics indicated in claim 55

1, a linear guide assembly is provided comprising: two lateral guides parallel to the translation axis of the linear guide assembly and spaced apart from each other in a first transverse direction perpendicular to the translation axis; and a carriage comprising a central part and at least two legs spaced apart from each other in the first transverse direction, each of the two legs corresponding to one of the lateral guides and each of the two legs comprising at least one set of first rollers comprising at least a first roller that rotates 5 on a first axis of rotation fixed relative to the carriage and perpendicular to the translation axis in which each of the two legs has at least one rolling shoe comprising at least one set of second rollers comprising at least a second roller that rotates on a second axis of rotation fixed relative to the rolling shoe and perpendicular to the translation axis, the rolling shoe of each of the movable legs being relative to the carriage in the perpendicular projecting direction to the axis of translation between a retracted position and an outstanding position, also counting the assembly with fastening means endibles to hold so that the rolling shoe can be detached from each of the two legs in relation to the carriage in the intermediate position between the retracted position and the outstanding position.

 [0008] Each of the two lateral guides comprises a first guide rod and a second guide rod parallel to the translation axis of the linear and spaced guide assembly of the first and second guide rods of the other of the two two lateral guides in the First transverse direction perpendicular to the translation axis, the first roller, at least one, rolls on the first guide rod of the corresponding lateral guide. The second roller, at least one, rolls on the second rod of the corresponding lateral guide. The projecting direction is a direction towards the second rod of the corresponding lateral guide. The rolling shoe of each of the two legs is provided with inclination means to tilt the rolling shoe towards the second guide rod of the corresponding guide in the projecting direction.

 [0009] Thanks to the removable fastening means, it is possible to adjust the position of the rolling shoe relative to the carriage so that a controlled contact pressure between the rollers and the guide rods is ensured. Before assembly of the guide assembly, each guide leg forms a pre-assembled subunit with its guide wedge retained in the cavity by the removable axial clamping means and the inclination means. The guide shoe 25 is pushed in its retracted position against the tilt force of the inclination means and the removable clamping means are pressed to maintain their position. The car is easy to insert into the frame. Once the legs are placed in the respective lateral guides, the removable fastening means are loosened. The tilt means automatically pushes the roller wedges into the outstanding position in the outstanding direction until the second rollers are coupled with the second rods with the appropriate contact pressure 30 defined by the tilt means. The removable fastening means are tightened again to ensure the position of each shoe in relation to the associated leg. At the end of this step, the assembly of the guide assembly is complete.

[0010] In one of the embodiments, the removable fastening means include screws.

[0011] In one of the embodiments, the inclination means include springs. 35

[0012] For each of the two legs, the first axis of rotation is preferably parallel to the second axis of rotation.

[0013] Each of the two pairs of guide rods defines a corresponding reference plane, each of said planes containing the guide rods of the corresponding pair of guide rods. This reference plane is preferably perpendicular to the axes of rotation of the leg rollers and the roller of the shoe that rolls over 40 the guide rods of the corresponding pair of guide rods.

[0014] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the reference planes of the two pairs of guide rods are at an angle formed between them. Specifically, the reference planes of the two pairs of guide rods can be perpendicular to each other.

[0015] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the first guide rods of the two pairs of guide rods 45 are closer to each other than the second guide rods of the two pairs of guide rods.

 [0016] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the two pairs of guide rods define a plane of symmetry parallel to the axis of translation, the first rods of the two pairs of rods being on each side and at an equivalent distance from the plane of symmetry, with the second rods being two pairs of rods on each side and at an equivalent distance from the plane of symmetry. According to a preferred embodiment, the symmetry plane is a vertical plane and the first rods of the two pairs of guide rods are on the second guide rods of the two wall of guide rods.

[0017] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, each set of first rollers comprises at least two first rollers that rotate on two first rotation axes fixed relative to the carriage, perpendicular to the axis of translation and spaced apart between them along of the translation axis. 55

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, each of the second roller assemblies comprises two second rollers that rotate on two second rotation axes fixed relative to the rolling shoe, perpendicular to the axis of translation and spaced apart from each other. along the translation axis.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Other advantages and features of the invention will be clearer from the following description of a specific embodiment of the invention presented as a non-restrictive example only and represented in the drawings that accompany the description in which:

- Figure 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of a guide assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

- Figure 2 is a cross section of a guide assembly of Figure 1; 10

- Figure 3 is a detail of a leg and a wedge of the guide assembly of Figure 1;

- Figure 4 is a side view of a leg of the guide assembly of Figure 1;

- Figure 5 is a section along the line V-V of Figure 4.

[0020] Throughout the description and in the drawings identical reference numbers will be used to indicate identical or similar elements. fifteen

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0021] With reference to Figure 1, a linear guide assembly 10 comprises a frame 12 made with an extruded aluminum profile. The frame 12 has a central track 14 for receiving, for example, a spindle or a drive belt and two lateral guides 16 on each side of the central guide 14. Each lateral guide 16 has a pair of guide rails 18, 20 The guide rods 18.20 are parallel to the translation axis 22 of the linear guide assembly. Each 20 pair of guide rods includes a first upper guide rod 18 and a second lower guide rod 20. A symmetry plane 24 can be defined that is halfway between the two pairs of guide rods 18, 20. A symmetry plane can be defined 24 which is located halfway between the two pairs of guide rods. The first guide rods 18 of the two guides 16 are spaced apart from each other and at an equivalent distance from the plane of symmetry. Similarly, the second guide rods 20 are spaced apart from each other at an equivalent distance from the plane of symmetry. For each guide 16, a reference plane 26 can be defined that is parallel to the translation axis 22 and contains a central line of respective first and second guide rods 18, 20. The two planes 26 are at an angle relative to the one of the another, preferably between 60º and 120º, for example, at right angles.

 [0022] A carriage 28 is mounted in the frame of the guide 12 to move forward and backward parallel to the translation axis 22. The carriage 28 includes a central plate 30 and two legs 32 on each side of the plate central 30. The central plate 30 and the two legs 32 form a rigid structure, that is, not deformable. Each of the two legs 32 is placed in the corresponding guide of the two guides 16 as will be explained later.

[0023] Each leg 32 comprises a set 34 of first rollers, in this case a set of two first rollers 34.1, 34.2, which roll on the first guide rod 18 of the corresponding guide 16. The first rollers 35 of each leg 32 have rotation axes 36.1, 36.2 that are fixed relative to the respective leg 32 spaced apart from each other and perpendicular to the reference plane 26 of the respective leg 32.

[0024] Each leg 32 comprises a cavity 38 for receiving a guide wedge 40 in which a set 42 of second rollers is located, in this case two second rollers 42.1, 42.2, which roll on the second guide rod 20 of the guide corresponding 16. The second rollers 42.1, 42.2 of each leg 32 have rotation axes 44.1, 40 44.2 that are fixed relative to the respective leg 32 spaced apart from each other and perpendicular to the reference plane 26 of the respective leg 32.

[0025] The cavity 38 of each leg has side walls 38.1 to guide the guide shoe 40 in the projecting direction perpendicular to the first and second guide rods 18, 20 and the first and second rotation axes 36.1, 36.2, 44.1, 44.2. A compression spring 46 is loaded in the cavity 38 to press the second 45 rollers 42.1, 42.2 of the guide sleeve 40 against the second guide rod 20 and distancing itself from the first rollers 34.1, 34.2 and the first guide rod 18.

[0026] A set of clamps 48 is provided to hold each guide shoe 40 in the cavity 38 of the associated leg 32. Each screw 48 is inserted into a hole 50, 52 which has a slightly larger diameter than the associated screw 48 for allow a limited freedom of movement of the guide shoe 40 in the cavity 38 50 as long as the screws 48 do not tighten. Therefore, when the screws are loosened, each of the shims

guide 40 is free to move at least in the projecting direction parallel to the reference plane 26 of the associated leg 32 and perpendicular to the axes of rotation 36.1, 36.2, 44.1, 44.2 between a fully retracted position close to the first rollers 34.1, 34.2 and an outstanding position away from the first rollers 34.1 and 34.2.

[0027] Before mounting the guide assembly, each guide leg 32 forms a pre-assembled subunit with its guide shoe 40 retained in the cavity 38 by the axial clamps and the spring. The guide shoe 40 is pushed into its 5 retracted position against the tilt force of the spring 46 and the screws 48 are tightened to maintain this position. The carriage 28 is easy to insert into the frame. Once the legs 32 are placed in the respective lateral guides 16, the screws 48 are loosened. The springs 46 automatically push the roller wedges 40 towards the projecting position in the projecting direction, until the second rollers 42., 42.2 are coupled to the second rods 20 with the appropriate contact pressure defined by the spring 46. Screws 48 are tightened 10 again to ensure the position of each rolling shoe 40 relative to the corresponding leg 32. At the end of this step, the assembly of the guide assembly 10 is complete.

[0028] There are several possible modifications without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

[0029] The guide rods shown in the drawings have a circular cross-section. However, it is possible to use other forms. The shape of the rollers, which in the drawings shows a central notch, will vary accordingly.

[0030] Although the carriage has been described with two legs 32, each with a rolling shoe 40, it should be understood that the number of legs 32 and rolling shoes may vary.

[0031] Reference planes 26 that cross the two legs are preferred in all situations where loads or vibrations are expected in various directions perpendicular to the forward and backward direction of the rods. The two pairs of guide rods 18, 20 can be coplanar, that is, they can be placed in the same reference plane 26. Such an embodiment will be preferred if no loads are expected in the carriage perpendicular to the reference plane 26. According to another embodiment , the reference planes 26 of the two legs can be parallel to each other if lateral load perpendicular to the reference planes is not expected.

 [0032] Each roller assembly 34, 42 may have one or more rollers. 25

[0033] The screws can be replaced with other fastening means, for example, a rotating wrench.

[0034] The same principle can be used with three guide rods.

Claims (11)

1. A linear guide assembly (10) comprising: - two lateral guides (16) parallel to a translation axis (22) of the linear guide assembly (10) and spaced apart in a first transverse direction perpendicular to the translation axis; - a carriage (28) comprising a central part (30) and at least two legs (32) spaced apart in the first transverse direction, each of the two legs (32) corresponding to one of the lateral guides 5, each comprising one of the two legs (32) at least one set (34) of first rollers comprising at least one first roller (34.1, 34.2) rotating on a first axis of rotation (36.1, 36.2) fixed relative to the carriage (28 ) and perpendicular to the translation axis (22) in which each of the two legs (32) has at least one rolling shoe (40) comprising at least one set (42) of second rollers comprising at least one second roller (42.1, 42.2) rotating on a 10 second axis of rotation (44.1, 44.2) fixed in relation to the rolling stock (40) and perpendicular to the translation axis (22), the rolling stock (40) of each mobile being movable one of the two legs (32) with respect to the carriage (28) in the projecting direction perpendicular to the transport axis ation (22) between the retracted and protruding position, the assembly also having removable clamping means (48) to hold the rolling shoe (40) of each of the two legs (32) so that it can be released relative to the 15 carriage (28) in any intermediate position between the protruding and retracted positions, characterized because each of the two lateral guides (16) comprises a first guide rod (18) and a second guide rod (20) parallel to the translation axis (22) of the linear guide assembly (10) and distanced from the first and second rods (18, 20) of the other of the two lateral tracks (16) in the first transverse direction perpendicular to the axis of translation, the first roller, at least one, (34.1, 34.2) rolls on the first guide rod (18) of the corresponding lateral guide (16), the second roller, at least one, (42.1, 42.2) rolls on the second rod (20) of the corresponding lateral guide (16) 25 the outstanding direction is the direction towards the second rod (20) of the corresponding lateral guide (16), The rolling shoe (40) of each of the two legs (32) has tilting means (46) for tilting the rolling shoe (40) towards the second guide rod (20) of the corresponding guide (16) in the direction outstanding. 2. The linear guide assembly of claim 1 characterized in that the removable fastening means comprise screws (48). 30 3. The linear guide assembly of claim 2 characterized in that the inclination means include springs (46). 4. The linear guide assembly of any of the preceding claims characterized in that for each of the two paws (32), the second axis of rotation (44.1, 44.2) of the second roller (42.1, 42.2) is parallel to the first axis of rotation (36.1, 36.2) of the first roller (34.1, 34.2). 35 5. The linear guide assembly of any of the preceding claims characterized in that each of the two lateral guides (16) defines a corresponding reference plane (26), each reference plane (26) containing the guide rods (18, 20 ) of the corresponding lateral guide (16) and being perpendicular to the axis of rotation (36.1, 36.2) of the first roller (34.1, 34.2) and the axis of rotation (46.1, 46.2) of the second roller (44.1, 44.2) of the leg corresponding to the pair of guide rods. 40 6. The linear guide assembly of claim 5 characterized in that the reference planes (26) of the two lateral guides (16) are angled between them. 7. The linear guide assembly of claim 6 characterized in that the reference planes (26) of the two lateral guides (16) are perpendicular to each other. The linear guide assembly of any of the preceding claims characterized in that the first 45 guide rods (18) of the two lateral guides (16) are closer to each other than the second guide rods (20) of the two lateral guides ( 16). 9. The linear guide assembly of any of the preceding claims characterized in that the two lateral guides (16) define a plane of symmetry (24) of the linear guide assembly parallel to the translation axis (22). 10. The linear guide assembly of any of the preceding claims characterized in that each set of first rollers (34) comprises at least two first rollers (34.1, 34.2) rotating on two first axes of rotation (36.1, 36.2) fixed relative to each other. to the carriage (28) perpendicular to the axis of 5 translation (22) and distanced from each other along the axis of translation (22). 11. The linear guide assembly of any one of the preceding claims characterized in that each set of second rollers (42) comprises at least two second rollers (42.1, 42.2) rotating on two second axis of rotation (44.1, 44.2) fixed in shape relative to the rolling shoe (40) perpendicular to the translation axis (22) and spaced between them along the translation axis (22). 10