JP2000240647A - Linear motion block and its production - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To ensure a smooth traveling and attain the microminiaturization by burying a metal with thread groove to a horizontal part so that the thread groove is vertical to the upper surface and the end surface is flushed with the upper surface, and forming the part other than the metal and a suspending part by use of a carbon dispersed resin. SOLUTION: A brass-made nut 2 with thread groove is buried in the vicinity of four corners of the upper surface 11 of the horizontal part 110 of a linear motion block 1. The nut 2 has an axially extending thread groove 201 in the center, and the nut 2 is arranged so that the thread groove 201 is vertical to the upper surface 111, and an end surface 202 is substantially flushed with the upper surface 111. According to this, the flat part of a moving jig or moving table can be closely fitted and screwed to the upper surface 111. The part other than the nut 2 is formed of carbon fiber-dispersed resin. Therefore, satisfactory lubricating and sliding characteristics can be provided without oil lubrication, and the weight can be reduced. In the production of the block, the nut 2 is arranged within the split molds of an injection molding machine, carbon fiber and a resin are mixed in a prescribed ratio and fused by heating, the resulting mixture is pressure-injected into the molds, and the molds are cooled with water to solidify the resin.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a linear motion block or an LM (Linear Move) block.
The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a linear motion block.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As shown in FIG. 9, a conventional linear motion block 1 linearly moves along a rail 5 via a number of infinitely circulating ball bearings 6. In other words, one R groove 129 is formed on the inner side surface (the surface facing the side surface of the rail) of the hanging portion of the linear motion block 1, while the rail 5 faces the R groove 129 of the linear motion block 1. An R groove 525 is formed in the side surface 520 of the rail 5 to
The groove 129 and the R groove 525 are opposed to each other to form a columnar space.
The end of the cylindrical space and the end of the return path 180 are connected by a semi-circular path to form a circulation path, and a number of ball bearings 6 run in the circulation path. In addition, 110 is an upper surface of the linear motion block 1, 150 is an end plate, 160 is an end seal, and 170 is a side seal. Also, 51
0 is the upper surface of the rail 5.

A conventional linear motion block 1 is made of bearing steel, S
It is made of UJ or stainless steel, and has a thread groove 190 extending vertically downward on the upper surface 110. Screw groove 1
Reference numeral 90 is used to screw a plate-like table (not shown) or the like.

[0004]

However, in the conventional linear motion block, there is a problem that it is necessary to precisely form the return path and to make the dimensions of the ball bearings uniform, and the cost is extremely high. If they are not precisely formed or have large dimensional variations, the ball bearings will get stuck in the circulation path, preventing smooth infinite circulation.

Further, since the ball bearings push each other and circulate indefinitely, as the linear motion block travels,
There is a problem that noise caused by collision or running of the ball bearing occurs.

Further, since the precise return path has a structure formed inside the linear motion block, it is difficult to reduce the size of the linear motion block, and the cost of the small linear motion block becomes extremely high. There is a problem that there is a limit to miniaturization. The thickness of the hanging part of the linear motion block must be at least 2.5 times the diameter of the ball bearing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, to provide a linear motion block which is relatively inexpensive, produces no noise, runs smoothly, and can be miniaturized, and a method of manufacturing the same. To provide.

[0008]

The object of the present invention is to provide a linear motion block according to the present invention, that is, a horizontal portion which straddles a rail having a substantially rectangular cross section and slides linearly along the rail. And a linear motion block having a substantially inverted U-shaped cross-section, comprising two hanging portions connected to both ends of the horizontal portion, wherein a thread groove of a metal having a thread groove is perpendicular to an upper surface of the horizontal portion facing a lower surface contacting the rail. The threaded metal is embedded in the horizontal portion so that the end face of the threaded metal extends substantially in the same plane as the upper surface, and a portion of the horizontal portion other than the threaded metal and the drooping This is achieved by a linear motion block characterized in that the part is made of a carbon dispersed resin. The term "metal having a thread groove" in the present specification refers to a cylinder, a polygonal prism, a block such as a rectangular parallelepiped, which is made of a metal or an alloy and has a thread groove extending in the central axis direction, and the periphery of a circular hole. A metal plate having a thread groove formed on the inner periphery of the burr and having a circular hole formed therein such that a burr is formed on a surface in one direction, and the block is attached to the circular hole. Including metal plates.

The above object is also achieved by a linear motion block according to the present invention, that is, a rail having a substantially U-shaped cross section including a horizontal portion and two upright portions connected to both ends thereof. A linear motion block having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape that slides linearly, wherein a thread groove of a metal with a thread groove extends in a direction perpendicular to an upper surface of the linear motion block opposed to a lower surface in contact with the horizontal portion, The threaded metal is embedded in the linear motion block so that the end surface of the metal with the thread is substantially in the same plane as the upper surface, and the portion of the linear motion block other than the threaded metal is made of carbon dispersed resin. This is also achieved by a linear motion block characterized by a certain feature.

[0010] Further, the object is to provide a direct acting block according to the present invention, that is, a carbon fiber-dispersed resin which is heated and melted after a threaded metal is placed in an injection mold. This is achieved also by the method of manufacturing a linear motion block according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pressure is injected into the mold, followed by cooling and solidification.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a linear motion block according to the present invention, that is, a method of heating and melting a carbon particle-dispersed resin after disposing a metal having a thread groove in an injection mold. And pressurized into the mold, then
The method for producing a linear motion block according to claim 1, wherein the linear motion block is cooled and solidified.

[0012]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A number of embodiments of the linear motion block according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a view showing a first embodiment of a linear motion block according to the present invention, wherein (a) is a front view thereof, and (b) is a side view thereof.

The linear motion block 1 according to the first embodiment has an inverted U-shaped cross section including a horizontal portion 110 and two hanging portions 120 and 130.

The semi-circular cross-section convex portions 124 and 134 extending in the linear motion direction are formed near the center in the vertical direction of the inner side surfaces 123 and 133 of the hanging portions 120 and 130, respectively. In the first embodiment, the semicircular cross section convex portion 1
24 and 134 are formed integrally with the hanging parts 120 and 130.

The lower surface 112 of the horizontal portion 110 is a smooth plane. Near the four corners of the upper surface 111 of the horizontal portion 110, brass threaded nuts 2 are embedded. The threaded nut 2 is an embodiment of the “threaded metal” in the present invention. In addition, threaded nut 2
Is not limited to brass, but may be any metal or alloy having a certain degree of rigidity. For example, stainless steel or an aluminum alloy may be used. A thread groove 201 extending in the center axis direction of the nut is formed at the center of the thread grooved nut 2, and has a structure capable of engaging with a screw (not shown). The thread groove 201 extends in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface 111 of the linear motion block 1. The end face 202 of the threaded nut 2 is disposed in substantially the same plane on the upper surface 111 of the linear motion block 1. As a result, a flat portion such as a moving jig, a moving table, and a plate is brought into close contact with the upper surface 111 of the linear motion block 1,
Can be screwed and fixed.

The outer surfaces 12 of the hanging parts 120, 130
1 and 131 are flat, and the lower surfaces 122 and 132 of the hanging parts 120 and 130 are also flat. However, if necessary, a mark or a length for measuring the position, the moving distance, and the speed of the linear motion block 1 is used. A scale may be formed.

Nut 2 with thread groove in the linear motion block 1
The other parts are made of carbon fiber dispersed resin in the first embodiment. Therefore, the linear motion block 1 that comes into contact with the upper surface 510 of the rail 5 and the semicircular cross-sectional grooves 521, 541
Since the surface portion is also made of carbon fiber dispersed resin, good lubrication and sliding characteristics can be obtained without lubrication. In the present embodiment, the inner surfaces 123 and 133 of the linear motion block and the side surfaces 520 and 540 of the rail 5 are not in contact with each other and have a slight gap. Further, since the linear motion block is lighter than the conventional one, inertia is small, sudden start / stop can be performed, and accuracy of the stop position is high.

The method of manufacturing the linear motion block according to the first embodiment is as follows. The threaded nut is placed at a predetermined position in the split mold of the injection molding machine. Next, the carbon fiber and the resin are mixed at a predetermined ratio and heated to 400 to 450 ° C. to be melted. Thereafter, the molten carbon fiber dispersed resin is injected under pressure into the mold. Thereafter, the mold is water-cooled, and the carbon fiber-dispersed resin is solidified to obtain a linear motion block.

Second Embodiment FIG. 2 is a view showing a second embodiment of a linear motion block according to the present invention, wherein (a) is a front view, (b) is a side view,
(C) is an AA sectional view in (a).

The linear motion block of the second embodiment has a horizontal portion 110 and two hanging portions 120, like the first embodiment.
130 is an inverted U-shaped cross section.

At the positions near the center in the vertical direction of the inner side surfaces 123 and 133 of the hanging portions 120 and 130, assembling grooves 125 and 135 having a rectangular cross-sectional groove extending in the linear motion direction.
Has been processed. Each of the assembling grooves 125 and 135 is formed only near the end of the linear motion block in the linear motion direction, and the inner side surfaces 123 and 133 at the center are flat surfaces without unevenness.

The semicircular cross-section convex part of the linear motion block is formed by fitting the semicircular cross-sectional convex part 3 into the assembly grooves 125 and 135. Semicircular cross section convex part 3
May be fitted into the assembly grooves 125, 135 and further adhered. The material of the semicircular cross section convex part 3 is carbon fiber dispersed resin, glass fiber dispersed resin, carbon fine particle dispersed resin,
It can be selected from hard rubber, ceramics or oil-impregnated sintered alloy. All of the materials are lubricated and have excellent abrasion resistance without lubrication. In addition, when worn or broken as a result of long-term use, only the semicircular cross-section convex part 3 needs to be replaced with a new one.

The other parts of the linear motion block of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

A semi-circular groove 521 having a semi-circular cross-sectional shape is formed in the side surface 520, 540 of the rail 5 near the center position in the vertical direction in the linear motion direction or the longitudinal direction by precision processing.

Therefore, the convex part of the semicircular cross-section convex part 3 of the linear motion block 1 fits into the semicircular groove 521 of the rail 5 and slides along the semicircular groove 521 in the longitudinal direction of the rail 5. Since the semi-circular cross-section convex part is not fitted to the center of the linear motion block 1 in the linear motion direction, as shown in FIG. There is a space between the inner surfaces 123 and 133 of the
Functions as an escape point for oil pools and mixed waste.

Third Embodiment FIGS. 3A and 3B show a third embodiment of a linear motion block according to the present invention. FIG. 3A is a front view and FIG. 3B is a side view.

The linear motion block according to the third embodiment is substantially the same as the linear motion block according to the first embodiment, except that a semicircular cross-section convex portion is formed in the first embodiment.
The third embodiment is different from the third embodiment in that an isosceles trapezoidal cross section convex portion is formed. That is, both hanging parts 120, 130
At the position near the center in the vertical direction of each of the inner side surfaces 123 and 133, the equilateral trapezoidal cross-section convex portion 12 extending in the linear motion direction is provided.
6, 136 are formed. In the present embodiment,
Equilateral trapezoidal cross-section convex portions 126 and 136 have hanging portions 120 and 13
0 and is formed integrally.

Fourth Embodiment In a fourth embodiment (not shown), a V-shaped cross-section convex portion is formed integrally with the hanging portion instead of the isosceles trapezoidal cross-sectional convex portion of the third embodiment.

Fifth Embodiment FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams showing a fifth embodiment of a linear motion block according to the present invention, wherein FIG. 4A is a front view and FIG. 4B is a side view.

The linear motion block of the fifth embodiment is almost the same as that of the third embodiment. However, in the third embodiment, the isosceles trapezoidal cross-section projections 126 and 136 are integrally formed in the hanging part. On the other hand, in the fifth embodiment, an assembling groove having a rectangular cross-sectional groove is formed on the inner side surface of the hanging portion, and the isosceles trapezoidal cross-section convex part 4 is fitted into the assembling groove and assembled. Are different. That is, the lower part 12
At the positions near the center in the vertical direction of the inner side surfaces 123, 133 of the respective 0, 130, assembling grooves 127, 137 having a rectangular cross-sectional groove extending in the linear motion direction are machined. Book 5
In the embodiment, unlike the second embodiment, the assembly grooves 127 and 137 are formed continuously from near the end to near the other end in the translation direction of the translation block.

Sixth Embodiment FIGS. 5A and 5B are views showing a sixth embodiment of a linear motion block according to the present invention, wherein FIG. 5A is a plan view and FIG. 5B is a side view.

The linear motion block of the sixth embodiment is substantially the same as the linear motion block of the first embodiment, except that a sliding member is attached to the lower surface 112 of the horizontal portion 110 of the linear motion block 1. different. That is, a large number of disk-shaped protrusions 113 are arranged in a staggered manner on the lower surface 112 of the horizontal portion 110, and the surface of the disk-shaped protrusion 113 is in contact with the upper surface of the rail 5. Is not in contact with the rail 5. In the sixth embodiment, the disk-shaped projection 113 is formed integrally with the linear motion block 1.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing one embodiment of the sliding member. The sliding member 71 is a sliding surface 7 of the flat plate portion.
A large number of annular projections 711 are arranged in a zigzag pattern on 10. A circular concave portion 71 is provided at the center of the annular protrusion 711.
2 so that the lubricating oil is trapped.
The slide member 71 is used by being brought into contact with the lower surface of the horizontal portion of the linear motion block with the rear surface of the slide surface 710 of the slide member 71. Only the surface of the annular projection 711 contacts the upper surface of the rail and slides.

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing another embodiment of the sliding member. The sliding member 72 is a sliding surface 72 of the flat plate portion.
Linear projections 721, 721 are arranged on 0 in the direction of linear movement. When the slip member is manufactured by injection molding a carbon fiber-dispersed resin, the long axis of the carbon fiber is naturally oriented in the long axis direction of the linear projection. When the carbon fibers are oriented in this manner, the sliding becomes smoother and the wear resistance is improved.

Seventh Embodiment FIG. 8 is a side sectional view of a linear motion block according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. The upper surface 111 of the horizontal portion 110 and the hanging portion 120 of the linear motion block 1 are formed by the metal plate 801 bent in an inverted U shape.
Above the outer side surface 121 and the outer side surface 131 of the hanging portion 130
Is covered above. At a predetermined position on the upper surface 802 of the metal plate 801, an opening for a threaded nut or
There are openings for screws. Further, the lower surface 112 of the horizontal portion 110, the inner surface 123 of the hanging portion 120, and the inner surface 133 of the hanging portion 130 are covered with a metal plate 811 partially bent into a semicircle. According to this embodiment, the strength of the surface of the linear motion block can be increased while the weight is reduced.

Instead of a metal plate, a punched metal plate may be used. A punched metal plate is a metal plate obtained by punching a circular hole. Also, a ceramic plate can be used.

Although the embodiment of the linear motion block having the inverted U-shaped cross section has been described above, the embodiment of the linear motion block having the rectangular cross section also has various embodiments, and is included in the scope of the present invention. Things. However, since they are the same, a detailed description of these embodiments will be omitted.

[0039]

The linear motion block of the present invention is made of carbon fiber-dispersed resin or carbon particle-dispersed resin for the most part, so that the weight is reduced and the threaded metal for screwing is embedded in the resin. In addition, it is possible to obtain an effect that the screws can be firmly screwed, and that there is little backlash even if mounting and dismounting by screwing are repeated.

Since the linear motion block of the present invention has a structure in which the resin comes into contact with the rail and slides, the size can be relatively easily reduced, and no noise is generated, and generation of metal abrasion powder does not occur. The effect that there is hardly any is obtained.

Further, since the linear motion block of the present invention is light in weight, the inertia is small, and the linear motion block can be accurately stopped at a target position.

Further, since most of the linear motion block of the present invention is made of resin, constant running characteristics can be maintained in a temperature environment of about -50 to about 150 ° C., and stable running over a wide temperature range can be achieved. The effect of being possible is obtained.

Further, the linear motion block of the present invention can be used for a long time without lubrication, and hardly generates metal powder.
Suitable for use in clean environments such as clean rooms.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a first embodiment of a linear motion block according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a view showing a second embodiment of a linear motion block according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a view showing a third embodiment of a linear motion block according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a view showing a fifth embodiment of a linear motion block according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a view showing a sixth embodiment of a linear motion block according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing one embodiment of a sliding member.

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing another embodiment of the sliding member.

FIG. 8 is a side sectional view of a linear motion block according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a conventional linear motion block.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Linear motion block 110 Horizontal part 111 Upper surface 112 Lower surface 113 Disc-shaped protrusion 120 Hanging part 121 Outer side surface 122 Lower surface 123 Inner side surface 124 Semicircular cross-section convex part 125 Assembly groove 126 Isopod trapezoidal cross-sectional convex part 127 Assembly groove 129 R groove 130 Hanging part 131 Outer side surface 132 Lower surface 133 Inner side surface 134 Semicircular cross-section convex part 135 Assembly groove 136 Isopod trapezoidal cross-sectional convex part 137 Assembly groove 150 End plate 160 End seal 170 Side seal 180 Return path 190 Screw groove 2 Screw groove nut 201 Screw groove 202 End face 3 Semi-circular cross-section convex part 4 Isoped trapezoidal cross-sectional convex part 5 Rail 510 Top surface 520 Side surface 521 Semi-circular cross-sectional groove 525 R groove 540 Side 541 Semi-circular cross-sectional groove 6 Ball bearing 71 Sliding member 710 Sliding surface 711 yen Annular projection 712 Depression 72 Sliding member 720 Sliding surface 721 Linear projection 801 Metal plate 802 Upper surface 811 Metal plate

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Masanori Hihara 2222 Uenohara, Uenohara-cho, Kitatsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture F-term in Enomoto Co., Ltd. (reference) 3J104 AA43 AA44 AA64 AA69 AA74 AA76 BA53 CA18 DA02

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A linear motion block having a substantially inverted U-shaped cross section, comprising a horizontal portion and two hanging portions connected to both ends thereof, which straddles a rail having a substantially rectangular cross section and slides linearly along the rail. , So that the thread groove of the threaded metal extends in the vertical direction with respect to the upper surface of the horizontal portion facing the lower surface in contact with the rail, and the end surface of the threaded metal is substantially flush with the upper surface. A linear motion block, wherein a grooved metal is embedded in the horizontal portion, and a portion of the horizontal portion other than the threaded metal and the hanging portion are made of a carbon dispersed resin. 2. A substantially rectangular parallelepiped linear motion block that slides linearly along a rail having a substantially U-shaped cross section including a horizontal portion and two upright portions connected to both ends thereof, wherein the metal block has a thread groove. Of the linear motion block extends in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface facing the lower surface in contact with the horizontal portion, and the end surface of the threaded metal is substantially coplanar with the upper surface. A linear motion block, wherein a metal is embedded in the linear motion block, and a portion of the linear motion block other than the threaded metal is made of a carbon dispersed resin. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising, after disposing the threaded metal in the injection mold, injecting the heated and melted carbon fiber dispersed resin into the mold under pressure, and then cooling and solidifying the resin.
Or a method for manufacturing the linear motion block according to 2. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein after disposing the threaded metal in the injection mold, the carbon particle-dispersed resin is heated and melted, injected under pressure into the mold, and then cooled and solidified. Or a method for manufacturing the linear motion block according to 2.